* Plans to use modern technology to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse
* Focus on enacting new laws to combat crime
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.
He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.
“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.”
– President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
A special IFTAR ceremony was held this evening (14th) at Temple Trees in commemoration of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The event was graced by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The event was attended by a significant number of Islamic religious leaders and devotees, and it was held with a strong emphasis on Islamic religious traditions.
The Deputy Speaker, Rizvie Salih, delivered the welcome speech, while the Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, also addressed the gathering.
Sheikh Abdullah Shaheed Mawlavi delivered a special sermon on the significance of the month of Ramadan.
Following a special prayer session, the breaking of the fast commenced at 6:23 PM, after which a special banquet was held.
President Disanayake also engaged in a friendly conversation with the attendees of the IFTAR ceremony.
Among the distinguished guests were Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Governor of the Western Province, Mr. Hanif Yusuf, as well as Government and Opposition Parliamentarians, State Officials, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Media Personnel.
• President Focuses on Streamlining, Integrating and Developing the Manufacturing Sector for Greater Efficiency
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was held today (14) at the Presidential Secretariat.
Discussions focused on enhancing the efficiency, integration and development of the manufacturing sector to strengthen the national economy, as well as addressing the challenges associated with these efforts.
Key topics included government-led initial investments and proper regulation to empower small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, the establishment of local small-scale industries within investment zones and challenges related to business loans faced by small and medium-scale enterprises.
The President directed officials to expedite the release of lands allocated to the Ministry of Industry that have not been released so far.
Further discussions were held on maintaining and regulating import restrictions to strengthen local industries, prioritizing local suppliers in construction industry procurement and resolving issues in the gem and jewellery sector to ensure its full contribution to the national economy.
The President also instructed officials to swiftly implement tax exemptions for tourists to boost the gem and jewelry industry.
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara and several other ministry officials attended the meeting.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and academics of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) was held this morning (13) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, the academics briefed the President on the challenges they are currently facing, and potential solutions to address these issues were examined.
It was highlighted that Sri Lanka is presently engaged in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, which requires the government to adhere to the recommended guidelines and parameters. Accordingly, this year’s budget proposals have been formulated with a focus on revenue and expenditure limitations, prioritizing education and healthcare. It was also highlighted that despite these financial limitations, the government has implemented the largest-ever increase in the basic salary of public sector employees.
The President assured that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by all professional groups and is committed to addressing them sensitively while safeguarding the rights of all individuals.
Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunatilake, President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association Dr. Anuruddha Karunaratne, Secretary Senior Lecturer Charudatta B. Ilangasinghe and several officials from the association also attended the meeting.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the current government’s objective is to build a prosperous society in which the entire advantages of progress are distributed equitably.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (11) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment.
The discussion focused on government and non-governmental organisations working together to ensure citizens’ economic, social, and cultural security.
Attention was also given to providing financial assistance to economically vulnerable groups, with a proposal to allocate LKR 55 billion from the Samurdhi Fund for this purpose.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the need to enhance legal and institutional frameworks to support the social protection and economic empowerment of women, children, vulnerable groups and marginalized individuals—aligning with national priorities and international standards.
The event was attended by Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, Deputy Minister Vasantha Piyathissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry Malarmathi Gangadharan and other officials from the Ministry.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) held today (12) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussion focused on reviewing the UDA’s ongoing development projects and ensuring the effective utilization of budget allocations, with an emphasis on key priorities.
This discussion extensively focused on strengthening the national economy through systematic urban development. Emphasis was placed on the need to integrate economic, social, environmental, and physical aspects when formulating and implementing urban development plans.
The discussion emphasized the significance of streamlining the approval process for urban plans through an online system, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with relevant institutions.
Currently, development plans have been formulated for 119 cities across the country. The meeting explored strategies for their swift implementation and addressed challenges arising in the process.
