President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that ministers who have been entrusted with unlimited power must handle it with responsibility.
The President also pointed out that while their victory is significant, the weight of responsibility handed over by that victory is equally substantial, and they must work together for the common good.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these comments while addressing the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Cabinet Ministers of the National People’s Power Government held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (18).
In his speech, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further said:
“We all know that September 21 marked a crucial turning point in Sri Lankan politics. The people decided to change the direction our country had been following for a long time, taking a decisive step on September 21. Subsequently, the general election strengthened this decision even further, and the general public of this country has placed their trust in us.
The people of our country have participated in this transformation with enthusiasm and determination. Historically, the political landscape of Sri Lanka has always been divided, with the politics of the South opposed to that of the North, and vice versa. Alternatively, politics that fostered suspicion, mistrust, and animosity among different communities prevailed. However, this election has completely shown that the politics of division is no longer valid for our country.
The aspirations of the common people of the North, South, East, and West have been united through this general election.
We are grateful to all the people who participated with interest and effort to give a strong mandate to the National People’s Power. Even those who did not vote for us and voted for other political movements, we are confident that their goals are also aligned with the objectives we hope to achieve. I do not believe that any Sri Lankan citizen trusts the politics of division. Nor do I believe that any politician in Sri Lanka would trust the degradation of democracy. These are fundamentally noble things embedded in every citizen. Those who voted for us have expressed these positive expectations through their votes, and we firmly believe that those who did not vote for us also share the goals we envision.
Therefore, there are no two groups in this country: one happy with the election outcome and one fearful of it. When fulfilling the expectations that the National People’s Power set for this country, we need the support and trust of all the people. Therefore, even after winning the presidential election, we have shown how to establish democracy peacefully, respecting the political rights of others.
I think this is a new experience for the people of this country. But we believe that this experience is one that every citizen of our country has hoped for. We were also able to hold the most peaceful election in Sri Lankan history during the election period and thereafter. This is their right. Moreover, this is a historic election, with several unique features. Quantitatively, it was the largest victory ever secured in a general election in Sri Lankan history, the first time a political movement has taken power, and on the other hand, it is a victory the people can be happy about. Such a victory belongs to us and our citizens because these changes are necessary for our country.
We have seen that every time our country gained different types of victories, our natural tendency was to treat the defeated side, or the other side, with harm or oppression. However, following this election, we have firmly established a new political culture for our country. We have safeguarded its continuity even after the general election.
Events may happen. At one point, peaceful democracy may prevail, and at another, there may be times of conflict. However, these will only remain transient if we continue to safeguard democracy. Therefore, our responsibility lies in continuously protecting the democratic rights of citizens and elevating them to a higher qualitative level. This is an important responsibility of the government.
Especially during this election campaign, Sri Lankans abroad provided us with tremendous support and encouragement. The participation of Sri Lankans abroad was unprecedented, surpassing any previous interest shown in an election in our history. We know that they celebrated the election results from outside Sri Lanka with great joy and enthusiasm. We are very grateful to them.
We know that, generally, the most important aspect of an election in politics is conveying our beliefs and ideas to society. In doing so, we performed our duty as a political movement, but there was also a new generation that voluntarily took on that responsibility through social media. We must understand the special expectations of that young generation. They did not merely use social media as a battleground to divide winners and losers. Instead, they demonstrated the aspirations and objectives of a new young generation. Therefore, we must be committed to that. I believe it is important. So, at this moment, we extend our thanks to everyone who helped achieve this victory in various ways.
However, we need to understand something. What was the secret behind the people’s resurgence, filled with great hope? For a long time, the citizens of our country faced different kinds of suffering. It was common to see citizens left helpless and oppressed in front of the law. Economically, there were groups that were ignored. They were treated like human dust in the economy. Groups faced economic hardship without a proper meal, house, or opportunity to lead a healthy life.
Professionals also faced struggles to use their knowledge and abilities freely in their fields. Furthermore, people were subjected to hardship based on their language, religion, and culture, and constantly felt isolated, discriminated against, or deprived of equal rights. Thus, these groups faced various struggles.
If we look at each sector, there were specific struggles unique to each group. I know that even state officials trying to implement the law faced this hardship. That is the reality. Thus, the election result is an invitation to freedom for the oppressed people. They needed this freedom. They needed relief from the diverse hardships they faced. This need for freedom is what the election results invite. Therefore, we have no right to grant freedom that divides citizens. Therefore, we must guarantee complete freedom in every sector.
