(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-) My dear Comrades, a red salute to you all. You all came here to celebrate the great May Day, the day of the working class all over the world. Remember those days when the workers of the world were oppressed and suppressed under the rule of the capitalists? They possessed no rights, […]
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-)
My dear Comrades, a red salute to you all.
You all came here to celebrate the great May Day, the day of the working class all over the world. Remember those days when the workers of the world were oppressed and suppressed under the rule of the capitalists? They possessed no rights, endured unlimited working hours and were treated even worse than slaves during that period. It happened in Chicago. We can never forget that day when the workers united, struggled and shouted for eight hours of labour. That is our right. As human beings, we have that right.
But on that day, the capitalists very cruelly suppressed our comrades. How can we forget it? There were trials in the courts of the capitalists in Chicago, America. They were ready to die for the cause of workers. They told the court of the capitalists that a day would come when our silence would become more powerful than your thundering rules. That day has come in Sri Lanka. Our silences have become more powerful. Now, on May Day in Sri Lanka, we have come to celebrate the victory.
It was told here at the last May Day by Anura, our dear leader and the President. He, like a prophet, told us that next year, when we celebrate May Day, it would be a victorious May Day for the people and the workers of Sri Lanka. That day has come.
We remember Marx and Engels, who wrote The Communist Manifesto and in the last part, they declared: “Workers of the world unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains. You have a world to win.” That world will come. For that, we struggled, in country after country, continent after continent; we struggled for that dream, the dream of this victory. One after another, these victories have come true.
We remember those days when the fall of a set of unions happened. They were telling the imperialists, the capitalists, and all those forces were telling that the end of history had come. Workers had no future; the red flag had no future. They said this flag would disappear from the minds of the people because red had disappeared from the world. With that idea in mind, they thundered: “The end of history.” But what happened? History can never end like that. History has to continue, for the victory of the workers. Now, it has happened here.
They shouted in those days: “There is no alternative only one way,” and that way was the American way, the way of the capitalists. They told us there was no other alternative, and that we were wrong, comrades. But we were right, because we have proven that there is an alternative, there is a way out. And Sri Lanka, of late, has shown that way. That way is a promise of an alternative. And this government of the people of Sri Lanka, the JVP government, that government has shown a way for the people of Sri Lanka and for the working people all over the world.
You have shown that if we are united and ready to fight, we will win — and we can never be defeated. That is the importance of May Day in Sri Lanka.
That is why, comrades of India, we feel so proud and happy that we could witness this moment, the participation of comrades, women and men, with red flags in their hearts and hands, coming to celebrate the victory of the people’s struggles. We can celebrate this in the future also.
One more thing to be told here: they will not stay idle. As I was told here, the reaction of the opposition in Sri Lanka are saying that their day will come. They are saying that red must fail in Sri Lanka too. We tell them, this flag will not fail because this is the flag of the workers. This red flag is the flag of the working people and this colour red is the colour of the blood and sweat of those people. That flag, that colour, can never be defeated.
With this conclusion, we are here. They will try their best. Some will try their best. Some of them are threatening the whole world with tariff challenges and tariff burdens. They are saying they will control the world. How can they control the world when people all over the world, the working masses, the toiling people, when all of them have a dream for the future and are ready for a united struggle? It is sure that, whatever they may say, they will fail and we will win.
So, this victory of Sri Lanka, we can tell you, is not only a Sri Lankan story. This is the story of our comrades, the story of the present-day world, the story of the dreams of present-day men and women. And this is the story of the future and that future will come to this world.
Comrades, once again I salute you. I salute you.
Long live May Day!
Long live, long live!
Workers of the world, unite. Red salute!
(- 2025.05.01 – NPP May Day-) – President emphasizes addressing May Day rally President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that his political movement, which has successfully navigated the extremely challenging task of gaining power by dedicating itself to one purpose over sixty-five years, will certainly win the challenge of building this country and fulfilling the needs […]
(- 2025.05.01 – NPP May Day-)
– President emphasizes addressing May Day rally
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that his political movement, which has successfully navigated the extremely challenging task of gaining power by dedicating itself to one purpose over sixty-five years, will certainly win the challenge of building this country and fulfilling the needs of the people.
The President said that the country is governed today by a movement that is ready to build the country and move forward, and that the time has come for the trade unions in this country to abandon their out-dated practices and adopt new ones, and he invited all trade unions to join hands with the government to make the exercise of building the country a success.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake made these remarks while addressing the National People’s Power May Day Rally held at Galle Face Green today (01).
A huge crowd participated in this public rally held under the theme ‘Rata Hadana Jana Balaya Pela Gasena Mai Raliya’
The President speaking at the rally stated that today, only the National People’s Power exists as a political movement and that the future of this country and the future of the people completely depend on the National People’s Power.
Addressing the May Day rally, the President further said:
We have celebrated May Day for a long time. On each occasion, our expectation has been to rally the people to gain power. Today, for the first time, we are holding a massive rally to gather the people to build this country.
