Committed to Balancing National Stability and Constitutional Principles

• Upholding Rights and Stability: Protecting the fundamental rights of citizens requires both a strong government and the safeguarding of law, order, and national stability.

• Shaping a New Political Culture: The nation witnessed a shift in political culture following the recent economic and political crises.

• Lack of Real Change in Presidential Race: Despite claims of reform, the main candidates in the upcoming presidential election are still rooted in outdated political rhetoric, offering little genuine change.

• Empowering Civil Societies: Civil organizations, from rural to national levels, are being strengthened to accelerate social, economic, and political progress- The President, said addressing the National Community Leaders Conference.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized his consistent efforts to maintain a balance between the country's stability and adherence to constitutional principles. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the recent unrest, the President noted that he had to take necessary action to safeguard both the nation’s freedom and stability. While some criticized these measures as undermining civil liberties, he asserted that they were crucial in ensuring today’s elections and securing the country’s economic stability.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while addressing over 500 community leaders at the National Community Leaders Conference, held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo today (12). During the event, the national community leaders presented a proposal for building a better society.

In his address, the President reiterated that a functioning government is essential to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people, while also ensuring the maintenance of law, order, and stability. He acknowledged the creation of a new political system following the country’s economic and political collapse over the past two years. However, he expressed concern that the main candidates in the upcoming presidential election are still relying on out-dated political rhetoric, despite their claims of change.

The President concluded by stating that the ‘Puluwan Sri Lanka’ Program has outlined a path for social, economic, and political transformation, and emphasized that civil society organizations will be strengthened from the grassroots to the national level to facilitate these changes.

Expressing his views further President Wickremesinghe said;

I acknowledged receiving all the reports from your organization today. I intend to carefully review them and work toward implementing the recommendations. Two years ago, the country underwent a significant transformation due to the struggles we faced. The economic system collapsed, and along with it, the political structure also crumbled. This created numerous challenges, and I had to take various steps to protect both the people affected by the unrest and the stability of the nation. Although some criticized these actions and claimed that civil liberties were undermined, I have always strived to maintain a balance between stability and the principles of the constitution. Today, the country enjoys freedom, and elections are taking place. Without those decisive steps, we might be facing the same difficulties Bangladesh is currently encountering.

It is essential to have a government that safeguards our liberties and fundamental rights, while ensuring law, order, and stability. Throughout our history, the government and opposition have clashed and criticized one another. However, neither has ever attempted to undermine the opposition or cling to power against the will of the people, as determined by election results. Since the introduction of universal suffrage in 1931, we have upheld this tradition, and as a nation, we should be proud of it. The strength and resilience of our civil societies have played a key role in preserving these values.

In the last two years, both our economic and political systems collapsed. Political parties fractured, and a new political system emerged.

Unfortunately, many in this presidential election are still operating within the old framework, using the same outdated political language. Despite talk of change, there's little real difference. In contrast, we have outlined a clear path for social change through the ‘Puluwan Sri Lanka’ Program.

We launched the Aswasuma program to provide relief to low-income individuals, ensuring that support is given based on merit, free from external influences. Additionally, we introduced the Urumaya Program, through which 200,000 families will gain free land ownership.

Our agricultural modernization initiative is designed to increase rural incomes and reduce poverty. We're also transforming plantation line rooms into villages, granting land rights and empowering women. The Social Justice Commission we established ensures that caste and class do not influence decisions. Together, these efforts are driving a major social transformation.

We are also steering the country toward an export-driven economy, which will bring financial growth. Our vision includes building a digital and green economy while controlling inflation. This, in turn, strengthens the rupee, boosts incomes, and fosters a socio-economic transformation.

We aim to complete this social and economic transformation within the first decade, and we must move in this direction. This change cannot be confined to the political system alone.

To further this, I appointed a commission led by former Chief Justice Priyasad Depp to make recommendations on the voting and political party systems. The commission has submitted 87 proposals. If implemented, these reforms will bring about yet another significant transformation in the country.

Unfortunately, no political party is discussing these issues. We've also worked to establish public assemblies, where opinions are gathered at the local council level and discussed at the national level. These assemblies bring together civil society and political activists.

Through these initiatives, we are driving a social transformation, with key responsibilities assigned to various organizations from the village to the national level, led by civil society. My vision is to create this framework, but it will be up to civil societies to carry these responsibilities forward with strength. We need strong civil leadership, particularly at the grassroots level. As a democratic nation, we need political representatives, and this is the work we've outlined in the Puluwan Sri Lanka Program.

We must focus on the future. Engaging in past politics serves no purpose, and there's no value in trying to sell what no longer exists. Instead, we should have meaningful discussions and work together towards progress. I sincerely hope that we can all unite to build such a society.

At the event, several notable individuals shared their perspectives, including Prof. Rohan Samarajeeva, Dr. Nimalka Fernando, Philip Dissanayake, K. L Niroshan from the Northern Province, A.D.B.A.S. Abbas from the Eastern Province, ST Ganeshalingam, Hemapriya Kaviratne, Attorney Dhanuka Kahandagamage, Usama Liavdeen, and Thilak Kariyawasam, who represented the plantation sector.