President Calls For Restoring Trust in Parliament and Governance

COLOMBO (News 1st) - 

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the critical need for restoring the trust and respect of Parliament.

Reflecting on his 24 years of experience as a parliamentarian, he spoke of how public confidence in the institution has been severely damaged. He noted that Parliament, once held in the highest regard, is now often viewed with anger and distrust by the people.

“The mandate entrusted to us demands that we protect the honor and supremacy of Parliament,” he said. “This is an opportunity to implement good practices and restore integrity within the institution. We must ensure that Parliament passes the test of public scrutiny in the coming years.” The President emphasized his reliance on the support of the Speaker and newly elected MPs to achieve this goal.

In his address, President Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to creating a free and democratic nation, one that operates without fear or doubt. He stressed the importance of the rule of law, pointing to the decline in public trust in the legal system as a significant challenge. “To build a better nation, the rule of law must be firmly established,” he explained. “We are bound by the law, and no one in authority is above it. We seek no revenge or targeting of individuals, but we must hold accountable those who commit controversial crimes. If we let such crimes fade with time, we would betray the trust of the people.

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The President vowed that justice would prevail, particularly for the victims and their families. “This mandate embodies the cries of the loved ones of the victims. If we do not deliver justice, who will?” he asked. “The dreams of this country will wither away if we fail to act.”