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• Will restore moral values and ethical systems that have diminished over the years
– President

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that no nation in the world has achieved development by neglecting its cultural values and traditions. He emphasized that the current government is committed to rebuilding the country by reinstating the moral principles and ethical systems that have slowly diminished over the years.

The President made these remarks this afternoon (25) while participating in the opening ceremony of newly built Bodhi Prakara with Golden Fence, at the historic Rangiri Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya (Cave Rock Temple of Dambulla).

Upon arrival at the temple, President Disanayake formally opened the newly built Bodhi Prakara and offered the first flower tribute. He also unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the opening of the Bodhi Prakara.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the President further stated that a just and virtuous society cannot be built through laws alone. Highlighting the significant role religious philosophy can play in shaping society, he noted that village temple monks, together with other religious leaders, bear a major responsibility in this effort.

The President also stated that the government has planned a wide-ranging transformation of the education sector to nurture a future generation enriched with wisdom and virtues an essential step for the economic, social and political transformation of the country.

In addition, President Disanayake said the government is taking structured and strategic steps to curb organized drug trafficking and protect future generations from the harmful effects of drugs.

The ceremony was attended by the Maha Sangha of both the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters, including the Chief Incumbent of the Rangiri Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya, Dr. Godagama Mangala Nayaka Thera, and the Chief Custodian of the Sri Vishnu Devalaya at the Rangiri Dambuli Viharaya, Venerable Dadubaddiruppe Mahinda Thera along with Maha Sangha and Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana Gamagedara Dissanayake and other devotees, were also present.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals.

President Disanayake conveyed his condolences to Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi over the phone this afternoon (25). The two leaders engaged in a conversation that lasted approximately 15 minutes.

The President conveyed profound shock and sorrow upon learning of the terrorist attack and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s unwavering solidarity and brotherhood with the people of India.

He reiterated Sri Lanka’s firm stance against terrorism in all its forms, regardless of where it occurs in the world.

Extending heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the victims of the brutal terrorist attack and their families, the President also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The President expressed that Sri Lanka hopes the current tensions will ease soon and that regional peace and stability will be restored swiftly.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid a visit to the Vatican Embassy this afternoon (24) to extend his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.

Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence, conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.

UAE Pledges Support for the Promotion of Energy, Tourism, Investment and Foreign Employment Sectors

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated that the UAE will prioritize the promotion of the energy, tourism, foreign investment and foreign employment sectors while further strengthening its longstanding ties with Sri Lanka.

The Deputy Prime Minister who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka accompanied by a high-level UAE delegation made these remarks during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (22).

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that this visit aims to further strengthen and expand the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations, with a focus on achieving mutual economic benefits through deepened cooperation for both countries.

Extending his best wishes on behalf of the UAE and its people to the new administration of Sri Lanka, the Deputy Prime Minister assured the UAE’s full support for the new government’s development agenda.

Furthermore, he praised President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s dedication, efforts and commitment toward rebuilding Sri Lanka, as well as his positive approach toward relations with the UAE.

In response, President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka has now established an investment-friendly environment. He assured that unlike in the past, the country would not allow the re-emergence of an unstable climate that discouraged investment. The President also stressed that there are now strong legal frameworks in place to protect investments.

The President also briefed the delegation on the government’s steps toward debt restructuring and achieving economic stability. Additionally, he outlined investment opportunities available in port terminal development, port city development, the tourism industry, the energy sector and transportation sector.

President Disanayake further emphasized that the new government’s objective is to position Sri Lanka as the region’s leading investment hub and premier tourist destination.

Among those present at the meeting were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Minister of State (UAE) H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh; UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs (UAE) H.E. Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs (UAE) H.E. Abdulla Balalaa, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the UAE, Ahmed Burhaima, Director of the Policy Planning Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE) Muath Alwari, Senior Media and Content Specialist at the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (UAE) Maitha Al Mansouri, Desk Officer for Asian Affairs and Pacific Department (UAE) Ms. Huda Al Abdali and several other officials.

It is with profound sorrow that I extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a global moral compass and a deeply respected voice for peace, justice and compassion.

Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to the poor, his tireless call for global unity and his spiritual leadership touched millions across all faiths. In Sri Lanka, his memory is held with special affection. His historic visit to our island nation in January 2015 remains etched in our collective memory, a moment of spiritual healing and interfaith solidarity following years of national struggle. His presence brought comfort, hope and a renewed call for reconciliation and compassion among our diverse communities.

The Catholic community of Sri Lanka numbering nearly 1.7 million faithful joins the global Church in mourning this irreplaceable loss. But beyond denomination, all Sri Lankans who value peace, humility and human dignity will remember him as a friend of the people and a beacon of moral clarity in turbulent times.

May his legacy of compassion, justice and interfaith harmony continue to inspire generations to come.

May His Holiness rest in eternal peace.

Under direct instructions from President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the final report and all accompanying volumes of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks were formally submitted today (20) to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Since the National People’s Power Government came into power, the inquiry has been fast‑tracked and reoriented to ensure it remains fully independent and impartial.

Timed to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the coordinated 2019 bombings, the revamped investigation highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

President Disanayake reaffirmed his pledge to secure justice for the victims, vowing that these heinous crimes will not be allowed to fade into obscurity.

The “Siri Dalada Wandanawa”, the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which allows the public to venerate and pay their respects to the Sacred Tooth Relic, commenced today (18) after 16 years, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

Marking the inauguration ceremony, the President placed first floral tribute to the Sacred Tooth Relic and with the President paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” officially commenced, allowing the devoted public to pay their respects to the Sacred Tooth Relic.

At the request of the President, the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” will be held under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, and under the direction of the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. The event will continue for 10 days, from today until April 27.

A large number of devotees from all over the country arrived at the Temple of the Tooth Relic today (18) to pay their homage. Today, the public will have the opportunity to venerate the Sacred Tooth Relic until 5:00 p.m. From tomorrow (19) onwards, the public will be allowed to worship daily from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.

The event was also graced by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi along with other Ministers and Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea, Public officials, Members of the security forces and a large number of local and foreign devotees were also present.

As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.

It is with profound joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the efforts undertaken by the National People’s Power government over the past months to lift our nation from adversity and steer it towards economic, social and political advancement. The successes we have thus far achieved rightfully belong to the people of this country, whose steadfast trust, as expressed in the most recent Presidential and General Elections, has been the driving force behind this transformative journey.

As a responsible government, we possess the strength and determination to further deepen our commitment to the nation, even amidst formidable challenges. We are implementing well-considered plans to address the multifaceted challenges confronting our country, both in terms of national development and within the broader geopolitical landscape.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities. While contemporary society may be burdened by various divisions, occasions such as the New Year provide a timely reminder of the enduring values of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is our solemn responsibility, particularly at this time of renewal, to nurture those values within ourselves and to foster a more compassionate and ethical society.

Moreover, the rituals associated with the sun’s transition are underpinned by the universal aspiration to create a renewed individual, one free from outdated thoughts and attitudes. The New Year, therefore, offers us an invaluable opportunity to embrace renewal in our own lives.

As we welcome this New Year, I call upon all of you to come together with renewed strength, unity and goodwill. Let us collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation and thereby ensuring enduring progress and prosperity for our country and all its people.

May this New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, renewed hope and abundant prosperity in your journey towards ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”.
Warmest wishes for a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year!