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The National Convenor of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena says that he will extend his support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential Election, bowing to the wishes of the people in his constituency.

Speaking at an event held today (04), Abeygunawardena also stated that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics.

“The true political rival we have, or the political enemy in your language, is the JVP and the SJB. So, we cannot stand for them or with them”, he added.

The National Police Commission has appointed Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Lalith Pathinayake to cover the duties of Senior DIG Administration.

This appointment comes as Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena has been sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect, until such time that the disciplinary investigation against him pertaining to the Easter Sunday terror attacks is concluded, the National Police Commission said.

The leader of Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera was named as the Presidential Candidate of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, a short while ago.

Executive member of ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ MP Wimal Weerawansa announced this during the alliance’s convention currently being held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.

Several key members of ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance including MP Wimal Weerawansa, MP Udaya Gammanpila, entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera, MP Gevindu Kumaratunga and several others were present at the occasion.

The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has also decided to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential Election.

Meanwhile, the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) recently expressed their unwavering support for President Wickremesinghe’s victory in the forthcoming presidential election.

Additionally, 92 Members of Parliament including Ministers and State Ministers recently met with Wickremesinghe and pledged their support for the President in the upcoming presidential election to ensure his victory.

Despite the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo deciding to field their own candidate in the upcoming Presidential election, a group of SLPP MPs and Ministers have expressed their support for President Wickremesinghe.

The SLPP’s electoral Bala Mandayala in Wariyapola has adopted a resolution in support of president Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Meeting today (03), its members agreed to further support the president in his nation-building and at the upcoming presidential polls too.

State minister D.B. Herath convened the meeting, attended by former Pradeshiya Sabha members, cooperative directors, party conveners and other activists.

Wariyapola comes under Kurunegala, whose district leader Johnston Fernando is yet to support Wickremesinghe.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his candidacy as an independent in the upcoming presidential election, emphasizing his commitment to advancing the country with a fresh vision and unbiased program. He plans to delegate responsibilities to all 10 governing bodies, including the 9 provincial governments and the central government, to carry out his initiatives.

He made these remarks during a meeting at the Waters Edge hotel, Battaramulla with former Provincial Council representatives from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the United National Party (UNP).

Former Chief Minister of the Western Province, Isuru Devapriya, proposed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory in the upcoming presidential election should be regarded as a significant achievement. This proposal was supported by 116 former provincial council representatives, including T.M.R. Siripala, who affirmed it with their endorsement.

The President further emphasized the importance of safeguarding and advancing the country’s growing economy. He asserted that the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must remain intact; highlighting that it is everyone’s responsibility to continue working toward economic progress, even during elections.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe strongly condemned the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and urged the government to take necessary measures to mitigate potential economic impacts arising from developments in Iran, the Middle East, and other regions. He assured that these precautions would be implemented.

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated,

“I thank everyone who has spoken on my behalf and come here to support me. We all came together in July 2022, a time when we lost our homes and many believed the country had no future. Some doubted whether it was possible to move the country forward and questioned why I took over this government. I told them I believed in the country’s potential for recovery. When asked about the experience of the SLPP members, I said that I can’t create new people unless I work with the existing ones, so we should continue this journey. Now, they say that I have a strong team.

Together with ministers, MPs, provincial councils, and local bodies, we first established stability in the country. There was great fear back then, with MPs being attacked in the streets, and we faced a dire situation. We have now taken steps to return the country to normalcy and free it from bankruptcy. Our work cannot end here. We must adhere to the IMF agreement, as breaking it would send us back into crisis.

They provide us with financial support under specific terms, which we have accepted and must follow. Currently, we have funds available only until December. We need to sign another agreement with the IMF in January to receive funds by January or February. If we start renegotiating now, it could take about a year to finalize, and we cannot continue without funding. Therefore, we must decide to accept the funds and proceed with the program.

Additionally, we need to address the challenges faced by young people by creating job opportunities, eliminating poverty, and developing the country. To achieve these goals, I am establishing 10 governments: 9 provincial governments and the central government, each with specific responsibilities.

