Will Relinquish Power After Rebuilding Nation, says Sri Lanka's AKD

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to step down from power once the country has been successfully uplifted and rebuilt.

Speaking at a public rally, the President emphasized the importance of national unity and the need for a strong government to overcome the challenges facing Sri Lanka.

President Dissanayake highlighted the significance of November 14th, marking it as the date for the largest cleanup campaign in Sri Lanka, referred to as the "great parliamentary cleanup." 

"Many are talking about the need for an opposition, but this time, we need a strong government that empowers the people," he stated.

The President pointed out the divisive politics that have historically split the nation and pushed people towards nationalist parties. 

"Our main challenges are the divisive politics that have always split the people and pushed them towards nationalist parties. This has been the strategy to maintain power. The Tamil and Muslim communities did not trust that we could win. Our message did not reach them. But now, we are heading towards a major election. What needs to happen now? We must unite under one umbrella, the National People's Power, which provides shelter for all," he emphasized.

Addressing potential legal obstacles to unity, President Dissanayake assured that necessary changes would be made to ensure equal laws for everyone, regardless of ethnicity.

"If there are legal obstacles to unity, we will change those laws. We will grant political power to the people in their regions, ensuring equal laws for everyone, regardless of ethnicity. We need to build a country where being Sri Lankan is above being Sinhala, Tamil, or Muslim. Remember, we will only relinquish power after rebuilding the nation. Until then, everyone should keep this in mind," he declared.

The President also criticized those who have held power for extended periods, noting the political turmoil they now face.

"Anyone can dream of three or six months, but some of these are just wishful thinking. Those who have been in power for a long time, with fathers and sons in parliament, have paved the way for their descendants. All of that has crumbled. The problems have grown to the point where they can't even ask for votes. They are in political turmoil. Isn't it sad? It's a situation that makes you want to cry. But don't be afraid. We are rebuilding this country and reaffirming the rule of law," he said.