(-Colombo, December 13, 2024-) “We will not allow the trust the people have placed in us to be undermined in any way,” stated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a meeting with the heads of state media today (13). He further emphasised, “Regardless of their status in government, if mistakes are made, we will not hesitate […]
(-Colombo, December 13, 2024-)
“We will not allow the trust the people have placed in us to be undermined in any way,” stated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a meeting with the heads of state media today (13).
He further emphasised, “Regardless of their status in government, if mistakes are made, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”
The President further explained:
“For more than seven decades, the people of this nation have built and dismantled various governments. For the first time, we stand with a profound understanding of the historic mandate entrusted to us and the National People’s Power on two occasions.
The people placed their faith in the National People’s Power (NPP) government, hoping for a standardised and stable country. We will not tarnish that extraordinary trust, even by the slightest misconduct.
Simply put, our government is not here to shield anyone who errs, for any reason. Be it within the broader framework of the country or within our administration, anyone found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences. We will not hesitate to act decisively and at the right time.
In essence, our government will not shield anyone who makes a mistake, regardless of the reason. Whether the mistake occurs within the country or at any level within our government, we will not hesitate to take decisive action. Every necessary step will be taken at the appropriate time without delay.”
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the trust placed in them by the people, who have endured decades of deception. He pledged to work tirelessly to build a better nation.
The Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Director-General of Government Information, Harsha Bandara, and the heads of state media were present at the meeting.
(-Colombo, December 12, 2024-) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the Ministry of Finance to implement measures to enhance the efficiency and resilience of Sri Lanka’s financial system. The President provided these instructions during a discussion with Finance Ministry officials at the Presidential Secretariat today (12). Highlighting the Central Bank’s crucial role as an independent […]
(-Colombo, December 12, 2024-)
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the Ministry of Finance to implement measures to enhance the efficiency and resilience of Sri Lanka’s financial system. The President provided these instructions during a discussion with Finance Ministry officials at the Presidential Secretariat today (12).
Highlighting the Central Bank’s crucial role as an independent institution, President Dissanayake assured that the government would extend its full support and resources to stabilize the country’s finances.
He emphasized the importance of creating an effective mechanism to streamline banking and financial operations, ensuring efficiency and accessibility.
The meeting also focused on the Central Bank’s commitment to studying and closely analyzing developments in the economy and the financial system as a whole, and focus on implementing new policies to ensure financial stability and enhance the resilience of the financial system.
Further discussions focused on enforcing macro prudential policies within the financial sector. With the gradual stabilization of the economy, the emphasis has shifted to fostering safe growth in asset quality, prudent risk management, and capital building. These measures are expected to contribute to the strong performance and sustainability of the financial system in the coming years.
Key participants included Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Labour & Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suryapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, and Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, alongside other senior officials.
(-Colombo, December 12, 2024-) The Canadian Government has expressed its strong commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat corruption and fraud. This assurance was conveyed by H.E. Eric Walsh, the High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, during a meeting with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at […]
(-Colombo, December 12, 2024-)
The Canadian Government has expressed its strong commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat corruption and fraud.
This assurance was conveyed by H.E. Eric Walsh, the High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, during a meeting with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat today (12).
High Commissioner Walsh emphasized Canada’s readiness to share its expertise and experiences in preventing corruption and fraud, offering technical and strategic support to help Sri Lanka achieve its anti-corruption objectives.
Addressing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, High Commissioner Walsh highlighted the impact of the country’s political culture on its economic downturn. He commended the current government’s efforts to reform this culture, marking a significant step toward sustainable development and improved governance.
The discussion reflects Canada’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s governance and reform agenda, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations.
Mr. Patrick Pickering, Second Secretary (Political) of the Embassy of Canada in Sri Lanka, was also present at the meeting.
(-Colombo, December 12, 2024-) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged its support to the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to create a developed and prosperous nation. During a high-level meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (12) the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, assured President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the UAE’s […]
(-Colombo, December 12, 2024-)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged its support to the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to create a developed and prosperous nation.
During a high-level meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (12) the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, assured President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
The Ambassador highlighted plans to increase investments in Sri Lanka and share technical expertise in digitalization and modern technology.
