Sri Lanka, April 23 — This presents an crucial opportunity for the administration to guarantee that public resources are directed towards supporting remote areas free from corrupt practices.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that whereas the opposition sees the impending election merely as a bid for more power, her administration considers it a chance to guarantee that public resources allocated for rural areas reach their intended destinations free from corrupt practices.
Yesterday evening (April 21), the Prime Minister shared these comments when he was speaking at a public event organized in the Maligawatte area within the Colombo Central electoral district.
At the public assembly, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya provided more information, stating:
Our administration has already started functioning. We’ve unveiled our initial budget, designed for the coming eight months. The aim is to provide much-needed respite and progress to those who have endured hardships for many years, as well as to boost the agricultural sector.
People looking to critique the present administration fail to start by tackling the significant fiscal mismanagement of preceding governments.
We handle public funds with great care and pledge to pursue development projects for the benefit of our citizens. Ensuring successful execution of these programs at the community level depends on having honest and competent local leaders.
Hence, this election holds immense significance. It has been postponed numerous times. The top priority should be to restart and finish the developmental initiatives halted by former governments and address the issues they have caused.
The current government considers and conscious about every rupee it spends. If there are thieves at the local level when sending allocated public funds to villages, how can we develop them? Let us treat the people’s decision to steer the country in the right direction as the third major challenge, and on May 6, achieve a victory similar to past elections.
There cannot be two separate political cultures at the top and another at the grassroots. If we are to operate at the highest levels without waste, corruption, or fraud, the same standard must be upheld locally. Only the National People’s Power (NPP) has presented candidates who reflect this integrity.
The candidate nominated by NPP for the role of Mayor of Colombo does not come from a family with strong political ties; instead, they have traversed the streets of Colombo, grasped the needs of its residents, and profoundly understood their challenges. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, having served as my personal secretary, has repeatedly shown the ability to address intricate situations with sensitivity and competence, making her highly qualified for the mayoral post.
An individual who favours a single platform, segment, or locality cannot represent Colombo as a whole. We need someone who can serve all of Colombo with empathy and dedication. The NPP has put forward its candidates with the sole purpose of serving the people and working in their best interest.
The yearly income of the Colombo Municipal Council amounts to Rs. 30 billion. If these funds had been genuinely allocated for public welfare, the city might not find itself in its present condition. Even with this considerable revenue, Colombo boasts prestigious institutions like Ananda College, Nalanda College, and Royal College, alongside others that struggle due to insufficient teaching personnel, unreliable access to clean water, and inadequate sanitary provisions. What led us to this situation?
More significant accountability for tackling local problems rests with provincial councils and local governance bodies. If these entities fail to meet their responsibilities, how do we expect to construct a new nation? she questioned.
With the current administration’s direction, the nation’s economy is showing signs of recovery. There is an uptick in tourist visits, and the country is moving toward progress. However, significant work still needs to be done. To ensure that national development strategies yield tangible outcomes at the grassroots level, robust and ethical leadership within local and municipal governments is crucial.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya encouraged citizens to cast their votes thoughtfully, aiming to free the country from corruption and address persistent issues.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of National Integration Mohamed Muneer, Colombo Mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazaar, local council candidates, and party members.
