By Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Strategy for Law and Order: A Vision for Stability
In his address to the budget debate in Parliament, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined his firm stance on how he intends to handle the country’s law and order situation amidst the rising tension and violence. With his usual confidence, he tackled several key issues, offering a strategic approach that left little doubt about his leadership.
Tackling Rising Violence: A Clear Approach
President Dissanayake wasted no time in addressing the recent surge in violence, particularly gang-related activities. He highlighted how certain political interests were trying to use these groups to stir unrest, but assured the public that the government had already identified trouble spots. His commitment to maintaining peace was clear—violent actors would not be allowed to destabilize the country.
No Room for Extremism or Racism
Further emphasizing his vision for a stable society, Dissanayake made it abundantly clear that there would be no room for extremism or racism under his leadership. He stressed that such ideologies were often the breeding grounds for violence, and that his administration would not tolerate any form of division that could harm the nation’s unity.
A Unified Party,
On the political front, Dissanayake responded to claims that the ruling party might face internal rifts. He reassured the nation that the party was united, and such divisions were simply the hopes of opposition politicians trying to destabilize the government. His words reflected a steady hand at the helm, confident in his party’s strength.
Economic Stability: Under Control, Moving Forward
The President also addressed concerns about the country’s economic situation, particularly the fears of an impending collapse. He dismissed these concerns, pointing to the careful management of foreign currency for vehicle imports and the smooth progress of discussions with the IMF. With the next disbursement just around the corner, Dissanayake painted a picture of a nation on the path to recovery.
Building a Strong Defense: Professionalism Over Loyalty
When it came to national security, Dissanayake’s stance was equally clear. He emphasized his goal of creating a strong, professional defense force, one that was not based on political loyalty but on skill and expertise. His commitment to appointing individuals based on professionalism rather than connections marked a clear shift towards a more merit-based system.
Number of persons in all three armed forces will be reduced while they will be made sophisticated with equipment, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament .
“The Sri Lanka Army will be confined to 100,000 personnel, Sri Lanka Navy to 40,000 and Sri Lanka Air Force to 18,000, the President revealed.
“Our aim is to acquire modern equipment to the forces. Almost all aircraft in the Sri Lanka Air Force are becoming outdated. Therefore, we will acquire new aircraft. The Sri Lankan Navy will also get new craft and new equipment. We will do it without any hesitation,” the President said.
A Leader with Vision
In just a few minutes, Anura Kumara Dissanayake proved beyond doubt that he is a leader with strategy and vision. His approach to handling law and order, managing the economy, and strengthening national security was not only convincing but demonstrated a clear roadmap for the country’s future. Political commentators have noted that his ability to articulate these issues with such clarity and determination is a testament to his readiness to lead Sri Lanka through turbulent times.
