Category: News

In first address to the nation President Anura Kumara Dissanayake promises economic stability, inclusivity, and public service reform

Stresses need for short-term economic stabilisation measures before long term reforms

Assures swift action to relieve immediate financial pressures on citizens

Admits he will begin discussions with IMF soon and continue with the Extended Fund Facility

Pledges to accelerate SL’s debt restructuring process by holding discussions with relevant creditors to secure debt relief

Underscores his desire to promote inclusivity, vowing to foster a sense of national unity across all ethnic and religious groups

Says he is committed to maintaining public service integrity while building a nation that respects the rule of law

In his first address to the nation since assuming office, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake last night outlined his administration’s vision for a stable economy, national unity, and comprehensive reforms aimed at transforming Sri Lanka.

During the televised speech, Dissanayake emphasised the urgent need for economic stabilisation and trust-building, which he identified as the foundation for broader structural changes across sectors.

“We will begin discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) soon and continue with the Extended Fund Facility,” said Dissanayake. He also pledged to accelerate Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process by holding discussions with relevant creditors to secure debt relief. The President expressed confidence in garnering both public and international support to navigate the current economic challenges.

Before implementing long-term reforms, Dissanayake stressed the need for short-term economic stabilisation measures. “It is critical that we first stabilise the economy before executing mid and long-term plans,” he said, promising swift action to relieve immediate financial pressures on citizens.

Dissanayake also highlighted the importance of political and social change. He noted that his administration is committed to addressing the negative traits in Sri Lanka’s political culture. “One of the primary changes citizens expect is to eliminate the negative elements in our politics,” he said, pointing to the violence-free nature of the recent Presidential election as a positive step forward.

The President’s address underscored his desire to promote inclusivity, vowing to foster a sense of national unity across all ethnic and religious groups. “We must create a practical environment where everyone — Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, or Malay — can proudly say, ‘We are Sri Lankan citizens,’” he declared. He committed to implementing necessary constitutional, economic, and political reforms to end divisive practices based on race, religion, or caste.

Dissanayake also emphasised the importance of a disciplined and law-abiding society. His administration, he said, is committed to maintaining public service integrity while building a nation that respects the rule of law. He expressed his determination to create a public service that is both efficient and honest, and focused on the people.

Addressing concerns about Sri Lanka’s future, the President spoke of plans to elevate the country’s global image and create a nation where citizenship is a source of pride for all. “Our goal is to build a country where the world respects our passport, and where every citizen can proudly say, ‘I am a Sri Lankan.’”

In a call for unity, Dissanayake invited all Sri Lankans to join in the effort to rebuild the country. He pledged to safeguard democratic rights and ensure that all citizens are treated with respect and equality under the law. “I understand that some may feel uncertain, but I am determined to earn your trust through my actions,” he said.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a secure future for the younger generation through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship. He also emphasised the importance of enhancing women’s representation in institutions and creating a strong social safety net for those with disabilities.

Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to the people of Sri Lanka for entrusting his movement with the responsibility of governance, stating: “The ownership of this victory belongs to the entire citizenry of this country.” He also took the opportunity to honour the sacrifices made by generations of Sri Lankans, particularly women, who contributed to the country’s progress and vowed to build a thriving, inclusive nation.

The European Union (EU) says it will continue to support reforms in Sri Lanka and work with new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The EU congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake upon his election and inauguration as President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

“The people of Sri Lanka demonstrated once again their commitment to democracy, with a high voter turnout at the presidential elections held on 21 September. Elections took place in a peaceful manner and in a competitive political environment,” the EU said in a statement.

By invitation of the authorities of Sri Lanka, the EU deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to undertake an independent, impartial and technical assessment of all aspects of the electoral process.

“This further reflects EU’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka on good governance and democracy. The EU EOM indicated in its preliminary report that fundamental freedoms were broadly respected and that the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) conducted the process independently and with resolve, ensuring transparency at all key stages of the election,” the EU said.

The EU EOM identified areas where progress is needed, in particular, enhancing transparency in political finance and advancing women participation in public and political life. The EU EOM will publish a comprehensive final report including recommendations to improve future electoral process.

“Sri Lanka is an important and valued partner of the EU. Our cooperation on good governance, human rights and the rule of law, our relationship as trade and investment partners, and our joint work to combat climate change and promote green transition are built on our shared commitment to democratic values,” the EU added.

The EU said it looks forward to working with President Dissanayake and continue EU’s support to Sri Lanka’s reforms to bring the country to economic recovery, lasting reconciliation and inclusive prosperity and growth.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to deliver a special address to the nation tonight at 7:30 PM.

During his address, the President is expected to outline his future plans and initiatives.

Yesterday, President Dissanayake appointed Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the new Prime Minister.

Additionally, a new Cabinet comprising 15 ministries under three ministers was also established.