Today, only the National People’s Power exists as a political movement. We all must understand that the future of this country, the future of the people of this country completely depend on the National People’s Power. Nothing else is political movement anymore. They are a pile of wreckage. But voices are heard here and there. They held power for a long time. They did not stop there and drew a power map for their generation. They thought that they would be able to continue to hold power in the hands of their generations and oppress the common people. But on September 21, the people of this country took a very bold decision. The people of this country were able to completely overthrow the power map that had been drawn for many generations and transfer power to the common people. Today, we hear the anguish of losing that power and disappointment.
Also, when they were in power, they squandered the wealth of the public and lived a life of great privilege. They lived a life that was not subject to the common law. They used great power above the common people and held power. But today, they are subject to the common law and have lost their privileges. The law has been implemented equally. Therefore, they are desperate now.
On the other hand, they know better than us the extent of fraud and corruption they have done. And they know who we are. They know us to the extent that they know the extent of their crime. Therefore, there is the anguish of fear. Hence, the other side of politics today is the pain of disappointment, the anguish of losing privileges, and the panic of fear. Therefore, there are no more political movements. There is no ideology and no organizational strength. There is only a collection of scattered parts here and there, not knowing what to do.
Therefore, there is no challenge for us from outside. What is outside of us is a pile of debris, not a challenge. If so, the challenge lies within us. To overcome that challenge, we must understand the contradictions, inconsistencies and failures to adapt to new circumstances within ourselves.
We have a legacy of sixty-five years of dedication to a single purpose. Such a movement is gathered here today. We have a purpose that has not only abandoned those closest to us in the midst of extreme defeats and challenges, but also has not given up even in the midst of building movements while resisting. Therefore, we are a group that inherits and carries on a legacy for a purpose. Sometimes we worked by the power of habit. We worked in the face of distant goals, close challenges and very confusing situations before us. Sometimes we were motivated to work by the power of habit. Now, after all that, on September 21st, we were able to take power into our own hands. Now, what we have is not the power of habit, but the power of belief.
We believe that this country can be built. The people of this country have placed their hopes in us. As a political movement, we and the general public are motivated to work for the same goal. Therefore, we have the power of trust that goes beyond the power delegated by the Constitution that goes beyond the power we have received from Parliament.
We have entered this with the power of trust that if we have overcome the goal of gaining power for 65 years in the face of extreme challenges for one purpose, then we will definitely achieve the building of this country and the fulfilment of the needs of the people. Therefore, we have taken on this task with great confidence.
We must understand the nature of the reality before us. We have a very harsh reality before us. An economy that has collapsed to the bottom, a society in which compassion for others has collapsed, a society in which the law was being run in the way each individual wanted, collapsed institutional systems and a society in which every citizen was disappointed with social responsibilities. We must understand the harsh reality before us. But we are fighting for social justice and social equity. It is a fight that will not be abandoned. But we know that it is a fabric that needs to be woven systematically. Creating social justice and creating social equity is not something that can be done overnight. But we are implementing a very systematic fabric for this social justice and social equity.
We should not expect results in six months after being dragged to the brink of destruction for 76 years. We have understood the extremely harsh reality. Creating a more optimistic future is a much planned endeavour. I assure the people of this country that we will review that effort very strongly and successfully. There are no shortcuts in transforming the harsh reality into a new path. This is a very systematic and planned exercise. We in the National People’s Power have well understood the expectations of the people and the weight of the trust that the people have placed in us. Therefore, we have begun the journey of transforming this destructive society into a society with very sharp social attitudes and an economy with very systematic and planned methods.
We had a country without a foundation. A country that was floating like a ship with a broken mast. A country and a society without a goal and purpose. If we are to change this systematically, we must first create a strong foundation. Therefore, we have been making maximum efforts to create this strong foundation over the past period.
The first of the key pillars of this foundation is clean, untainted politics. After 76 years, Sri Lanka has seen the rise of a political movement that does not steal or waste even a single rupee of public funds. To build on this strong foundation, national unity is essential. At the last general election, the people themselves took the lead. The people of the North and East placed great trust in the National People’s Power and stepped ahead of us. We must acknowledge that our political engagement in the North and East has been minimal, and our communication has primarily been in Sinhala.
Yet, their rejection of traditional political parties and leaders, and the trust they have placed in us, clearly signals the need for national unity. We will never allow these communities to be left behind. We affirm their rights—to their culture, language and ancestral lands—as well as their right to live as citizens of this country. That is the second pillar of rebuilding the nation.
We also need a strong public service. For that reason, we have increased the basic salaries of public servants and are transforming the public sector into an attractive place to work. At the same time, our government—the National People’s Power administration—is working to eliminate the longstanding negligence and inefficiency that have plagued the public service.
We have taken steps to re-establish the supremacy of the rule of law. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a true political transformation has occurred where the law is applied equally to everyone. However, there are still those who cling to the old ways and spread stories based on the past.
