President Says Those Who Evaded Law Now Oppose Its Equal Enforcement

President Says Those Who Evaded Law Now Oppose Its Equal Enforcement

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says those who previously escaped legal action are now opposing the government because the law is being enforced equally against everyone, regardless of their status or position.

Addressing a public rally in Nikaweratiya today, the President said the National People's Power Government was committed to building a country where no individual could remain above the law or evade accountability.

He said those who had benefited from privileges and protection under the previous system were now resisting the government's efforts to enforce the law fairly. However, he stressed that opposition to the government's anti-corruption drive came from a small group, while the wider public wanted equal treatment under the law.

The President also announced plans to establish a Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in every province, with funds to be allocated through the budget for the expansion.

He said the government had authorised the recruitment of more than 900 officers to strengthen the Commission's work, adding that tackling corruption, fraud and the waste of public funds was essential for national development.

President Dissanayake said investigations into alleged financial crimes had expanded beyond Sri Lanka, with authorities seeking information from Singapore, Australia and Denmark, as well as French aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

He said the government would pursue those who had fled the country after allegedly misappropriating public assets and take steps to bring them back to Sri Lanka, regardless of where they were hiding.

The President also defended the government's foreign policy, saying Sri Lanka was pursuing a non-aligned approach while maintaining close relations with countries around the world.

He reiterated that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory or airspace to be used in a manner that threatens India's security.

Referring to the Katchatheevu issue, he noted that the Indian central government had recently informed the Supreme Court of India that sovereignty over the island rests with Sri Lanka. He said Sri Lanka's diplomatic approach was based on maintaining friendly relations and resolving matters without unnecessary confrontation.

Turning to infrastructure development, President Dissanayake outlined several expressway projects planned for the coming years, including the Galagedara–Rambukkana, Kurunegala–Galewela and Kahathuduwa–Ingiriya expressways.

He said the government intended to finance these projects using public funds rather than relying on borrowing, with construction of the Galagedara–Rambukkana expressway scheduled to begin in November next year.

The President stressed that state institutions, particularly the Road Development Authority, must take responsibility for preparing plans, estimates and tender procedures, adding that an efficient and capable public service was essential to implementing the government's development agenda.