During the committee stage of the 2025 Budget debate, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence, delivered a response speech on the expenditure heads of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
Key Takeaways from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Speech on Defence & Public Security (2025 Budget Debate)
1. Government Stability & Economy – Despite speculation about an economic collapse and efforts to create instability, Sri Lanka’s economy is stabilizing, with positive IMF reviews confirming steady progress.
2. National Security & Public Perception – There are attempts to create fear about national security to justify a change in leadership. However, daily life remains unaffected by organized crime, and the government is actively addressing security threats.
3. Repeal of PTA & New Legal Framework – The government remains committed to replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with a new legal framework to tackle organized crime and extremism effectively.
4. Crackdown on Organized Crime – Criminal syndicates have thrived under political protection in the past. The government is dismantling these networks and ensuring no political authority shields criminals.
5. Police Reforms & Corruption Cleanup – Corrupt police officers linked to organized crime are being arrested, and institutional reforms are underway to ensure a politically unbiased law enforcement system.
6. Investigations into Corruption & Crimes – Major fraud and corruption cases, including the “Krish” and “SriLankan Airlines” cases, are progressing toward court proceedings, with a commitment to transparency and professionalism.
7. Addressing Rising Crime Patterns – Recent violent incidents suggest coordinated criminal activity, prompting intelligence and law enforcement agencies to intensify investigations into potential masterminds.
8. Military Reforms & Modernization – By 2030, the military will transition into a technologically advanced force with a reduced but more efficient army (100,000), navy (40,000), and air force (18,000).
9. Investment in Police & Security Forces – The government is allocating significant funds for police vehicles, station upgrades, increased allowances, and recruitment of 10,000 new officers to strengthen law enforcement.
10. Building a Civilized & Professional Security Sector – A new security council is in place to ensure professionalism in the military and police, moving away from past political favoritism in key security appointments.
11. End of Corrupt & Manipulative Politics – The NPP-led government pledges to eliminate political corruption, reject divisive nationalism, and build a governance system based on integrity and civility.
Full Speech
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to present a few points during this debate regarding the expenditure headings of both the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defence.
I observed that in recent parliamentary discussions, concerns were raised regarding a significant threat to national security and the widespread fear among the public. Some have raised questions regarding the government’s resignation and the transfer of responsibility to another party. If we look at how this issue was raised, it takes us back to the post-presidential election period when, after securing a victory in the presidential election, there was a project initiated by certain individuals claiming that it would not be possible to form a strong government following the presidential election. Despite the fact that these individuals claimed a strong government could be formed, I believe the Prime Minister’s position and ministerial portfolios were allocated at that time. However, although it was anticipated that the victory in the presidential election could be overturned, the National People’s Power secured an even more decisive victory in the subsequent general election.
By March, there were widespread speculations that the economy would face a severe crisis, potentially leading to a change in government. However, today, the government is submitting its third review report to the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), from which highly positive outcomes are expected. This demonstrates that the country’s economy is progressing towards a more stable and robust position.
There were concerns that opening vehicle imports would place significant pressure on the dollar, leading to an uncontrollable increase in its value. However, the value of the dollar has, in fact, been declining. If anyone believed that an economic crisis could be used to seize power, that prospect has now dissipated.
Historically, governments have collapsed due to economic crises, but this will not be the case now. Any hopes of toppling the government through an economic downturn are merely wishful thinking. Similarly, attempts to create internal conflicts within political parties to destabilize the government have occurred in the past, but this administration does not face any such internal opposition. Consequently, the government cannot be overthrown by internal crises either. Some anticipate that the government will fall due to severe threats to national security, but that, too, will not happen.
In the past, public protests have led to the removal of ruling parties. However, apart from media discussions and parliamentary debates, there is currently no indication that the public is rallying for change. Any attempts to overthrow the government through mass protests will be unsuccessful.
There are on-going efforts to create a perception that national security is under threat, that the public is in danger, and that the government is incapable of ensuring their safety, thereby justifying a change in leadership. However, no ordinary citizen has been affected by underworld conflicts. While these conflicts have generated some fear within society, daily life remains unaffected.
Two primary factors that have historically threatened national security are ethnic nationalism and extremism. Long-term conflicts, including the civil war and the Easter Sunday attacks, stemmed from these elements. We will not allow nationalism and extremism to take root in the country again.