But this is a new country. Everyone is subject to the law. Everyone is equal before the law. If anyone still believes that institutions like the Attorney General’s Department, the Criminal Investigation Department or the Bribery Commission are tools used only against ordinary people, they are stuck in the past. We have built a new era—one in which the law applies to all equally.
This transformation is not just institutional or legal—it is practical and real. Our government is sending a clear message that no matter when a crime or act of corruption occurred, there will be consequences. Everyone must fear the law and live under it. That is the foundation and a path to building a society. We have built that path.
Internationally, Sri Lanka was once viewed negatively. But today, step by step, we are gaining international recognition. We have created a government that can stand confidently before the world, asserting our sovereignty and putting the nation first. That’s why the Japanese and the Chinese projects that were halted have been resumed. We have laid a strong foundation for international cooperation.
On this foundation, we are constructing a strong nation one that values equality, justice, social harmony, mutual respect, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and compassion even towards animals. That is the kind of society we must build.
As a political authority, we have a great responsibility. We understand our duties, our limitations, our strengths and our weaknesses. We rely on those with the capabilities we may lack. Accordingly, we are committed to politics free from corruption, fraud and destruction. But to build upon this foundation, we need real political transformation and we are leading that change.
We invite our entrepreneurs and industrialists to invest. Let us know what support or solutions you need—we will provide them. We have already drawn up plans for Colombo. No commercially valuable land in the city will be left idle during our term. Everything will be used for the country’s development.
Our agricultural lands must also be revived. We expect a new agricultural revolution, where no inch of abandoned farmland remains unused. We are increasing fertilizer subsidies, providing quality seeds, introducing new technology to agriculture and ensuring stable prices. It’s time to cultivate this land again—and we need your support, the farmers of this nation, to rebuild the country. Similarly, we pledge our full support to the fishing community, who bring in harvests from the vast seas. Help us rebuild this country.
Especially, trade unions must now move beyond out-dated ideas. The era of fighting for small issues is over. A political authority has arrived that abandons everything. We are abandoning many things that have been given to us through acts, gazettes, and regulations.
We have worked with you. We understand your expectations. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t have increased your basic salaries. Without you even asking, we raised your basic pay and allowances. We increased disaster loans and disaster allowances. But don’t let a few isolated issues provoke you into protest. That’s not fair.
Today, a movement has arrived that is ready to take the country forward, intervening in building the country. The time has come for the trade unions in this country to abandon their out-dated practices and adopt new ones. Today, there is a political movement that believes that the public service should be strengthened, a political movement that believes that a strong public service is necessary to build this country. Today, there is a political movement that believes that groups with the ability and capacity should be obtained for a strong public service, also, a political movement that believes that their promotion, their future should be given not on politics but on their ability and talent.
Today, the country is being led by a political movement that understands the pulse of the trade union movement—a movement that has worked hand in hand with trade unions, fought for their aspirations, and raised its voice on their behalf. So, what conflict could possibly exist between us? There is no room for discord. We extend an open invitation to all trade union movements to join us in this national endeavour to rebuild the country. Our youthful movement has a great responsibility ahead. The younger generation was once presented with a bleak picture of their future a shattered dream. But today, we are creating a new generation of young people who dare to dream once more.
Be ready to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to you. Let us all come together citizens, artists, writers, fishermen, farmers, entrepreneurs, industrialists and politicians – and strive with unity. Let us build a better country not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come. Let us create a better nation for the children of this country. We have acquired this country, this power for that. Therefore, I say with great responsibility and confidence that there are scoundrels and liars outside. Politics is with us. The challenge is with us. There are no challenges outside.
Today, hundreds of thousands of people from villages across the country have gathered here. I don’t know if my friend has gone and taken charge of the villages—but once the crowd reaches Galle Face, they claim to have “seized the village.” That’s nothing more than empty words. Is that politics? Those political games are over. Political ideologies without substance are over. There is no unity—only deep confusion. At times, what is written isn’t spoken. What is said on one stage is contradicted on another. It’s complete chaos.
That’s why I say—the so-called external challenge is over. What must we do now? We must grow stronger. We must take the people forward and begin the journey of transforming this nation into a truly effective state. A state that can end this struggle in victory, a country with a promising future, a nation where our children’s future is secure. Let us begin that journey with a new step—with renewed energy and direction.
What does the presence of hundreds of thousands gathered here at Galle Face show the world? It sends a clear message: we are ready to take on this challenge. We are ready to rebuild this country. And the most trustworthy movement to lead that effort is the National People’s Power. That is the message—to the country, to the world, and to those clinging to empty spectacles. The future of this nation lies with us.
We must now take a bold new leap forward. That leap can begin on May 6. The President, the Cabinet, Parliament and local councils must work together—united under a single vision. If we are to rebuild this country, political authority must be brought under one unified direction. Today, the President, the Cabinet, and Parliament are under the leadership of the National People’s Power. Therefore, the Local councils and Urban Councils should also be entrusted to the National People’s Power. The people connected to those institutions must stand together. The people connected to these institutions must stand united. All streams of governance must come together in alignment. Just as the central government must be clean and free from corruption, so must our local councils. When that happens, the national government will function effectively, and the local government will deliver results. To make this a reality, we ask for a strong and clear mandate from the people.
