‘Winning Trust of All Citizens is My Duty,’ Says Sri Lanka's New President Anura Kumara

COLOMBO (News 1st); In his inaugural address as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledged to win the trust of those who did not vote for him, emphasizing his commitment to upholding democracy and fostering a positive political culture.

"The cornerstone of democracy in Sri Lanka is the people's mandate to elect a President. However, democracy does not end with the casting of votes and the election of a president. To truly strengthen democracy in our country, we must enhance our mechanisms and laws," Dissanayake stated. 

He assured the people of Sri Lanka that he is fully committed to upholding democratic values throughout his tenure.

Dissanayake highlighted the historical precedent of peaceful power transitions in Sri Lanka, expressing gratitude to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for respecting the will of the people and setting a commendable example during the transfer of power.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Dissanayake noted the widespread negative perception of politicians and politics in Sri Lanka. He committed to taking all necessary steps to restore the respect and trust of the people in their leaders and political system.

"The deep-rooted crisis we face cannot be overcome by a single government, party, or individual alone. As I have mentioned before, I am not a magician; I am a common man born in this country. There are things I can do and things I cannot. There are things I know and things I do not. My primary task is to absorb talents, collate knowledge, and make better governance decisions," he said, emphasizing the need for collective effort.

Dissanayake called for the collective responsibility of all citizens to end the crisis, expecting support from everyone in fulfilling these responsibilities. He pledged to demonstrate his commitment through his actions and conduct, ensuring proper execution of his tasks to overcome the challenges.

He also stressed the importance of international support, stating, "Regardless of geopolitical divisions, we aim to maintain beneficial relations with other countries. We are not a country that should be isolated; we should move forward with the world. We will never hesitate to take the necessary actions."

Dissanayake highlighted the crucial role of industries and businesses in nation-building efforts, expressing confidence in their support for the government.

Dissanayake acknowledged the diverse nature of his victory and committed to winning the trust and support of those who did not vote for him. "I strongly believe I can fulfill this duty. In the future, you will witness and experience this, and I expect the people's support," he affirmed.