“Change or Be Changed”: AKD Slams Political Corruption

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged the deep-rooted environmental and administrative crises facing Sri Lanka, placing significant blame on political authority and calling for urgent reform.

The speech, delivered before a gathering of officials and stakeholders to mark World Environment Day, began by highlighting the contrast between Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and the hidden tragedies beneath. The President reflected on the country’s transformation from a land once free of natural disasters to one plagued by landslides, floods, and droughts.

A key focus was the escalating human-elephant conflict, with statistics revealing that approximately 172 people and 450 elephants die annually due to these encounters. The President emphasized the breakdown of harmony between humans and nature, calling it a national tragedy.

The address took a bold turn as President AKD directly accused political figures of contributing to environmental degradation. From illegal sand mining and rock quarrying to deforestation and unauthorized mining, the President pointed to political protection and ownership as root causes.

President Dissanayake also criticized segments of the administrative system, citing corruption in departments such as the RMV, Immigration, Customs, and the Ministry of Environment. While acknowledging that not all officials are complicit, the President urged the bureaucracy to shed outdated practices and embrace reform.

The President pledged full political support for systemic change and warned that those unwilling to change would be changed.