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-) On May 1st, 1886, during a protest in Haymarket Square, Chicago, workers who demanded an eight-hour workday, was violently confronted with gunfire. To pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in that fight, the Second International, convened in 1889, proclaimed May 1st as International Workers’ Day, which has been observed annually […]
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-)
On May 1st, 1886, during a protest in Haymarket Square, Chicago, workers who demanded an eight-hour workday, was violently confronted with gunfire. To pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in that fight, the Second International, convened in 1889, proclaimed May 1st as International Workers’ Day, which has been observed annually ever since.
This year, the working people of Sri Lanka, together with the general public, commemorate International Workers’ Day at a time when our nation and society are undergoing a profound and progressive transformation under a people-oriented governance bringing an end to a corrupt and elitist political system that has existed for 76 years, upheld by a rotating power structure dominated by a select few influential families across generations. At the recent presidential and parliamentary elections, people from all corners of Sri Lanka, regardless of ethnicity or religion, united to bring about a turning point in our nation’s politics. Responding to the people’s aspirations, we of the National People’s Power currently focused on developing a nation that is experiencing extensive economic, social and political transformation.
We have already succeeded in initiating a stable recovery of an economy that was dragged to the depths by corrupt and elitist system. The evident signs of advancement are now apparent to everyone. In our very first national budget, we made historic moves significantly increasing the minimum basic salary of public servants and extensive benefits for various segments of society, including farmers, fishing community, youth, women, students, producers, small-scale entrepreneurs and professionals alike. We are diligently addressing the persistent issues encountered by plantation workers and striving to guarantee their civil rights.
We recognize the necessity for a new phase in the rights we possess, aligned with the continuously evolving productive forces. Contemporary society demands a new era in human rights that encompasses digital access, environmental rights and other emerging rights that were not anticipated in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These changes, along with evolving political frameworks and the worldwide call for peace, require a revised and comprehensive global declaration of human rights. As we commemorate this International Workers’ Day, we must remain sensitive to these needs and dedicated to addressing them.
In the face of global geopolitical shifts and growing challenges, it is the working people of Sri Lanka who continue to shoulder the burden of rebuilding our economy. As we restore and reform an economy devastated by decades of corrupt politics, I warmly invite our beloved working people to join hands in solidarity, to rise with determination and to strive towards building “a beautiful life and a thriving nation” for everyone. On this occasion, I offer my heartfelt best wishes for a meaningful International Workers’ Day one that reaffirms the rights and dignity of all working people.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
01.05.2025
(-Polonnaruwa – 2025.04.20-) President Anura Kumara Disanayake stressed that he has directed the full report and all related documents of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today for further investigation. He reaffirmed his commitment to exposing the true perpetrators of […]
(-Polonnaruwa – 2025.04.20-)
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stressed that he has directed the full report and all related documents of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today for further investigation. He reaffirmed his commitment to exposing the true perpetrators of this heinous attack to the public.
The President noted that, over the past five and a half years (from April 2019 to September 2024), investigations had been manipulated to safeguard the real masterminds. However, since the current government came to power six months ago, clear, step-by-step actions have been taken to ensure those responsible for the Easter attacks are brought before the law.He assured the public that this process will continue.
President Disanayake revealed that key sections of the Presidential Commission’s report had never previously been shared with either the public or the CID. Had the current government not taken office, these documents would have remained hidden.
The President made these remarks while addressing another mass rally of the “Jaya Niyathai – Gama Apitai” (Victory is Certain – the Village is Ours) campaign in Polonnaruwa today (20 April).
On 21 September, the people of Sri Lanka made a decisive political change, completely altering the nation’s trajectory. For the first time, political power; long held by a privileged few, was transferred to the common people. The Polonnaruwa district played a significant role in this transformation. Later, on 14 November, the parliamentary elections further solidified this shift, with the National People’s Power (NPP) securing a decisive victory.
After six months in government, preparations are now underway for the local government elections on 6 May, where the NPP expects a strong mandate reflecting public trust.
President Disanayake asserted that no other political movement in Sri Lanka today possesses the capability, responsibility, or commitment to lead the nation forward except the NPP. The people have broken free from traditional party loyalties and placed their faith in this movement.
He assured the public that the power entrusted to the NPP would never be exploited for personal gain but would always be used for the welfare of the people.
Previous rulers crippled Sri Lanka’s economy, pushing it to the brink of collapse. By 2022–2023, Sri Lanka was among a handful of nations that shared this fate. The NPP is now systematically rebuilding what was ruined over 76 years, ensuring that future generations never suffer such devastation again.
How many challenges have we had to face? Sri Lanka endured a 30-year war, with Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities divided by suspicion and mistrust. Political parties fuelled ethnic racism for electoral gain, deepening these fractures.
