1. Signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding between the South Asian Center for Teacher Development, UNESCO South Asian Regional Office, and Indira Gandhi National Open University.

The Asian Center for Teacher Development was established as an independent and self-financing institute. The UNESCO Executive Board has recommended promoting the functions of that institute and establishing partnerships with the other institutes and organizations of the region for updating the functions that should be performed by the said institute. Accordingly, it has been proposed to sign a tripartite agreement between the South Asian Center for Teacher Development, UNESCO South Asian Regional Office, and Indira Gandhi National Open University with the objective of developing regional cooperation and strengthening the national and regional action plan, including the targets stipulated in the itinerary on 2030 sustainable development through the introduction of new training programs on quality media and information literacy. The clearance of the Attorney General has been received for the proposed draft memorandum of understanding. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by Hon. the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education, to sign the said tripartite memorandum of understanding.

2. Submission of the report to the parliament on the deviation of the headline inflation from the inflation targets stipulated in the agreement on monetary policy framework in the third and fourth quarters of the year 2024.

As per the agreement on the monetary policy framework signed on 03-10-2023 between the Hon. the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under Section 26(1) of the Sri Lanka Central Bank Act No. 16 of 2023, the responsibility of maintaining the quarterly headline inflation at the level of 5% that is measured by the Colombo Consumer Index compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics has been laid on the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.  As per Section 26(5) of the Sri Lanka Central Bank Act No. 16 of 2023, in case the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has failed to achieve the said inflation target in 02 consecutive quarters, the Board of the monetary policy framework of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka should submit a report in that respect to the Parliament through the Minister in charge of the subject of Finance. Further, it should be possible to make this report available to the public as well. The quarterly average of the headline inflation for the third and fourth quarters of the year 2024, has been 0.8% and -1.5%, respectively based on the Colombo Consumer Price Index and the said percentage has been 2% lower than the inflation target for two consecutive quarters. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by His Excellency, the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to table the report on the deviation of the headline inflation that has been submitted to the Minister in charge of the subject of finance as per Section 26(5) of the Sri Lanka Central Bank Act.

3. Selection of Investors for the development of lands owned to the Urban Development Authority

It has been previously decided by the Cabinet of Ministers that the proper procurement procedure should be followed for the selection of suitable investors in the disposal of long-term leases for the implementation of land development projects belonging to the Urban Development Authority. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing for the selection of suitable investors in the disposal of long-term leases based on the assessment of the Government Appraiser, in compliance with the planning regulations of the Urban Development Authority, for the following portions of land that were assigned to the Urban Development Authority under Section 6(1) of the Government Land Ordinance.

• To dispose of 42.03 perches, 20.28 perches, and 20.72 perches, 03 portions of land under a 50-year long-term lease basis that could be disposed of after allocation of required lands for the proposed urban development out of the lands acquired for the Sellakatharagama urban development activities.

• To dispose of 03 acres—2 roods—24.59 perchas in extent from the land Dematagoda (537 watta) for 99 years.  

4. Awarding the contract to purchase 05 shipment of 92 Unl petrol during the period 15-04-2025 to 14-10-2025

ids have been called by the Petroleum Corporation of Sri Lanka from the registered suppliers to purchase 05 shipments of 92 Unl barrols of 300,000 + /-5% petrol for the period of 6 months from 15-04-2025 to 14-10-2025. 07 suppliers have submitted their bids for that purpose. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to award the said procurement to the substantially the lowest responsive bidder, M/s Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, based on the recommendations of the Standing Procurement Committee and the Special Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

5. The procurement to purchase pre-printed polycarbonate cards for the issuance of national Identity Cards

The Department of Registration of Persons started using smart cards for the issuance of national identity cards in the year 2017. Electronic National Identity Cards should be issued to every person who has completed 15 years of age under the new procedure of the Electronic National Identity Card Project (e-NIC) that is due to be implemented in the future. It has been recognized that there is a requirement of 17 million cards for the reregistration of Sri Lankan persons and issuance of new identity cards. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by His Excellency, the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy, to purchase 15 million polycarbonate cards following the procurement procedure of international competitive bidding for the fulfillment of said requirement.

