This Is a Government That Cares for the People: President Anura

13-Jan-2026

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the current government is committed, systematic, and dedicated to rebuilding the country while safeguarding the welfare of the people, asserting that this is a government that genuinely cares for its citizens.

He made these remarks on January 10, while addressing an event held at the Todamgaslanda Youth Corps Centre in Rideegama, where compensation was distributed to families whose homes were completely destroyed by disasters in the Rideegama, Mawathagama, Mallawapitiya, Ibbagamuwa, and Ganewatta Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kurunegala District.

The President said the government has the capacity to rebuild the lives of disaster-affected people to a level better than before and that Rs. 50 billion has been allocated this year for that purpose. He noted that although some had claimed recovery would take a long time, damaged roads had already been reopened and essential infrastructure such as communications, electricity, and water restored.

He praised public officials who worked tirelessly day and night and said the disaster had demonstrated the commitment of the state machinery. While acknowledging that the public often lacks confidence in state institutions, he said this crisis proved the dedication of government officials and the collective effort of the people.

The President warned that the disaster would impact the economy but emphasised that Sri Lanka had already endured a severe economic crisis caused not by natural disasters but by past administrations. He said the public had entrusted governance to the current leadership to establish a corruption-free government, uphold the rule of law, punish fraudsters, protect youth from drug threats, and ensure sustainable income sources for all.

Despite facing a major disaster during economic recovery, he said the government remains strong enough to rebuild affected communities and reiterated the Rs. 50 billion allocation. He stressed the need to improve rural livelihoods, ensure adequate nutrition, secure housing, and create a country where people can live with dignity.

The President highlighted education as the key to future progress, particularly for rural children, and criticised the current education system for burdening parents while failing students. He noted that around 1,150 schools in Sri Lanka have fewer than 50 students, making meaningful educational and extracurricular activities impossible.

He called for a new school structure with well-equipped, larger schools and said preserving outdated village schools without reform is meaningless. He defended proposed education reforms, stating they aim to produce compassionate, socially responsible future generations capable of leadership and global integration.

He rejected claims that the government is destroying education, asserting that as individuals from rural backgrounds who rose through education, the leadership would never undermine it. He said the goal is to create a modern, humane, and inclusive education system for future generations.