“No limit to arresting thieves”: 9 key points from AKD’s speech
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed an NPP public rally in Kahatagasdigiliya on Sunday (13), focusing on corruption, organised crime, economic development, agriculture and the human-elephant conflict.
Here are nine key points from his speech:
1. No limit to arrests over corruption
Responding to a former Minister who had reportedly called for limits on arrests, President Dissanayake said there would be “no limit” to action against those accused of stealing public funds. He said investigations would proceed through the relevant institutions and courts.
2. “Big man, his son or wife” irrelevant
The President said he would not interfere in determining who should face action over corruption. “Whether he is the big man, the big man’s son or his wife is irrelevant to me,” he said, adding that investigative and judicial institutions had been given independence and resources.
3. Political doors should close to thieves
Dissanayake said Sri Lanka must create a political culture in which those who steal public property are not repeatedly returned to Parliament or political platforms. “We need to build a future in which the political doors are closed to those who steal,” he said.
4. Swipe at Anuradhapura SLPP rally
Referring to Saturday’s SLPP rally in Anuradhapura, the President described those defending people accused of corruption as a “small tribal group.” He also declared that “the dream of a son becoming President simply because his father is President is now over.”
5. Over 70 suspects brought back from overseas
The President said more than 70 people had been arrested overseas and brought back to Sri Lanka as part of what he described as the country’s largest operation against drugs and the underworld.
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6. More than USD 1 billion allegedly siphoned overseas
Dissanayake said authorities had uncovered more than USD 1 billion — approximately Rs. 300 billion — that had been siphoned out of Sri Lanka. He said the government was targeting illegal financial operators involved in such transactions.
7. Rs. 97 billion-plus in two major development projects
The President said the government was moving ahead with the Kabithigollewa Water Supply Project, valued at more than Rs. 50 billion, and the Lower Malwathu Oya Reservoir project, valued at more than Rs. 47 billion.
8. Thousands more personnel for human-elephant conflict
The President said steps had been taken to recruit more than 3,000 wildlife assistants, while examinations had been completed to recruit more than 5,000 wildlife officers. A further 5,000 Civil Security Department personnel are to be attached to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
9. New education system from January
President Dissanayake said an advanced education system designed to connect Sri Lankan children with leading education systems globally would be introduced from January. He also pledged improvements to healthcare and public transport.
The President said the government faced “no threat whatsoever” and that the NPP’s rallies were aimed at building a broader people’s movement to support the country’s economic, social and political transformation. (Newswire)
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