“This Is a Government Established by the People,” Says Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara

Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara says the present government was established by the people and that the people themselves have brought about a change in Sri Lanka’s political culture.

Addressing a constituency council meeting in the Kolonnawa area, the Deputy Minister said the government was formed two years ago and that increasing numbers of people are now attending constituency council meetings, not simply because of an upcoming election but because there are important issues that need to be addressed collectively.

He said the government had previously been criticised by opponents who claimed it lacked the experience and ability to govern the country.

“We were told that we could not build the country and that we had no experience. Today, we are working together with the people to build the country,” he said.

Gunasekara said the government had sought to change the country’s political culture and claimed that the National People’s Power (NPP) was the only political force providing an opportunity for people to be appointed independently to positions in the state.

He also highlighted measures involving former presidents and government privileges, claiming that official residences were no longer being used by them, while restrictions had been placed on vehicle fuel and reductions made to certain benefits, including pensions and medical allowances.

Economic recovery

The Deputy Minister claimed that both the country’s rupee and dollar reserves were beginning to strengthen and said Sri Lanka had recorded its highest-ever level of worker remittances.

He said the country had also begun repaying its debt and increased wages for plantation workers.

Gunasekara argued that poverty in Sri Lanka was not solely the result of economic conditions, but was also linked to alleged corruption and the misuse of public resources in the past.

He referred to ongoing legal proceedings involving former political figures and made several allegations concerning corruption and the Easter Sunday attacks. These remarks were made as part of his political address.

Transport sector

Gunasekara also spoke about developments in public transport, saying that people had begun showing strong interest in the Metro Bus service.

He said stalled road development projects were being resumed and claimed that the public was now beginning to request improved Metro Bus services, describing this as evidence of a significant change.

He further stated that the government plans to introduce electric trains by December next year, as part of efforts to transform the transport sector in collaboration with the public.