I am running for the presidential election as an independent candidate because the country needs a fresh perspective and a new, unbiased program to move forward. Let’s embark on this journey together and advance collectively.

In 2022, the majority of the SLPP decided to support me, a decision that was crucial for the country’s current situation. I especially thank former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for making that decision, which helped save the country. Now, we need to move forward without dividing parties, preserving them as much as possible.

There are significant global issues today. The killing of the Hamas leader in Tehran this morning is something I strongly condemn. It was wrong and could have prevented a solution to the Gaza conflict. This action is likely to escalate problems in the Middle East again, which I do not support. As a nation, we must always uphold the right to life.

This international issue has led to other challenges. If a war breaks out, what will happen to fuel prices? If any issues arise, we might need to bring back everyone in the Middle East to Sri Lanka, similar to what we faced when Kuwait was invaded in 1991. This would result in a loss of revenue for the country, making it difficult for the emerging Sri Lanka to handle such a situation.

I instructed the foreign minister to engage with their counterparts from other countries to discuss a joint program to manage this situation. Our focus should be on these activities. Our speaker is currently in Tehran, and we are working to bring him back as soon as possible.

We must prepare for this situation now. To this end, a committee has been established under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Power and Energy, and the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment. Additionally, a committee composed of officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Power and Energy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been appointed under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser to assess the potential economic consequences.

The government is taking proactive measures to address any situation that may arise. There is no benefit in merely shouting from the stage; we must protect the economy and move forward. International agreements cannot be abandoned; they must be upheld and advanced. Even if elections are held, it is our responsibility to continue this work.

Provincial council elections are scheduled to take place after the parliamentary elections. I hope to conduct these elections under the 1988 system. I discussed this with MP Sumanthiran yesterday, and he is in agreement. We need to ensure greater representation of women and youth in these elections. Additionally, a Member of Parliament can run for a position in the Provincial Councils while retaining their current role. We must all work together as a government.

In addition to the President and Prime Minister, there is a committee of chief finance ministers under the government.

We are also proposing the creation of a Rajya Sabha, which would include the President, Prime Minister, party leaders, and chief ministers. As of 2017, the Chief Ministers of seven provinces are working according to the recommendations from the Constitutional Council report. The Tamil parties have also expressed their support. We have agreed to discuss police powers at a later stage, but we will proceed with the implementation of these activities now. There are significant areas of work, such as agriculture modernization, school education, and tourism responsibilities that should be entrusted to the provincial councils. We are committed to preparing for these changes and advancing the country with these 10 governing bodies.

Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse,

I served on the provincial council for twenty years, and our role is well-recognized. Provincial council representatives are dedicated to working with public consciousness.

Our contribution to strengthening the political machinery for the upcoming presidential election is crucial. Currently, the provincial council system feels disconnected from the people and is often perceived as ineffective. However, through the provincial council, we were able to make significant contributions to the public. Therefore, it is essential to restore the provincial council system in our country.

I had a brief working relationship with the current president, during which we gained confidence in his leadership. He provided strong support during critical moments in Parliament.

As a public representative of the Hambantota district, I worked with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Nevertheless, we must be sensitive to the needs of our country. It is important for everyone to support efforts to change the existing political culture and advance the country.

State Minister Shehan Semasinghe,

This moment marks a historic juncture for our country. Today, we have a diverse group of public representatives present, including members from the SLPP, the UNP, the SLFP and various independent groups.

During the crisis, President Ranil Wickremesinghe demonstrated an unexpected capacity to lead and develop the country. He steered the country in the right direction, stabilizing an unstable government mechanism and creating an environment where everyone could thrive within two years.

As we approach September 21, we must consider whether we want to risk destabilizing the country again or make a decisive choice to ensure stability. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader who can guide our country forward. In the upcoming presidential election, let us unite to secure his victory for the future of our country.

