President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed provincial governors to prepare and submit a new proposal aimed at rationalizing the Provincial Council mechanism. Addressing the governors this morning (22) at the Presidential Secretariat, he emphasized the need for Provincial Councils to deliver the best possible services to improve citizens' living standards during the current transitional period.

The President encouraged governors to engage in economic and social initiatives to enhance public welfare and highlighted the importance of establishing a new political culture to fulfill the trust placed in him by the people. He urged governors to avoid past poor practices in the use of state assets and focus on delivering quality public services.

The meeting also addressed vacancies in the health and education sectors, with plans to find viable solutions. Discussions covered land issues in the Northern and Eastern provinces, finance matters, and the allocation of land to farmers in Kantale.

The participating governors included Nagalingam Vedanayagam (Northern Province), Champa Janaki Rajaratne (Sabaragamuwa Province), Professor Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera (Eastern Province), Kapila Jayasekera (Uva Province), Bandula Harischandra (Southern Province), Professor Sarath Abeykoon (Central Province), and Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri (North Central Province).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today (19) that he has rejected a request from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a range of privileges, including 16 chefs, 163 security personnel, 30 umbrellas, and over 20 vehicles.

Speaking at the inaugural General Election rally in Tangalle, Dissanayake stated that, moving forward, Wickremesinghe would be entitled to only three vehicles, in line with current regulations and circulars.

"They have enjoyed these perks for so long that they now believe they are entitled to them as a right. We have a clear mandate from the people to put an end to the misuse of public funds, and the NPP is committed to delivering on that promise. We will review the security arrangements for former presidents, and perks will be provided accordingly. But there will no longer be any room to misuse public money under the guise of security for former leaders," he stressed.

Dissanayake also mentioned that the government plans to introduce new legislation to prevent former Presidents from receiving unnecessary benefits funded by the public.

Additionally, he revealed that two ambulances previously kept at the residences of Wickremesinghe and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had been recalled, underscoring that such resources should not be considered personal property.

The Budget 2025 will be presented to Parliament in February or March next year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced this evening.

Addressing the inaugural General Election rally of the National People’s Power (NPP) in Tangalle, Dissanayake stated that the Vote on Account will be presented in December.

He noted that the new budget is likely to include salary increments for state sector employees and an allowance for schoolchildren.

Dissanayake also mentioned that the government will renegotiate several agreements that are disadvantageous for the country, and the relevant parties have already been informed about this.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (19) announced that the maximum number of ministries under the government of the National People’s Power (NPP) will be 25 following the General Election.

The NPP held its inaugural general election public rally in Tangalle this evening. Addressing the rally, Dissanayake stated that 15 ministries have already been finalized, and a ministry for digital governance will also be established.

He added that the new Cabinet after the General Election will consist of a maximum of 25 ministers.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the progress review meeting of the Ministry of Energy this morning (15 October), the President's Media Division (PMD) said. 

He pointed out that, like other countries where the energy sector plays a significant role, Sri Lanka has also prioritized the energy sector. He noted that the Ministry of Energy is a revenue-generating entity, and with increased earnings, there are ongoing societal discussions about potential irregularities.

The President stated that during the recent presidential election, the public voted with certain expectations, and he is committed to fulfilling that mandate. He highlighted that the people have placed their trust in a new political tradition due to dissatisfaction with the previous political culture, the economic difficulties they face, and the poor performance of the public sector.

The President mentioned that the public believes corruption, fraud, and mismanagement are behind the country's economic collapse and that the mandate given to him is to address these issues. He pledged to uphold the trust placed in him by the people to combat corruption and fraud across the public sector and urged public servants to fulfill their responsibilities diligently.

He emphasized that public wealth must be safeguarded, likening its protection to the care of religious property, and stated that no one has a legitimate right to misuse that wealth for fraudulent or corrupt purposes.

The President noted that the commitment of public servants is crucial in creating an efficient and effective public service that meets citizens' needs. He is prepared to take all necessary steps to achieve this goal. He also stressed that public servants must act responsibly and be held accountable to meet the structure, goals, and expectations of the mandate. He assured that his leadership team is ready to provide the necessary guidance.

Furthermore, the President stated that he stands by all public actions taken in the public's interest within the scope of official duties and will not hesitate to take corrective action if improper acts occur.

An in-depth review was conducted on the current projects in the energy sector and those planned for implementation over the coming years. Discussions were also held on how to achieve the energy sector's goals over the next three years, along with short-term and long-term relief measures for the public.

Professor Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy; Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board; Engineer K.G.R.F. Comester, General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board; and Janaka Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited, participated in the event along with several other officials from the Ministry of Energy. (PMD)

Leader of the NPP, Anura Kumara Dissanayake today slammed President Ranil Wickremesinghe for calling for job cuts in the state sector while excessively hiring staff to the Presidential Secretariat including the Presidents Media Unit.

Dissanayake questioned the recent spate of appointments to the President’s Media Division in parliament and read out a lengthy list of names of those appointed to top posts in the division.

He revealed a Presidential Advisor for media, a Director General and at least 15 directors, 10 deputy directors, eight photographers, four video editors and six media assistants have been appointed in the last month alone.

“The President has asked state sector employees who do not work to go home. But how many directors does his own media division have? Is he able to come to parliament and reveal this information?” Dissanayake asked.

The NPP leader also revealed information relating to the salaries, fuel allowances and vehicles provided to the staff at the PMD. “The advisor is being provided with a salary of Rs. 100 000, a fuel allowance of Rs 60 000 and a vehicle” he noted before listing the salaries and benefits of others at the division.

“Nearly one month has elapsed. What are the duties of these individuals? How much are their salaries? If they are not going, then he must send them home. But he is now asking other state sector employees to go home. However, he has forgotten that he was the one sent home by these employees. Look at the manner in which the Presidential secretariat is being overstaffed. He should therefore not preach to the country,” he added.