However, in the last parliamentary elections, the NPP emerged as a unifying force across the North, East, and South, a historic moment of national solidarity.
Six months into office, there is zero tolerance for racial strife. The government will not allow any resurgence of racial conflict. If existing laws are insufficient, new legislation will be enacted to eradicate racism and foster unity.
Today marks Easter Sunday, a day forever overshadowed by the 2019 attacks, a tragedy orchestrated for political gain. For five and a half years, investigations were manipulated to shield the true conspirators. Neither the 2019 government nor its successors had any intention of bringing the real culprits to justice.
It has now been six years since the Easter Sunday attacks and nearly six months since we assumed office. Step by step, we have been taking, and will continue to take all necessary actions to bring those responsible to justice.
Today, I received the full report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks. Until now, this report had not been presented in its entirety to the public or the CID. Only selected portions had been selectively released. I have now forwarded the complete set of documents to the CID for thorough investigation. These documents had remained hidden until we came to power.
We have now officially handed over all these documents to the CID so that they can study them carefully and present their recommendations. There are a large number of recommendations in the report and all must be implemented.
Furthermore, several incidents related to the attacks caused significant public unrest at the time. For instance, there is suspicion about who placed a jacket at the scene where the first two police officers were killed. There are doubts regarding the use of certain identified telephone numbers. We are continuing with the investigations and inquiries, working to resolve these suspicions. We are committed to revealing the true perpetrators of the Easter attacks to the people of this country.
At the same time, we have managed to stabilise the country’s collapsed economy to a considerable extent. As a result, the country is now gradually returning to normalcy. The vehicle market has reopened. The dollar remains stable against the rupee; a clear sign of economic stabilisation. Oil prices have decreased. Electricity tariffs have been reduced. We have also succeeded in lowering the prices of essential food items.
We are prepared to allocate the necessary funds for provincial development. Accordingly, we have allocated Rs. 500 million to renovate the small and medium-sized tanks under the Minneriya reservoir. More funds can be provided as required. However, to ensure effective use of these funds, we need a functional and efficient state apparatus. We have already prepared the necessary plans for this.
In the past, there was a group that operated above the law, without fear. Today, we are building a society where every citizen is subject to the law and fears breaking it. The CID has launched numerous investigations. The Attorney General’s Department has begun its work. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is now active. Where existing laws were inadequate, we have enacted new legislation.
On 8 April, we passed a new law enabling the government to confiscate illegally acquired assets. In this way, we have strengthened the legal system. Anyone who misuses public funds must now fear the consequences. The people entrusted us with power and today, we are fulfilling the expectations they placed upon us.
Today, those most agitated are those with the most to fear. We have no intention of taking revenge on anyone. Our only aim is to re-establish the supremacy of the rule of law in this country. We must instil a mindset where anyone even considering the misuse of public funds fears punishment. Only then can we truly rebuild this nation.
In the past, state assets were divided among a select few and looted. Today, the wealth of the Treasury is beginning to flow back to the people. That is the true duty of any government and the present administration is fulfilling that responsibility.
While we are achieving progress at the national level, it is equally important to strengthen the process at the grassroots level through strong local leadership. When rural roads are built and villages are developed, we need political leadership at the village level to drive these efforts.
These local government bodies, municipal and urban councils, must be entrusted to honest, capable individuals, not the corrupt. I appeal to the people: let us elect representatives to local government who can be trusted to manage public funds responsibly and with integrity.
(-2024.04.17 – Jaffna Public Rally-) – Says the President in Jaffna President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that no matter in what form racism attempts to raise its head within the country, the government of the National People’s Power (NPP) will take every possible step to defeat it. He highlighted that, despite efforts by certain groups […]
(-2024.04.17 – Jaffna Public Rally-)
– Says the President in Jaffna
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that no matter in what form racism attempts to raise its head within the country, the government of the National People’s Power (NPP) will take every possible step to defeat it.
He highlighted that, despite efforts by certain groups to incite racism and mischaracterize the government, it remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding the rights of individuals in both the North and the South while fostering national unity.
The President made these remarks while attending another rally under the ‘Victory is certain – the village is ours’ national rally series today (17) in Jaffna.
He reiterated that at no point will the government take action to violate the rights or heritage of people in any province. Referring to the issue surrounding the Tissa Viharaya, the President said that to resolve it, politics must be removed from the matter.
He further said that every possible step will be taken to restore Jaffna to its former state and that no room would be given to dredge up the bitter history of the war repeatedly. Instead, the focus will be on resolving the problems of the people of Jaffna and rebuilding the area through a new urban plan.
President Disanayake noted that he fully understands the pain of the parents and relatives of the disappeared, and that to heal that pain, the truth must be revealed. He assured that the government will take all necessary steps to uncover the truth.
The President further said that the people of the country united to appoint the NPP government to begin a new chapter for the nation. He emphasised that this new beginning aims to end the dark past and lead the country toward a bright future, inviting the Tamil diaspora to return to their homeland and invest in the rebuilding nation.