State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura,

Thank you all for coming on such short notice. At that time, it was nearly impossible to even step outside to cast a vote.

However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe embraced this challenge and delivered exceptional service to the people of this country within just two years. Under his leadership, we were able to rectify the errors of the past.

He safeguarded our democracy and restored the nation. Today, not just the President, but we too can effectively connect with the people. It is crucial for everyone to support him for a victory in the upcoming presidential election.

MP Wajira Abeywardana,

This is a historic moment. The provincial council system had a troubled history, but eventually, it evolved into a system that greatly benefited the public.

Today, we are joined by several influential national figures for this significant occasion. Although history did not allow us to elect our leader as president in the past, you all came together to make President Ranil Wickremesinghe the eighth Executive President.

You placed your trust in Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, and your belief in him has been unwavering. He alone did not guide the country onto the right path; your support played a crucial role.

Public representatives with varying political views are here today. However, we must unite for the benefit of the people.

There is no alternative path for our country. Traditional politics is no longer effective, and the era of misleading advertisements at road junctions is over. The only way forward is the path led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, State Minister D.B. Herath, Advisor to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Ashu Marasinghe, as well as former Chief Ministers, previous provincial council representatives, and a large number of people were present at the event.

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says that he will support Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming Presidential Election.

Holding a press conference in Colombo today (03), Dayasiri stated that both the SLFP’s Central Committee and Executive Committee arrived at this decision to back SJB’s “Samagi Jana Sandhanaya.”

Speaking further he said: “This is a historic decision for the SLFP. We were in an anti-government ideology for the past period, so we cannot turn that back now… We are continuing with the decision that the party arrived at on November 11, 2023 to not join the government.”

Several members of the party including Thilanga Sumathipala and Rohana Luxman Piyadasa were also present at the occasion.

Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Naval, and Aviation Services, K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, emphasized that Alphaliner, a prominent research publication in the shipping industry, recognized Colombo Port as the world’s fastest-growing port in the first quarter of 2024 due to its remarkable operational performance and 23.6% growth rate.

He added that the port generated an income of USD 50 million in the first quarter of 2024, emphasizing that the various trade union actions taken in the past did not impede this progress.

Addressing a press briefing held under the press briefing series titled “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward”, held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) today (29), Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Services further elaborated;

“To begin with, I would like to highlight the significant progress in the operational performance of the Colombo Port, which achieved an impressive growth rate of 23.6% in 2024. As a result, Alphaliner, a leading research publication in the shipping industry, recognized the Colombo Port as the world’s fastest-growing port in the first quarter of 2024. We accomplished this progress despite various trade union actions, which did not hinder our operations.

In 2023, the Sri Lanka Port Authority reported a profit of USD 100 million, and in just the first quarter of 2024, it has already made a profit of USD 50 million.

All four terminals have significantly contributed to these operations, with on-going efforts to enhance their operational capacity. Construction of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) and the Western Terminal is in progress, with the Western Terminal expected to begin operations in February 2025.

Additionally, development work is underway at the Eastern Terminal and Northern Port. Meanwhile, development projects are being carried out at Trincomalee, Galle, and Kankasanthurai ports. A passenger ferry service from India operates every Friday using the newly constructed terminal building at the Kankasanthurai Port.

Airline operations have improved by 25% compared to 2023, with significant increases in both passenger and cargo services. The number of air service arrivals has risen from 36 in 2023 to 46 by July 2024.”

Eng. Athula Galketiya, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL);

“By July 2024, there have been 4.3 million international passenger movements, and we anticipate that this number will reach around 9 million by the end of the next six months, reflecting a 26.10% growth compared to July 2023.

Additionally, international air traffic increased by 24.50% by June 2024 compared to June 2023, while air cargo movement rose by 28.96% in the same period. Our terminal handled approximately 10.8 million air passengers in 2018, but there are challenges in providing adequate facilities. Therefore, many short-term and long-term measures are currently being implemented to improve facilities for 8 to 9 million passengers.

