Media Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday that the hope of the new Government is to create a healthy media culture in this country and according to Article 9 of the Constitution, the new Government is bound to carry out all necessary activities to protect Buddhism.

The Minister said this after assuming duties at the Media Ministry yesterday (25).

The Minister also pointed out that it is a responsibility to protect the right to believe in all other religions and to create a good political culture in order to create religious harmony and to build national unity.

He further said that under the guidance of the President, he hopes to intervene with all media and direct them towards their collective responsibility to achieve these goals.

In addition to the Mass Media Ministry, Vijitha Herath is also the Cabinet Minister of the Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration Social Security, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Public Security and Foreign Affairs Ministries.

Esteemed Maha Sangha and Religious Leaders, Parents, Brothers, Sisters and Children;

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the people of this country who have listened to our voices over the decades and breathed life into the programs we proposed.
We believe that the victory you have given us will be even more strengthened if it brings joy to those who may not have agreed with our vision. Therefore, I want to dedicate this victory to all citizens of our nation.

We honour and remember the courageous men and women of previous generations who made sacrifices, some with their lives, for this victory. I see this victory and the prosperous nation we aim to build as a tribute to their legacy.

We believe that all people, including those who trusted us despite slander, falsehoods, and misinformation, and elected our political movement with great determination have the strength to shoulder the responsibility of building this nation together.

We are capable of fulfilling this role as a united team, and we have a talented team dedicated to this mission. Our determination is unwavering.

The change we seek involves many steps that will take time. However, achieving stability and confidence in the current economy is crucial. We plan to begin negotiations with the International Monetary Fund immediately and proceed with activities related to the extended credit facility. Additionally, to advance our debt restructuring program, we are negotiating with relevant creditors to expedite the process and secure necessary debt relief. We are confident that we can gain the support of both the people of this country and the international community, and we believe that through this collective support, we can achieve success.

A key concept that resonates with the public is our commitment to making a “difference.” One of the primary changes citizens expect is to eliminate the negative traits in our political culture. Our track record thus far supports this commitment. Notably, we succeeded in making the presidential election the only one in Sri Lanka without reports of post-election violence, which reflects the trust the people have placed in us. Our aim is to confirm and stabilize this positive situation.

At this moment, I want to highlight the importance of engaging in politics with a collective focus on building our country. We are committed to providing that leadership.
Regardless of whether one identifies as Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, or Malay, our nation will not thrive until we create a practical environment where everyone can proudly say, “We are Sri Lankan citizens.” We will not hesitate to implement the necessary constitutional, economic, and political reforms.

We are launching a permanent program to build a unified Sri Lankan nation that respects diversity, fully ending the era of division based on race, religion, class, and caste.
We have already taken significant steps to appoint efficient and honest officials to oversee these initiatives. We are advancing steadily toward the desired changes, ensuring that public service remains intact and citizens are not adversely affected.

We are committed to creating a law-abiding nation and fostering a disciplined society while ensuring the social security of all citizens. This revives the principle that everyone is equal before the law.

We believe that public service plays a crucial role in nation-building. To that end, we will establish a public service that instills pride in the community and aligns with the government’s goals. Our commitment is to create an efficient, honest, and people-focused public service.

Our goal is to improve the standard of living for the people of this country. We are implementing practical programs to alleviate the heavy burdens faced by our citizens.
No parent in this country should have to worry about their child’s future. Every parent deserves the right to provide their child with access to quality schools and education. We are fully committed to securing the future of the next generation by ensuring excellent education for all children. By fostering knowledge, attitudes, and skills, we are building a promising future for the young generation of our country.

When we visit a country, the airport often offers a first impression, reflecting its order, the behaviour of its people, their work ethic, and cultural practices.

It also reveals the country’s cleanliness, how vehicles are driven, how the elderly are treated, the hospitality shown, and even how animals are cared for. We have developed clear plans to enhance Sri Lanka’s image in these areas, with short-term, medium-term, and long-term initiatives already underway.

