Colombo
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his inaugural address to the newly convened parliament on Thursday, committed to restoring law and order and addressing past wrongdoings. True to his National People’s Power (NPP) party’s focus on austerity, Dissanayake made a modest entry into parliament, avoiding the usual military displays and opting for a simple white tunic.
Dissanayake’s party, the NPP, won a historic victory in the November 14 elections, securing 159 seats in the 225-member parliament. This gave the party a two-thirds majority, the first such occurrence since 1989.
In his address, Dissanayake vowed to hold everyone accountable before the law, stating, “We will deliver justice to everyone affected by past crimes.” He also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s economic struggles, reiterating his administration’s commitment to continuing the IMF bailout program despite prior criticisms. Dissanayake expressed confidence in finalizing the next IMF agreement by November 23.
On debt restructuring, he assured the nation that his government would honor existing agreements and finalize separate deals with creditor nations by the end of the year.
Dissanayake also emphasized inclusivity, pledging that his government would ensure economic benefits reach all citizens, without discrimination based on race, religion, or politics. He promised welfare measures to address malnutrition, healthcare, and social care, ensuring protection for all Sri Lankans.