Regarding the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), while we remain committed to its removal, there is a need for a legal framework to address organized crime and extremist tendencies. Without such measures, criminal gangs would continue to grow unchecked. Therefore, we are preparing a new legal framework to replace the PTA and have already appointed a committee to oversee this process. The realization of this long-standing public demand is being undertaken solely by this government.
Organized crime syndicates are not merely groups of criminals but have thrived under political protection. Certain political leaders have nurtured and safeguarded these gangs. Today, those who once shielded these criminals are shedding crocodile tears over their activities. The political authority behind these criminal networks allowed them to operate fearlessly, even compromising law enforcement institutions.
For example, among those arrested in connection with the murder in Weeraketiya involving two children, a police constable was identified. Similarly, two police officers were among those arrested for the shooting incident at the Colombo courts. In Mount Levinia, T-56 rifles were seized from the police and handed over to criminal syndicates. This highlights the complicity of certain police factions and political networks in fostering organized crime. Furthermore, state-issued weapons have found their way into the hands of underworld gangs. A former president’s child was reportedly provided with seven government-issued firearms. Our country has experienced administrations that lacked accountability in governance.
Consequently, the country has been transformed into a shadow criminal state. While we see a functioning police force, military, political authority and judiciary on the surface, beneath this structure exists an armed underworld with ties to law enforcement, security forces and legal professionals. This shadow state must be dismantled.
There are two approaches to dealing with this issue: either aligning with the criminal underworld or decisively eliminating it. Unlike previous administrations, which coexisted with organized crime, the NPP-led government is determined to eradicate it entirely. Therefore, I assure you that no one in this administration will provide protection, security, or support to any criminal organization or its members.
Recently, the police have made significant progress in apprehending criminals and seizing illegal firearms. Corrupt police officers involved in criminal activities have also been arrested. The criminal network must be dismantled layer by layer. This government is not interested in political appointments within the police force. Neither I nor any member of the administration has attempted to appoint police officers based on personal preference.
If intelligence reports indicate that certain police officers have protected criminal organizations, and if the public expresses concerns about such associations, those officers must be reassigned. This is not a politically motivated action but a necessary step to break the connection between law enforcement and organized crime. Just as political protection for these gangs must end, the institutional networks supporting them must also be dismantled. The public demands the eradication of organized crime, and the NPP-led government is the only administration committed to fulfilling that demand.
Recent events indicate a coordinated effort by criminal gangs to act simultaneously. Analysis of incidents such as the Middeniya murder, the shooting at the Hulftsdorp Courts, and crimes in Kotahena, Uswetakeiyawa, Mount Levinia and shooting incident in Minuwangoda suggests an organized plan behind these acts. When we consider these six incidents, except for the Minuwangoda crime, the others seem to be routine criminal acts. This suggests that organized crime groups have been actively involved. Some individuals have established armed groups that they can control. Similar groups have been formed in certain regions, such as Batticaloa and Jaffna. This indicates that there is a strategic attempt to mobilize these criminal elements at the same time.
When expectations of an economic collapse fail to materialize, the anticipation that the government will fall into crisis also collapses. Similarly, when the expectation that the government will fall through public protests is shattered, the organized and separate operations of armed gangs and criminal groups now unfold systematically. However, a justifiable suspicion remains about whether these activities are being orchestrated by a single hand. Some reports have been received in this regard, and we are conducting investigations accordingly.
We are aware that investigations into fraud and corruption are currently underway. These investigations are leading to formal charges being filed in the High Court. Recently, a large number of cases have been filed, including the “Krish” case and the “SriLankan Airlines” case, both of which are expected to be quickly brought to court. Additionally, investigations into the Easter attacks are on-going. None of these investigations are being discussed in the media or presented in Parliament. We report the status of these investigations directly to the judiciary. Publicizing the status of investigations through the media is an attempt to conceal the truth, which we avoid doing.
As a government, we operate with professionalism. This is why we are conducting investigations into criminal activities. The murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge occurred 16 years ago, and it remains unsolved. Despite the general public having an idea about how it occurred, such speculations are of no use in court. The judicial system requires concrete evidence that goes beyond mere suspicion, which is challenging to gather after 16 years. However, we are committed to doing so.
The best opportunity to bring these criminals to justice was in 2015 when investigations were fresh. However, that did not happen. It took almost a decade for a file to be submitted to the Legal Department for a response. This delay was not the fault of the Attorney General’s Department, but rather due to the political pressures within the administration. This is the reality that must be accepted. Even though the opposition may not have succeeded in toppling the government, you are not acting on the true facts that are unfolding.