Addressing the rally, the President continued:
“First, I must thank you for giving the National People’s Power a historic victory from the Jaffna district at the last Parliamentary Election. In past elections, what often happened was division among the people. However, in the last general election, the Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil people from the North, South, and East together chose the National People’s Power. Instead of being divided, the people united for the country. And now, we must never allow ourselves to be divided again. We do not want a country where we live in fear and suspicion of each other.
The aspiration of the NPP government is to build a just country where every citizen Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim has equal rights, and where we live and die together in one motherland. We have harboured hatred, fought wars, and yet we have been left with nothing but a devastated Northern Province and parents who have lost their children. We have lost friends and relatives. This happened in both the North and South. We do not want such an era again. We must put an end to it now.
Our ancestors fought wars. But for the future generations, we must build a country where there is no war, no violence, and where all live in unity. I assure you that the NPP will create such a country.
There is no place for racism in our country anymore. Racism is needed only by certain politicians. You are aware of the issue surrounding the Tissa Viharaya. I stated at the last Parliamentary Consultative Committee that it is easy to resolve the Tissa Viharaya matter if politics is removed. If the Chief Incumbent of the Tissa Viharaya, the local residents, and the Chief Incumbent of the Naga Temple come together, this issue can be resolved. Politicians are once again seeking to promote racism. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that we will never take any measures that infringe upon the rights or heritage of the people in any province. Regardless of where an archaeological artifact or historical ruins are discovered in this country, we should not view them through the lens of Sinhalese, Tamil, or Muslim identities. Instead, we ought to recognize them as part of the country’s shared heritage. We are committed to preserving and protecting these sites for future generations, regardless of ethnicity.
Although racist groups were rejected by the people, they still try to stir up conflicts based on racism. However, I assure you that no matter what form or guise it takes, the NPP government will take every step necessary to defeat racism. We need national unity. Here in Jaffna, there were traditional political leaders and large parties. Yet despite all that, you placed your trust in us. Despite all difficulties, I assure you that the trust you have placed in us will not be broken. There are issues that you expect us to resolve, and we will resolve them.
No matter how much the racist groups try to label us or protest, we will protect your rights and safeguard national unity.
First and foremost, we are taking steps to return lands occupied by the government for security reasons to their rightful owners. There is no justification to continue holding onto people’s land under the pretext of security. Every piece of land that can be released will be returned so that you can settle, cultivate, and live freely.
We are not working with the mind-set that a war will come again. We are working to prevent another war from ever occurring. That is the duty of a responsible government.
Many roads in this area were closed off during the war. We are now gradually reopening them, so you can live freely. Even in Colombo, we reopened roads that had been closed in front of the President’s House and Temple Tress. If those roads could be reopened, there is no justification for keeping roads closed here in Jaffna.
We will restore Jaffna to normalcy. We will not allow the bitter, painful history of the war to be repeatedly dredged up.
I know there is a painful issue concerning the disappeared. We are doing our utmost. If you handed over your child to a police station or military camp, then we must find out what happened to him or her. It is the responsibility of a government accountable to its people. I understand the grief of parents of the disappeared. Usually, when someone dies, there is a body, a funeral, and rituals that help ease the pain over time. But when someone disappears without a trace, that pain remains forever. I know this pain personally because my cousin too disappeared. Therefore, to heal that pain, the truth must be revealed.
This is not for revenge but for reconciliation. As a government, we are committed to this. We must not live trapped in the pain of the past. We must start a new chapter. That is why you placed your faith in us. If you wanted the old ways, you would have chosen the old parties. But you chose us for a new future. We assure you, we will build that new future without fear.
This is our country. It belongs to all of us.
Not only that, we must also systematically uplift the lives of the people. The former rulers destroyed our economy. They created a country where we couldn’t even import fuel or medicines, or repay debts.
However, now we are gradually rebuilding the economy. We are receiving support from many countries. Our ultimate aim is to rebuild this nation. And even now, we are working to ensure that the benefits of the growing economy reach the people.
Recently, I attended a District Committee Meeting here in Jaffna where we discussed proposals. We have allocated the largest provision ever set aside for construction of roads in this Province — 5,000 million rupees from this year’s budget.
Not only that, one of the darkest incidents in our history is associated with the Jaffna Library. Destroying a library tore at our hearts. Setting fire to a library represents the peak of racism. This year, we have allocated 1 billion rupees to improve the facilities of the Jaffna Library.
Furthermore, there is a large building belonging to the Municipal Council here, but it is not being utilized for any productive purpose. It is a huge building, while in our villages the houses are very small. Our Municipal Council building is quite large..We have allocated 40 million rupees for renovations to make it suitable for official use once again. These places must be developed and turned into spaces for the people.
The people of the Northern Province are also closely tied to the land. We have increased the fertilizer subsidy from 15,000 rupees to 25,000 rupees. We are also working to provide fertilizer support for vegetable and fruit cultivation. In the Northern Province, about 16,000 acres can be used for coconut cultivation. A new coconut triangle can be developed. The government must support this. We have allocated 500 million rupees for that purpose.
