President Anura Kumara Disanayake said the National People’s Power government was formed with the united will of all the nation’s people, transcending ethnic and religious divides, with the paramount objective of making Sri Lanka a better state. He firmly stated that he would not allow the expectations placed upon the government by the Sri Lankan people to be shattered in any way.
The President made these remarks yesterday (13) afternoon during a meeting with the Sri Lankan community residing in Germany. A large gathering of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, investors and professionals based in Germany participated in the event, welcoming the President with great warmth.
Addressing the gathering, President Disanayake noted that a new political culture has now been established within Sri Lanka. He emphasised that, for the first time, a government has been created where the will of the people and the will of the rulers have become one. He affirmed that the government would continue its programme to fulfil the expectations of both the country and its people. The President further remarked that while other adversarial groups might set aside their differences and unite amidst progressive political efforts, it must not be forgotten that their unity stems not from national interest, but from a desire to conceal their own corruption, fraud and crimes.
President Disanayake gratefully acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Sri Lankan community in Germany towards the National People’s Power government’s victory in the last Presidential Election. He invited them, saying, “Let us all join together with renewed determination and commitment to rebuild the nation moving forward.”
Addressing the Sri Lankan community in Germany further, the President added: “I have visited Germany on several previous occasions and met the Sri Lankan community in this manner. Many of those faces remain in my memory. On every such occasion, we appealed to unite and form a government to rescue our country from the path of destruction it was traversing. The people of the country entrusted us with power during the last Presidential Election and the subsequent Parliamentary Election. The expatriate Sri Lankans provided immense strength in securing this mandate. Therefore, I first extend my gratitude for the contribution you made towards establishing the National People’s Power government.
What kind of victory is this that we achieved? Our country had been navigating an economic path that was highly destructive for a long period. Consequently, the people granted us their vote to strengthen the country’s economy. Furthermore, they voted for us with the expectation of establishing corruption-free governance and ensuring punishment for those who committed fraud and corruption. There was also a prevailing view that the rule of law must be established equally for everyone within the country. Moreover, politics itself had long divided our nation. Hence, the people harboured an expectation to create national unity in place of this divided nation. Thus, the National People’s Power government was formed not for the personal desires of the people, but for the common aspirations of the country and its people. This government was built upon the collective resolve to make this nation a better state.
For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a government has been formed with the blessings and consent of all the people living in the North, East, hill country and South, irrespective of Sinhala, Tamil, or Muslim differences. Previously, leaders were chosen based on specific provinces. However, all that has now ended. Furthermore, considering the results of the Parliamentary Election, we have formed a government with the largest parliamentary majority in Sri Lanka’s history. The people have completed their part in granting power. That phase is over. Now, while we bear responsibility as rulers, the people also bear a responsibility regarding how we progress collectively.
You are aware that when we assumed government, our country had formally declared bankruptcy. Consequently, as a bankrupt state, we faced the challenge of reaching an agreement with our creditor nations. It is unthinkable for a bankrupt country to embark on a new economic journey. Therefore, we first needed to reach an agreement with our creditor nations. Accordingly, we successfully concluded the debt restructuring programme on December 15th last year. This marks a very significant economic turning point. Without it, contemplating the future of our country’s economy today would be impossible.
Subsequently, the challenge we faced was restarting stalled projects. At that time, work on the Kadawatha-Mirigama Expressway had halted. Similarly, the construction of the Katunayake Airport had stalled. In this manner, 11 projects initiated by the Chinese government were suspended. During my visit to China, I discussed this matter with the Chinese President and other leaders. Consequently, we were able to restart a significant number of the stalled projects, and agreements are also in place to initiate a substantial number of new projects. A country that had stopped is now beginning to run again. Previously, investors wouldn’t even glance towards our country. However, today those projects have restarted. This is an important turning point.
Additionally, another challenge we faced was building strong international relations. We all know that in this century, no country in the world can afford to live in isolation any longer. The world is interconnected commercially, technologically and economically. Therefore, it is essential to build strong and stable foreign relations with the world’s nations. We have achieved significant victories in this regard. Within a very short time of forming our government, the Prime Minister of our neighbouring country, India, visited Sri Lanka. Similarly, we strengthened relations with China. Furthermore, we are strengthening relations with other nations as well. Favourable foreign relations beneficial to the country and its people are essential to emerge from the crisis we face.
Moreover, it is imperative to increase state revenue. In 2022, our country recorded the lowest state revenue in the entire world. Our revenue had fallen to near 7% of the GDP. This year, we have undertaken the challenge of increasing our revenue to 15.1% of the GDP. That is double the revenue compared to 2022. Without earning revenue for the Treasury, it is impossible to invest, maintain an efficient state service, or provide the services the people require.
Accordingly, we have planned significant revenue targets. There are three main sources of government revenue: the Inland Revenue Department, the Excise Department and the Customs Department. We have set monthly targets for each of those institutions, and we can be happy when we review their progress.