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, Ambassador Al Ameri emphasized efforts to further boost economic collaboration.
He announced plans to increase investments in Sri Lanka and provide technical assistance to foster innovation and modernization.
The discussion also addressed the significant role played by the 150,000 Sri Lankans currently employed in the UAE. Both parties explored avenues to expand employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in the UAE, further strengthening economic ties.
The UAE, Sri Lanka’s sixth-largest export market, was identified as a key area for growth. Talks were held on diversifying and expanding Sri Lankan exports to the UAE, underscoring mutual interest in boosting trade.
Ambassador Al Ameri reiterated the UAE’s commitment to fostering a long-standing friendship and assured that the UAE would provide support to Sri Lanka whenever needed.
As a gesture of goodwill, the Ambassador extended an official invitation to President Dissanayake to visit the UAE.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Ahmad M.A.A. Al Shehhi, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the UAE in Colombo, further solidifying the cooperative spirit between the two nations.
(-Colombo, December 07, 2024-) – Says U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Donald Lu expressed the United States government’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s on-going anti-corruption initiatives as needed during a meeting with President Anura […]
(-Colombo, December 07, 2024-)
– Says U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Donald Lu expressed the United States government’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s on-going anti-corruption initiatives as needed during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (07).
Mr. Lu stated that the US is prepared to provide financial and technical assistance to strengthen Sri Lanka’s security and economy. He also emphasized the US government’s willingness to offer technical expertise to help recover funds that were illegally taken out of the country, as part of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption program.
The discussion highlighted the US government’s appreciation for the new administration’s prioritization of key political, economic, and social challenges. Mr. Lu reaffirmed US support for safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking at the event, highlighted that Sri Lanka’s political culture significantly influences corruption and waste. He emphasized that efforts are underway to reduce these issues by fostering a new and improved political culture.
The President also spoke about initiatives to uplift rural living standards through improvements to the rural economy and efforts to establish a modern civil service by enhancing the quality of public services.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Ms. Julie Chung, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Ms. Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the U.S. Department of Treasury Mr. Robert Kaproth, USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau and Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs Ms. Shawn Gray, among others.
(-Colombo, December 05, 2024-) Digital economy expected to generate USD 15 billion in revenue within the next five years – President highlights these goals upon assuming duties as Minister of Digital Economy President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need for the support of all professionals to digitize the country and actively participate in the process, […]
(-Colombo, December 05, 2024-)
Digital economy expected to generate USD 15 billion in revenue within the next five years
– President highlights these goals upon assuming duties as Minister of Digital Economy
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need for the support of all professionals to digitize the country and actively participate in the process, at a time when the expectations of the political establishment and digital technologists are aligned.
He further assured that he would firmly stand by this vision at any time.
The President shared these remarks while addressing officials of the Ministry of Digital Economic Affairs after assuming duties as the Minister of Digital Economic Affairs today (05).
Highlighting the benefits of digitalization, the President stated that it has the potential to enhance the efficiency of economic activities and elevate the country’s economy to greater heights.
The President highlighted that the government’s primary objectives are poverty eradication, transforming social attitudes, and advancing digitalization.
The President emphasized that a country’s development cannot be achieved solely by constructing buildings. Reflecting on the past, he recalled the existence of a dedicated construction ministry two decades ago and noted that currently, construction activities are being undertaken by every ministry.
He revealed that during discussions with the Ministry of Education authorities and university chancellors last year, no attention was given to education reforms, with the focus remaining solely on building construction.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also highlighted that despite the Ministry of Labor possessing two large buildings, there has been no reduction in public queues, stressing that digitalization is essential to address such issues effectively.
The Ministry has outlined a plan to generate an income of USD 15 billion within the next five years through the digital economy.
Efforts will also be directed towards increasing the digital workforce to 200,000 and digitizing the entire country within the same timeframe.
Engineer Eranga Weeraratne assumed duties as the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy during this occasion.
Secretary attended the event to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Affairs Hans Wijayasuriya, who is also the Chairman of ICTA, along with a group of officials.
