Sri Lanka has succeeded in safeguarding balance in diplomatic relations
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that over the past year Sri Lanka had succeeded in safeguarding balance in its diplomatic relations.
He further emphasised that in today’s world, where the economy and markets transcend national borders, no country can progress in isolation and that Sri Lanka is working to elevate its standing globally through sound diplomatic relations.
The President also noted that national unity must be fostered to move the country forward, adding that the past year would go down in Sri Lankan history as one in which no ethnic conflict arose.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks at the Reiyukai Hall in Tokyo, during a meeting with the Sri Lankan community living in Japan.
The event, organised jointly by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan and voluntary organisations, was attended by a large gathering including members of the Maha Sangha, clergy of other faiths, professionals, and university students residing in Japan.
The President pointed out that neither Sri Lankans living in the country nor those abroad had brought the present government to power with the expectation of personal privileges or favors. He stressed that the government is committed to delivering the transformation expected by the people, and that the success of its first year in office should be measured against that standard.
He further noted that over the past year, the government has already fulfilled a significant part of the people’s expectations for change by rebuilding the collapsed economy to ensure stability, strengthening the rule of law, establishing corruption-free governance, and making the state machinery more efficient.
The President stated that in the context of a recovering economy, the Government expects to achieve its growth targets. He further added that the forthcoming Budget is not likely to introduce any new taxes, while attention will also be given to reducing specific existing tax rates.
The President urged Sri Lankans living in Japan to invest confidently in rebuilding Sri Lanka and to become stakeholders in the country’s journey towards progress, assuring them that the Government is ready to provide all necessary facilities for that purpose.
He also responded to the questions and issues raised during the meeting.