06.    Procurement to supply 03 million doses of inactive 0.5 ml / 1 ml of Rabies injections (human use)

International competitive bids have bee invited under the procurement for supply of 03 million doses of inactive 0.5 ml / 1 ml of Rabies injections which is utilized for treating to prevent Rabies. Five (05) bids have been forwarded in this connection. Based on the recommendations of the higher level standing procurement committee, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award the relevant procurement to M/s Gulf Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. (Manufacturer: M/s Chiron Behring Vaccine (Pvt.) Ltd., India), who has submitted the minimum substantial responsive bid to an amount of rupees 412.80 million.

07.    Procurement to supply 70,000 vials of 5 – 6 grams of Human Imunoglobin BP for intracranial usage.

International competitive bids have bee invited under the procurement for supply of 70,000 vials of 5 – 6 grams of Human Imunoglobin BP for intracranial usage for treating patients with immunity deficiency. Six (06) bids have been forwards in this connection. Based on the recommendations of the higher level standing procurement committee, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award the relevant procurement to M/s Reliance Life Sciences (Pvt.) Ltd. of India who has submitted the minimum substantial responsive bid to an amount of United States Dollars 6.86 million.

08.    Submission of gazette notifications for the concurrence of the Parliament.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by His Excellency the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the following notification / order / rule published in the government gazette notification to the Parliament for its concurrence:

• Notification on the revision of tax limit of luxury on moor vehicles under the Finance Act No. 35 of 2018 published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 41 dated 31.01.2025.

• Rule issued under the Production Levy (Special Provisions) Act No. 13 of 1989 on revision of production levy rate for vehicles operated with electricity published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 42 dated 31.01.2025

• Order issued under the Finance Act No. 25 of 2003 on extension of the period on which the 50% relief is active which is given to the deviation levy published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 30 dated 31.01.2025

09.    Obtaining approval from the new Cabinet of Ministers for the legal draft to safeguard the rights of new plant species.

Although there are legal provisions for the right to publish, technical planning, right of patent, trademarks and enterprises etc, in the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003, there are no provisions for securing the rights of plant species (relevant to breeders, researchers and farmers). In addition, no patents can be issued for flora and fauna according to the provisions of the intellectual rights act. Therefore, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 22.05.2024 to introduce a new act for securing the rights of plant species. Wherefore, the Legal Draftsman has pointed out that policy approval of the new Cabinet of Ministers should be taken to complete the drafting of the new flora species rights securing act. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposals submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to issue approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the preparation of the said draft bill.

10.    Amendment of the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act No. 3 of 2016.

Parallel to increase of salaries of the public officers by the budget proposals 2025, it has been proposed to increase salaries of private sector employees as well. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to revise the national minimum monthly salary and national minimum daily wage and follow other legal actions as follows:

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 9,500/- from rupees 17,500/- to rupees 27,000/- with effect from 01.04.2025

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 380/- from rupees 700/- to rupees 1,080/- with effect from 01.04.2025

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 3,000/- from rupees 27,000/- to rupees 30,000/- with effect from 01.01.2026

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 120/- from rupees 1,080 /- to rupees 1,200/- with effect from 01.01.2026

11.   Draft bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals – Sri Lanka

Establishment of Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka has been recognized in order to accomplish the requirement of a training institute for carrying out relevant studies with the objective of presenting media intellects fortified with skills for the uplifting quality and standards of media society of this country while creating chartered professional journalists. Accordingly, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 15.08.2022 to prepare a draft bill so that the institution can be passed in the Parliament as an act passed in the Parliament. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to grant policy approval of the current Cabinet of Ministers for completion of formulating the said draft bill.

12.   Amendment of Community Based Correction Act No. 46 of 1999

Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted at their meeting held on 24.01.2024 to amend the Community Based Correction Act No. 46 of 1999. Accordingly, the Attorney General has submitted several proposals for amendments for the draft bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted their approval to the proposal furnished by the Minister of Justice and National Integrity to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare the final draft bill for the amendment of the Community Based Correction Act including those proposed amendments.

