Editor’s Note: The following article is based on the inaugural address delivered by Anura Kumara Dissanayake after being elected as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka.
We believe that the victory you have entrusted to us will be further strengthened if it brings joy even to those who may not have initially aligned with our vision. Therefore, I dedicate this victory to all citizens of our nation.
We honor and remember the courageous men and women of previous generations who made sacrifices—some with their lives—for this victory. I view this achievement and the prosperous nation we aim to build as a tribute to their legacy.
We believe that all people, including those who placed their trust in us despite slander, falsehoods, and misinformation, have the strength to shoulder the responsibility of building this nation together.
As a united team, we are capable of fulfilling this role. Our team is talented and dedicated to this mission, with unwavering determination.
The change we seek involves many steps that will take time, but achieving stability and confidence in the current economy is crucial. We plan to immediately begin negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and proceed with activities related to the extended credit facility. Additionally, we are negotiating with relevant creditors to expedite our debt restructuring program and secure necessary debt relief. We are confident that we will gain the support of both the people of this country and the international community, believing that through this collective support, we will achieve success.
One concept that resonates with the public is our commitment to making a “difference.” Citizens expect us to eliminate the negative traits in our political culture, and our track record so far supports this commitment. Notably, we succeeded in making this the first presidential election in Sri Lanka without reports of post-election violence, reflecting the trust the people have placed in us. Our goal is to confirm and stabilize this positive situation.
At this moment, I want to emphasize the importance of engaging in politics with a collective focus on building our country, and we are committed to providing that leadership.
Regardless of whether one identifies as Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, or Malay, our nation will only thrive when we create a practical environment where everyone can proudly say, “We are Sri Lankan citizens.” We will not hesitate to implement necessary constitutional, economic, and political reforms.
We are launching a permanent program to build a unified Sri Lankan nation that respects diversity, fully ending the era of division based on race, religion, class, and caste.
We have already taken significant steps to appoint efficient and honest officials to oversee these initiatives. We are advancing steadily towards the desired changes, ensuring that public service remains intact and that citizens are not adversely affected.
We are committed to creating a law-abiding nation and fostering a disciplined society while ensuring the social security of all citizens. This reinforces the principle that everyone is equal before the law.
We believe that public service plays a crucial role in nation-building. To that end, we will establish a public service that instills pride in the community and aligns with the government’s goals. Our commitment is to create an efficient, honest, and people-focused public service.
Our goal is to improve the standard of living for the people of this country, and we are implementing practical programs to alleviate the heavy burdens faced by our citizens.
No parent in this country should have to worry about their child’s future. Every parent deserves the right to provide their child with access to quality schools and education. We are fully committed to securing the future of the next generation by ensuring excellent education for all children. By fostering knowledge, attitudes, and skills, we are building a promising future for the youth of our country.
When visiting a country, an airport often offers a first impression, reflecting its order, the behavior of its people, their work ethic, and cultural practices. It also reveals the country’s cleanliness, how vehicles are driven, how the elderly are treated, the hospitality shown, and even how animals are cared for. We have developed clear plans to enhance Sri Lanka’s image in these areas, with short-term, medium-term, and long-term initiatives already underway.
Our goal is to create a nation where the world respects our passport, and where every citizen can proudly say, “I am Sri Lankan.” Achieving this vision will require the collective effort of every citizen.
We are committed to creating a system that upholds social justice for all, and we will do so with the highest sense of responsibility.
We are building a secure future for our children and youth through a program that promotes knowledge, skills, education, and entrepreneurship.
The women in our community, who make up over 52% of our population, play a vital role in both the economy and the social fabric of our country. We are actively working to enhance women’s representation across all institutions. As a testament to our commitment, we have already appointed a woman as Prime Minister.
A significant portion of our population consists of individuals with disabilities who require special social protection. To support this group, we have proposed a robust social safety net and are implementing short-term measures to address their needs.
We ensure that no group within our society is overlooked on our journey forward. By respecting each other’s identities and harnessing them positively for the country’s progress, we make our collective contribution.
We hold a strong belief in the sovereignty of the people and are committed to safeguarding their democratic rights.
I understand that some may feel uncertain due to doubts about us, but I am determined to earn your trust through my actions. I welcome your constructive criticism and encourage you to join us in building the future together. If we can set aside our differences, I believe you will see that we share the same goals. Together, we can confront the challenges facing our country and develop the necessary strategies to move forward. Our doors are open to all who are genuinely and positively committed to the progress of our nation.
We require a Parliament that accurately reflects the will of the people. The existing Parliament does not represent that will. Therefore, I took the step yesterday to dissolve it. A cabinet was appointed in line with our parliamentary representation to guide the country in accordance with the constitution.
There is one dream our people see every new day the sun rises: That “tomorrow will be better than today!” However, you and I both know that for many years, this has remained merely a dream. Opportunism, greed for power, and authoritarianism have hindered our country’s progress. But now, we have our final opportunity—an opportunity we cannot miss. Let us unite to create a thriving and beautiful country that embraces diversity.
