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Esteemed state leaders, distinguished delegates representing various organisations, honoured guests, members of the media and all those present, I seek your permission to address this extraordinary summit.

It is a great privilege to speak at this significant gathering, held at a crucial juncture in human history, at a time when the world calls for unprecedented global cooperation.

My country is a beautiful island nation with a unique history, a present filled with optimistic dreams for the future and a citizenry that possesses broad political and social awareness. The people of my country have a deep sense of empathy for events occurring anywhere in the world. While they cherish their traditions, they also demonstrate the wisdom and openness necessary to embrace change when required.

Moreover, if you were to search the internet at this very moment with your mobile phone and ask, “Which country has the highest number of eye donations in the world?” the answer would be the nation I represent, located at the edge of the Indian subcontinent: ‘Sri Lanka’.

It is a great honour and privilege for me to represent a nation of such altruistic and warm-hearted citizens, I take immense pride in addressing you on their behalf.

I believe that this summit, which focuses on developing future strategies and policies concerning critical aspects of human progress, will contribute positively to global well-being at some point.

Today, the challenges we face at national, regional and global levels are vast and complex.

Some choose to ignore these issues, embarking on self-cantered journeys. However, isolated problems of today soon evolve into global concerns of tomorrow, knocking on everyone’s doors ultimately bringing an end to solitary pursuits.

Therefore, I reiterate the importance of uniting as global citizens to confront cross-border challenges together. Addressing these crises requires collective global action and a unified front.

Effective Governance and Accountability
Enhancing governance accountability and efficiency is essential for the future world. Citizens must be encouraged to transition from individual efforts to collective initiatives.

The structure of state institutions and bureaucratic systems must prioritize accountability and responsibility, as these are crucial for the future of governance.

Social justice and the rule of law are not only vital for a regulated state but also for a well-functioning professional world. Proper implementation of agreements and laws, systematic support for low-income and vulnerable communities and ensuring accountability through an independent media and social activism are all of paramount importance.

The emergence of digital access rights, environmental rights and other new rights—along with evolving political systems—highlights the need for an updated universal declaration on human rights, which was not envisioned in the 1948 declaration. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness and proactive engagement in addressing these pressing issues.

As we strive to build a global community founded on sustainable values, it is crucial to uphold respect for the diverse cultural traditions across the world.

Financing the Future and the Global Economy
Nearly 60% of the poorest countries are either in a debt crisis or at high risk of one, raising serious concerns about the future of the global economy. With tightening global financial conditions, the prospect of massive debt repayments and a poorly prepared international financial structure, the global economic outlook appears increasingly precarious. Transforming into a fair and equitable financial system is of critical importance.

Climate, Crisis Mitigation and Resilient Cities
The world is heading toward the devastating consequences of uncontrolled industrial growth, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and severe corruption. These issues are more frightening than a catastrophic celestial event that could impact Earth in a matter of years. While many developed countries have historically contributed to three-quarters of carbon dioxide emissions, their exposure to the impacts of climate change remains relatively low. Despite significant advancements in development, many naturally beautiful low-income countries are being ravaged by the harmful actions of others. These countries and islands, once known for their pristine coastlines, are now plagued by these disasters. If you ever visit our country, you will be astonished by the breath-taking coastal areas surrounding
us. We are committed to making enormous efforts to protect our coastlines and preserve their beauty.

Human-Cantered Future and Sustainable Growth
The digital revolution has already transformed the way people live, work, and communicates. While these technologies have the potential to help billions of people lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives, they also create new challenges for citizens and governments around the world. It is important not to forget that the very technologies that empower individuals can also present significant risks. Take a computer virus, for example—though it doesn’t attack with a bullet or a nuclear bomb, it can wreak havoc in ways that are far more dangerous than traditional warfare, as evidenced by the increasing threat of cyber-attacks in recent years.

Global Health Transformation
Over the next two decades, population growth, urbanization, and the rise of antimicrobial resistance will likely contribute to the continuation and expansion of several health challenges.