The government will provide coconut saplings to the farmers. We will provide coconut fertilizer. We will give financial support to clear the land and prepare it. Get ready to cultivate! Without any divisions between North, South, or East, let’s work hard together to rebuild this country.
There is also immense potential for tourism in the Northern Province. However, unlike Arugam Bay or the South, tourists do not yet come to the North in such numbers. We are strengthening the domestic air services and setting up a system for tourists who arrive in Colombo to fly to Jaffna.
We are turning Jaffna into a new tourist destination. Next year, we expect to rebuild the city of Jaffna according to a new development plan that reflects the character of old Jaffna.
Jaffna must shine as a historic city. The Urban Development Authority is already preparing the necessary plans for the reconstruction that respects their culture and history. We will allocate funds for that next year.
We are also working to resolve the drinking water issues and waste management problems faced by the people of Jaffna.
This is a government that is determined to move the country forward while treating the people of every province North, East, South equally, without any discrimination.
We also know that since 1983, a large number of Tamil people left this country. Today, they have become major businessmen and wealthy individuals around the world.
I invite all members of the Tamil diaspora to return to their ancestral land, to help rebuild their communities and their economy, and to invest as much as possible. We are inviting you to come back to Sri Lanka.
Today, this country is safe. It has become a nation free from racism. It is a country that fairly recognises the rights of everyone, a country that respects every culture. Therefore, I invite you to invest and contribute towards rebuilding this land.
This is the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter that moves away from the dark past and leads to a new future.
It is a very important political transformation. It is something that our mothers and fathers prayed for over a long period of time. In various ways, they hoped for a government like this.
Today, that government has been established a government that does not steal a single cent of the people’s money.
The old politics made this country poor. It made the people poor. But the rulers became rich.
We have put an end to that culture. Now, we invite everyone to come together, to strengthen the regional and municipal councils, and to move this programme forward.
(-2024.04.17 – Mannar-) – Says President in Mannar President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasised that no room would be given for projects that harm the environment, adding that, the Mannar–Puttalam road which is currently closed due to environmental concerns, is expected to be reconnected in a new manner with alternative proposals. He stated that instead of […]
(-2024.04.17 – Mannar-)
– Says President in Mannar
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasised that no room would be given for projects that harm the environment, adding that, the Mannar–Puttalam road which is currently closed due to environmental concerns, is expected to be reconnected in a new manner with alternative proposals.
He stated that instead of racist governance, a government of national unity has been established for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history.
The President emphasized that there is no longer room for ethnic division in the country, adding that the current government treats all communities; Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim, with brotherhood and recognizes the rights of all citizens.
President Disanayake made these remarks while attending another rally of the “Victory is Certain, the Village is Ours” (Jaya Niyathi Gama Apitai) public campaign series today (17) in Mannar.
Additionally, discussions are underway with the Indian government to recommence the ferry service between Mannar and Rameshwaram. The government is also seeking public input to harness Mannar’s wind energy potential for power generation while minimizing environmental harm.
The President further stated that steps are being taken to return lands in the Northern Province, previously acquired by the government for security reasons during the war and gazetted under the Forest Conservation Department, back to the people. Further the required background would be created to reopen closed roads. He affirmed that the responsibility of a government is not about oppressing the people or burdening them with problems but to listen to their voices and resolve their issues.
Addressing the rally, President Disanayake further stated;
For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, we have ended divisive politics in an election. During previous elections people were divided, where people of the North voted for Tamil parties, the East for Muslim parties and the South for Sinhala parties. However, during the last general election, the people of the North, South and East, Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese alike chose the National People’s Power as the government. In that election, we all came together. Therefore, let us do politics without ever dividing ourselves again.
What we desire is a country where all communities live together in harmony. We have all suffered from racism. Suspicion grew among us; conflicts arose and erupted into war. As a result, we faced enough of racism related problems. We have established a new government to safeguard national unity and ensure that there is no longer any room for racism in our country. This is a government of unity. The current administration treats all communities, be it Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim with brotherhood. It is a government that respects and upholds the rights of all people. Never before has such a government been formed. In the past, we had racist governments. Today, we have a government based on national unity. Step by step, we have laid out plans to rebuild this country.
We affirm our commitment to establishing national unity by ensuring the protection of constitutional rights, legal rights, language rights, religious freedoms and the right to preserve cultural identity. No longer will this country leave room for so-called majorities and minorities. We wish to remind everyone that there is only one people; the Sri Lankan people, irrespective of whether they are Sinhalese, Tamil, or Muslim, whether they live in the North, South, or East. We will bring in the necessary legal reforms. We will put an end to the era of division.
We know that during the war, lands in the North were acquired by the government for security reasons. Some roads were closed, and certain private lands were gazetted under the Department of Forest Conservation. We are resolving all these issues to enable people to live freely, to cultivate their lands and to carry out their daily activities in an environment of freedom.