Our goal is to create a nation where the world respects our passport, and where every citizen can proudly say, “I am a Sri Lankan.” We aim to build a country where citizenship is a source of pride for all. Achieving this vision will require the collective effort of every citizen.

We are committed to creating a system that upholds social justice for all, and we will do so with the highest sense of responsibility.

We are building a secure future for our children and youth through a program that promotes knowledge, skills, education, and entrepreneurship.

The women in our community, who make up over 52% of our population, play a vital role in both the economy and the social fabric of our country. We are actively working to enhance women’s representation across all institutions. As a testament to our commitment, we have already appointed a woman as Prime Minister.

A significant portion of our population consists of individuals with disabilities who require special social protection. To support this group, we have proposed a robust social safety net and are implementing short-term measures to address their needs.

We ensure that no group within our society is overlooked on our journey forward. By respecting each other’s identities and harnessing them positively for the country’s progress, we make our collective contribution.

We hold a strong belief in the sovereignty of the people and are committed to safeguarding their democratic rights.

I understand that some may feel uncertain due to doubts about us, but I am determined to earn your trust through my actions. I welcome your constructive criticism and encourage you to join us in building the future together. If we can set aside our differences, I believe you will see that we share the same goals. Together, we can confront the challenges facing our country and develop the necessary strategies to move forward. Our doors are open to all who are genuinely and positively committed to the progress of our nation.

We require a Parliament that accurately reflects the will of the people. The existing Parliament does not represent that will. Therefore, I took the step yesterday to dissolve it. A cabinet was appointed in line with our parliamentary representation to guide the country in accordance with the constitution.
There is one dream our people see every new day the sun rises.
That is “tomorrow will be better than today!”
However,
You and I both learn for many years, this has remained merely a dream.
Opportunism, the greed of power, and authoritarianism has hindered our country’s progress.
But now we have our final opportunity which cannot be missed. Let us unite to create a thriving and beautiful country that embraces diversity.

Mr.Ranjith Ariyarathne, who is a renowned personality in SLAS (Special Grade) assumed duties as the secretary to the ministries of Buddhist Affairs,Religious and Cultural affairs, National Unity and Social Assurance and Mass Media today (24th Afternoon).

Member of Parliament Harini Amarasuriya took oaths as the new Prime Minister at the Presidential Secretariat today (24).

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka appointed as the Secretary to the President, said the Government Information Department

Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka a day after he was declared the winner in the closely fought election.

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for being elected as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka over a social media post on ‘X’ (formerly, Twitter).

The Indian Prime Minister said, “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region.”

National People’s Power Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been officially elected as the Ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of a new era that brings hope for alleviating the hardships faced by the people in the aftermath of the unprecedented economic crisis of 2022.

During the campaign, Dissanayake took a tough stance on corruption and vowed to bring massive political transformation under his rule.

Dissanayake emerged victorious over his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, by a margin of approximately 10 percentage, as reported by the official count from the Election Commission. NPP sources said that he is scheduled to take oaths before the Chief Justice today as the Ninth Executive President of the country.The NPP won 14 district out of 22 districts whereas the SJB secured only eight districts.

The NPP Leader has garnered over 50% of votes across all districts in the Western, Southern, North Western, North Central provinces while Premadasa won in the Nuwara Eliya, Puttalama, Badulla, Jaffna, Wanni, Batticaloa, Trincomalee districts

He received a total of 5,740,179 votes, which comprised 105,264 preferential votes, whereas Sajith Premadasa from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya secured 4,530,902 votes, including 167,867 during the second count.

For the first time in the election history of the country, the Presidential election went into a second round of counting yesterday after no single candidate won more than 50% of the vote.

Announcing the official results of the 2024 Presidential election, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L.Rathnayake said the Commission has not received any complaints concerning illegal activities or obstructions occurring at polling stations throughout the country.

