Law Will Be Enforced Against All Who Illegally acquired assets. - Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe

The Prime Minister stated that the President has challenged all ministers to transparently and efficiently spend the funds allocated to each ministry through the national budget for the benefit of the people, and that the local governments and municipal councils have historically been the nursery grounds of corrupt politics.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a public gathering held at the Raffles Hotel in Kotte on April 22.

The Prime Minister further stated:

All 159 of us in Parliament today did not enter through family or financial influence. We are ordinary citizens just like you and individuals who stand among you. Unlike in the past, our members do not behave disruptively in Parliament. When school children visit, there is no need for the Speaker to request their removal that our parliamentary members conduct themselves with dignity, adherence to the law, and political maturity.

This is the kind of Parliament we have always aspired to have. Today, it is you who has made this transformation possible. For a long time, we have not experienced the advantages of an efficient and properly functioning local government. You now have the opportunity to elect representatives who are truly committed to serving you and improving your local institutions.

State Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, while addressing the gathering stated further:

If someone joins a municipal council receiving a modest salary and, within two to three years, builds a luxury house and acquires a vehicle, we will question how such wealth was amassed. If a satisfactory explanation cannot be provided, the law will be enforced and the measures will be taken to confiscate any illegally acquired assets.

The opposition frequently levels accusations against us, but we have not engaged in any wrongdoing. We have not misappropriated public funds, used undue influence to secure school admissions for our children, or interfered with law enforcement. We are dedicated to serving the people by upholding an ethical and responsible political culture.

If you wish to develop your community, I respectfully urge you to elect individuals of integrity who will not misuse public funds.

The event was attended by Mr. Arosh Athapaththu, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council candidate representing the National People’s Power, along with several other candidates and a large number of local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the taxes paid by the people should have value and that the public has a right to know how those funds are being used.

The prime minister made these views while attending a public gathering held on April 21 at the auditorium near the Mayurapathi Sri Bhadra Kali Amman Kovil in the Havelock area of Colombo.

The Prime Minister also took part in a special blessing ceremony at the Mayurapathi Sri Bhadra Kali Amman Kovil during the visit.

The Prime Minister further stated:

Colombo is a city full of diversity. Within a small land area, people of various ethnicities, religions, and social classes live together. It is a city where you find both affluent communities and those struggling to meet their basic needs. As such, the demands of the city are high. Colombo is the heart of Sri Lanka.

However, even today, there are many areas in Colombo that need further development. At the same time, the Colombo Municipal Council receives a large annual income. You might have wondered what happens to the taxes you pay.

That is why it is clear that the Colombo Municipal Council must be entrusted to a group free of corruption. I can confidently say that the team presented by the NPP is such a group.

The event was attended by candidates representing the National People’s Power, including Colombo mayoral candidate Ms. Vraie Cally Balthazaar and a large gathering of local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

For the government, it is a decisive moment to ensure the allocation of public funds to reach rural communities without corruption.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that while the opposition views the upcoming election as just another attempt to gain power, for the government, it is an opportunity to ensure that the allocations of public funds to reach rural communities without corruption.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today afternoon (April 21) while addressing a public gathering held in the Maligawatte division of the Colombo Central electorate.

Speaking at the public gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further noted:

Our government has already commenced it’s work. We presented our first budget, which covers the next eight months. Our goal is to bring some relief and development to the people who have suffered for years, and to develop the rural economy.

Those who are seeking to criticize the current government do not initiate in addressing the extensive financial mismanagement of previous governments.

We are managing public finances with the utmost prudence and are committed to undertaking development projects in the best interest of the people. To ensure these initiatives are successfully implemented at the grassroots level, we require clean and capable local leadership.

Therefore, this election is extremely decisive. This election has been delayed for so long. Our foremost task is to resume and complete development projects that were abandoned by previous administrations, and to rectify the errors they have left behind.

The current government considers and conscious about every rupee it spends. If there are thieves at the local level when sending allocated public funds to villages, how can we develop them? Let us treat the people’s decision to steer the country in the right direction as the third major challenge, and on May 6, achieve a victory similar to past elections.

There cannot exist two separate political cultures at the top and another at the grassroots. If we are to operate at the highest levels without waste, corruption, or fraud, the same standard must be upheld locally. Only the National People’s Power (NPP) has presented candidates who reflect this integrity.

The nominee of NPP for the position of Mayor of Colombo is not an individual elevated by political lineage, but someone who has walked the streets of Colombo, understands its people, and is deeply aware of their issues. Ms. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, who during her office as my private secretary, has consistently demonstrated the capacity to respond sensitively and competently to complex matters that makes her best suited for the mayoral position.

An individual who favours a single platform, segment, or locality cannot represent Colombo as a whole. We need someone who can serve all of Colombo with empathy and dedication. The NPP has put forward its candidates with the sole purpose of serving the people and working in their best interest.

The annual revenue of the Colombo Municipal Council is Rs. 30 billion. Had this sum truly been utilised for the benefit of the public, the city would not be in its current state. Despite this revenue, Colombo has schools such as Ananda, Nalanda, and Royal and also the schools that lack even the adequate teaching staff, access to clean water, and basic sanitation facilities. How did we reach this point?

Greater responsibility for addressing local issues lies with provincial councils and local government institutions. If these institutions cannot fulfil their mandates, how can we hope to build a new nation?

