Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparent governance, economic revival, and rural development, while assuring the public that corruption, fraud, and mismanagement have been decisively halted.
Speaking at a public event at the Pullman Grand Hall in Kolonnawa on Wednesday (April 16), the Prime Minister emphasized that the current administration and Cabinet are fully capable of fulfilling their duties without burdening the nation.
“It is now time for all of us to work together to rebuild the country. I wish you the strength and courage for this shared mission,” she said.
Six Months of Transformation
Reflecting on the Government’s first six months in office, Dr. Amarasuriya noted the difficult conditions under which the NPP-led administration assumed power, and highlighted the urgent need for systemic change following decades of political stagnation.
“The people elected us because they believed in the need for a new political culture,” she said. “Our first priority was stabilising the economy – a task we took on despite warnings from opponents that our leadership would lead to collapse. Today, we’ve proven otherwise.”
She highlighted that fears among business leaders and international institutions about economic instability have subsided, with investor confidence steadily growing and new projects being introduced.
“Our goal this year is to bring in three million tourists. During my recent visit to Europe, there was strong interest in investment opportunities in Sri Lanka,” she said.
Budget Focused on Rural Development
The Prime Minister also pointed to the recent budget as a turning point in delivering tangible benefits to rural communities. A significant portion of funding has been allocated to districts and provincial councils, she said, under strict accountability.
“Development funds should benefit the people – not end up in private pockets. That’s why this election is so critical. We need strong, transparent local leadership to ensure these funds are properly utilised,” she stressed.
She also noted that NPP candidates are held to strict disciplinary standards, ensuring integrity and accountability.
“If any group can ensure that Kolonnawa’s development funds are used for the people, it is the NPP. That assurance cannot be given by any other party,” she added.
Economic, Social and Law Enforcement Reforms
While acknowledging the ongoing economic challenges — including high prices and limited job opportunities — Dr. Amarasuriya expressed confidence that the Government’s production-based economic strategy and foreign investment efforts are beginning to yield results.
She also spoke candidly about organised crime and narcotics, noting that long-standing protection networks are being dismantled.
“We’re ending the political protection that allowed drug networks to thrive. Even within the Police, those involved are being identified and stopped. We will not let our youth be destroyed by drugs,” she said.
The Importance of the Upcoming Election
The Prime Minister concluded by underscoring the significance of the upcoming local government election on May 6, which she described as a key moment in the country’s transformation journey.
“This election is about more than local councils. It’s about ensuring that the path we’ve begun—towards transparency, accountability, and real progress—is protected and continued.”
