No More Majority or Minority; We Are A Sri Lankan Community

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared an end to the divisive politics that once characterized elections in the country.

He emphasized that the recent General Election marked a significant shift, with people from the North, East, and South—Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhala alike—uniting in support of the National People's Power. This election, he noted, brought the nation together.

President Dissanayake urged for political engagement that fosters unity rather than division. He highlighted the need for a harmonious country where all citizens can live together peacefully. Reflecting on the nation's history of racism and discrimination, he vowed never to allow such divisions to rise again. The new government, he assured, is committed to protecting national unity, ensuring there will no longer be a majority and minority in the country. Instead, all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or region, will be recognized as Sri Lankans.

Addressing the aftermath of the war, President Dissanayake acknowledged the state takeover of lands in the north, the closure of roads, and the gazetting of personal lands under the Department of Forest Conservation. He promised that the National People's Power government will resolve these issues, enabling people to live and cultivate on their own lands.

In the context of the country's development drive, President Dissanayake identified Mannar as a key area due to its rich marine resources and dependence on the fisheries industry. He expressed concern over illegal fishing activities in Pesalai and assured that the issue was discussed with the Indian Prime Minister. The Sri Lanka Navy has been instructed to crack down on all illegal activities in the sea area, fulfilling its duty to protect national waters.

President Dissanayake also mentioned the ferry service between Mannar and Rameswaram, stating that discussions are underway with the Indian government to resume this service.

He highlighted Mannar's potential for wind power generation and noted that past approvals for such projects often overlooked environmental concerns. The government has temporarily suspended these projects and is committed to utilizing this resource responsibly, taking into account the concerns of the people and minimizing environmental destruction.