13.   Amendment of the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973

Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted on 21.11.2022 at their meeting to appoint an intellects committee comprised of experts on the subjects of document management, document conservation and digital document management to submit appropriate recommendations for the amendment of the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973. The intellects’ committee, after considering the views of the public as well as other instructions, has drafted a national policy on archiving and report management. In addition, examining the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973 and the National Archives Act No. 30 of 1981, a fundamental draft as well have been prepared to take as a basis for preparation of a National Archives and Document Management draft bill. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Buddha Shasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to pass the National policy on Archives and Document Management, and instruct the Legal Draftsman to formulate a draft bill to introduce the National Archives and Document Management Act examining the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973 and the National Archives Act No. 30 of 1981.

14.    Recruitment of 30,000 gradates and youth to fill essential vacancies in the government service.

The policy of the new government is to make recruitments to the state sector without political interferences and with skills and qualifications. Considering the huge swell of the number of unemployed graduates and youth and, the state financial void existing with the government, approval of the Parliament has been granted to the budget proposal furnished by His Excellency the President in his capacity of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to allocate provisions of rupees 10 billion from the budget 2025 for filling 30,000 essential vacancies in the state service. An officials’ committee chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister has been appointed to present recommendations to make essential recruitments, by reviewing staffs of various institutions in the state sector once again. Based on the recommendations furnished by the said Committee, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers have been granted for 18,853 new recruitments to the state service by now. Accordingly, considering a proposal furnished by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Governments, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided that immediate actions should be taken by the relevant Ministry to make recruitments followed by calling applications as per the recruitment schemes prescribed under “the Programme to Recruit 30,000 Unemployed Graduates and Youth to the Government Service Proposed by the Budget 2025”.

15.    Submission of the Report on the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament.

As per section 80 (3) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, the Minister in – charge of the subject of Finance shall submit a report on economic situation prevailed within the particular financial year, within four months after completion of each financial year. Accordingly, the report in relation to the financial review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 has been submitted to the President. The report has envisaged macro economic trends of Sri Lanka, situation of the financial system, as well as the major developments and a review of the policies of Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal forwarded by His Excellency the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the Report on the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament.

*****

Sri Lanka has taken a major step towards digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) with the signing of an Engineering Consultancy Services Agreement under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Isomata Akio.

The agreement was signed yesterday (April 3) at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Ministry of Digital Economy, Colombo. Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, and Gaku Adachi, Managing Director of Japan Engineering Consultancy Services, formally signed the agreement.

The project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Mass Media with financial and technical support from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. It aims to modernize Sri Lanka’s terrestrial television system, replacing outdated analog technology with digital broadcasting to improve signal quality, efficiency, and spectrum utilization.

Upon completion, the analog transmission system will be phased out, allowing for more telecommunications and digital economy activities. Digital TV technology enables multiple channels on a single frequency band, providing higher efficiency and a superior viewing experience with high-definition (HD) picture and sound quality.

Speaking at the event, Minister Jayatissa emphasized that after 45 years of analog television, the transition to digital broadcasting will ensure free-to-air digital TV services nationwide, enhancing the media, entertainment, and communications industries.

The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Harsana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Engineer Eranga Weeraratne, Ministry of Digital Economy Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, JICA-Sri Lanka Chief Representative Kenji Kuronuma, Deputy Ambassador of Japan Kamoshida Naoaki, and other officials.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, visited the Presidential Secretariat this morning (05).

Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat.

Prime Minister Modi is currently on a state visit to Sri Lanka, reaffirming the theme of “Friendship of Centuries — Commitment to a Prosperous Future” which symbolises the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and India. The Indian Premier is scheduled to remain in the country until tomorrow (06).

The Ministry of Mass Media recently held a ceremony to appoint a Chairman and three Board members to the Sri Lanka Press Council, with Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, in attendance.

Award-winning writer, critic, and journalist Priyan R. Wijebandara has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Council. Additionally, Dr. Anushka Kahandagamage, a Supreme Court Advocate; journalist Mahisha Mudugamuwa; and journalist Devadasan Sendilwelawar have been appointed as Board members.