The tender aims to improve the departure area of the first external terminal, with the award likely happening next month. Additionally, 30 more counters will be added to the departure area of the new building, along with the construction of four e-gates each for arrivals and departures, streamlining the immigration and emigration processes.

We expect to resume construction on the proposed second terminal for the Bandaranaike International Airport soon.

Negotiations with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are underway, and they are expected to provide the necessary loan facility by next month as promised. We plan to issue tenders by mid-September, begin construction by mid-next year, and complete it by the end of 2028, aiming to accommodate about 9 million more passengers.

The resignation of Air Traffic Controllers due to salary issues has been resolved with government intervention. However, approximately 80 Air Traffic Controllers have left the country. In response, the government has decided to recruit new Air Traffic Controllers. So far, a team of over 25 has been recruited, trained, and assigned to duty. Additionally, applications for another group have already been called.”

Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd), Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Keith D. Bernard, and Director General of the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Gen. Ajith Wijesinghe, along with other officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, were present at the press briefing.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared the immediate initiation of the “River for Jaffna” project, which is designed to provide a comprehensive solution to the water scarcity issues in the northern region of Sri Lanka.

The President made these remarks while attending the opening of the Thalaiyady Seawater Desalination Plant, part of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, this morning (02).

President Wickremesinghe further stated that it has been 15 years since the end of the civil war in the north. He emphasized the need for everyone to continue working together on development and expressed his goal to transform the north into a developed province within the next 5-10 years.

The Thalaiyady Sea Water Desalination Plant, part of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, is managed by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Sri Lanka.

To address the drinking water needs of Jaffna and Kilinochchi, the Government of Sri Lanka launched the Jaffna-Kilinochchi District Water Supply and Sanitation Project (JKWSSP) in 2011 with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the French Development Bank (AFD).

Currently, there are 2.5 million water connections nationwide, and the Water Supply and Sanitation Project aims to add 60,000 new connections.

The main objective of the project is to provide safe drinking water to 300,000 people and improve sanitation facilities for 80,000 people in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

President Wickremesinghe revealed plans to renovate the port of Kankesanthurai in collaboration with India and that an investment zone will be established at the site of the former cement factory.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I have taken the necessary steps to implement the agreements we reached, and the signing of these agreements is currently underway. We are collaborating with Amul to enhance liquid milk production. We should focus on increasing the country’s income and continue this program. This will help improve the economy and transform Jaffna into a major economic hub," he added.

Ministers Douglas Devananda and Jeevan Thondaman, State Ministers Dr. Suren Raghavan, K. Kader Masthan, MPs Dharmalingam Sithadthan, Angajan Ramanathan, National Security Advisor and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake and former State Minister Vijayakala Maheswaran also attended.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe today (29) stepped down as the minister of justice, prisons affairs and constitutional reforms to contest for the presidency.

He announced the decision to the media today (29) and said he would contest from a SLFP-led alliance.

Rajapakshe said accepting, resigning or getting expelled from cabinet positions was a thing normal to him.

He added that he had turned down portfolios on six different occasions.

The Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo Dr. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, also known as Podi Hamuduruwo has passed away at the age of 81.

Born on December 13, 1943, Podi Hamuduruwo has dedicated his life to the practice and propagation of Buddhist principles, guided by a profound commitment to compassion, equality, and service to humanity. Despite facing numerous personal challenges and adversities throughout his life, Podi Hamuduruwo’s unwavering faith and resilience have inspired countless individuals across Sri Lanka and beyond.

His teachings emphasize the importance of inner peace, selflessness, and the cultivation of virtuous qualities for the betterment of oneself and society.

Podi Hamuduruwo’s visionary leadership has transformed Gangaramaya Temple into a dynamic center of spiritual growth, education, and community empowerment.

Through his guidance, the temple has spearheaded various initiatives, including vocational training programs, educational workshops, and humanitarian projects, aimed at uplifting the lives of people from all walks of life.

