January 20, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his unwavering determination to rid the country of political corruption, as promised during his election campaign.
Addressing a large gathering in Katukurunda, Kalutara yesterday (19), the President delivered a candid and forceful speech, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
The event took place at the Pakistan Sports Ground in Wettumakada, where President Dissanayake engaged with the public in an open dialogue, outlining key reforms and measures his government is implementing to curb the excesses of previous administrations.
In his speech, President Dissanayake emphasised the shift in government practices since his administration took office. “When we assumed office on November 21, we swore an oath of service with a lean 21-member Cabinet. Unlike previous governments, there are no state ministers under our administration,” he remarked, highlighting the stark contrast to the past, when several ministers hailed from Kalutara alone.
“Though we have eight MPs representing Kalutara, only one of them holds a ministerial position. This is because we believe in serving the country, not in doling out ministerial perks to please certain individuals. The days of rewarding political loyalty with government positions are over,” he declared.
The President was equally forthright about the misuse of state resources and appointments in the past, referring to instances where political families took advantage of their positions.
“In the previous government, ministers often appointed their relatives to key positions, including their spouses as private secretaries. I recall the former Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, employing only his own family members in his staff. This kind of nepotism and cronyism will no longer be tolerated,” he said, affirming that such practices had been eliminated under his leadership.
He also stressed that, unlike before, ministers are no longer provided with fleets of vehicles or police escorts. “The police force is currently short of 21,000 personnel and they are facing immense challenges. We cannot afford to waste resources on unnecessary privileges for politicians.“
The President further shared his government’s efforts to reduce the financial burden of high-security arrangements.
“In the past, the country spent over Rs. 700 million annually on the security of a single former president, deploying thousands of police, military, and STF personnel. We’ve ended this wasteful practice. Now, only 60 personnel are assigned to provide security, and if necessary, we will reduce this number further.“
Additionally, President Dissanayake made it clear that his government will no longer provide state-owned residences to ministers or former presidents.
“I will give a written assurance that I do not require a state-provided residence. However, I do not expect others to follow suit,” he stated.
He also provided details regarding the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which he had ordered to be independently valued by the Government Valuation Department.
“The monthly rent for the residence has been set at Rs. 4.6 million. We have not yet valued the land, but under the Constitution, a former president is entitled to either a residence or a third of their salary. In Rajapaksa’s case, we will take over the residence and offer him a third of his salary, which amounts to Rs. 30,000. If he refuses to vacate the premises or pay the balance, he will have to leave,” he explained.
The President also revealed plans to tackle the issue of MP pensions, which he described as an unnecessary burden on the public purse. “We will soon submit a proposal to abolish pensions for MPs,” he confirmed, adding that a proposal regarding the Parliament canteen would also be introduced in the coming weeks.
“If MPs want to eat, they will have to pay for their food, just like ordinary citizens. This government will not tolerate any special treatment for elected officials,” he stated.