We will not allow criminals to act with impunity. Our responsibility is to ensure justice for the victims and citizens of this country. We approach this responsibility with the utmost seriousness, ensuring that no injustices occur. We urge you to trust our leaders, who are committed to professionalism. Support us in this endeavour. Engage in politics during elections, but the actions we take to eliminate corruption must move forward with determination.
As investigations progress, we remain vigilant in ensuring that the focus of these inquiries is not manipulated. Whether it is the SriLankan Airlines case or the Easter attacks, criminals are aware of where the investigations are directed. This raises a justifiable suspicion that such instability may be deliberately created by the criminals involved. In response, we have directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and intelligence agencies to remain alert to the possibility of organized criminal activity. If necessary, we are prepared to identify and act upon any further developments.
This is not a national or public security threat, but rather a momentary surge in organized crime. We are taking swift measures to curb it.
We have established a new security council, which is a fact. The old path can be followed with the old people. However, to embark on a new journey, new individuals are required. While old friendships and alliances may exist, we are transforming all of this into a professional military force. The Chief of Defence Staff had been granted seven service extensions, and he has remained in his position as part of his close circle. However, these appointments are not made for the benefit of our personal interests or our friends. Our country’s police department and the Tri-forces must be established as professional forces.
There were plans to appoint the Chief of Defence Staff as the successor to the President. The Chief of State Intelligence Service was granted two extensions to their service. At that time, it was not professionalism but rather political favouritism. We are not creating an army of political affiliates. Instead of a politically biased army, we are building a professional military force that is loyal to the state.
Our vision is to develop a technologically advanced military with a smaller yet more effective force by 2030. We plan to limit the size of our army to 100,000, the Air Force to 18,000, and the Navy to 40,000. While the overall size will decrease, we are working to transform our military into a more technologically advanced force. Our goal is to modernize the military by providing advanced equipment and developing a highly skilled, professional force. They will not be a politically biased army but a military loyal to the state.
We are also prepared to allocate the necessary funds for foreign training for our military. A significant amount has already been spent on the modernization of aircraft. Additionally, we recognize the need for a more active and well-trained police department. To address this, we have allocated a considerable amount of funds. We expect to allocate 1000 millions to provide the necessary vehicles for the police and improve facilities at police stations. Furthermore, we have increased allowances. As a result, we plan to establish a police department that can operate with a free mind-set. We are also in the process of recruiting 10,000 new officers into the police force.
Our country is working towards a transition from an uncivilized state to one of civility. Institutions responsible for security must fulfil this role with dignity and professionalism. Therefore, we are revitalizing our national institutions, ensuring they meet their responsibilities, and driving this transformation forward. The position of IGP can change today, tomorrow, or at any time, but the focus should be on the institutions rather than individuals. We must trust in the institutional system and progress toward civility.
I invite everyone to join in this transformation, as we work to elevate our state from the depths of inhumanity to civility. Embrace civility and reject inhumanity. If anyone rejects civility, it must be made clear that they will inevitably be discarded from the new political landscape we are building.
Should there have been a political system in Sri Lanka rooted in indecency, it is important to remember that after the rule of the NPP government, the country will not revert to such politics. This marks a pivotal turning point. If you seek political power, I encourage you to aspire to a level of civility that surpasses the current standard. The divisive politics of the past is no longer acceptable to the enlightened people of this nation. As such, the era of gaining political power through manipulation and conspiracies has come to an end. The period of leveraging nationalism and religious prejudice for political gain is over. Moving forward, the only conversation within the political arena will be focused on the establishment of a civility that exceeds the one we have already established.
Moving forward, there will be no room for the kind of politics that would drag our country back. We are introducing a system with sound leaders that society can accept. I observed that one president spent 3.5 million on a trip abroad, which is not an issue. Yet, questions arise when consider how 1.8 billion was spent. If you’re not ready to change, it is clear you remain entrenched in out-dated, traditional political discussions, which have failed in the past. These discussions are a political fossil. Our country’s politics need to evolve to a new level, and we are ready to engage in that new dialogue. We are a group of people prepared to embrace any positive change. If Sri Lankan politics has been characterized by corruption in the past, let me assure you today that under the government of the National People’s Force, this era of corrupt leadership has come to an end. There should be no doubt about that.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
01.03.2025
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