As humans, we are inevitably interconnected. For over a year, a virus caused much of the global population to conceal their faces behind masks, creating significant pressure in both wealthy and impoverished nations.

In 2024, the world saw an increase or resurgence of several infectious diseases. Among non-communicable diseases, cancer has had an extraordinary impact on people’s lives. At this moment, millions of cancer patients are fighting for survival. Heart disease, regardless of national borders, continues to devastate lives, and it has become a major global crisis. Health experts predict that by 2030, the economic cost of mental health disorders worldwide could exceed $16 trillion.

The climate crisis is expected to result in an additional 14.5 million deaths by 2050, according to predictions.

In this context, it is crucial to focus on digital health, new technologies, and modern health tools, as well as the relationship between environmental health, sustainability, and health financial cooperation for economically vulnerable countries.

At times, you may represent the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, or the West. However, the problems we all face and the call for unity, as expressed through the “lub dub” sound in our hearts, urge us to build the world together.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers.” If we don’t, he also foresaw the consequences.

We have united with a purpose to provide our people with “a thriving nation, a beautiful life,” a goal that has been historically endorsed.

At this historic summit, I urge you to join us in building a beautiful life and a beautiful world.

Thank you.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed from Sri Lanka yesterday (10) for a three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates at the invitation of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During this visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to address the 2025 World Government Summit in Dubai.

The primary objective of the World Government Summit is to foster a global dialogue by bringing together world leaders in a single forum to discuss futuristic approaches, technological innovations, and other key topics. The summit serves as a platform for nations to exchange knowledge on current global challenges, emerging trends, and new opportunities.

Representatives from over 150 countries and more than 4,000 participants are expected to attend the event.

In addition to attending the summit, President Disanayake is set to hold bilateral discussions with heads of state and government leaders from several participating countries.

A bilateral meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is also scheduled, with the Sri Lankan government anticipating enhanced cooperation between the two nations across multiple sectors.

Furthermore, during his visit, President Disanayake is expected to meet with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

To attract investments to Sri Lanka, President Disanayake will engage in discussions with top executives from leading global corporations in sectors such as Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy, tourism, finance and media.

This year, we commemorate a special Independence Day. Rather than merely reflecting on our past, this year we celebrate Independence Day looking forward to the future. Today, we celebrate Independence Day, at a juncture when people from the northern, southern, eastern, and central regions of our country collectively dream of a future defined by a prosperous Sri Lankan State, a modern Sri Lankan nation.

On February 4, 1948, our country attained the political autonomy requisite for self-determination. Although that freedom was constrained, it nonetheless held profound significance. That moment marked the inaugural instance in our history when we secured political independence. This island, which had been partially subjected to Western imperialist rule since 1505, was entirely subsumed as a British colony in 1815. It is on a day such as today that the political prerequisites for emerging as an independent state, liberated 77 years ago, begin to be fulfilled. Therefore, it is a day worthy of celebration.

Today is a day to honor all the valiant heroes who rendered immense sacrifices to render this day possible. Moreover, even after 1948, as we carried forward the mantle bestowed upon us to realize complete freedom, additional courageous souls have traversed arduous paths in pursuit of our liberation. We have journeyed far to reach this moment of celebrating our 77th anniversary of independence, having borne that baton through the passage of time, including the pivotal year 1972, when we attained full political sovereignty under a constitutional crown. In that journey, we have arrived at this day, forged by the blood and sweat of thousands of gallant people, both celebrated heroes and heroines as well as the unsung ones, who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We hereby pay our homage to all of them in this moment.

Today, as the democratically elected President of this state, I stand before our proud national flag in Independence Square, not only as your leader but as a brother who has borne the historical burden emblematic of our future freedom. I am confident that you stand with me in this moment, sharing in the weight of this burden.

