President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the government will take the necessary actions to safeguard farmers who have fallen victim to multinational corporations.
The President made these remarks while addressing a public gathering organized by the National People’s Power (NPP) in Puttalam, as part of their campaign for the upcoming local government elections.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake further highlighted that:
“We must secure victory for the ‘Malimawa’ symbol on May 6 and we can. On September 21, the citizens of this nation brought an end to 76 years of dynastic governance and renewed Parliament. With high expectations and confidence, they handed over power to us. That victory marked the greatest political transformation in recent history. You courageously supported that change. In 2019, our party received just 3% of the vote. Today, we lead the government with the largest representation in Parliament.
Meanwhile, the party that secured 6.9 million votes in 2019 was reduced to 2.5%. Is that a normal decision? Today, there is one political movement and one political leadership in the country. Other parties have fragmented, failed and lost public trust. The future of this country and its people rests with us. What did you expect from us? To revitalize the economy, eradicate corruption, hold fraudsters accountable, ensure equal enforcement of the law, and enhance healthcare, education, and transportation wouldn’t you agree? This is precisely what we are achieving, even in our brief time in office.
Preliminary we will defeat racism. In the past, elections in our country divided the people. Muslim voters chose leaders from Muslim parties, Tamil voters supported Tamil party leaders and Sinhalese voters backed Sinhalese party leaders. Isn’t that how it was? That was how racism was spread in our society. But for the first time, at the last General Election, people of all ethnicities came together and voted for the NPP, and have showed true national unity. We will not allow this country to be divided again. They are trying to stir up racism for political gain, fuelling Sinhalese-Muslim tensions, nurturing extremist groups and spreading division. But look around you today do you see racist propaganda thriving? No. Today, racism has been defeated. The NPP is building a government and a system of governance free from racism one that is inclusive and united for all Sri Lankans.
We are defeating racism through new legislation and through decisive action. What we need is a country where all communities live together in harmony. The government has stabilized the economy. Inflation is at a low level. Essential goods and services are being provided without interruption. Foreign-funded projects have resumed. To take the economy further forward, we need a strong and efficient public service. Massive amount has been allocated for road development in the Puttalam District. Now it’s up to the public officials to get the work done. For the first time in years, funds have been set aside in the national budget to recruit 30,000 new personnel into the public sector.
To rebuild the country, a skilled and capable public service is essential. After many years, the salaries of public servants have been increased. While efforts are underway to stabilize the economy, the government continues to provide uninterrupted assistance to the public. A government that genuinely cares for the people has now been established. In addition to economic recovery, steps are being taken to improve healthcare, education and transport services. Around Rs. 1.08 billion has been allocated to recommence the halted development work at Chilaw Hospital. Officials have also been instructed to identify shortcomings at Puttalam Hospital so that the necessary funds can be allocated in the next budget. Ensuring quality healthcare for the people remains a key priority.
From its very first budget, the government has prioritized addressing the needs of the people. In the past, the country was governed by an administration divided among those in power. Today, there is a government that shares its benefits with the people. For the first time in 76 years, a people’s government has emerged one that sets aside privileges traditionally enjoyed by rulers and instead redistributes them to the citizens. Steps have been taken to provide seeds to farmers to strengthen the agriculture sector. In previous seasons, paddy farmers were not given a fair price for their harvests. However, in this season, they have received a good price. Government paddy storage facilities have been renovated with the aim of ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation. A sustainable system has now been put in place to guarantee that paddy prices do not fall again. The government is committed to maintaining a mechanism that supports farmers and ensures price stability.
Farmers who cultivate vegetables are burdened by the high cost of pesticides, which many can no longer afford. Farmers should not be exploited by multinational companies. Therefore, the government has initiated a programme to import pesticides through state-owned enterprises and distribute them to farmers at fair prices. As a responsible government, steps are being taken to protect farmers from being victimized by large corporations. In addition, fuel subsidies have been provided for the fisheries sector and discussions are underway to remove taxes applicable to that industry. Plans are also being developed to make better use of the country’s deep-sea fishing resources for national development. We are delivering on the promises the people expected when they voted for us. Do you like it? or you don’t?. People are satisfied, they are supportive but there’s a small group making noise in the media. Were they the ones who voted for us? They complain, but we stay focused on our work. The people are with us.
Has there ever been a government in the past that didn’t steal or waste public funds? Previous governments not only misused public money from the Treasury but also extorted bribes from businesspeople. That era of extortion-based politics of stealing public property and funds is now over. Today, the government guarantees freedom for entrepreneurs, investors and all citizens. Investigations are underway into the illegal acquisition of lands in Aanamaduwa, and legal action will be taken against those responsible. The land will be returned to the rightful owners, the people. Has that ever happened before? Previously, there existed two distinct legal systems. That era has ended. A nation has now been established where the law is equally enforced for everyone. Individuals who commit crimes or partake in theft will face consequences, regardless of when the offense occurred. This is the commitment we are making and fulfilling.
Currently, the nation is being guided positively across all areas by a government that is fulfilling your hopes and expectations. Isn’t that a good thing? To continue this progress, we need municipal and local councils that are aligned with the national government. The steps we have taken must move forward, not backward. Let’s strengthen the journey we began at the Provincial Council elections and move ahead with greater determination. Let’s fill every municipal and local council with representatives from the same movement that is building the nation.
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