Rathnayake said that the commission started counting second and third preferences as the Dissanayake and Premadasa have failed to obtain 50 per cent of votes.

He added that according to election regulations, a second counting must be conducted if none of the candidates secures 50 per cent of the votes.

“Presidential candidates other than NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa have been removed from the fray and the commission has started counting the their first and second preferences”

Rathnayake highlighted to the President-elect the necessity of amending various regulations pertaining to the election process. He noted that a Parliamentary Select Committee, along with other parliamentary committees, had deliberated on the significance of introducing amendments to the election regulations, including the provision of facilities for Sri Lankans overseas to participate in the electoral process.

He expressed his hope that the President-elect would give this matter serious consideration prior to the upcoming election.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake of NPP obtained 5634,915 votes and his main rival Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya obtained 4,363,035 in the first count, according to official results.

“In the first round, NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake emerged in the lead with 42.31 per cent.In the second place was the SJB leader Sajith Premadasa who received 32.76 per cent.

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who ran as an independent candidate backed by dissenting parliamentarians of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, became third-place garnering 2,299,767 votes.

The United National Party and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya lost their many strongholds including Borella. However, celebratory firecrackers were not heard in the city or suburbs after the Election Chief announced the winner of the crucial election. There was no sign of major mobilization of Security Forces and the entire election process was peaceful and free from major incidents.

“President Anura Dissanayake, With deepest affection, I entrust to you “the beloved child of Sri Lanka”- President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In a special address, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Sri Lanka for the mandate granted during the 21st presidential election. He acknowledged that, in accordance with the will of the people, the leadership of the country should now be passed on to President Anura Dissanayake.

President Wickremesinghe extended his sincere thanks to all those who supported him during his tenure. He reflected on his role as a caretaker, stating that he had guided “the beloved child of Sri Lanka” across significant challenges, symbolized by the “Vine Bridge,” and expressed his confidence that under President Dissanayake’s leadership, the journey will continue safely and successfully.
The full transcript of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s speech is shown below;
“Ayubowan!

Dear Citizens,

The people of the country have given their decision at this Presidential Election held on 21st September 2024. Therefore, we must respect their decision and act according to that mandate to ensure the functioning of the country.
Two years ago, I took over a bankrupt country and a collapsed economy at an extremely turbulent time.
I accepted the challenge at a time when no one else had the courage to face it.

I successfully completed the responsibility that history put upon my shoulders.
I was able to rescue my motherland from bankruptcy within a short period of two years.
I believe this to be the most important thing I could do for my country during my political career.
Inflation was 70% when I took over the country, but I could reduce it to 0.5% during my time as the President.
I increased the Foreign Reserve, which was at USD 20 Million when I came to power, to USD 5.7 Billion.

I was able to ensure that the Sri Lankan Rupee which was 380 against the US Dollar, came down to a strong and solid amount of 300.
Also, when I took over, the economic growth of the country was negative 7.3% (- 7.3%). But I was able to increase it to positive 2.3% (2.3%). I am happy and proud about it.

I believe that the future generation of the country will give the proper assessment for my historical political role, the way it deserves.
I am aware that my place in history as the ruler of this country will be decided not today, but in future.
I followed the right path and saved people from hunger and sorrow. I hope that the new President will also follow the right path and put an end to the remaining issues that the people are facing.

I was eventually able to carry the dear child called Sri Lanka along a long distance safely – on the dangerous rope bridge.
Close to the very end of the rope bridge, people have decided to handover the dear child called Sri Lanka to President Anura Dissanayake.
Mr. President, here I handover to you with much love, the dear child called Sri Lanka, whom we both love very dearly. I wish that you will be able to carry this child away from the bridge to the other bank, even safer than the way I carried the child.

I will be devoted to serving my motherland with or without power, with or without a post or powers, for the rest of my life.
I wish to thank everyone who supported me, who did not support me, and all the citizens of the country during my time as President. Thank you.”