Furthermore, there was an issue with taxes in our country. Income taxes had risen significantly. Approximately, individuals earning one lakh rupees were completely tax exempt, whereas those earning one and a half lakh rupees enjoyed a 72% tax exemption. In this way, we have given a substantial tax exemption to ordinary citizens. But the value added tax is still high. Our goal is to reduce this 18% VAT within our term. Therefore, we are in the process of developing the tax network. To achieve this, we are maximizing our efforts in digitalization. As a result, we are establishing the essential mechanisms for the effective collection of these taxes. We have also devised a plan to phase out cash transactions and shift to software-based systems for conducting transactions. This will enable us to carry out those transactions transparently. Additionally, we have optimized the process for collecting taxes from tax evaders.
Furthermore, our state machinery is notably weak and ineffective. Consequently, it is essential to enhance the efficiency of these institutions. To achieve this, individuals with expertise and skills should be brought into public service. So, we have introduced salary increases to make the public service an attractive place, aiming to draw in skilled and talented individuals to this sector. The state service plays a major role in the development of any country. We have taken steps to restore and rebuild the collapsed public service in the country.
Also, we have approved the recruitment of 30,000 new persons for the public service. These recruitments will be carried out in a very systematic manner according to the requirement. Today, no government institution is permitted to hire staff arbitrarily. A Committee has been appointed for this purpose. We will refrain from making those recruitments today due to political considerations. We can advance this state as it currently stands and then resign when our term concludes. Alternatively, we need to clean the public service with firm determination. We have embraced that challenge.
The Police Department is an important institution in establishing law and order in our country. Nonetheless, the Police Department had adopted characteristics similar to those of organized criminal gangs. Consequently, for the first time in Sri Lanka, the Inspector General of Police concealed himself out of fear of the police. If the National People’s Power government is not formed, he will continue to serve as the Inspector General of Police. We are recruiting new police officers. We are giving them appropriate salaries. We are also ready to punish those who engage in illegal activities. Because we need to establish a Police Department that has earned the trust of the public in our country. The next important institution is the Department of Immigration and Emigration. It is a very important institution for us in terms of protecting the country’s borders. It is important for a country to know who enters our country and who is allowed in. But, what happened recently? The Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued passports to underworld leaders. The underworld leader is currently overseas. When you get a passport, you have to upload a photo. The owner has to come and give his fingerprints. Three passports have been issued for one underworld leader. However, the person who gave the fingerprints was a book seller at the Pettah bus stand. We have arrested him. This department has collapsed to that extent.
Next is the Department of Motor Traffic. Based on the information obtained in the morning, when the officers went there to inspect the relevant officer’s cupboard, they have found over four million rupees. Three individuals were taken into custody.
As a result of the changes implemented in Matara Prison, we relocated the inmates to Agunakolapelessa Prison. Subsequently, we recovered seven handcuffs from Matara Prison. This indicates that the handcuffs were in the possession of the prisoners. A total of 27 keys of handcuffs were discovered including phones, chargers and iPads. This reflects the current state of our country. Furthermore, prison officials have begun granting pardons to inmates. Essentially, what I am conveying is that this is status where our nation once stood. These are important institutions. Customs, Prisons Department, Police Department, Immigration and Emigration Department, these are the backbone of a country. All of that has collapsed. We are supporting the endeavour that will clean up all of this. Our children need responsible officials and institutions. We cannot allow small empires to be built across the country.
We will take steps to eliminate all of these empires. There exists only one state in Sri Lanka. A democratic state chosen by the public. Our objective is to reach that point. That is our current endeavour.
As a political authority, we take pride in our honesty. We do not misappropriate even a single cent of public funds. We do not waste resources. We have established this standard. However, it is insufficient. The public service must also adhere to this principle. We have constantly invited them to come to that point. The people of this country are yearning for justice. The political authority does not have the power to punish crimes. The laws have given that power to the Criminal Investigation Department and the Police Department to investigate a crime or fraud. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has been given powers through acts. If there are not enough laws, more will be made. Parliament has that power.
On April 08th, we enacted legislation to confiscate property obtained through illegal means. We will create institutions in accordance with these laws. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was located in a small office. Our Ministers are not given houses. A house was given to the Bribery Commission. In the past, Ministers resided in homes. Now there are people looking for Ministers. We have chosen to offer them a highly attractive salary. We will supply them with the required vehicles and amenities. That responsibility lies with the government. We have extended our assistance to the Criminal Investigation Department. The police and the Criminal Investigation Department employ investigative officers to support them in their legal affairs, and we are considering the recruitment of lawyers. Next, these institutions should carry out their investigations. Then, the facts should be reported to the Magistrate’s Court. A large amount of it has already been done. However, it is not enough. Then, the High Court should file an indictment and initiate a case based on those facts. That is the final step. After that, the court has the power to hear the case and impose punishment.
Investigations into recent murders have been concluded in certain cases. The Attorney General’s Department will soon issue indictments. Subsequently, the responsibility moves to the courts. Attorneys from the Attorney General’s Department and the Bribery Commission present their arguments in court. Attorneys present their defence. The court reaches a verdict. Recent rulings have been issued by the court.