Priyan R. Wijebandara, the newly appointed Chairman, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kelaniya and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Colombo. He also holds a Diploma in Advanced English for Administration and Academic Purposes from the University of Colombo and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Cinematography from the National Film Corporation. With nearly 25 years of experience in the media sector, he has worked as a communication specialist and researcher for several World Bank-funded projects.
Dr. Anushka Kahandagamage, a sociologist with a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the University of Otago, brings significant expertise to the Board. She has worked with various research organizations, including the Advisory Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms in Sri Lanka and the Law and Society Trust.

Mahisha Mudugamuwa, a Supreme Court lawyer and News Editor at The Sunday Morning, brings over a decade of media experience. She has represented Sri Lanka in international programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the Yokohama City Journalist Fellowship Program.

Devadasan Sendilwelawar, the Editor-in-Chief of Thinakaran Daily and Thinakaran Varamanjari Weekly, brings over 30 years of experience in the media industry. He has received training in journalism worldwide and has served as President of the All Ceylon Tamil Journalists Association.

Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide after a month of fasting and upon sighting the new moon, holds great significance in the Islamic religious calendar.

Fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, embodies the values of sacrifice, self-discipline and simplicity by distancing oneself from worldly desires. This period serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity towards those suffering from hunger and as an opportunity for self-restraint and spiritual growth, which devout Muslims deeply cherish.

As Sri Lanka undergoes various social, economic and political transformations, the teachings of Islam provide an excellent example for building a society rooted in freedom, equality, solidarity and human dignity. I strongly believe that these values serve as guiding principles in our collective journey toward a just and harmonious nation.

Furthermore, as we strive to foster a responsible and ethical political culture, one that values accountability over corruption and the misuse of public resources, the principles of self-restraint and sacrifice emphasized during Ramadan offer an inspiring model. They remind us of the need to cultivate a governance system that is sensitive to the aspirations and well-being of its people.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, promoting unity, compassion and selflessness. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankan and global Muslim communities.

May this Eid-ul-Fitr bring peace, reconciliation and the fulfillment of our shared hopes for a new era of renewal and prosperity.
Eid Mubarak!

As our Islamic brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka and around the world celebrate the sacred month of Ramadan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes for peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.

Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and self-discipline. It is a period that teaches us the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Fasting during this holy month is not only an act of devotion but also a reminder of the struggles faced by those less fortunate. It is a time to cultivate patience, humility, and gratitude while strengthening our bonds with family, friends, and the community.

At its core, Ramadan embodies the spirit of kindness, forgiveness, and charity. The practice of Zakat and Sadaqah during this time highlights the importance of sharing with those in need and reinforcing the principle that true prosperity lies in giving and uplifting others. These values are universal and resonate deeply with all communities, fostering harmony and understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

Sri Lanka is a nation rich in diversity, and it is through mutual respect and solidarity that we continue to strengthen our collective future. The spirit of Ramadan reminds us of the need for coexistence, tolerance, and the pursuit of justice and peace.

As the month of fasting culminates in the joyous celebration of Eid, let us carry forward the lessons of Ramadan—compassion, unity, and selflessness—into our daily lives. May this blessed month bring peace to our hearts, our homes, and our nation.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Dr.Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

A delegation from the Global Fund met with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, on Monday (25), to discuss the country’s Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS programmes and their current progress.

The Global Fund representatives arrived in Sri Lanka on March 24 with the primary objective of assessing the progress of the country’s Health programmes related to TB and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the delegation aimed to review the Health Information and Quality Improvement (HIQI) project, the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) Investment programmes, and other ongoing Health initiatives.

During the discussion, the Global Fund officials also highlighted their plans to strengthen Sri Lanka’s Healthcare system by meeting key stakeholders, including Government representatives and donors. They emphasised the implementation of the Global Fund’s 7th Grant Cycle (GC7) for TB and HIV/AIDS, as well as enhancing Digital Health services and Investment mechanisms for Pandemic preparedness.

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa expressed his gratitude to the Global Fund for its over 20 years of continuous support, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria in Sri Lanka. He acknowledged the Fund’s role in mobilising resources to improve Disease Prevention and Treatment and strengthening the Healthcare system.

The Global Fund, established in 2002, is a key international financing organisation dedicated to combating AIDS, TB, and Malaria. It provides financial support to eligible countries, helping them implement Health programmes that improve access to Treatment, Prevention, and Care.

Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Deputy Director General (Public Health Services 1) S.M. Arnold, Global Fund Portfolio Manager Sylwia Murray, Global Fund Specialist in Health Product Management Luckson Sichamba, Global Fund Digital Services Manager for Country Programmes, Robert Cryer, Director of Technology & Financial Transformation and Deloitte Project Manager Asanka Wasalathilaka and Executive Secretary and Monitoring Officer of Sri Lanka’s Global Fund Coordination Mechanism Dr. Kanthi Ariyarathna also participated in this discussion.

A meeting between the Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Paitoon Mahapannaporn, and the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, was recently held at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media to discuss bilateral cooperation.

The Thai Ambassador commended Sri Lanka’s initiatives in the health sector and assured continued support from the Thai government to enhance healthcare services.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka, a special project focusing on orthopedic skill development at the Kandy National Hospital will be launched.

This initiative aims to facilitate surgical procedures while promoting knowledge exchange between Thai and Sri Lankan orthopedic surgeons.

Discussions also covered boosting Thai investment in Sri Lanka and sharing Thailand’s expertise in tourism development.

The Thai Ambassador pledged support to promote Sri Lanka as a prime destination for Thai tourists, particularly highlighting the country’s rich Buddhist heritage.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations and underscored commitments to collaboration in key areas such as health, trade, investment, and tourism.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has clarified that no decision has been made to merge the Independent Television Network (ITN), Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, and the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

He emphasized that the government plans to modernize these institutions individually and transform them into profit-generating entities.

The Minister made these statements during a media briefing held Yesterday to announce the latest cabinet decisions.

Vimukthika Kariyawasam has been appointed as the News Director of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation(SLRC).

Vimukthika Kariyawasam, a graduate of the University of Colombo, joined the National Television in 1997 as a trainee producer.

She has also contributed to the production of various programs of SLRC and has later served as the Acting Deputy News Director Sinhala News and Assistant Director of Regional News.

Vimukthika Kariyawasam is an alumna of Mount Lavinia Buddhist Girls’ College and a graduate of the University of Colombo in Social Sciences.

She received her Dhamma education from the Sri Siddhartha Dhamma School of the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena in Ratmalana and has served as a student leader and the leader of the debate team.

Along with her Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of Colombo, Vimukthika Kariyawasam, who studied journalism under the guidance of Venerable J.B. Dissanayake, worked as a news reporter while receiving practical training at the Sri Lanka Television Training Institute, the Journalism College and national newspaper institutions.

• We Will Not Miss This Opportunity Under Any Circumstance: Steps to be taken to Mark a Crucial Turning Point in the Nation’s Economy
• Be a Contributor to the Country’s Success, Not a Hindrance Recorded in History

– President tells Parliament

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the National People’s Power (NPP) government has stabilized the economy over the past four months that has instilled confidence in the country’s ability to move toward a prosperous future.

He further noted that the government has achieved numerous economic victories, increased state revenue, and resumed several stalled development projects initiated with foreign assistance, thereby signaling economic stability to the nation.

President Disanayake made these remarks yesterday (21) during the parliamentary debate on the third reading of the budget.

He asserted that those who attempt to disrupt this national progress for political gain will ultimately be rendered irrelevant in politics. He emphasized that the only path available to all politicians in the country today is to align with and support the government’s development agenda.

Additionally, the President stated that the era of media-driven politics has come to an end, arguing that if such an approach were still effective, the current government would not have come to power. He described the present administration as a political movement that remains engaged in continuous dialogue with the people.

Reflecting on past opportunities to rebuild the nation that was squandered, President Disanayake stressed that neither he nor his government would let the current opportunity slip away. He reiterated that their mission will only conclude once the country has been fully rescued from its current challenges.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that neither he nor any minister in the government harbours personal ambitions; instead, their only aspiration is the well-being of the country and its people. He firmly assured that this vision will be realized and invited all members of the opposition to be active participants in the nation’s journey toward success, rather than being remembered in history as obstacles to progress.