Mannar represents a region of strategic importance for our nation’s development. This coastal district boasts not only natural beauty but also abundant valuable resources that contribute to our national prosperity.
The fishing industry serves as the primary livelihood for a significant portion of Mannar’s population. However, we have identified concerning instances of unauthorized fishing operations in the Pesalai area, where illegal vessels are causing substantial harm to our marine ecosystem. During recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister, we held extensive discussions in this regard. Our seas and marine resources rightfully belong to our people. Therefore, we are taking active steps to resolve this issue. At the same time, we have instructed the Navy to take firm action against all illegal activities taking place in our territorial waters. It is the responsibility of our armed forces to protect our maritime resources and we are committed to fulfilling that duty.
Likewise, we are also working to resolve land issues related to agriculture. We will provide fertiliser subsidies and renovate paddy storage facilities to purchase farmers’ harvests. We urge you to be ready to work, and we will provide the support you need.
Furthermore, there was once a large-scale boat service operating between Mannar and Rameshwaram. We are currently in discussions with the Indian government to revive that service. Additionally, the Mannar region has significant potential for wind power generation. In the past, there were approvals granted for such projects without proper consultation with the public, leading to environmental damage. As a result, we have temporarily halted all such projects. However, we are prepared to move forward in a way that ensures minimal environmental impact and does not harm people’s lives, by engaging with the public and taking their views into consideration in utilising these valuable resources.
You are the ones who know this area best. Therefore, we will not permit any destructive projects that harm the environment. We are committed to ensuring that every project is carried out with the consent of the people and with minimal environmental impact. You are aware that the road between Mannar and Puttalam has remained closed for a long time. Reopening this road will shorten the distance to Puttalam by approximately 90 kilometres. We intend to re-establish the connection between Mannar and Puttalam through a new approach, proposing environmentally conscious alternatives to the current road construction. It is the government’s responsibility to ease the burdens of the people, not to create suffering or entangle them in further hardship. We have built a government that listens to the people — a government that works for the people.
You are well aware that two and a half to three years ago, Sri Lanka’s economy had completely collapsed. Even here in Mannar, there were former ministers from those previous governments. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers and State Ministers collectively brought the economy to its knees. Our country reached a point where we could not even import essential goods such as fuel and medicine. It was the ordinary citizens who suffered — not those responsible for creating the crisis. That is why the people of this country came together to establish a new government. Today, we are gradually restoring economic stability.
For the first time in five to six years, our nation possesses its largest ever foreign reserves. The Rupee has remained stable for over six consecutive months. We have successfully reduced fuel prices, increased the salaries of public sector employees, enhanced ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefits and are preparing to extend ‘Aswesuma’ welfare support to an additional 400,000 families by July. We are committed to caring for our people. We are providing all essential school uniforms for children. Students in smaller schools — those with fewer than 300 students — are receiving free footwear.
We have allocated Rs. 6,000 each for 1.6 million students to purchase schoolbooks and supplies. Moreover, after several years, we are recruiting 30,000 new employees into the public service. Today, one does not need to chase politicians to find employment — applications are called publicly, and those who perform best in competitive examinations will be selected on merit.
There is currently a shortage of Tamil-speaking personnel in the public service. Similarly, there is a shortage of Tamil-speaking officers within the police force. Therefore, we need Tamil-speaking individuals to join the police. This year, we plan to recruit 2,000 new officers into the police service. We encourage you to send your Tamil-speaking children to join the police. It is a highly respected profession — one that is vital for upholding law and order in our country. We will ensure they are given attractive salary scales along with other benefits. Similarly, we also encourage Tamil-speaking individuals to join the broader public service. Let us all come together to rebuild our country.
As the national government and as the President, I assure you that neither I, our Cabinet, nor any of our ministers will not steal even a single rupee from the people. We will not waste a single rupee. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, we have established a government free of corruption — a government that protects the wealth of the people without squandering it. Such a government has never before existed in our country’s history. From the very day when appointed as the President and the ministers took office, their plans were about stealing. But today we have always been planning about rebuilding the nation. We must safeguard and strengthen this government. We do not steal, and we will ensure that those who have committed theft are properly punished.
We are investigating all incidents, including the murders and the Easter Sunday attacks. Even though the people of our country have always respected the law, in the past, those in power acted above the law, undermining it. A country where the law is not upheld equally for all cannot move forward. Today, in every developed nation, the law is applied equally to everyone. We are committed to establishing that same principle here.
Let us move forward together. This year, we have allocated Rs. 1.5 billion for road development in the Northern Province. Additionally, we have earmarked significant funds for the development of coconut plantations in the North. If you are willing to cultivate coconuts, the government will provide plants, financial assistance for land preparation and support for fertilizers. This year alone, funds have been allocated for the cultivation of 16,000 acres of coconut in the North. Let us also strengthen our local government institutions. Submit your proposals — we are ready to allocate the necessary funds. However, we must ensure that trustworthy individuals are appointed to manage these resources responsibly. In the upcoming elections, I urge you to fulfil your responsibility. Let us move forward together.
