He asserted that the current administration is the only one in the nation’s history to hold the full confidence of the people, promising that the year would see a significant number of individuals accused of fraud and corruption, including former high-ranking officials and their relatives, being brought to justice and imprisoned.
The President emphasized that his government has prioritized the needs of the working class over the privileges of the ruling elite. He highlighted key achievements from the past year, including record-breaking government revenue and foreign remittances, as well as the implementation of salary hikes for both public and private sector workers. He specifically noted that plantation workers' wages have been increased to Rs. 1,750 and that substantial disaster compensation was provided to those affected by recent extreme weather.
In a strong message on governance, President Dissanayake detailed the strengthening of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Bribery Commission to expedite ongoing investigations. He revealed that former ministerial residences have even been converted into court premises to facilitate legal proceedings. Concluding his speech, he reaffirmed that no one—regardless of their former status as President, Prime Minister, or their family members—will be above the law, as the government moves toward a goal of national unity and stable economic growth.