Further elaborating on his views, the President remarked:

“This is one of the longest budget debates held in Parliament in recent times. Previously, adequate time was not allocated for such discussions, but we ensured a full-length debate. During this discussion, various points were raised; some out of pain, others out of anger. Some of these concerns were valid. We are not surprised by expressions of pain or anger. When lands in Hanthana are lost, pain is inevitable. It is saddening. The documents related to this matter are available at the Presidential Secretariat. We understand the frustration and outrage. However, we must also be prepared to embrace what is beneficial and reject what is not.

We are a political movement that firmly believes the country’s economic system must undergo a decisive transformation and we are actively working toward that goal. Moreover, we clearly understand how to implement this transformation. If the economy were in a strong and crisis-free state, this shift could happen swiftly. However, given the dire economic situation, the transformation must be carefully planned and executed over time.

Therefore, we fully understand the concerns being raised. For a long time, this country has followed economic policies that have failed to serve its people. Now, we are taking decisive steps to establish an economy that benefits both the country and its citizens. To achieve this transformation, our first priority is to stabilize the economy. An economy burdened by multiple crises cannot withstand sudden, large-scale changes. A vehicle with broken wheels cannot make sharp turns; first, the wheels must be fixed. That is why we are systematically working to steer the economy forward with careful planning.

We inherited a state that was officially declared bankrupt, not just officially, but in reality as well. There was a massive gap between the country’s revenue and expenditure. While the expected total revenue was LKR 4,999 billion, debt interest payments alone required LKR 2,950 billion. Additionally, LKR 1,352 billion was needed for public sector salaries and LKR 442 billion for pension payments. This meant that from the total revenue of LKR 4,990 billion, LKR 4,744 billion was immediately spent on interest, salaries and pensions, leaving only LKR 246 billion. An economy in such a dire state cannot be turned around overnight.

Furthermore, the country is burdened with a significant amount of debt and a collection of state institutions that incur massive annual losses. Last year, the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation recorded a loss of LKR 256 million, with outstanding debt amounting to LKR 1,834 million. The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation reported a loss of LKR 152 million, while its debt stood at LKR 1,603 million. The Independent Television Network (ITN) had a debt of LKR 1,476 million. Lanka Sugar Company carried a debt of LKR 11,165 million, the State Plantation Corporation owed LKR 3,216 million, Milco (Pvt) Ltd had a debt of LKR 15,090 million and SriLankan Airlines was burdened with nearly LKR 340 billion in debt.

With such conditions, the revenue generated by the state was barely sufficient to cover the fundamental expenditures I previously outlined. The country we inherited was one with highly concentrated and insufficient revenue. Additionally, the segment of society contributing to the national economy was extremely small. For instance, 90% of Sri Lanka’s export income is generated by just 10% of exporters. Similarly, approximately 69% of the revenue collected by the Department of Inland Revenue comes from around 600 tax files.

Moreover, we had become a bankrupt state in the eyes of the world; a country unable to secure loans and one where trust in the banking system had collapsed. Therefore, our first and foremost responsibility was to stabilize the economy. Without economic stability, we were not prepared to undertake any major transformations. History has shown that every economic shift attempted without first achieving stability has resulted in negative consequences.

When we took over the government, Sri Lanka was already engaged in a four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We were faced with two choices: either to continue with this program or to abandon it. While many expected us to walk away from the IMF agreement, we did not fall into that trap. We knew that given the fragile state of the economy, even a small misstep on our part could lead to severe economic repercussions. As a government, our primary responsibility in restoring a collapsed economy was to ensure that we did not make even minor mistakes.

Accordingly, our first priority was to establish economic stability in the country. Today, no one can claim that Sri Lanka lacks economic stability. I must emphasize that we worked tirelessly to achieve this stability. As a key milestone in this effort, on December 21 of last year, our country was officially declared free from bankruptcy. Until that point, we were a state that had defaulted on its debt. However, we have now transitioned to a country that, while not currently repaying its debt, has reached an agreement on its repayment. We have secured an extension until 2028 to begin settling our outstanding debts.

As a bankrupt nation, our country suffered immense damage. Consequently, many development projects that were dependent on foreign aid came to a halt. However, after Sri Lanka was freed from bankruptcy, the respective countries have decided to resume these projects. This is a clear indication of the country’s growing stability.

