Deputy Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, has strongly defended the current administration’s integrity and reform agenda, stating that the government has maintained a clean track record and is committed to building a new political culture.

Speaking at a public meeting ahead of the Local Government Election, Abeysinghe questioned the intense criticism directed at the government despite its efforts to operate transparently and responsibly. “I don’t understand why they always scold us,” he said. “We haven’t stolen public funds, made any harmful Cabinet decisions, or influenced the police.”

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that none of the ruling party members, including the Prime Minister, have sought undue political favours, such as school admissions or appointments for allies. “We are not trying to push anyone out or force people into positions. We are here to build a system based on public trust,” he said.

Abeysinghe compared the country’s current state to a broken-down bus that has been put back on the road with the help of responsible and grounded individuals. He urged the public not to turn back but to support the government’s continued progress. “If the bus isn’t moving fast enough, should we turn it back? Or should we push it forward together?” he asked.

Emphasising the importance of long-term change, he noted that the current administration has made a historic shift in political culture. “What two generations couldn’t do, we’ve done it for the next ten. We can’t go back to a culture of corruption and nepotism.”

Abeysinghe concluded by stating that good governance must outlast individual governments. “The next administration must be better than this one. We owe it to the people and future generations to manage public funds wisely and deliver on their needs.”