Today, it is only the government that has a clear politics, vision and ideology
The government is committed to an economic transformation suited to the modern world, based on our historical heritage
The extension of the state of emergency is solely to accelerate the reconstruction process and it will in no way be used as a tool of repression
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that for some in the opposition who are unable to speak about corruption-free governance, democracy and economic prosperity, their only remaining slogan today has become racism and that racism will not be allowed to re-emerge anywhere in the North or the South.
Emphasising that unity is our greatest strength and that the fundamental strength of our country lies where we come together, the President said the nation can be rebuilt strongly only if everyone unites. He further stressed that the government is committed to an economic transformation suited to the modern world, founded on our historical heritage.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks while attending the event held this afternoon (06) at the Niyangoda School playground to grant land and financial assistance for house construction under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, aimed at resettling families whose homes were completely destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah and those identified as being at high risk from landslides.
The President also participated in the ceremonial commencement of construction work on a new house, marking the launch of the housing programme.
These benefits were provided to 146 families from the Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Hatharaliyadda, Poojapitiya and Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat divisions.
Accordingly, under the first phase, cheques worth Rs 02 Million were issued for house construction; cheques of Rs. 300,000 were issued to families with partially damaged houses for repairs; and cheques of Rs. 200,000 were provided to revive damaged livelihoods.
In addition, a school building was donated for the continuation of the Niyangoda Pirivena Dhamma School.
Addressing the gathering, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated:
Throughout our political history, the main theme on every political platform has been the eradication of fraud and corruption. Former leaders made various promises in this regard and whenever governments changed, corruption became a central political issue. I believe that there will no longer be slogans about fraud and corruption dominating our political stage.
Similarly, democracy became a central theme, with discussions about postponing elections, killing journalists and murders in public spaces. There will be no renewed threat to democracy in this country, nor there be an opportunity for democracy to again become a political slogan.
There was also continuous discussion about economic collapse. I do not believe that external political movements will again be able to use economic collapse or poverty alleviation as slogans. We will eradicate poverty in this country.
Governments were also toppled claiming weak international relations. We are pursuing a strong foreign policy. As a result, many have lost constructive political slogans and racism has become the only path they see to power.
We have a clear vision of how to rebuild this country. When rebuilding any nation, its history and foundations matter. Development plans and economic strategies must be built upon those foundations.Therefore, we are committed to a new economic transformation rooted in our heritage and suited to the modern world, fostering a society deeply connected to this land. Therefore, what we have regarding Buddhism and our history is not a slogan to be adopted on the political stage, we must move forward while maintaining ties with the past in which our country was built.
Today, only the government has coherent politics, vision and ideology. Others simply react to momentary events, like a flock of crows gathering around scraps. We, however, are acting with a clear and sound vision.
Cyclone Ditwah caused severe damage to both the people and the economy. In such major disasters, ordinary law is insufficient; special laws are required. The Constitution provides for special laws and the Public Security Act allows for emergency powers. Emergency regulations were enacted solely for recovery, not repression. But in history, emergency laws have often been used to weaken trade union movements and suppress the media. We have not used emergency regulations for that purpose. Since this building process has not yet been completed, we are implementing emergency regulations until the basic work is completed.
I assure you that the state of emergency will not be used as a repressive weapon. It has been extended only to expedite procurement, land acquisition and to ensure the safety of public officials during reconstruction. We are providing the necessary legal protection to the areas affected by this Cyclone Ditwah, which need to be rebuilt speedily. It is not being used as a tool of repression in any way.
There are those who wish to see this country fail, but we are rebuilding it to withstand any disaster. To do so, we must stand together. If we stand alone, our strength is limited. But if we unite, we become even stronger.
We must resolve internal conflicts and build ourselves as one nation. Internal divisions weaken us; unity strengthens us. For a long time, we were weakened by internal conflicts. Internal conflicts diminish our strength. Just as small strands come together to bring great strength, all the people of the country must unite under one flag.
The foremost strength of our country lies in unity. Today, for the first time, a government has earned the respect and trust of the people of the North. The people of the North and East have always had doubts about the Colombo government. Today, that doubt has been dispelled. It is a good situation. The existence of racist political movements in the North has ceased. A country cannot be united by land and borders. For that country to be united, the people of that country must unite. That is the main task of building our country.
Anyone can incite racism and violence and a small group is attempting this today. However, the true Buddhist community will not fall victim to it and we will not allow racism to re-emerge in either the North or the South. Therefore, we are working towards that. If the laws are not sufficient for that, I declare that we will strengthen the laws further.
For some in the opposition who cannot speak of clean governance, democracy or economic prosperity, racism has become their sole slogan. We are committed to building a just and compassionate society grounded in the true teachings of Buddhism and all religions.
A large gathering including members of the Maha Sangha led by Most Venerable Dr Gallalle Sumanasiri Nayaka Thera, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena, Governor of the Central Province Professor S.B.S. Abayakoon, Members of Parliament of the Kandy District including MP Thanura Dissanayake, Pradeshiya Sabha members and public representatives, Kandy District Secretary, Indika Udawatte and Divisional Secretaries, government officials and a large group of residents of the area participated in this event.