In one court case, the judge stated that due to the economic collapse in our country in the past, the people and the nation faced great hardship. The cause of this was corruption, fraud and destruction. Therefore, a lenient punishment is not appropriate, the maximum penalty must be imposed. In another case, the judge inquired why the case was delayed by 10 years. The lawyers from the bribery commission responded that it was because they remained in power for the entire decade.
These instances indicate that every institution has begun to take a certain degree of responsibility seriously. Therefore, I believe we are fulfilling the duties expected of us by the citizens of this country.
Focusing on national unity, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, it is significant that the people in the Northern region have placed their trust in us. The defeated parties aim to revive old ethnic politics in Sri Lanka. I saw someone claiming that I was coming to Germany to meet a strong LTTE leader. We cannot allow a resurgence of such politics. If anyone tries to play politics based on racism again in Sri Lanka, even if the existing laws are not sufficient, new laws will be enacted and racism will not be allowed to rise again.
Why? Because our country has suffered immensely due to ethnic conflict. Nearly 30 years of war claimed many lives in the North and South. Bloodshed was so widespread it soaked the soil. Our nation regressed, It was not for any other reason, but because nationalism was used both to gain power and to hold on to it. Therefore, we must never permit a return to ethnic-based politics. We are working to protect and strengthen national unity.
What we want is one country and one Sri Lankan nation a nation that respects differences in language, religion and culture without division. The politics of division must end and we must build the Sri Lankan nation. This is a great and challenging task. Opponents, who once stood in enemy camps, are now uniting against this effort. In the recent local government elections, we won 267 local government bodies. Out of these, we secured 152, a number greater than the combined total of all others. However, even though we won 115 separately, when the scattered groups come together, they outnumber us. But those groups represent different political streams. If we consider political affiliations, the people of that region have chosen us.
However, although we were elected to 115 institutions, we don’t hold the majority in all of them. Take the Kuliyapitiya local council, for example we had around 21 members and the SLPP (Pohottuwa) had just 6. But who is the current chairman? Someone from Pohottuwa. Who helped them gain that position? The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the United National Party (UNP) and various independents all joined forces to support them. What are they doing with all this support? They are forming a camp against us.
I believe that for the first time in Sri Lanka, this intense political division is developing today. Many governments in history have faced such challenges. When progressive and good political work moves forward, the opposing hostile groups set aside their differences to unite. You may have seen a media discussion where Thissa Attanayake from SJB, the secretary from SLPP, and Thalatha from UNP gathered in one camp. But what have they shown us so far? They are two camps.
But why have they gathered now? Not for anything else, but to protect their past corruption, fraud and crimes. Whether they are in SLPP or SJB, it does not matter to us. If they have committed crimes or fraud, investigations have already been initiated. They know this. So, what should be done? We must set aside our rivalries and unite to counter this emerging trend. Otherwise, politically speaking, an alliance between Sajith Premadasa and Namal Rajapaksa would be damaging to Namal, to Sajith, and to both of them.
But they believe that remaining divided would be disadvantageous either way. So what do they do? They choose to unite against us. They disregard the long-term political harm this alliance may cause them. In the upcoming election, how can there be two presidential candidates? Because now, they have essentially formed a single political camp. They are well aware of this. Yet, in the short term — at this particular moment they believe uniting against the National People’s Power is necessary for their own political survival. This is a move driven purely by their personal need to remain politically relevant.
But remember this, no matter what they do, we will not allow any investigation against corrupt individuals or criminals to be undermined, as mandated by the people’s mandate given to the National People’s Power. Likewise, just as the people placed their trust in us and gave us their mandate, we are fully committed to fulfilling the expectations they have placed in us.
Therefore, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a new politics has emerged. Those present here have hopes for our country. What kind of country do we want? In the past, there was a difference between the expectations of the people and those of the rulers. The people had one set of aspirations, while the rulers had another. But I assure you, for the first time, a government has been formed where your aspirations and ours have become one and the same.
You want corruption to end. We want the same. You want criminals to be punished. We want the same. You want the supremacy of the rule of law. We want the same. You want a better economy for our country. We want the same. What does this mean? The people and the government are not separate, they are united in governance that is being established in Sri Lanka.
This is our opportunity to rebuild our country. I know you have worked tirelessly to create this opportunity. Your voice and dedication have been crucial without them it might not have been possible to establish a strong government. For that, you have carried a great responsibility.
Looking ahead, we have set several clear goals. We aim to make 2025 the year Sri Lanka welcomes the highest number of tourists in its history. We also intend to make it the year with the highest export income ever recorded. Furthermore, we will make 2025 the year in which a government earns the highest revenue in our country’s history. Moreover, we are determined to make this year the one in which the highest number of corrupt individuals in our country’s history are held accountable and brought to justice. We move forward with a sense of integrity and hope. I invite all of you to join hands, work together, and stand firm for this cause!
