Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Thursday, 18 September 2025 05:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Disanayake
President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday declared that 2025 will mark a decisive turning point in Sri Lanka’s economic, social, political and legal spheres, as he launched the long-delayed construction of the Central Expressway section from Kadawatha to Mirigama.
“Today, I assure the people that we are committed to rebuilding Sri Lanka in such a way that such a crisis will never recur,” he said.
Speaking at the commencement ceremony, the President said the resumption of the 37-kilometre expressway section, halted midway during the economic crisis, was both symbolic and practical in restoring national development.
“A country generally loses a decade following an economic collapse. But our Government is determined to change this within less than a decade, perhaps even in half that time,” he asserted.
The Kadawatha–Mirigama section is estimated to cost Rs. 229.53 billion, financed through a mix of domestic funds and a concessional loan from China. Construction of the Kadawatha interchange and the first 500 metres of the expressway, costing Rs. 8.69 billion, is already underway using local funds. The full section is scheduled for completion by mid-2028.
The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong and other representatives of the Chinese Government as well as several Sri Lankan MPs, Ministers and public officials.
President Disanayake highlighted the role of his January State visit to Beijing in reviving stalled infrastructure.
“I requested President Xi Jinping’s support to restart the projects in Sri Lanka that had been suspended under Chinese assistance. He paid special attention and agreed to provide the necessary support,” he said, adding that the Export-Import Bank of China had offered a concessional Yuan-denominated loan at an interest rate between 2.5% and 3.5%.
Stressing the importance of infrastructure, the President cautioned against relying on it alone. “Infrastructure is one part of development, but if it stands alone, it becomes distorted. Our country has pursued such a distorted strategy in the past,” he noted.
He outlined a broader approach anchored in economic stability, rule of law, clean governance and modernising the public service.
The President announced that the economy has made significant progress across every sector beyond expectations.
“For the first time in our history, we are recording a budget deficit that is lower than what was projected in the national Budget. Traditionally, Sri Lanka never met its revenue targets and successive Governments resorted to repeated supplementary allocations throughout the year. We have put an end to that practice. That era is over,” he said.
He noted that Sri Lanka was on track for nearly 5% growth for two consecutive years, with foreign reserves expected to reach $ 7 billion by the end of 2025, bank interest rates reduced to single digits, banking system is now channelling substantial funds into private investment, giving fresh momentum to economic activity and over $ 1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDIs) secured in the Government’s first year in office.
Disanayake cited major projects in Colombo Port City worth $ 1.4 billion already approved, with another $ 1.2 billion investment nearing completion of the approval process during his forthcoming visit to Japan. Tourism, exports and remittances were also expected to hit record highs this year.
The President framed these achievements as part of a broader transformation. “This year marks a historic turning point in Sri Lanka, where the economy, social life, political culture and rule of law have all undergone significant change. A previously collapsed State is being rebuilt into one with a stable foundation,” he declared.
He also revealed sweeping reforms in the State sector, noting that Rs. 110 billion has been earmarked for public sector salary hikes in 2026 and Rs. 330 billion in 2027. “We are providing better facilities for public servants, including significant salary increases, to create a professional, accountable and efficient public service,” he said.
Noting that sustainable development requires the advancement of both political leadership and citizens, Disanayake said the Government has embraced the challenge of transforming Sri Lanka into a developed nation, aiming to position it among the world’s most advanced countries.
“Our progress continues steadily, unaffected by political unrest or external distractions. Instead of sustaining a weakened political culture, we are fostering a modern, forward-looking one,” he added.
The President pledged to dismantle organised crime and drug trafficking networks that had thrived under political protection. “Those currently under arrest have been responsible for nearly 50% of the drug trafficking in the country and maintain links with almost 75% of the armed criminal gangs. We are taking decisive action to eradicate these criminal networks and restore the rule of law,” he assured.
Disanayake also warned that corruption and fraud within political authority would no longer be tolerated. “Today, we have established a political culture that neither steals nor wastes a single cent of the people’s money,” he stressed.
He called on all parties involved in the expressway project to deliver it on time as a national contribution. “As the Government, we will provide every possible support. I urge all involved to complete this project efficiently and deliver it to the nation without a single day of delay,” he requested.
