January 01, Colombo (LNW): Marking the arrival of the New Year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Sri Lanka is entering 2026 after undertaking the most far-reaching programme of reform and national rebuilding in its recent history.
Reflecting on the year just ended, he noted that 2025, though marked by serious challenges, established firm ground for long-term growth aligned with the country’s own priorities. He highlighted a series of economic gains, including the smallest budget shortfall seen since the late 1970s, the strongest state revenue performance in nearly two decades, and the country’s first primary surplus. Export income from goods and services approached 17 billion US dollars, tourism reached record levels, and revenue targets were exceeded beyond any previous benchmark, making the year a notable chapter in Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
Beyond economic indicators, the President described 2025 as a decisive moment in the nation’s political and social evolution. Efforts to foster a transparent, citizen-focused political culture, dismantle entrenched corruption, and roll out the island-wide “A Nation United” campaign against illegal drugs were, he said, a clear response to the long-standing demands of the public.
The year was also scarred by one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory. In addressing this, the President praised the solidarity shown by communities across the island, saying the crisis revealed the depth of compassion and resilience among Sri Lankans. He expressed gratitude to overseas Sri Lankans, international partners, and to members of the Police, the armed forces and the public service, who he said worked tirelessly and often at personal risk during relief efforts. Acknowledging that recovery remains ongoing, he stressed that the path forward would be travelled together.
Drawing on lessons from history, the President said nations rise again through the courage and perseverance of their people. He voiced confidence that, with shared resolve, Sri Lanka can be rebuilt into a country stronger and fairer than before.
Concluding his message, he urged citizens to use the New Year as a moment to learn from past experiences and to move forward with confidence and unity. He extended his wishes for 2026 to be a year of success, hope and fulfilled aspirations for all.
President’s Full Message:
As we step into the New Year 2026, we do so as a nation that has shouldered the greatest reform programme and reconstruction effort in our modern history.
Despite numerous challenges, the year 2025 laid the foundation for sustainable development rooted in our national aspirations. Among the significant economic achievements of the past year were the recording of the lowest budget deficit since 1977, the highest government revenue since 2007, the first-ever primary account surplus in our history, an increase in export earnings from goods and services to nearly USD 17 billion, the achievement of government revenue targets at a level never before surpassed and it was a year that marked the highest tourist arrivals to the country. These milestones make 2025 a truly exceptional year in Sri Lanka’s economic journey.
Equally important, 2025 will be remembered as a turning point in the country’s political and social transformation. The implementation of programmes such as the creation of a clean and people-centred political culture, replacing long-entrenched corrupt practices and the countrywide “A Nation United” mission to protect our future generations from the scourge of narcotic drugs, reflected the long-held aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.
This year also saw us confronting one of the most severe natural disasters in our recent history. In the face of this adversity, our people across the country stood shoulder to shoulder with their fellow citizens, proving that the compassion and humanity of our nation cannot be snuffed by any calamity. I wish to place on record my deep gratitude to Sri Lankans living overseas, to all friendly nations that extended their support during this difficult time, and to the Police, the Tri-Forces and the entire state service who worked selflessly, often at great personal risk, in responding to the disaster. We still have a long journey ahead, but we will walk it together.
History teaches us that the greatest strength behind the rebuilding of every fallen nation has been the courage and determination of its people. I firmly believe that, with the unyielding resolve of our beloved citizens, we can collectively recreate a country far better than the one we inherited.
The dawn of a new year offers us an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past while planning afresh with optimism for the future. Understanding clearly the challenges that lie before us, I invite all of you to join hands in unity, determination and confidence in the task of rebuilding our nation.
May the New Year 2026 be a victorious year in which all your hopes and aspirations are fulfilled.
