Sri Lankan Prez Dissanayake Vows to Restore Peace and Order

Colombo: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his inaugural dress to newly convened parliament, on Thursday pledged to fulfil his pre-election promises by ensuring supremacy of law and dressing past wrongdoings.

Staying true to his National People’s Power (NPP) party’s commitment to austerity, Dissanayake me a modest ceremonial entry to parliament, foregoing usual pomp of motorcycle outriders, motorces, and military gun salutes.

Cl in a simple white tunic, 56-year-old President dressed parliament from Speaker’s chair, marking first session since his party’s landslide victory.

NPP created history in November 14 election by winning 159 seats in 225-member assembly. This was first time that a government h won two-thirds control or over 150 seats in a parliamentary election held since 1989.

“It is our duty to make everyone accountable and equal before law," Dissanayake said, ding, “We will deliver justice to everyone affected by past crimes.” In his policy dress, President focused significantly on country’s struggling economy. Despite earlier criticisms of International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme initiated by previous government led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, Dissanayake affirmed his ministration’s commitment to continue programme.

“Our duty since being elected was to win confidence of all parties by ensuring continuity,” Dissanayake said.

He expressed optimism about securing next staff-level agreement with IMF for next tranche of USD 2.9 billion facility, expected by November 23.

“We will enter staff-level agreement (with IMF) hopefully by November 23,” Dissanayake said.

On debt restructuring, Dissanayake assured that his government would honour agreements me by previous ministration. “Soon, re will be separate agreements with each country on debt restructuring, and hopefully, all will be finalised by end of this year,” he said.

President emphasised need for broer public participation in economic development, ensuring that economic benefits reach larger population. He highlighted unique unity his government represents, bringing toger people from both south and north.

“re will be no race, religion, or discrimination-based politics in government,” he stressed.

Announcing welfare measures, Dissanayake vowed to dress immediate challenges such as malnutrition, healthcare, and social care, pledging to protect all citizens.

“This will be a government that protects all people,” he said. 

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