Colombo: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered a pivotal speech at the inauguration of the first session of the Tenth Parliament, marking a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. For decades, the country’s political power oscillated between two main factions, but the recent Presidential and General Elections have ushered in a new era with the emergence of a different political camp, signifying a historical moment for the nation.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake emphasized the comprehensive mandate entrusted to his government, highlighting the unprecedented number of representatives elected under a single mandate. This transformation reflects the public’s call for a political shift, with people from all provinces and communities contributing to this new direction. The President underscored the need to eliminate racism as a political tool, advocating for national unity and embracing a multi-party democratic system.
President Dissanayake acknowle
dged the existence of diverse political ideologies within the democratic framework, emphasizing the importance of coexistence among different political factions. He reiterated the government’s commitment to representing all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, and fulfilling the expectations of every individual in the nation.
In his address, President Dissanayake stressed the need to restore the dignity of Parliament, acknowledging the erosion of public trust over the years. He called for swift and effective reforms to re-establish Parliament as a transparent and accountable institution, open to public scrutiny.
The President also outlined plans to rejuvenate the public service sector, emphasizing the importance of addressing public dissatisfaction and negative perceptions. He highlighted the necessity of creating a people-centric public service to drive significant transformations in the nation.
Furthermore, President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of democracy and freedom, advocat
ing for a state where every citizen can live without fear or discrimination. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all, addressing controversial crimes, corruption, and fraud to restore public trust.
On the economic front, President Dissanayake acknowledged the severe challenges facing the nation’s economy and outlined efforts to stabilize it through agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and debt restructuring programs. He emphasized the need for a new economic strategy centered on rapid growth, people’s involvement, and fair distribution of wealth.
The President also highlighted key areas for economic growth, including tourism, information technology, agriculture, and the fishing industry. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic location to become a major trade and maritime hub, while promoting innovation in agriculture and maximizing the value of mineral resources.
President Dissanayake announced plans for
a digital transformation, aiming to build a digital economy and enhance services for citizens. He introduced the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, focusing on fostering positive citizenship and societal attitudes to drive national progress.
Addressing poverty eradication, the President outlined plans to increase welfare allowances and support for economically disadvantaged families, while emphasizing the importance of transforming economic activities into profitable ventures to lift individuals out of poverty.
In concluding his address, President Dissanayake called for comprehensive reform of the diplomatic services to support Sri Lankan industries in accessing global markets. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a successful new era of transformation for the nation, with the support of all political representatives and citizens.
President Dissanayake’s address sets a comprehensive agenda for Sri Lanka, aiming to build a just, prosperous, and united nation, driven by democratic values and eco
nomic stability. His vision for the future reflects the aspirations of the people and the need for transformative change in the country’s political and economic landscape.
One of the standout highlights of the event was the participation of Co-owner and Head of the drinks program at Smoke and Bitters, Matara, Sri Lanka, Don Ransinghe. Smoke and Bitters has ranked #29 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Don mesmerized attendees with his exceptional mixology skills, crafting innovative beverages that showcased Sri Lanka’s unique flavors infused with modern techniques.