We must reaffirm freedom for professionals to carry out their duties based on their knowledge, freedom for officials to establish law and peace, freedom for people to claim a fair share of the economy, and freedom to live according to one’s religion, language, and culture. These are fundamental rights we must reaffirm. This is why we say Sri Lanka should move towards an era of revival.
We must create a freer environment for the people of this country. We know that there was massive public participation in achieving this victory. Many people, unconnected to our political mechanism, whom we did not meet or talk to, worked for us. They worked on buses, trains, workplaces, and celebrations. They all contributed to our victory. We must also remember that we fought long and hard for this victory. We fought for decades.
I know that many here have dedicated themselves to this dream since their youth. During this struggle, they dedicated not only their time and effort but even their lives for this victory. Moreover, during the very challenging initial phases, we intervened to protect this movement. Some abandoned us halfway. Even then, we have had their support to achieve this victory, in the beginning, halfway, and whenever necessary. This has been a great support for this victory.
Therefore, we have twofold responsibilities: responsibility towards the aspirations of the common people and responsibility towards the movement. We believe power is something special. Power produces more power, expands itself, and grows again. However, it has been seen throughout history, and some have said, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It is true. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. It has been proven. There were several instances in our country where such powers were created. However, if we look at the final outcomes of those powers, they never delivered just results to the people. They were always used against the people, in ways harmful to the country. Some may think that unlimited power has been given. There was a question in society about where that power would be directed.
For anyone who has even the smallest doubt, I say: yes, we do have power. However, we also know the limits and boundaries of that power and the extent to which we can play with or manage it. We all must understand that there are limits to our power, and that power has a purpose. For a long time, the good intentions and expectations we made to the people have been entrusted to this power.
The key thing is that this power comes with responsibilities. To whom? On one hand, it is a responsibility to the citizens, and on the other, it is a responsibility to the movement. Therefore, I believe that, regardless of the powers granted to us by the constitution or in any other manner, we must act with accountability when handling this power. Accountability to the citizens on one side and to the movement on the other. It is at this point that it becomes impossible to wield power recklessly. We are bound by responsibilities. Therefore, I think a minister has an even greater responsibility than an ordinary citizen.
All of you must understand. I do not need to tell you anew. You have your limits, your responsibilities, your commitments, and I believe you will safeguard these. There is also another discussion happening here. Many of you are new not only to the Cabinet but also to Parliament. However, for a long time, we worked on different objectives at different levels. You worked professionally and acted as political activists. Therefore, while you may be new to the Cabinet and Parliament, you are not new to politics or the work.
Thus, we believe that many new kinds of examples can be set for the people through this Cabinet. I also believe that this Cabinet, selected by the people, will be capable of achieving the victories the country expects. If we conduct our work well, you have that ability, that desire, and we personally know that you are uncorrupted, honest, and have the courage to carry out this duty.
Therefore, we have full confidence that you will carry out this duty honestly. It is with that confidence that we work. In politics, there was a time when our political movement had the goal of inviting people to build a movement for good purposes. We had a set of good objectives. To successfully accomplish those objectives, we worked to acquire power. At that time, our methods, our slogans, and our activities were all aimed at gaining power. We fought and struggled until this need was conveyed to the people, which led to this result. Politics has been victorious. Moving forward, we will no longer measure our success only by political slogans.
Before September 21 and before November 14, we were measured based on our slogans and beliefs. But after November 14, we will be measured by whether our governance is good. Previously, we were measured based on our political actions. From here on, we will be measured by the quality of our governance.
Therefore, the good governance required to achieve our long-term goals, meet the people’s expectations, and guide our aspirations to success is important. We will no longer be measured by slogans and ideologies. From today onwards, we will be measured by how well we can breathe life into those slogans through effective governance.
Thus, while our victory is vast, the responsibility handed to us by that victory is equally heavy. At times, it was said that we would fight for victory, and those capable of taking the next step would do so after the victory. However, whether we like it or not, we were forced to fight for that victory and, after the victory, we were appointed as the stewards responsible for carrying out that duty successfully.
Therefore, everything lies with you. You are at the center. How effectively can you manage your areas and fulfill your assigned responsibilities? How capable are you of adhering to your personal commitments? It is upon these that our next success or failure will be determined.
September 21 and November 14 have brought about a two-stage success. Moving forward, the determination of whether we succeed will greatly depend on your role. We can only end this journey successfully with your responsibility and commitment to good governance. Therefore, let us work together for that. Let us raise our voices together for that.”