Additionally, with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka on April 5, work on the Sampur power plant is set to commence. Similarly, within the next two months, a new solar power plant in Siyambalanduwa and a 50-megawatt wind power plant in Mannar will begin operations.

We have successfully steered the country from economic instability to stability. We have restored confidence among businesses, investors and international financial institutions regarding Sri Lanka’s financial standing. Today, the exchange rate has remained stable at approximately LKR 300 per USD for the past three years; an achievement that had not been seen in recent history.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka has transitioned from being a high-risk debtor nation to one with reduced debt risk. Trust in the banking system has been reinstated and interest rates have been brought down to single digits. By mid-year, we anticipate achieving positive inflation growth. In the past two months, the highest recorded remittance inflow from migrant workers in recent history was received, signifying growing confidence in the country’s economic stability.

Additionally, Sri Lanka has seen a significant influx of tourists. As of March 17, over 610,000 tourists had arrived in the country. We can confidently predict that this year will see the highest number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka’s history.

In Parliament, we have often observed discrepancies between estimated and actual revenue figures. However, in 2024, the Department of Customs met the estimated revenue target. We initially projected an income of LKR 356 billion from the Inland Revenue Department, but by March 17, the actual revenue had reached LKR 438 billion. Similarly, in January, the Customs Department’s revenue surpassed its estimated target.

Furthermore, we are striving to generate revenue that exceeds our projected income for this year. Achieving economic stability is crucial for the country, as substantial transformations in the economy cannot be realized without first securing such stability. In the past, private entrepreneurs lacked confidence in the nation’s economic landscape. Progress cannot be made without fostering trust among key economic stakeholders. The economy cannot be managed based on mere intuition; rather, we rely on data, analytical assessments, and conclusions drawn from those analyses to steer the country’s economic direction.

The decision to permit motor vehicle imports is a highly sensitive one, and we are continuously reviewing it to ensure we achieve our intended objectives.

You are free to engage in political discourse as much as you wish, but we earnestly request that false information, which could destabilize the economy, not be disseminated. Individuals identified as economic experts must ensure their statements are responsible, as reckless claims can create significant instability in the financial markets. Stabilizing the economy is not solely the government’s responsibility; it is a collective duty that we must all fulfill as citizens and public representatives.

We may engage in political debates, but I must once again appeal that false and damaging economic information not be spread. In a well-functioning economy, such statements may not have severe consequences. However, at a time when we are carefully navigating an economic recovery, it is critical not to create unnecessary doubt. If you have concerns, let us discuss them. Do not irresponsibly propagate unverified claims. This is a moment when we must all act responsibly to stabilize the economy.

At the same time, we cannot allow the lives of our citizens to stagnate until economic stability is fully achieved. We are systematically implementing measures to boost local production while also providing necessary relief to safeguard the livelihoods of the general public. Accordingly, we have increased the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 and, in a recent Cabinet decision, allocated an additional Rs. 15,000 for excess crops cultivated in paddy fields. Furthermore, we have enhanced compensation for harvest losses. We will never abandon our duty to support the people.

We have allocated a Rs. 6,000 allowance for 1.6 million schoolchildren to purchase books and supplies. These programs are being implemented despite the economic challenges we face. Additionally, we have increased the allowance for kidney patients from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 and raised the elderly allowance from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000. Moreover, we have increased the pensions of retirees by Rs. 3,000. We remain committed to the welfare of our citizens.

We have taken steps to increase the Mahapola scholarship from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 and the student allowance from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,500. Additionally, we have decided to provide an allowance of Rs. 5,000 for orphaned children and deposit Rs. 3,000 into their fixed savings accounts. Furthermore, when an orphan, particularly a young girl, residing in a state institution reaches the age of marriage, we have allocated Rs. 1 million for the construction of a house. We take full responsibility for the welfare of these children. We have also increased the daily meal allowance for preschool children from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100.

Regarding salary increases for public sector employees, we focused on two key issues. There was a prevailing trend of skilled government officials leaving the country, and simultaneously, we struggled to attract individuals with specialized expertise and competence to the public sector. Despite financial challenges, we recognized the necessity of implementing a meaningful salary increase for public sector employees.

