President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has strongly rejected claims that the government’s action against individuals accused of corruption amounts to political revenge, insisting that the law will be enforced regardless of personal or political connections.
Addressing the issue of corruption during farmers rally in Polonnaruwa, the President said there was no reason for the government to seek revenge against anyone, but stressed that those responsible for stealing public wealth and contributing to the country’s destruction must be brought before the law. He said attempts to gain public sympathy by shedding tears after being arrested or investigated would not influence the government’s commitment to enforcing the law.
President Dissanayake emphasized that the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of whether the person involved is a grandmother, mother, brother, uncle or any other family member. He said that if several members of a family were involved in wrongdoing, they would face the consequences together.
He said the government’s approach was intended to demonstrate to the public that anyone who misappropriates even a single cent of public funds would eventually be held accountable. According to the President, those who are now claiming that the government is collapsing or pursuing political revenge are reacting with fear to the government’s anti-corruption measures.
The President rejected accusations that the government is driven by hatred, saying its objective is instead to rebuild the country. He said the people had placed their hopes in ending corruption, restoring the rule of law and order, developing the economy and creating better living conditions for future generations.
He further stressed that Sri Lanka cannot achieve those aspirations without taking action against criminals and bringing individuals accused of corruption before the law. Ending theft, eliminating corruption and ensuring that the law is applied fairly and in a civilized manner, he said, are essential components of rebuilding the nation.
President Dissanayake said the government had therefore embarked on what he described as a major national effort to rebuild the country, with accountability and the rule of law forming key parts of that process.