(Daily Mirror)

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the issue regarding the appointment of the Inspector General of Police will be resolved within a week through consultation with the Speaker and the Chief Justice.

The President stated that he is fully committed to holding the presidential election on September 21 and will not consider postponing it beyond that date, as elections are an essential aspect of the people’s sovereignty and must never be violated.

Participating in the ‘Jayagamu Sri Lanka’ Colombo District program held today (27) at the Homagama bus station premises, President Wickremesinghe highlighted that, according to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has the authority to conduct an independent and free election in the country. He emphasized that it is everyone’s absolute duty to provide full support for this process.

Addressing the gathering the President further elaborated,

It must be acknowledged that we are here today because of the contributions of migrant workers and the farmers who cultivated the Yala season of 2022 and 2023. Without these two groups, our country would not have advanced as successfully as it has. We all remember the state of the country when we assumed leadership. We are not a one-party government; as President, I formed a new government by bringing everyone together. This government is therefore equipped to accept challenges. With the support of international countries and financial organizations, we began stabilizing the economy of the country. We must not forget the emigrant community that brought in dollars, and for that, so I should thank you.

If we had not advanced the country’s economy in this way, the people would not be enjoying the concessions they have today. We have a responsibility to support workers returning from abroad to start their careers here. It is because of your past service that we can provide such relief to the people today.

We now have the opportunity to emerge from bankruptcy because we have successfully negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), lending countries, and bondholders, completing the debt restructuring process. Following the signing of these agreements, Japan announced that they would resume all previously halted projects in this country with the support of the Japanese government.

We have also reached an agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement major projects, including the development of Trincomalee port. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved several energy projects. Consequently, we are ready to initiate these development activities with Japan and India.

I have also requested that China and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) resume their projects. As a result, the construction sector in this country is making significant progress.

Some people thought we wouldn’t be able to recover as a country, that holding an election would be impossible, and that we would descend into dictatorship. Now, we are holding the election. Some others said I would postpone it, but I was the first to deposit the candidate’s fee to ensure the polls could be held on time.

People ask me what will happen because of this crisis. Last week, a case was filed in the Supreme Court, claiming the system appointed by the Inspector General was wrong. An appeal and a request were submitted to the Supreme Court, as we need its approval according to the constitution. It was stated that the appeal could be made in the traditional way, which is nothing unusual. However, the Supreme Court announced that the Inspector General of Police would be removed from his post and suspended from work, despite there being no facts about it. But when you read it, you’ll understand that the petition presents the facts and that a petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court. The decision about the Inspector General of Police has been based on the pending petition.

The next day, the opposition leader brought up the matter in Parliament. The Speaker was absent that day, but when he returned, the Prime Minister raised the matter again. The Speaker then decided that the Constituent Assembly is part of Parliament, and therefore, the court cannot examine its internal workings. As a result, the Speaker stated that the appointment is lawful.

The Supreme Court says this is illegal and should be banned, while Parliament declares it is legal. With September 21 set as the election date, this situation could become a significant problem.

So, I discussed this with our Venerable Mahanayaka Theros, the Chairman of the Election Commission, and other leaders. They all agreed that we need to find a solution to this issue. We can’t let it collapse like this because it is the people who will be affected.

I view this issue from a different perspective. Rather than focusing on the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or the Constituent Assembly meeting, I refer to Article 4 of the constitution, which states that elections are part of the people’s sovereignty. We must honour this sovereignty. According to Article 106 of the constitution, the Election Commission is empowered to conduct free and independent elections in the country. The period for holding such elections began on July 17. It is our absolute duty to fully support the Election Commission in conducting this free and independent election.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara inquired the Election Commissioner if my photo could be posted on this platform. They requested to remove it. This isn’t a problem for me. We need to have discussions and debates about this. However, the Supreme Court also had a duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. According to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has to request police officers through the Inspector General of Police, not from the DIG. This must come from the Inspector General of Police.

