NPP News

(-Colombo, December 25, 2024-)

Christmas, the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great reverence by Christians worldwide. Jesus Christ, who came into this world to bring salvation to all, saw no divisions among people, be they rich or poor. His birth among humble shepherds, and the divine message delivered to them by angels, underscores the profound truth that Christmas calls us to transcend divisions and act with unity, peace, and humanity.

Today, as a nation, we stand at a pivotal moment, united in our shared commitment to the future. We are witnessing the dawn of a new era for our country, one illuminated by the message of love and unity brought by Jesus Christ. Transforming our nation into a land where peace reigns and divisions are replaced by mutual understanding is a journey we are on together. Jesus Christ’s life, rooted in the pursuit of human freedom and justice, serves as an enduring inspiration for our work today.

Today, Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads, requiring a transformative social revival. This is a call for a collective national renewal, a shift towards a just, compassionate, and equitable society. It is a moment for us to unite, acting with determination, resilience, and courage, to achieve the shared vision of a prosperous nation and fulfilling lives for all.

Although society often compels us towards selfish competition, let us embrace the virtues of humanity this Christmas with empathy, respect for equality, fraternity, and coexistence. By fostering these values, we can work towards a society that thrives on mutual care and collective joy.

This Christmas, let us pledge to build a strong, stable economy, ensure social justice, and uphold a political culture rooted in democracy and integrity. Together, with firm resolve, we can create a beautiful nation filled with humanity and freedom.

May all Christians in Sri Lanka and across the world have a blessed and joyful Christmas!

Anura Kumara Dissanayake

President

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

23rd December, 2024

#presidentAKD#PMD#christmas2024

(-Colombo, December 23, 2024-)

A high-level discussion on the critical preparations for Sri Lanka’s upcoming Mutual Evaluation (ME) by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) was held today (23) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake .

The meeting focused on preventing money laundering and countering terrorism financing (AML/CFT) and included participation from cabinet ministers, ministry secretaries, officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

The FIU highlighted the urgent implementation of cabinet-approved action plans involving 24 key institutions, including regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies. These plans prioritize legal reforms, capacity building, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and maintaining comprehensive records to meet the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations effectively.

President Disanayake directed the establishment of dedicated teams to ensure compliance and closely monitor progress. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and accountability in strengthening Sri Lanka’s AML/CFT framework.

He underscored the need for a robust and effective system to secure favourable evaluation outcomes, maintain financial stability, and bolster international confidence in the country’s economy.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake also attended at the meeting.

(-Colombo, December 17, 2024-)

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament today (17) that the injustice done to religious traditions and to the people by cremating those who lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be justified.

The decision made by the previous government is completely unjustifiable. It was an extremely insensitive and cruel decision. The traditions followed after a death allow families to express their grief and alleviate their suffering. This is why such rituals hold religious significance.

These traditions are particularly important in uncertain times like the COVID pandemic. We cannot condone such a cruel decision during such a time. No political or other justification can make it acceptable. It was unfair to make such a decision without any scientific basis. Therefore, our government will never again make any decision that causes such suffering to any group or disrespects religious traditions.

If such an incident occurred, we believe it was a decision made by officials based on the prevailing political culture. We will work to change that culture. We emphasize that we will not allow officials to make decisions that will cause harm to the people again. We acknowledge that justice must be served to those affected by this, and we are ready to discuss how to address this issue.

(-Colombo, December 17, 2024-)

Her Excellency Ms. Qin Boyong, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Vice Premier level, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister welcomed Ms. Qin Boyong and her delegation, appreciating the longstanding friendship and underscoring the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. Strengthening cooperation in disease control, sustainable developments, improving trade and cooperation in multilateral forums were discussed further.

Senior officials present included H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka; Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. S. Vijitha Basnayake, Media Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Director-General for East Asia; and Ms. Udani Gunawardena, Director of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(-Colombo, December 17, 2024-)

Your Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India,

Your Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India,

Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Namaste, Good evening,

I am deeply touched, Madam President, by your gracious sentiments.

Permit me to express my sincere appreciation to you, the Government, and the people of India for the gracious hospitality accorded to my delegation and me in your country. I bring with me warm greetings from the people of Sri Lanka to our Indian friends.

Excellency,

The bonds between Sri Lanka and India transcend diplomacy and geographical proximity. Our relationship is civilisationally linked and defined by mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared destiny. From the shores of the Indian Ocean to the heart of the Subcontinent, we are bound by a common heritage of tradition, values, and even a vision for the future, inherent in our countries’ robust relations. Therefore, undertaking my first-ever State Visit to India is only natural.

My administration remains committed to further strengthening this age-old relationship. India has been a trusted friend, steadfast partner, and our closest neighbour, whose unstinted support has been pivotal in my country’s journey towards economic recovery, growth, and stability. India’s assistance to Sri Lanka in times of need and its unwavering solidarity are deeply cherished.

As Sri Lanka stands on the threshold of a new era, it is important to further strengthen its economic ties, enhance people-to-people connections, and advance regional and global cooperation. The future holds immense potential. The role of our two countries in ensuring peace, stability, security, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region is of paramount importance.

The strength of our partnership lies in collective action. It is through collaborative efforts that we can address the new and evolving challenges that transcend borders, whether they be in addressing environmental concerns, combating terrorism, or ensuring economic growth that benefits all citizens globally. Sri Lanka remains committed to fostering deeper cooperation with India, as a leader of the global South, to harness the opportunities of the 21st century for future generations to thrive in an interconnected and interdependent world.

Excellency,

Let this evening be a celebration of the enduring friendship between our two nations—a bond that has withstood the test of time and continues to flourish, bringing us closer together in the pursuit of peace and progress.

To the Government and people of India, I extend my deepest appreciation for the unwavering support and friendship. May our cooperation continue to grow stronger, and our shared journey brings prosperity to our nations and the entire region.

Thank you.

(-Colombo, December 17, 2024-)

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently on an official visit to India, arrived in Bodh Gaya this morning (17). He paid homage at the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment, and received blessings.

Bodh Gaya is one of the four main sacred sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, holding immense significance for Buddhists. In 2002, the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The General Secretary of Maha Bodhi Society of India, Venerable Pelwatte Seewalee Thero, and the Head of the Sarnath Center, Venerable Rathmalwala Sumiththananda Nayake Thero, extended blessings to the President during the occasion.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, along with the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando also participated in the event.