Colombo, Sri Lanka — September 23, 2024 – In his first national address after being sworn in as Sri Lanka’s 9th Executive President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a heartfelt plea for unity, urging all citizens to come together to tackle the nation’s pressing challenges. Acknowledging the scale of the crisis Sri Lanka is facing, he stressed that the country’s recovery requires the collective efforts of all its people, not just the government.
“I am not a magician,” President Dissanayake declared, adding that overcoming the country’s economic and social difficulties will need widespread participation. “I cannot do this alone, nor can my team. We need the support of everyone in the nation.”
The President’s address follows a decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election and a peaceful transfer of power from outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, whom Dissanayake praised for respecting the democratic process. “Our country’s democracy is strong, and it has allowed for a peaceful transition of power. For that, I thank President Wickremesinghe for his dedication to this principle,” he said.
Dissanayake outlined the gravity of the task ahead, stressing that political, economic, and social reform must come hand-in-hand with public participation. “The deep crisis we face cannot be solved by one person or one government. It will take all of us, working together,” he said, adding that international cooperation will also play a crucial role in the nation’s recovery.
His speech reflected a deep understanding of Sri Lanka’s political complexities and the growing frustration among its people, who have suffered through economic instability and political corruption in recent years. The President vowed to address these issues head-on, calling for a cleaner, more accountable political culture.
Dissanayake recognized the skepticism many citizens have towards the political system, which has seen frequent corruption scandals and inefficiency. “I understand that the public does not hold politicians in high regard,” he said. “Our job now is to restore the people’s trust in politics, and I will work tirelessly to achieve that.”
He also extended an olive branch to those who did not support him in the election, stating that it is his responsibility to build trust across all communities and political factions.
With the nation’s economic crisis still looming large, the President emphasized the importance of international support and collaboration. He called on Sri Lanka’s industrialists, farmers, and other key sectors to partner with the government in its efforts to rebuild.
“We are not a country that can stand alone. We need international support, but we must also work together as a nation to overcome these challenges,” Dissanayake said.
As Sri Lanka moves forward under new leadership, President Dissanayake’s call for unity will be put to the test. The task ahead is monumental, but the President’s message was clear: Sri Lanka’s future depends on the collective effort of its people, united by a common goal of recovery and progress.