Under the guidance of present administration, the national economy has begun to recover. Tourist arrivals are increasing, and the country is embarking on a path of development. Yet, there remains much to be done. In order to transform national development plans into practical results at the community level, strong and principled leadership within local and municipal councils is essential.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya urged the public to exercise their vote with careful consideration in order to liberate the nation from corrupt politics and to resolve longstanding challenges.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of National Integration Mr. Mohamed Muneer, Colombo mayoral candidate Ms. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, local council candidates, and party members.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

We aspire to build a nation where all citizens coexist in peace and resilience for the future generation.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is ready to listen to the people and aspire to ensure a peaceful and united nation for future generations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings on April 20 at the Manik Farm Community Development Centre in Settikulam and the Ukkulankulam Ground in the Vanni electoral district.

The current Parliament has the highest number of female representation in Parliament in history. Previously, women constituted less than 5% of Parliament out of the total number of 225 cabinet representation. However, 52% of the country’s population are women.

Women play a significant role in sustaining the economy, maintaining family structures, and upholding society yet their representation in decision-making bodies has been limited. Therefore, we urge you to elect not only male representation to Parliament but also more female representatives from the Vanni district in the upcoming elections.

Vavuniya is currently developing into a thriving city. Therefore, essential services expected from provincial councils must be effectively delivered. Local government bodies should actively participate in the development of the rural sector.

We recognize that education holds significant value for the people of the North. You place great importance on education. However, the country’s education system has deteriorated and weakened. Specifically, the lack of necessary attention to the education sector in the North has made it more challenging compared to other regions. Moreover, I have learned of a more alarming issue that the diminishing value placed on education by young men and women. Clandestine Drug Distribution and alcohol are now readily visible in everywhere. There are no avenues for youth to find joy while avoiding these substances. The underdevelopment of fields such as science, arts, and drama has left them without means to find happiness. Therefore, significant interventions must be necessary.

If you elect a group that is free from corruption and fraud, we can allocate funds without hesitation, ensuring they reach the appropriate hands. These funds can then be directed towards the development of your village. That is why your choice is important.

The events were attended by Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe, Vavuniya District MPs S. Thileepan and M. Jegatheeswaran, along with the local government candidates and residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Thirteen years of continuous education recognized as a right of every child

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced that a new initiative aimed at eliminating the existing disparities among schools across the country will be launched in 2026 as a key objective of the forthcoming education reform. The Prime Miniter made these remarks while addressing a public gathering of the NPP movement, held at the Irattaperiyakulam Town Hall in Vanni District on April 20.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that every child will be guaranteed the right to thirteen years of uninterrupted education, ensuring that no child is left behind with the introduction to a education system that shifts from the current exam-centric education model to a more inclusive and comprehensive education system in the near future.

The Prime Minister stated that in order to achieve a broader transformation in the education sector, the changes to the school curriculum, teaching methodologies, examination systems, classroom design, and educational infrastructure should be implemented and that this year national budget has allocated the highest-ever investment in the history of Sri Lanka for the advancement of education.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of enhancing teacher training in preparation for the new education reforms and improving the facilities at teacher training institutions. Further, the prime minister announced that the Sinhala-medium Teacher Training College in the Vavuniya District, which has remained closed for several years, will be rapidly renovated and reopened under the budget provisions.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the vision of the NPP led government is to establish an education system that fosters the development of essential life skills, strengthens the character of students, and ensures the true realization of the goals of a free and empowering education.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe, Vavuniya District Members of Parliament S. Thilakanathan and M. Jegatheeswaran, along with NPP candidates of the Vavuniya East Pradeshiya Sabha and a large number of local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The notion of “nationalism serves as the final refuge for the politically abandoned” is being visibly confirmed.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that individuals entangled in corrupt politics are currently in a state of visible unease, and that the notion that nationalism has become the final refuge of those politically abandoned is being strongly confirmed in recent times.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a public meeting of the NPP movement on April 20 at the Nedunkeni Cultural Hall in the Vanni District.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated:

"In the past, the political landscape of our country was fragmented into Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Hill Country politics and treated separately. Politicians upheld their political culture by dividing communities based on region and ethnicity and it is within such framework that corruption in politics took place. It is said that nationalism is the final refuge of the politically orphaned but we are well aware that you elect our government by rejecting ethnic and religious divisions, with the firm intention of transforming that outdated political culture. For the first time in the history, the people cast their votes based on policy and vision, rather than the identity or affiliation.

"Yesterday, I participated in several public meetings in the Kilinochchi District and visited a number of households in the area. In almost every home, at least one family member has migrated abroad, separated from their loved ones. The fundamental reason for this is the lack of opportunities for economic advancement in rural areas."

"For far too long, the rural development has been neglected, not due to the lack of fund allocations at the provincial council level, but because those in positions of power failed to show sensitivity to the needs of the people.

Provincial councils are intended to facilitate essential community development, including roads, drainage systems, preschools, and bus terminals. These are basic needs that directly impact the daily lives of the citizens. We have endured considerable hardship, and it is time to break this cycle. Our aspiration is to bequeath a prosperous and dignified nation to the generations that follow."

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Member of Parliament M. Jegatheeswaran, provincial council candidates representing the NPP, and a large number of local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division