The address will be broadcast on live on Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV and TV1

Citing speculation regarding the lack of ethnic minority support for the newly elected National People’s Power (NPP) administration, led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, the Lanka Janatha Pakshaya (LJP) expressed opposition to any possible federal solution, claiming that it lacks a mandate to address ethnic minority issues in this manner.

LJP General Secretary Madubhashana Ranahansa, speaking to the media, emphasised that the new President and the administration’s mandate predominantly reflects the Sinhala-Buddhist majority of the country. He argued that the NPP should respect the mandate that they received, which, according to him, does not include implementing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution or offering federal arrangements for the country’s ethnic minorities. Ranahansa further commented on the political landscape in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, stating that “the majority of the people in these areas have voted not for economic and political stability, but for the concept of a ‘separate state’.” He alleged that their voting patterns reflect aspirations for division, rather than unity under a single nation.

Elaborating on the Party’s stance, Ranahansa insisted that the NPP should prioritise its electoral promises to reform the economic and political systems of the country, instead of focusing on federalism. “The NPP should focus on delivering the change that they promised to the people, in terms of economic and political reforms, rather than entertaining demands for a federal State,” he added.

Despite SJB leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday saying that his party will not enter into an alliance with the UNP to contest the General Election, Daily Mirror learns that the talks are still ongoing to make a final decision.

A decision to form a grand alliance for the general election with a new face as the Prime Ministerial candidate was announced earlier yesterday after former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision that he will not contest any election in the future.

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene who held a joint press conference together with Rajitha Senaratne and UNP Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said Mr. Wickremesinghe has decided not to contest any election in keeping with the UNP tradition. “President J. R. Jayewardene did not contest after his retirement while late President D.B.Wijetunga also did the same. Mr. Wickremesinghe will follow this tradition,” they recalled.

Mr. Wickremesinghe will play an advisory role, the former MPs said.

UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardene also confirmed the decision made by Mr. Wickremesinghe at a separate media conference. However he said Mr. Wickremesinghe will stand up for the nation if the need arises.
Wijewardene also said a decision has been made to form a broad alliance and to get the support of the SJB for it. “There are some SJB members who are in favour of joining a common grand alliance and we shall be talking to them,” he said in response to a question as to what would happen if SJB leadership opposes the move.

“We have the support of almost all parties which backed Mr. Wickremesinghe but what we intend doing is to obtain the support of others such as SJB,” Dr. Senaratne said.

It was reported on Monday that Mr. Wickremesinghe has appointed Talatha Atukorala and Mr. Wijewardene to carry out discussions with other parties to form a grand alliance.

The other decisions including the symbol of the new alliance will be decided later. In the meantime, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party seniors have decided not to team up with the UNP for the general elections and to field its leader Sajith Premadasa as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the same, a party spokesman said.

“SJB will be fielding our leader as SJB”s Prime Ministerial candidate and the party seniors have already made this decision,” he said.

Meanwhile, SJB National Organizer Tissa Attanayake told the media that there is no necessity for the SJB to ally with the UNP. “We will immediately reorganize ourselves from the grassroots level and will gear up for the general election,” he said.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has signed the Extraordinary Gazette notification dissolving the Parliament of Sri Lanka effective from midnight today (24).

The relevant Gazette notification has been sent to the Government Printer to be published, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Meanwhile, the Government Printer confirmed that the Gazette notification pertaining to the dissolution of the Parliament has been received by the Department of Government Printing.

The President has issued the Gazette by virtue of the powers vested in him by Article 70 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and in pursuance of the provisions of Section 10 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981.

The proclamation dissolves Parliament with effect from midnight today and summons the new Parliament to meet on the November 21, 2024.

It also fixes November 14, 2024 as the date for the election of the new Members of Parliament.

The Gazette notification further specifies the period beginning on October 04 and ending at 12 noon October 11, 2024 as the nomination period, during which nomination papers shall be received by the Returning Officers.

Dissanayake, leader of the People’s Liberation Front (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, won a landslide victory over the weekend by beating 38 other candidates and garnering over 5.6 million or 42.3 per cent of the votes.

During the election campaign, Dissanayake vowed to dissolve Parliament if he wins and call snap elections. The present Parliament’s five-year term ends in August next year.

His party had just three lawmakers in Sri Lanka’s 225-member parliament.

Dissanayake was sworn into office on Monday while he appointed academic and first-time lawmaker Harini Amarasuriya as the new prime minister on Tuesday, making her the third woman to be appointed to the post.

On the same day, he appointed a three-member Cabinet which includes NPP’s Vijitha Herath, Amarasuriya and himself, which will serve as the caretaker government until the polls are held.

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake is expected to make a special statement while addressing the nation at 7.30 pm tomorrow (25 September), according to the Department of Government Information.