Together, we must embark upon a journey towards economic liberation and socio-cultural emancipation, in short, towards the freedom essential for us to live with pride as contemporary citizens of this nation. Not only must we overcome the ethnic, religious, and caste divisions that have long fragmented and subjugated us as subjects, but we must also eradicate the entrenched prejudices that exist between political representatives and the populace, between institutional leaders and their staff, between passengers and public transportation operators, between government employees and the citizens they serve, between educators and students, and so forth. We must purify our society by eradicating these prejudices and reaffirm that human dignity, love, and compassion, the hallmarks of the modern era, form the bedrock of all human relationships. Similarly, as citizens of this nation, we must not permit the respect or affection inherently owed to every human being to be curtailed by disability, age, illness, or any other such limitation.

Only when we have fully commemorated 77 years of liberation from colonialism can we reimagine freedom for our nation.

Therefore, we must recognize that in our quest to attain comprehensive economic, social, and cultural freedom, each of us is a warrior on the same battlefield. Collectively, we must persist in our struggle for freedom on behalf of this motherland.

In this endeavor, you, as farmers and fishermen who sustain our nation with food, as educators who cultivate knowledge and nurture future generations, as healthcare professionals who safeguard the well-being of our people, and as members of the police and security forces who ensure the safety of our citizens, bear an indispensable responsibility. Equally, those who fortify our manufacturing sector, propel our nation toward industrialization, and bolster our service economy, from garment factory workers to the women who harvest tea leaves in the highlands, from expatriates laboring abroad to those striving to elevate our nation through information technology, and from advocates of the tourism industry, each of you plays a crucial role in nurturing our motherland.

To secure our economic freedom, rather than succumbing to weakness in the global economic system and being overwhelmed by its every fluctuation, we must unite in our efforts for this motherland. In our pursuit of economic liberation, we must remain steadfast, never relegating our social and cultural freedom to a subordinate position.

Consequently, as artists, writers, journalists, and scholars, you bear an indispensable responsibility to purify and rejuvenate our national spirit, which has been tarnished by hatred and anger. In this context, religious leaders have likewise been entrusted with a profound responsibility.

Similarly, as devoted mothers and fathers nurturing the future generations of this nation, you, too, have a vital role to fulfill.

Likewise, as the sons and daughters diligently studying today in preparation to steward this nation tomorrow, you possess a unique and crucial role.

Just as the mantle of responsibility to lead this nation into the future was entrusted to us through the sacrifices, blood, tears, and sweat of those who loved our country immeasurably, so too shall we one day bestow that honorable responsibility upon you. However, on February 4, 2025, as we commemorate our national independence, 77 years since our liberation from colonial rule, I must pledge one promise to you. The nation we bequeath to you is not merely the country that history has conferred upon us, but your own homeland, a nation in which you can aspire to live as global citizens. It is a nation that reveres human dignity and embodies an elevated cultural ethos. Moreover, it is a country that guarantees your right to partake in the scientific, technological, and intellectual advancements that human civilization has realized thus far, as citizens of this Sri Lankan state.

I assert this unequivocally before you today, for we possess no legitimate excuse to squander this magnificent opportunity bestowed upon us by history. The future will attest that we have not faltered in this regard. I am equally confident that you will guide this cherished motherland into the future with even greater devotion and vigor than we have demonstrated.

As human beings, our inalienable duty, by virtue of our existence on this earth, is to render this world a haven of elevated humanity, and to ensure that all individuals have equitable opportunities to partake in and embody that higher humanity. Our struggle for freedom is intrinsically intertwined with this noble aspiration.

Therefore, let us envision that dream of freedom collectively, let us bring that dream to fruition together.

Perhaps you and I, indeed all of us, are united on this journey, and it is imperative to remember that this journey has the potential to render our motherland, this Sri Lankan state, an enduring exemplar of freedom and democracy in the contemporary political landscape. Although we may not emerge as the wealthiest nation globally, through our concerted efforts, we can evolve into a model state of equality and freedom, one that epitomizes the richest national spirit in the world.

