President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the importance of collective progress as one Sri Lankan nation, with a focus on the future rather than the present.
The President said addressing the political landscape, there is a call for regulations governing political parties, with a committee studying global political processes and that this plays a crucial role in shaping Sri Lanka’s political framework.
“To engage globally, collaboration with other nations is essential. Free trade agreements, such as the one with Singapore already signed, are crucial. Ongoing negotiations with India and China are underway, and agreements with Thailand are expected to be finalized in April, marking a significant milestone for the country. Future discussions with Myanmar are scheduled, maintaining diplomatic ties despite challenges. It is crucial to foster relations with Laos and Vietnam, opening our economy to the world, and drawing inspiration from their successful examples,” he said.
The President pointed out that even amid conventional perspectives, the call is for unity to advance with a shared economic program, much like the remarkable economic progress seen in Cambodia over a short period.
He also highlighted the need for a program similar to the initiatives undertaken by the late D.B. Jayathilaka, which played a crucial role in establishing a strong foundation in Sri Lanka across social, cultural, religious and educational aspects through citizen participation.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made the remarks while addressing the 125th-anniversary ceremony of the Colombo Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) held at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo on Sunday (Jan 07).
The Colombo YMBA, founded under the chairmanship of Sir Anagarika Dharmapala on January 8, 1898, with D.B. Jayatilaka as its founding chairman, stands as the oldest and largest Buddhist organization in the country, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s broader mission. The theme of this year’s anniversary event was ‘Discourse for One Sri Lanka.’
During the commemorative ceremony, the President received the launch of a special issue marking the 125th anniversary, and he awarded scholarships to ten university students.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further speaking at the event acknowledged the historical significance of the Colombo YMBA, stating that it played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Sri Lanka.
“The Colombo Youth Buddhist Association has reached a significant milestone of 125 years since its inception. Undoubtedly, this association holds a pivotal place in Sri Lanka’s history, as it emerged during a period when Christian youth societies were being established in Western countries. In contrast, we, during that time, were actively involved in the Buddhist renaissance. Visionary leaders such as Ven. Sri Sumangala Thera of Hikkaduwa and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott played key roles in spearheading the Buddhist renaissance in our nation. It was against this backdrop that we initiated the world’s first Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA).
The mission of this association diverges from that of Western countries, focusing on advancing the country through Buddhist education. Spearheaded by Mr. D. B. Jayathilaka, this association has played a pivotal role in supporting the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya. We recognize the Young Buddhist Association as a significant force in our freedom movement, and in celebration of its 125th anniversary, I intend to extend a gesture. The government-owned land in Colombo Fort is granted to the association for an additional 99 years, with plans to develop it into a tourist area,” he said.
Stating that the theme for the 125th anniversary, ‘One Sri Lanka Discourse,’ aligns with the country’s current needs, the President said the goal is to address all war-related issues by 2025, providing political solutions for the displaced and missing persons.
“Furthermore, there are plans to enhance the religious centre in Nagadeepa and establish a distinctive Hindu temple in Jaffna, emphasizing the importance of collective progress. Engaging with the youth is crucial; their input, plans and ideas are essential for nation-building.
Looking beyond the present, we aim to recreate the kind of arrangement initiated by Jayathilaka. A comprehensive national plan, uniting everyone to move forward collectively, is imperative for the country’s future.
Sri Lanka has a rich history as an agriculture-centric nation. The emphasis now is on ensuring the safe export of our food crops through sustainable agricultural practices, requiring concerted efforts,” he said.
The President further said simultaneously, that the Anti-Corruption Commission has been established, with a dedicated committee appointed by the Legislative Assembly.
“Going beyond local financial regulations, we have submitted a comprehensive report on financial control in alignment with the International Monetary Fund agreement. This report encompasses aspects such as tendering processes and expenditure guidelines. A parliamentary commission is anticipated to implement these recommendations, emphasizing the need for diligent work by government financial officers,” he added. (NewsWire)