Without an Inspector General of Police, how can we secure the necessary officers? The required number of police officers should be requested this week; if delayed, it will not be possible, and the election cannot be held. Therefore, this issue is very important.

Therefore, it was the Supreme Court’s primary duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. Likewise, Parliament should have asked the Election Commission about these issues and provided a decision. The failure to do so has created a significant problem. I do not want the election to be postponed, and I am not ready to delay it beyond September 21. I am determined to hold this election as planned. Vote for whomever you prefer; it is not a problem and it’s your right.

We need to stop going to court now and find a solution. We must decide whether to defuse this situation or let it explode. We cannot allow it to blow up. It needs to be dismantled and deactivated piece by piece. Both Parliament and the Supreme Court must act accordingly.

Therefore, I ask that both the Speaker and the Chief Justice discuss and resolve this issue. I spoke to the Speaker in the morning, and he mentioned that he had sent a letter to the Attorney General and said he is ready to talk to the Chief Justice. I will also inform the Chief Justice to discuss this. We must solve this problem within this week.

Under Article 4 of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the country’s security. The Supreme Court punished President Maithripala Sirisena for failing to protect the country. We need the Police to ensure the country’s safety, and the Intelligence Division and the Special Task Force must be operational. What will happen if we lose these capabilities?

A new campaign to combat drugs is scheduled to begin this week, and it should start on time. Therefore, I declare that after discussing with the Speaker and the Chief Justice, this issue will be resolved, and the Election Commission will be able to hold the election on September 21.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,

Today, the country is experiencing an economic awakening. I am grateful to Labour Minister for initiating such a program during a challenging period. By collaborating with the entire private sector, the minister made a significant contribution to the success of this program.

The situation in the country two years ago speaks for itself, and there is no need to dwell on it. President Ranil Wickremesinghe accepted the challenge of rebuilding the country. He took steps to achieve economic and governmental stability, integrating all sectors. When he took office, businesses were collapsing, but he stabilized the economy by working with the international community.

Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena,

This program is unique in its implementation across the country. Two years ago, for the first time since independence, the people of this country faced an economic crisis, enduring long queues for fuel and gas. At that time, society was fraught with tension and resentment, primarily due to a shortage of dollars. Although there were some dollars available for importing essential goods, there were not enough to import fuel and gas. The current president secured support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the international community, bringing the country to a point where we can all breathe easier.

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara,

When President Ranil Wickremesinghe took office, the country was facing a severe dollar shortage, and institutions were unable to pay salaries to officials. We appealed to foreign workers and those with work permits abroad to send dollars back home.

It was your children who sent dollars to our country, which is why we recognize their contributions. Out of love for their homeland, they supported us financially. Today marks the 24th event of the “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” program in the Colombo district. The 25th event was planned for the Jaffna district, but it had to be temporarily cancelled due to the election announcement.

We must prepare our children to thrive in the modern world. The Smart Classroom Program was initiated to train their minds for this purpose. We also revised labour laws, enabling many young people in our country to find jobs abroad through the empowerment of foreign work permit holders.

“Jayagamu Sri Lanka” program has significantly benefited the nation. The smart board distribution programs were not politically motivated; they were part of an initiative to help the country’s youth become entrepreneurs. Despite facing various accusations while implementing these programs, we remain committed to serving the people.

State Minister Jagath Pushkumara,

The “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” initiative began its first program in the historic Anuradhapura district. Today, all foreign employment agencies and officials are present here in the Colombo district. You didn’t come seeking jobs today; jobs have found you.

We had to make a strong effort to rebuild the country from the economic crisis it faced. At that time, we couldn’t even find USD 20 million.

We appreciate the contributions of foreign workers. This tribute is well deserved by you as parents.

I would like to thank all the officials and others who helped make this program a success.

Members of Parliament Premanath C. Dolawatta and Yadamini Gunawardena, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment Ananda Wimalaweera, General Manager of the Foreign Employment Bureau Priyantha Senanayake, along with a group of government officials, Principals, parents, school students, and others attended this event.