AKD uses 2025 Budget platform to get tough on corruption

• Insists Govt. will never, ever tolerate corruption among its ranks
• “Those who attempt to receive bribes should be afraid and one should not be afraid of not paying bribe”
• Promises era of middlemen to get anything done over
• Says no elected or appointed official in Govt. will seek bribes or favours
• If anyone bends or breaks law, will be investigated and prosecuted to full extent of law
• Judiciary and Police empowered to enforce law without fear or favour
• Woos Sri Lankans who have migrated for jobs or living to come back and contribute to positively changing new Sri Lanka
• Hails patriotic officials, professionals and advisers
• Says new Govt. has mix of some of most passionate and disciplined politicians
• Assures will lead by example and raise all Sri Lankans up together for prosperity

President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday used the presentation of his maiden Budget for 2025 to sound tough on effectively dealing with corruption, widely considered the cancer of Sri Lanka inhibiting a better socio-economic growth for the people.

“For many years now, those who felt moved to invest in Sri Lanka found that in order to get anything done, they would first have to invest in middlemen. That era is over,” declared the President during the presentation of the Budget 2025 in Parliament.

“I can assure you that no elected or appointed official in this Government will seek bribes or favours in return for doing or not doing their jobs. However, in the very unlikely event that anyone among us does bend or break the law, I can promise that whoever is responsible will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 

This Government will never, ever tolerate corruption among its ranks. From here on, those who attempt to receive bribes should be afraid. One should not be afraid of not paying the bribe,” Dissanayake said emphatically amidst applause from the 159-member strong Government MPs in Parliament.

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“Our judiciary has never been more free or independent. Our Police force has never been more empowered or independent. They will enforce the law without fear or favour,” the President emphasised.

He noted that many who have left Sri Lanka and live overseas know that elimination of corruption is about more than just enforcing the law. 

“It is about modernising the way the Government functions, making State machinery function more efficiently and more transparently. This will address the root cause of corruption by making it harder to take bribes, and less attractive to pay them,” he said, adding: “Never has Sri Lanka had a chance like this to catch up with the modern world. I see a chance for a united Sri Lanka, for a clean Sri Lanka, for a prosperous Sri Lanka, to surpass everyone’s expectations.”

The President also wooed Sri Lankans who have migrated for jobs or living. He said: “To the Sri Lankan expatriates, those with Sri Lankan roots, whether you were born in Sri Lanka or heard of your motherland from your parents, know that, to us, you are all Sri Lankans. Your country is proud of your success. We understand why you may have lost faith in our motherland. Know that I am grateful for every effort that any of you take, even from afar, to help our country. We invite you, one and all, to come back and see for yourself how much Sri Lanka has changed. We invite you to contribute your expertise, your talent, and your perspective to our island nation, whether in the private, public, or non-profit sectors. Join us, and work with us to accomplish a level of success that we can only all achieve together.”

President Dissanayake also spoke highly of his Cabinet of Ministers, officials, and advisers. He said that the policies outlined yesterday via the Budget 2025 reflect the vision upon which he was elected to this office.

“I did not come up with them alone,” a modest Dissanayake admitted. “These policies are the result of an incredible effort, born out of the dedication and collective action of a Cabinet, most of whom have never served in a Parliament but have vast experience and practical knowledge. They were born from the experience of many dedicated and devoted civil servants and policymakers who finally have a voice in shaping the destiny of our country. And they were born from the confidence and courage of the many renowned, patriotic professionals who have distinguished themselves in their careers, and for the first time, had the confidence that they could contribute to a truly clean, truly functional, and truly compassionate Government.”

He also said that in the ranks of his Government, one will see a mix of some of the most passionate and disciplined politicians and some of the most accomplished academics and professionals who have sacrificed their careers, time with their families, and even their business legacies, to put their country before profit.

“Together, we have begun a monumental effort. We have brought down costs of living. We have begun restoring confidence in our justice system. And we have, for the first time, banished not just corruption but even the appearance of corruption from the highest echelons of power,” the President stressed.

He recalled that the majority of citizens voted last year to chart a new course and to unite to rebuild the country and reach their full potential. He said for the first time in history, all of Sri Lanka, from north to south and east to west, have united behind a common purpose.

“Religion, race, gender, class, and age no longer divide us. That is one thing I can promise about the people of Sri Lanka – the people will never again be divided against each other. The people will never again be fooled by those who seek to turn us against each other for their own political or personal gain,” the President said.

According to him, public representatives and officials of the new Government all have a common objective. Similarly, the thousands of hardworking, dedicated, and patriotic public servants who have joined to make a difference also have a collective objective.

“We will never tire. We will never waver. We will not compromise on our principles. We will never ever let you down. We will lead by example and raise all Sri Lankans up together. Together, we will all prosper. We will all be proud of each other and of the beautiful, sacred island we call home,” the President said.