Ranil Wickremesinghe,
22nd September 2024.

Today marks a significant milestone as the Lake House Media Academy opens its new premises. Several years ago, the Academy began with great promise, and after previously operating in various locations, it has now moved to a permanent home.

This achievement is the result of contributions from many individuals, to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude, said the Chairman of the Associated Newspaper Ceylon Limited (ANCL) Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam.

He added, “The media landscape today requires informed, insightful journalists who are dedicated to their craft. The Media Academy’s mission is to produce such professionals – educated, trained, and equipped to meet the challenges of modern journalism. We aim to elevate media education to a university-level standard.”

He made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony held yesterday (19).

Prof. Kariyawasam further said: “Although we lack the vast financial resources of private media corporations, with our strong foundation and environment, we are confident in creating something exceptional. This presents a great challenge for the Lake House team, but one we are ready to meet.”

Following the inauguration, blessings were invoked by Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Province, Most Ven. Ittademaliye Indrasara Thera.

Several Lake House publications, including Mihira, Tharuni, Budusarana, Subasetha, and Sarasaviya, were relocated to the new premises as part of the inauguration. ANCL Editorial Director Sisira Paranathantrie, Finance Director Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne and General Manager Sumith Kothalawala attended the event.

Election Commission (EC) Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake said that they hope to conclude the official releasing and announcing of the 2024 Presidential Election results declaring the winning candidate by September 22.

He said this during the special Election Commission Media Conference held yesterday (19) morning at the Department of Government Information auditorium joined by the members of the Election Commission, Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Rathnayake and Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa. A team of Election observers from the European Union who are in the country to observe the Presidential election were also present. Youth aged 18 years plus not having National Identity Cards issued to them yet and are eligible to vote for the first time can produce their temporary National Identity documents with their photographs issued by the Department for Registration of Persons at the respective polling centers as a valid personal identification document which is accepted to cast their vote, Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Rathnayake said.

The EC Chairman stressed that carrying mobile phones to the polling booths by voters is strictly prohibited and to refrain from taking mobile phones when going to cast their votes which was also affirmed by the Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa.

The temporary election offices erected for Presidential candidates of all parties in all electoral districts in the country have been instructed to be shutdown and removed by midnight yesterday (19) by the EC. Strict action will be taken on those who violate these rules including arrest by the Police, the EC Chairman said.

The EC Chairman said they hope to begin counting of postal votes in each district from around 4 pm and votes cast on the Election Day from around 7 pm. He said that if a candidate has a clear majority of 50.1 percent of the total votes then that person will be declared the winner of the Presidential election, failing which counting of preferential votes given for the top two candidates who received the highest number of votes will be carried out from the valid vote ballot papers of the other presidential candidates to decide the winning candidate out of the top two. All outdoor election related propaganda and near the polling centers to coerce and influence voters is strictly prohibited and orders are given to the Police to arrest those engaged in such illegal activities.

Police Media Spokesman DIG Thalduwa said that outdoor public screening on giant screens of election results and crowd gathering is strictly banned and for all people to stay indoors and view the election results in private at their homes. He further said that measures have been taken by the police to prevent violence including brawls during public screening of election results and such screens and equipment will be removed and confiscated and the crowds gathered will be dispersed.

Thalduwa said that 63,000 police officers will be deployed for the security of the presidential election and other duties including security for the polling and counting centers and special security will be provided to safeguard the sealed ballot boxes during transportation from polling centers to counting centers in all districts including protection from natural disasters and other dangers. He said that maximum police protection and security will be enforced across the country until post election results. 10,000 civil defense personnel will be deployed to assist the Police and Police Special Task Force (STF) officers will be deployed to conduct Election Day street monitoring mobile trips. DIG Thalduwa said that police have been tasked to use maximum force if any person behaves riotously in the polling centers on the day of the Presidential election including arresting such individuals who break the law.