The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and the regional leader in Argentina, His Holiness Pope Francis.

During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:

The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

People Coming to Kandy Should reflect on respecting the environment and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Let the Change Begin with You.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the opposition is frightened by the possibility of losing its relevance, and if one wishes to surpass the National People’s Power (NPP), they must demonstrate their commitment to ending corruption and fraud.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held today (24th) in Teldeniya, Ududumbara, Hasalaka, Kundasale and Madawala in the Kandy District.

While addressing the gatherings, Prime Minister Dr.Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

A comprehensive plan has been formulated and is being implemented to lead this country into a new era. We are all aware of the magnitude of the economic crisis the nation has faced. Today, the economy has reached a level of stability, while corruption and waste have been significantly stopped.

We are progressing with a new political culture with transparency and free from allegation is executing each action with meticulous care.

Now, some may ask, having elected a President and entrusted power to form a strong government, what more is needed? Governance involves multiple institutions, and in a democratic nation, representation of the people at every level is essential.

This is precisely why the previous government postponed the 2023 Provincial Council elections. They feared that empowering grassroots leadership would foster a political transformation starting from the rural level, ultimately displacing corrupt politicians.

It was in this context of fear that baseless accusations were directed at us, and attempts were made to hinder the journey we had begun at the grassroots.

For years, the national budget was nothing more than a piece of paper, and ministers and presidents operated without accountability, misusing funds as they pleased.

In contrast, we presented a manifesto and developed a plan in order to identify key objectives for the current year and presented a budget covering the next eight months accordingly.

As we stated well before 2024, we were prepared to take responsibility for the nation. From that time, the public has been well aware of our priorities, rebuilding the healthcare system to provide accessible primary care services at the rural level, establishing a structured, efficient health sector. We have the highest priority in education. It is our objective to establish fully equipped primary schools within a three-kilometer radius in every rural division. We are currently undertaking measures to introduce an educational system that is not burdensome to children. Furthermore, the development of transportation and rural road infrastructure is essential, along with the creation of economic opportunities within the rural communities.

Development should not be centered around urban areas, Colombo, or specific elites. It must be an inclusive process in which all citizens can participate and benefit, an approach that visibly improves people’s lives.

We must develop common resources that benefit everyone. The government has already allocated funds for this purpose, and we are committed to creating the conditions necessary to channel those funds effectively towards village development.

In the past, funds allocated from Parliament and the Treasury rarely reached the grassroots level, with most resources being misappropriated. That system must change.

We do not operate as individuals but as a collective team under unified leadership. We have conveyed the same message to state institutions. While there are many capable public officials, political interference has long hindered their progress. Today, they are being afforded the opportunity to work together in the service of the country and its people.

Just as people have transformed the political culture, the public service too must evolve into one that serves citizens with integrity, free from corruption and malpractice. We expect to see this change and have increased salaries as an incentive to encourage it. We will protect public servants who are committed to serving the people.

Similarly, we place great importance on the private sector and entrepreneurs. The government is prepared to provide necessary support, attract investors, and revise tax policies to enable job creation and industrial growth.

The opposition attempted to provoke hostility between the business community and the NPP, claiming investors would shy away. However, today, we are proud to witness the business community collaborating with us in confidence.

This upcoming election is of critical importance to us, as it is about developing your village. The opposition is now afraid and fearful that they are losing ground. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) claims that if the NPP has risen from 3% to its current standing, then it too can rise from 2%. If so, we challenge them to demonstrate a stronger commitment to eliminating corruption and fraud, and to show greater dedication to public service than us.

The government alone cannot do everything. Nor can the security forces. Each of us must take responsibility for our surroundings. This is a collective journey. Nearly 300,000 people visit Kandy each day. If even one individual drops a single piece of plastic, the impact is considerable. Therefore, act responsibly. Reflect on your role. Change yourself in accordance with the transformation our country is undergoing.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed her firm belief that the public stands alongside a team that is committed to building the country and upholding a new political culture.

The event was attended by Ven. Talawala Sujatha Thero, Executive Committee Member of the National Bhikkhu Front (Kandy District), dr. Prasanna gunasena deputy minister of transpot, Kandy District MP E.M. Buwanekabahu, along with parliamentary candidates and local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

If Any Injustice Occurs in School Admissions, Inform the Ministry, no one gets special favoritism from the Government.

The prime minister stated that the era when politicians, public officials, and principals exploited their influence to gain unfair advantages in enrolling children into schools has come to an end and that if any injustice occurs in school admissions, to inform the Ministry of education.

The Prime Minister made these remarks this afternoon (23rd) while addressing a public gathering held in Dodangoda area.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

When we work with the consensus to correct society, the people come forward to fix what is wrong and change the system. This is the transformation we hoped for. This is what democracy is about. The days when people were scolded for filing complaints at police stations are now gone. They listen to people attentively, the public complaints are recorded accurately, and spoken to them with courtesy. This is the change the people are demanding.

One of the biggest issues experienced by the people of this country was enrolling a child into school. For a long time, it became customary to line up at the homes of politicians seeking letters for school admissions. That is how children were enrolled. We have changed that system. Today, the people are telling us that asking for such letters is wrong, and we understand that. They do not want to see that mistake repeated. Some people even cry when sharing their grievances with me, sometimes it makes me cry too but not a single person has asked me to do something wrong. People themselves now say it’s wrong to expect special treatment from politicians for personal matters. Even if they come to us with their sorrows in tears, they refrain from seeking political favors. Isn’t that proof of change? If the people have changed, haven’t we also changed? This is what the people of this country have been asking for.

This new political culture must be reflected at every level from the President, Parliament, and the Cabinet, to provincial and local government institutions. If that alignment does not happen, we cannot move forward.

The Prime Minister further noted that the public remains largely unaware of the existence or responsibilities of some local government institutions, attributing this to their failure to deliver visible and effective public services.

The event was attended by the Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, along with numerous public representatives, candidates, and party supporters.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

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