November 21, 2024.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the ceremonial opening of the First Session of the Tenth Parliament.
Historic Political Shift:
ν The new government represents a significant political transformation in Sri Lanka, breaking decades of dominance by two main camps.
ν This is the first time a single mandate has garnered broad support across all provinces and communities.
Commitment to National Unity:
ν The government pledges to eliminate racism and religious extremism, acknowledging past divisions and their devastating impact.
νEmphasis is placed on fostering national harmony, ensuring a future free of ethnic and religious conflict.
Strengthening Democracy and Accountability:
ν The government values multi-party democracy and aims to serve all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
νParliament will be restructured to regain public trust, ensuring transparency, accountability, and relevance.
Restoring Rule of Law and Justice:
ν Commitment to enforcing the law without favoritism, addressing controversial crimes, and combating corruption.
ν The government promises to rebuild public trust in the legal system and ensure justice for victims of past injustices.
Economic Stabilization and Growth:
ν Plans to stabilize the economy through IMF agreements and comprehensive debt restructuring by the end of 2024.
νA three-pillar economic strategy focuses on increasing production, integrating people into the economy, and ensuring equitable wealth distribution.
Sectoral Focus for Rapid Growth:
ν Tourism: Aims to attract 4 million tourists and generate USD 8 billion within three to four years.
ν Information Technology: Plans to grow IT exports to USD 5 billion and increase professionals to 200,000 by 2029.
ν Agriculture and Fisheries: Transform these sectors into profitable ventures through subsidies, research, and market integration.
Transformational Initiatives:
ν Digitalization: Aims to create a USD 15 billion digital economy, with plans for a “Digital Sri Lanka.”
νClean Sri Lanka: A societal transformation project to foster good citizenship, environmental responsibility, and humane values.
Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare:
νIncreased welfare allowances, pensions, and support for vulnerable groups like differently-abled individuals.
νFocus on creating economic opportunities and developing rural and urban economies.
Global Market Expansion:
νReforming diplomatic services to support Sri Lankan industries and entrepreneurs in accessing international markets.
νDeveloping value-added industries for mineral resources and other unique products.
Budget and Governance:
ν A detailed budget aligning with the government’s transformative vision will be presented by early 2025.
νInterim provisions will address immediate needs.
Collaborative Governance:
ν A call for unity across political camps to achieve a common goal: building a prosperous, just, and humane society.
President Dissanayake concluded with an appeal for unity and compassion, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
He urged Parliament to work together to transform Sri Lanka into a nation defined by justice, peace, and progress.
Arrival of President Dissanayake to the Parliament.
President Dissanayake and Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, Speaker of the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The President received a warm welcome from Minister Bimal Rathnayake, the Leader of the House, along with Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa,
the Chief Government Whip.
The newly elected Members of the Parliament.