• Sri Lanka Attracts Global Investments Due to On-going Anti-Corruption Measures

– Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sayama (Ikuina) Akiko, Commends Sri Lanka’s Reforms

The Government of Japan has extended a grant of 300 million Japanese Yen (approximately LKR 565 million) to Sri Lanka to enhance waste management infrastructure facilities under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Program.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the grant was signed today (03) at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of President Anura Kumara Disanayake. The agreement was signed by Ms. SAYAMA (IKUINA) Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Japan and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana.

This grant will be utilized to enhance the waste management capacity of local government authorities in the Western, Northern, and Eastern Provinces by funding to procure 28 garbage compactors, enhancing the country’s waste transport capacity. The allocation of vehicles will be as follows Western Province – 14 trucks, Eastern Province – 8 trucks and Northern Province – 6 trucks.

Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, SAYAMA, stated that current government’s anti-corruption initiatives have attracted the country’s global appeal for investment. She made these remarks with President Disanayake while reaffirming Japan’s commitment to further support Sri Lanka’s development efforts.

The Government of Japan also expressed its willingness to continue assisting Sri Lanka in its anti-corruption measures and broader governance reforms. During the discussion Vice Minister SAYAMA delivered a message of goodwill from the Prime Minister of Japan to President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

In response, President Disanayake expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for its on-going cooperation and highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He assured that Sri Lanka would continue to uphold its anti-corruption policies without compromise and emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and good governance.

The President also thanked Japan for resuming previously halted Japan-funded projects in Sri Lanka and acknowledged Japan’s support in the country’s debt restructuring process.

President Disanayake also expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for providing employment opportunities to a large number of Sri Lankan expatriates and requested the Japanese government to provide further assistance in developing those opportunities in the future. Additionally, he requested Japan’s assistance in implementing a project to improve Sri Lanka’s public transportation system through Japanese aid.

The event was graced by several high-ranking officials, including Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister Economic Development, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President – along with H.E. Mr. ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mr. SAITO Jun, Secretary to Hon. IKUINA, MOFA, Mr. MUROTANI Masakatsu, Director, Southwest Asia Division, MOFA, Ms. HIROSE Akiko, Director, Country Assistance Planning Division II, MOFA and Mr. IWASE Kiichiro, Deputy Director, Southwest Asia Division, MOFA.

  • Cabinet green lights multiple key agreements with China including boosting tourism and export of chicken meat from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka this week reiterated commitment to the ‘One China Policy’, whilst Cabinet of Ministers approved a series of new agreements with China.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the continuation of ‘One China Policy’ recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China and acknowledging Taiwan is only a province of China.

The fact furnished by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath indicating that Sri Lanka further follows the same policy as it is and act adhering to the same was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

In addition, as part of strengthening bilateral relations, the Cabinet of Ministers approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the China Media Group and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday announcing the decisions said the move aims to elevate Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination for Chinese tourists by leveraging modern technology and expertise of the China Media Group.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, he said additionally the Cabinet endorsed a proposal to facilitate the export of chicken from Sri Lanka to China. 

“The agreement drafted in collaboration with China’s General Administration of Customs, outlines health requirements and quarantine procedures to ensure compliance with export standards,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister Lal Kantha to sign the said agreement between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry was unanimously approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday.

In humanitarian efforts, Dr. Jayatissa stated that the Chinese Government has provided emergency aid worth 35.7 million Yuan to support small-scale fishermen in Northern and Eastern Provinces and the Cabinet of Ministers formally certify this aid and further enhance cooperation in the sector.

The assistance includes 75,000 fisheries nets for small scale and low income generating fishermen, 500 precast houses for small scale and low income generating fishermen and 1,630 tons of rice for small scale and low income generating fishermen.

In addition, Dr. Jayatissa said Cabinet granted approval for multiple MoUs between Sri Lankan and Chinese institutions to foster collaboration in health, media and information sectors.

These include; 1) MoU between the Health and Mass Media Ministry and the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of the People’s Republic of China, 2) MoU between the Associated Newspapers Ceylon Ltd., and Xinhua News Agency of China, 3) Memorandum of Cooperation between the Department of Government Information and Xinhua News Agency of China, 4) MoU between Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and China Media Group and 5) MoU between Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and China Media Group.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Jayatissa said the pact aims to enhance knowledge exchange and technical expertise.

