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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking at a public gathering in Kalutara on Sunday outlined the social and economic transformation carried out by his Government in a short span of time and also unveiled plans for the future.
“The people of this country contributed to the greatest political transformation in our nation. Moreover, within the past two months, we have succeeded in making a significant shift in the country’s political culture. We are now leading this country with accountability to the public mandate we received.”
The President made this statement while addressing a gathering of party supporters at the Pakistan Grounds in Wettumakada, Kalutara.
The President also said: “In the past, Governments have changed through various influences – factionalism, foreign interference and media manipulation, however, this time people came forward and voted for a change while rejecting the politics practiced by past rulers.
“Despite various false propaganda campaigns by groups that have destroyed the country, the public did not fall for these deceptions. Serving these citizens is the responsibility of a democratic Government. Within the past two months, we have stabilised the economy, strengthened foreign relations and steered the State toward good governance.
“Our Cabinet has 21 members. In the past, ministerial posts were distributed among family and friends. In contrast, our ministers and MPs are taking responsibility on behalf of the people. Our ministers do not travel with motorcades or Police escorts, which is a significant change.
“The Police Force is currently short of 21,000 officers. This was a country where Naval soldiers were deployed for trivial tasks like fixing the folds of a sari. Former Presidents spent Rs. 700 million annually on their security. We have reduced the number of their security personnel to 60, and if they continue to criticise, even that number will be reduced. Many Police officers previously worked in the homes of these individuals.
“In the past, ministers fought over Government houses. We have not given any Government house to any minister. A committee has been appointed to decide what should be done with these properties. Some of these houses may be converted into hotels, cultural centres or educational institutions.
“For example, the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has a monthly rental valuation of Rs. 4.6 million. By law, only one-third of the salary, Rs. 30,000, can be deducted from the monthly salary. If they wish to reside there, they will have to pay the rest. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s residence will also be assessed soon. How much public property have these individuals enjoyed?
“Government institutions are filled with excess vehicles. It’s like a car showroom. These vehicles will soon be auctioned.
“We will also soon propose the abolishment of MPs’ pension schemes. Previously, MPs sold their vehicle permits for Rs. 6-7 million. Moving forward, no MP will receive permits. Additionally, MPs are debating over food in the Parliamentary canteen. In the future, meals will be provided at actual cost for those who wish to eat there.
“We did not inherit a strong economy. We took over a country with fuel and gas queues and insurmountable debt.
“We cannot afford to be isolated from the world. We must establish relations with other nations. For this reason, India is a key partner as our closest neighbour. I chose India for my first official State visit. During this visit, we successfully converted a loan facility for the Maho -Anuradhapura railway signalling system into a grant. India has also provided substantial grants for the development of the Eastern Province.
“The Sampur Wind Power Plant will be a joint venture between Sri Lanka and India. We have also reduced the cost of electricity per unit from 7 cents to 5.97 cents.
“In 1960, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s Government acquired the Trincomalee Oil Tanks from Britain for £250,000. Of the 84 tanks, we need 24 for domestic storage. After allocating some to IOC, 61 tanks remain, capable of storing 610,000 Metric Tonnes of oil. We will begin a refinery project with India, aiming to export oil to foreign markets.
“China has provided us with a grant of 500 million yuan. These funds will be used to alleviate poverty and for public welfare. Additionally, we are initiating a technology transfer programme to bring China’s advanced technology to Sri Lanka.
We increased the pensions of retirees by Rs. 3,000 and enhanced the Aswesuma welfare benefits. Each school student received Rs. 6,000. A review is scheduled for June to ensure the proper distribution of Aswesuma benefits.”
Sunil Stanley
