• The country ended legacy of political dynasties: Prez

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that his Government is committed to preventing the return of elite family rule in Sri Lanka emphasising that the recent Presidential Election marked a historic shift in power from a select few families to the common people, ending a legacy of political dynasties that had controlled the nation for decades.

He made these remarks addressing a public rally held in Kurunegala last week. “In our history, power was concentrated in the hands of a few families, nationally and in the districts. It moved from father to son, mother to daughter, and even brother to brother,” Dissanayake stated. He remarked that for the first time, the corrupt rule of elite families was dismantled on 21 September, when the people united to take control of the Government. “The common people rallied and removed the corrupt elite rule, taking power into their own hands. Those families never expected to see such a fate,” he added. 

Dissanayake addressed ongoing predictions from opposition groups that the Government would fall within months. “Now they come on stage, saying that the Government will fall in three or six months. But remember, the power of this country will not return to those people,” he declared. 

The President further pledged to improve economic conditions, particularly for rural communities. “We have started a permanent programme to provide rice at a controlled price and to eradicate rural poverty. When people are poor, they can be swayed with small handouts. This Government is committed to ending poverty, not exploiting it,“ he said, adding that past governments kept people impoverished for political gain.

The President further emphasised the need for strong political leadership to build a disciplined, prosperous nation. “Strong political power is needed to build this country,” he said, assuring the people that his Government would keep power firmly in the hands of the common people.