No Citizen Should Live in Fear of the Government: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

30-Jun-2026

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that no citizen should have to live in fear of those in power. He stressed that a country cannot progress if its people are expected to submit unquestioningly to the government. Citizens have the democratic right to question their leaders, and Sri Lanka must be built as a nation that safeguards freedom, human rights, and democratic values.

The President made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the Sri Lanka Army Infantry Headquarters in Panagoda, where he met 132 members of the Sri Lanka Army and the Police Special Task Force who are preparing to leave for United Nations peacekeeping duties. This is the largest contingent ever deployed by Sri Lanka for a UN peacekeeping mission in a single batch. It also marks the first time a Sri Lankan President has personally attended to wish a departing peacekeeping contingent.

Sri Lanka plans to deploy the unit to Haiti in August to support international efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the country. The contingent includes 900 Army personnel, 189 officers from the Police Special Task Force, and, for the first time in Sri Lanka's military history, 43 female soldiers specially trained in mine clearance and the disposal of explosive devices. The unit has also been equipped with armoured vehicles, locally manufactured Uni Buffel vehicles, and two bulletproof vehicles provided by the Presidential Security Division.

Addressing the personnel, President Dissanayake said they would be representing Sri Lanka on the international stage and carrying the country's reputation with them. He urged them to uphold the nation's honour and perform their duties with professionalism and integrity.

The President said that while becoming one of the world's wealthiest nations may be difficult, Sri Lanka can become one of its most respected. He noted that achieving this goal requires a stable economy, responsible governance, and a strong international reputation. He added that economic collapse damages a country's credibility, making financial stability one of the government's key priorities.

Highlighting recent economic progress, the President said Sri Lanka has become more resilient to domestic shocks such as floods, cyclones, and disease outbreaks. Referring to the severe impact of Cyclone Dithva last November and December, he said the government was able to allocate Rs. 50 billion for recovery without printing additional money or taking new loans. As a result, the economy recorded a growth rate of 5.1 per cent during the first quarter of the year.