We are fully aware that our country is facing significant challenges. Our nation’s politics should be much cleaner. There is a pressing need for a positive political culture that meets the people’s expectations. We are committed to dedicating ourselves to this cause.
Unfortunately, the general public negatively perceives politicians and politics in our country. Many believe that the current state of politics is unacceptable.
Therefore, we are working tirelessly to restore the public’s respect and trust in politics and politicians.
We also acknowledge that the profound crisis we are experiencing cannot be solved by the government alone, or by any single political party or individual.
As I have mentioned previously, I am not a magician; I am an ordinary citizen born in this country. There are capabilities, limitations, knowledge, and unknowns.
However, my primary responsibility is to harness my abilities, utilise my knowledge, and make informed decisions and take action. Therefore, I consider it my duty to actively participate in addressing these challenges.
To this end, I have been appointed to participate in this collective effort. It is the collective responsibility of ordinary citizens and people from all walks of life to help end this crisis.
Yet, as the president of the country, I understand that I bear the foremost and most critical responsibility in leading this effort.
Therefore, I am prepared to assure the citizens and society of our country that I will fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to me in order to overcome this challenge under all circumstances.
An opportunity where the main camps of traditional politics lost
In his address to the nation, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake spoke about the recent presidential election.
He emphasised that the victory of the National People’s Power in this election is significant, as it marks a departure from traditional political camps.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake secured victory in the presidential election despite facing continuous ridicule and underestimation in the political arena.
His party won 5740176 votes, representing 42.31 percent of the total votes, reflecting a strong support base. In contrast, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna candidate, Namal Rajapaksa, received 2.57 percent of the votes, a significant decrease from the party’s previous performance.
Notably, this election marked the first time in Sri Lankan history that a president was elected without securing 50 percent of the votes.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s victory as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka signifies a single political force gaining the majority consent of the people, without the need for a coalition of multiple political parties.
Parliamentary elections and majority
The new president has taken steps to dissolve the parliament immediately, and the general election is scheduled to be held on November 14.
Although it cannot be assumed that the majority power belongs to the National People’s Power, it also cannot be assumed that they cannot form a majority government based on the results of the presidential election.
The opinion of the voters is likely to change when the parliamentary elections are held. However, if the majority cannot be obtained, the National People’s Power government will have to seek the support of other parties in matters such as passing ordinances.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election victory was celebrated in a simple, elegant, and exemplary manner, setting an example for other traditional political parties especially in the President’s swearing-in and other events.
The responsibility of those who join the opposition
In this situation, the groups appointed as the opposition to the parliament have a unique responsibility.
It is their duty to engage in political discourse that prioritises the well-being of the country over the political behaviours that have been prevalent thus far.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake is responsible for carefully considering the decisions made as the President. This doesn’t mean that everything should be supported, but it is the opposition’s responsibility to identify and address the government’s mistakes and shortcomings.
The opposition has the right to object when necessary. Recognising the current economic reality and addressing it is an unavoidable responsibility for all parties.
Rescuing the country from the economic crisis
The top priority is to completely free the country from the severe economic crisis that arose in 2022. The government faces many challenges in this regard.
It is tasked with strengthening the economy, which has been somewhat stabilised with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund. Making the right decisions is crucial for this task, but it can be a challenging process.
Therefore, it is unlikely that the envisioned dreams will come true. The new government, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, must work with stricter fiscal discipline than before.
There may be public expectations for significant wage increases, lower prices for goods, or other tax concessions, but these must be formulated in accordance with the economic reality facing the country.
Thus, it may be difficult to immediately implement what the National People’s power has promised on the political stage.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake had also stated before the presidential election that the IMF program would be implemented, as outlined in the election policy manifesto of the National People’s Party. This decision is in the country’s best interest.
Therefore, regardless of politics, it is a positive step to acknowledge and address the economic reality of the country.
It is crucial to continue working hard to revive the economy by maintaining the program implemented thus far in agreement with the IMF.
Additionally, it is important to uphold maximum public financial discipline by further reducing waste, corruption, and unnecessary expenses in public administration.
People believe that someone like Anura Kumara Dissanayake can be expected to deliver on this.
The importance of the new President’s leadership
The new President’s leadership is crucial for Sri Lanka in several ways. Firstly, it is important for creating economic and political stability in the country.
Secondly, it is essential for establishing a prosperous and secure future. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, congratulated the new president and expressed the IMF’s readiness to continue working as a sustainable partner and stakeholder to help Sri Lanka achieve its development and reform goals, including the current economic program.
In addition, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardena has been reappointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe will continue to serve as the Governor of the Central Bank under the new government.
Both were originally appointed to these positions by former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, and their continuity in these roles has been maintained by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
It is worth acknowledging their efforts, especially in addressing the country’s foreign exchange crisis, where their recommendations may have played a significant role.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, after taking the oath of office, addressed the nation and declared his commitment to making every democratic sacrifice possible for the prosperity of the country and its people.
He emphasized his dedication to strengthening democracy and bringing prosperity to the nation by gaining the trust of all citizens, regardless of their voting preferences.
Now he is the leader of the country
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who ran for the presidential election as the leader of the National People’s power, is now the leader of all those who did not vote for him.
He should serve the entire country. Therefore, it is important to emphasise that, as the new president, the whole country is looking forward to how he will act to bring about a better tomorrow for the country and the people by confirming the trust of all those who voted for him.
The facts in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s address to the nation are very important. It can also be recognised as a practical approach to solving the crisis facing the country. Accordingly, solving the economic crisis facing the country is the first challenge.
For that, the new government should have the support and contribution of all parties. Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that a new era of renaissance can be easily entered through such activity.