 

Mr. Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Mr. Hara extended JICA’s commitment to supporting the nation’s development priorities. Key areas of discussion included debt restructuring, the completion of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) expansion project, and potential avenues for enhanced collaboration between the two countries.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed her appreciation for Japan’s support and reaffirmed the government’s focus on poverty alleviation, digitalization and the "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan, and Mr. Kenji Ohashi, First Secretary and Head of Economic Cooperation from the Embassy of Japan. The Sri Lankan delegation included Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Yasoja K. Gunasekera, Additional Secretary for Middle East & Africa, and Mr. Raveen Ubeysekera, Assistant Director for East Asia in the ministry of foreign affairs, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Finance’s External Resources Department.

The Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry said the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme will begin from January 1.

This programme will be implemented by focusing on 341 Local Government bodies.

The programme is designed to foster the social, environmental, and ethical awakening of the country while strengthening environmental, economic and social sustainability. It also aims to enhance the efficiency of state machinery to ensure the successful realisation of its objectives.

 

A Gazette notification was issued recently establishing an 18 member Presidential Task Force to plan and implement the “Clean Sri Lanka” Programme, a key feature in President’s policy statement.  They have been tasked with preparing a plan, guide, implement, review the progress and complete the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme within a given time frame aiming to achieve the objectives of elevating society to a more advanced status through a social, environmental and ethical awakening.

The Task Force is headed by Secretary to the President Dr.N.S.Kumanayake.

The other members are the Army, Navy and the Air Force Commanders, the acting Inspector General Priyantha Weerasuriya, Urban Development Authority Chairman Kumudu Lal De Silva, I.S.Jayaratna, Gihan De Silva, Sandya Salgado, Dr.Gamini Batuwitage, Dr. Anuruddha Gamage, Dilruk Wanasinghe, Deepal Sooriyaarachchi, Sisira Amarabandu, Krishantha Cooray, Jayathu Perera, Ruwan Weerasooriya and Dayan Karunarathna. The said Presidential Task Force should submit reports to the President from time to time, in respect of the execution of the aforesaid tasks.

 

As Sri Lankans, we step into 2025 with the dawn of a new era, a time when the dreams of prosperity that our nation and its people have long cherished begin to materialize.

The parliamentary elections of 2024 enabled us to establish a government with a strong majority, earning the trust of people across the North, East, West, and South. With this mandate, we have initiated a transformative political shift, fulfilling our democratic responsibilities to build the good governance our citizens aspire to.

Our primary developmental goals include eradicating rural poverty, implementing the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, and building a digital economy. The “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, launched alongside the New Year, aims to uplift society to greater heights through social, environmental, and ethical revival.

In 2024, we achieved significant economic stability as a nation. With this progress as our foundation, we move forward in 2025 with renewed vision and determination, working towards creating a prosperous nation and ensuring a beautiful life for everyone. I firmly believe this moment marks an exceptional opportunity to inspire new ideals and foster greater unity for the benefit of all.

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history since independence, we now have the chance to make the dream of a united and developed nation a reality through people-centered governance. This unparalleled responsibility rests upon all of us, and we fully understand its importance. In 2025, with courage and unwavering commitment, we will strive to regain the victories missed in the past century and bring these dreams to fruition.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year filled with prosperity, unity, and renewed hope as we strive for peace and progress together.

Anura Kumara Disanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
01st January, 2025

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed Dr. Anil Jasinghe as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media.

The official appointment letter was handed over to Dr. Jasinghe by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake this afternoon (10) at the Presidential Secretariat.

 
 

 

Preliminary discussions at the ministerial level for the preparation of the 2025 Budget have commenced under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

As part of this process, a meeting focused on the budget proposals related to the expenditure heads of the Ministry of Health and Media was held this morning (10) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussion was attended by Minister of Health and Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, and several senior officials from the ministry.

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