This was an unanticipated increase in basic salaries. We implemented this increase based on a scientific approach, alongside enhancements to other allowances. We also made adjustments to previously unaddressed salary scales to ensure tangible improvements. However, if future adjustments to this framework are deemed necessary while safeguarding core principles and integrity, we are prepared to take action. Our ultimate goal is to establish an efficient and well-functioning public sector.

What, then, is the opposition doing today? Even if I were to assume the presidency today, I would still be entitled to a parliamentary pension—a fact I was previously unaware of. However, upon learning of it, I immediately submitted a request to Parliament to forgo this pension. A Member of Parliament who becomes President receives both the parliamentary pension and the presidential salary. In the past, such benefits were distributed at will. Similarly, when an MP is appointed as a Minister, they receive both a ministerial salary and a parliamentary salary. However, we have decided that our ministers and deputy ministers will only receive the MP salary.

If we are to transform this country, the political system must change. Accordingly, we are expediting the introduction of a bill to abolish parliamentary pensions. We are also swiftly amending the Presidents Entitlements Act and presenting it to Parliament. In the near future, we will introduce several key bills that all members of Parliament should unite to support. Furthermore, MPs will no longer receive duty-free vehicle permits, and we uphold the policy that a Member of Parliament should receive an official vehicle only during their tenure.

We have also reduced the number of Cabinet Ministers to 21, with Deputy Ministers appointed accordingly. Ministers are no longer provided with official residences. Establishing political stability in the country is essential, and when ministers and politicians lead by example through sacrifices, public servants must also be prepared to follow suit. Instead of engaging in superficial debates over dignity and pride, we must focus on substantive progress.

We have paid special attention to the issue of unemployed graduates and are ensuring that job placements follow a proper policy framework. We have identified 15,300 vacancies in the public sector, and the relevant committee has approved the filling of these positions. As a result, we plan to recruit 30,000 individuals into government positions, ensuring that the process is carried out transparently and systematically. However, we must avoid unnecessary over-recruitment, and I urge all members of Parliament to exercise restraint in this regard. We recognize the importance of public service, but the financial burden of maintaining the public sector is extremely high. Therefore, we are proceeding with a carefully planned approach.

If our government were merely to continue the existing system, governance would be far easier. However, the people elected us to bring about meaningful reforms for the nation’s progress.

In this endeavor, the business community plays a critical role. Everyone must pay taxes fairly, and we are committed to enforcing the law against tax evasion. At the same time, we assure that every rupee collected in taxes will be safeguarded and utilized responsibly. We also plan to introduce special incentives for taxpayers.

We must rebuild public trust in the nation’s tax system. We are fostering a new political culture to achieve this. When people are confident that their tax contributions are managed transparently and efficiently, they will willingly comply. In the past, taxpayers hesitated because they saw their contributions being misused. We are committed to changing this perception and restoring trust in the system.

Moreover, professionals must contribute to national development. The government must ensure that essential services are provided without imposing additional costs on the people. Corruption weakens the public sector and hinders economic growth. Corruption is an economic crime, and we will take strict measures to address it. The state must be reformed. We must eliminate the deeply rooted culture of corruption within the government apparatus.

We are also committed to creating a more investment-friendly environment within the country, introducing an Investment Protection Act. Additionally, we are in the process of amending the Strategic Development Projects Act to ensure that tax concessions are granted based on national requirements rather than personal affiliations. This legislation will be presented to Parliament promptly.

Furthermore, we anticipate significant reforms in the education sector and have initiated a project to streamline the school system. By expanding vocational training and educational pathways, we aim to transform the education system in a way that secures a brighter future for the country’s children.

We are implementing necessary relief measures to support small and medium-scale entrepreneurs while also planning a substantial transformation in the agricultural sector. A major initiative is underway to develop a port-centric maritime economy, and with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank, we are expediting the construction of the Kerawalapitiya Container Terminal.

Through these measures, we strive to stabilize the national economy and guide the country towards its future goals. It is essential that we all come together and strengthen this journey as we move forward.