Laws Are Not Made on Personal Likes and Dislikes: President Anura’s Statement

04-Oct-2025

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared that laws are not enacted based on personal likes, dislikes, or agendas. He added that further amendments could be made to the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill currently presented in Parliament if required.

He made these remarks on October 3 while addressing a ceremony at the historic Magul Maduwa Assembly Hall within the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy. 

At this event, he presented the Sannasa document to Venerable Narampanave Ananda Thero, newly appointed Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya.

In his speech, the President said that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry could only be developed through the country’s culture, Buddhist principles, and natural features. The government has no intention of promoting tourism through distorted or alternative policies.

He further explained that a recent report by the Tourism Authority had been misinterpreted and publicized inaccurately. Tourism, he reiterated, must align with Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, Buddhist values, and natural environment.

Speaking on the Penal Code Amendment Bill, the President clarified:

“This bill has only been tabled for debate in Parliament and has not yet been passed into law. We are ready to make further amendments if necessary. No law has been enacted based on personal preferences or agendas. I have already explained these matters to the Maha Nayake Theros.”