Do Not Run From Challenges; President Anurakumar

16-Dec-2025

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“First, I thank you for joining our nation's esteemed and disciplined Navy. I wish you success in your professional journey, which I believe carries a great responsibility,” stated President Anurakumar Dissanayake.

“Firstly, your parents are proud that you chose such an honorable, fearless, and disciplined profession. You represent a group of youth fulfilling the expectations your parents placed on you, and they hold even higher hopes for your future. The expectation is that you will advance in this profession while preserving its honor and respect, making your parents proud. Like your parents, our nation also holds great expectations for you.

Our coastal region stretches approximately 1,340 kilometers. We are an island nation with about eight times more sea than land. We carry a responsibility roughly 27 times greater in terms of protection. The country is watching you. You play a major role in both national security and public safety, and we expect you to fulfill that role correctly. We have strong confidence that you will uphold the honor and discipline of this profession.

Our Navy has a proud history of significant sacrifices for national and public protection. You are joining a service with such a legacy. Today, you are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of becoming future contributors to this esteemed Navy. Your senior officers watch over you with confidence that you will take responsibility with the same pride and respect that built this Navy. This is a profession carrying significant responsibility for our nation and its people.

We face many challenges today. Economically, legally, socially, and in rebuilding the country after disasters, there are difficulties. Specifically, we know our nation previously faced severe economic crises causing widespread suffering, deaths, and migration. Yet today, our economy is slowly but steadily recovering.

Following 1977, the lowest budget deficit was recorded in 2025. Since 2006, the government has achieved higher revenue years. Despite natural disasters like floods and storms, which posed severe setbacks, the economic system is being stabilized.

However, fleeing from disasters or living in fear is not our responsibility. Rebuilding the nation is our collective duty. I acknowledge the Navy's vital role in disaster relief. During floods near Kala Oya, about 69 people were stranded on rooftops for over 18 hours amid torrential rain and storms. Our Navy saved many lives, risking their own, and even lost five officers during rescue operations near Sundikkul.

These examples highlight the noble and professional role you are entering. Even today, courageous officers are actively involved in rescue operations, restoring essential infrastructure in affected areas.

A major challenge we face is drug trafficking via air and sea routes. To protect the country, we must prevent drugs from entering by these routes. Organized crime networks, armed and financially powerful, are involved. They have international criminal links and, for a time, close political connections. The government, police, and armed forces are committed to combating this. As a nation, we have resolved to save our youth from this disaster, and you have a key role to play.

Every individual has responsibilities. The President, Navy Commander, and each officer have duties. Only by fulfilling these can a country progress. No responsibility should be treated as secondary. Each contributes to rebuilding our nation. I call upon you to begin fulfilling your assigned responsibilities as a new officer and wish you success in your professional journey.

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Real estate

9:52 PM 14-Dec-25

Montreal to open 500 new spaces in warming shelters for unhoused people

 

The mayor of Montreal says the city’s homelessness crisis is “more serious than ever” and addressing it is her top priority.

“The crisis that we have in our hands right now in Montreal has never been seen before,” Soraya Martinez Ferrada told reporters at city hall on Dec 1. “If you talk to community organizations, numbers are skyrocketing in terms of homelessness in the street. So I think the challenge is huge.”

Martinez Ferrada, who was elected mayor last month, has promised to put an end to the homeless encampments that have cropped up across Montreal within four years by transitioning their occupants to housing. In the interim, however, she says the city will not dismantle tent cities.