Several key areas were reviewed, including urban planning, capital investment, execution of government-approved projects, formulation of an urban land-use policy, agreements for new development initiatives, takeover and completion of abandoned development projects, capital improvement programs, formulation of environmental standards and implementation of environmental enhancement activities, building engineering and other operational activities, as well as the responsibilities and operational functions assigned to the Urban Development Authority.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunatilaka, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Chairman of the UDA L. B. Kumudu Lal, and a team of UDA officials.
* A business environment has been created where investors can operate without having to pay any commissions
* Every rupee spent by the government is treated as a sacred duty and utilized responsibly
* By the end of the current administration, there will be no room for a destructive political climate to resurface
– President says addressing the 26th Anniversary of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE)
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the government is committed to providing the necessary support to secure a share for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the global market.
He highlighted that the government has a strong strategic plan to facilitate access to international markets by integrating diplomats and entrepreneurs into a unified process.
The President made these remarks while attending the 26th Anniversary of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), held yesterday (10) at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that this year’s budget has been designed to create a more dynamic and flexible economy, replacing the stagnant economic conditions of the past.
He noted that allowing greater economic mobility would enable the country to achieve a certain level of development. Accordingly, the budget has been structured in a way that does not cause major economic shocks.
The President also emphasized that the current government remains sensitive to economic decision-making, ensuring that policies do not place an unbearable burden on the Sri Lankan Rupee. He acknowledged that certain decisions had to be made in alignment with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake revealed that the current government has taken the necessary and correct decisions to restore confidence in an economy where trust had previously collapsed. As a result, the country, which was officially declared bankrupt, has now been able to overcome its state of bankruptcy.
The President further emphasized that his government ensures every rupee spent is treated as a public trust and utilized with the highest level of responsibility.
Due to the government’s economic policies, efforts have been made to restart 11 economically significant projects that were previously halted by the Japanese government, as well as 76 projects that had been suspended by the Chinese government.
The current government has already taken significant steps to provide economic stability, creating a more secure environment for investors. As a result, the government has been able to facilitate large-scale investments in renewable energy, including the construction of a 50-megawatt wind power plant in Mannar.
The President also highlighted that a business-friendly environment has been established where investors can operate without having to pay any commissions.
Furthermore, he stated that the government is prepared to empower young entrepreneurs, not only within Sri Lanka but also by providing them with the strength to expand into international markets.
“We have built the strongest and most politically stable administration in Sri Lanka,” President Disanayake stated. He pointed out that, in past parliaments, it was common for MPs representing the opposition to later join the government and vice versa. However, he emphasized that such a situation does not exist in the current parliament, where there is a clear distinction between the government and the opposition. He described this as a strong example of political stability.
President Disanayake also remarked that a model political system has now been established in Sri Lanka. He assured that, by the end of the current administration’s tenure, there would be no room for a destructive political climate to re-emerge.
The event was attended by government ministers, state officials, diplomats and a group of young entrepreneurs.
Three newly appointed Court of Appeal Justices were formally sworn in before President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (11), at the Presidential Secretariat.
Accordingly, the appointments were conferred upon High Court Judges W.K.S.U. Premachandra, K. Priyantha Fernando and A. Premashankar.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Excise Department was held today (11) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussion focused on addressing the current challenges faced by the Excise Department and achieving this year’s revenue targets.
A key point of the discussion was the integration of the department’s operations with the Inland Revenue Department to enhance efficiency and fairness in tax collection.
Attention was drawn to the efficient and effective regulation of alcohol and other approved intoxicants within the country to support economic growth. This includes increasing state revenue through proper regulation of the alcohol and tobacco industries, facilitating legal revenue generation, enforcing compliance with laws and regulations, implementing strong awareness programs against illegal alcohol, hazardous drugs, and psychoactive substances, preventing health risks associated with unregulated alcohol consumption, and ensuring public safety.
Discussions were held on revenue collection and protection through an effective decision-making and management mechanism in strategic and operational activities.
The necessity of formulating a human resource and technological development plan to enhance the efficiency of the Excise Department was also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Commissioner General of Excise Udaya Kumara Perera, and a group of Excise Department officials.