by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Addressing the nation at the inauguration ceremony for the resumption of construction on the Kadawatha to Mirigama section of the Central Expressway Project, the President emphasized that the 2022-2023 economic crisis and its accompanying social hardships were not random events, attributing them to multiple significant factors. He assured citizens that measures are being taken to prevent such a crisis from recurring.
“The country will be built in a way that such a crisis will never occur in Sri Lanka again,” the President declared, stressing that national economic stability depends on more than construction projects alone and is being actively strengthened through multiple avenues.
Highlighting efforts to revive stalled infrastructure projects, the President noted his recent discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his January visit to China. “I requested support to restart projects initiated with Chinese loans. President Xi agreed, and the Chinese Exim Bank has expressed willingness to provide a concessional loan for this expressway section at an interest rate of 2.5–3.5%,” he said.
The President also addressed law and order issues, criticizing the existence of an “underground state” formed by organized crime networks operating alongside corrupt institutions. He vowed to dismantle these networks, stating, “Organized crime groups have created a great disaster in society. We will definitely end this underground state.” He thanked the police for accepting the challenge of enforcing the law and maintaining public trust.
In addition, the President outlined efforts to reform public service and governance. He said that individuals resistant to new political norms would be removed, emphasizing that public servants must treat every rupee as a corporate asset. The 2026 budget includes Rs. 11,000 crore for public servant salary increases, rising to Rs. 33,000 crore in 2027, with all government services slated for digitalization by next year.
The President projected positive economic developments, anticipating a growth rate close to 5% by year-end and foreign reserves reaching $7 billion. He highlighted the attraction of $1 billion in direct investment and the expectation of completing numerous projects across various sectors. “A collapsed state is building stable economies, not stagnant economies. This year marks a significant turning point in Sri Lanka’s economy, social life, politics, and rule of law,” he said.
He cited recognition from international financial institutions, including the World Bank, which recently described Sri Lanka as the fastest country in rebuilding collapsed economies. “These are important factors. That is why we are moving forward on this journey very steadily,” he stated, dismissing minor political upheavals as irrelevant distractions.
Education and citizen development were also central to his address. “A developed nation requires developed citizens who can fearlessly express ideas and take collective action. We are creating an education reform to produce such citizens,” the President said, framing it as critical for Sri Lanka’s long-term progress.
On infrastructure, he emphasized the importance of timely project completion, warning that delays constitute a major economic loss. “It is the responsibility of officials to complete the Central Expressway on time, and the government will provide all necessary support for this,” he concluded.
