-By Prof. Desmond Mallikarchchi (rtd) - University of Peradeniya
(Lanka-e-News -08.Nov.2025, 11.30 PM) On the 31st of September, 2024, the bipartisan Government in Sri Lanka of the elite / privileged classes came to an end, by the mandate given by 68 million Sri Lankan voters when a man of the village, born in rural Tambuttegama, as he is considered ‘non-aristocratic’ was elected President of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for a period of five years. Although he represented the JVP of the traditional leftist movement, he contested the Presidential Election from the NPP, a middle class organization that was formed subsequently. Anura won the presidential election held in September and he was inaugurated as president on 23 September 2024. In the general election held after two months in the same year , Anura's victory was confirmed after his party won 159 out of 225 parliamentary seats.
September 21st 2025 marked the first year of the NPP government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. However, the million dollar question is this. Has Anura been successful in his first year in office? My resounding response to this question is ‘YES’. The rationale for my conclusion is described in brief below.
But before that, I wish to draw your attention to some statements made by opportunistic politicians, raising the question whether such politicians can be so mean, egotistical and hypocritical. Not only their remarks rely on flawed reasoning and lack the necessary depth for a serious political discussion but also their statements use deceptive and manipulative reasoning to mislead the public. Listen to these asinine and fatuous remarks.
‘They (NPP) took power by giving false promises saying they would create a rich country and a beautiful life for the people. But what have they done?
‘Nothing.’ ( Sajit’ opposition leader)
‘Anura gave a load of promises. But what has he done?; Only deceiving the people. He said he would catch the thieves, but has he caught any? None. (Namal 2025 February)
‘Nothing has been achieved. Nor will be achieved. The only thing being done taking revenge’ (Mahinda Rajapaksha.September 2025).
‘Anura has not accomplished anything stated in his election manifesto’ (Madduma Bandara, Tissa Attanayaka, Mujibur Rahuman and many more)
‘Except for taking political revenge, nothing else has been done for the country. Let us get together to chase them away from the country before they hunt us’ ( Dayasiri)
Let us open this “clinic” by briefly reviewing some of the services and projects proposed by Anura in his maiden Budget. These progressive measures were proposed despite the deep economic abyss into which the country had been driven by previous regimes, Not a single one of them has acknowledged any of these facts, as they have been blinded by their unquenchable greed for political power. Even today, they remain unchanged.
Here are some concessions that were given to the people by AKD in his maiden budget
1. Raising the minimum monthly salary from Rs. 24,350 to Rs. 40,000—an increase of Rs. 15,750.
2. Increasing the salaries of private sector employees up to Rs. 21,000 and Rs. 27,000 respectively.
3. Pledging to raise the daily wage of estate-sector workers to Rs. 1,700. (This will be implemented soon)
4. Taking steps to issue Digital Identity Cards to all citizens in order to founda robust digital infrastructure.
5. Increasing the net expenditure of the social security programme to Rs. 232.5 billion.
6. Allocating Rs. 5,000 million for the Clean Sri Lanka initiative—aimed at giving people a “beautiful life” by ensuring clean, orderly public spaces and institutions, countering the country’s notorious image of neglect and disorder.
7. Raising the allowances paid to retired citizens.
8. Adding 3% interest to the bank accounts of senior citizens.
9. Reducing the President’s own allowances and redirecting the saved funds toward national development.
10. Repurposing Presidential Palaces located in various parts of the country to house state institutions and projects.
11. Limiting the number of Cabinet Ministries to 25.
12. Abolishing unnecessary ministerial privileges, such as official residences, which are an unjustifiable burden on the nation.
13. Ensuring equality before the law and taking concrete steps to guarantee its implementation.
14. Increasing the Aswesuma allowance from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,000.
15. Raising the Mahapola scholarship by Rs. 2,500.
16. Increasing the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000.
17. Reducing the insurance coverage previously granted to Members of Parliament—including Malima MPs—to Rs. 200,000.
18. Introducing a charge for meals provided to Members of Parliament.
Anura’s first year in office has also marked several additional accomplishments. Here is a brief overview.
1 Economic Management and Dealings with the IMF
While the opposition has repeatedly complained that, due to a lack of experience and expertise, the NPP government’s negotiations with the IMF would drive the country into confusion and deeper economic turmoil, what we actually witness is quite the opposite. The government has managed these dealings with prudence and composure, maintaining both the dollar and the rupee in relatively stable condition, though challenges remain.
Far from humiliating the country through desperate pleading, the Anura’s administration astonished local “economic experts” and even earned praise from IMF officials for its shrewd and far-sighted approach. Despite the IMF’s suggestion to privatize two profit-making state institutions—Sri Lanka Insurance and Sri Lanka Telecom—the government firmly resisted, keeping them under state ownership while continuing diplomatic engagement with the IMF. This balancing act between national interest and international cooperation stands out as an outstanding achievement within Anura’s first year in office.
2. Growth in Exports
There has also been a significant upturn in exports. During the first eight months of the year, total export earnings reached USD 11.6 billion, marking a 6.6% increase over the same period in the previous year. The IMF, which released its first bailout installment in March 2023, had then placed Sri Lanka’s GDP growth at 3.3%—but projected it to rise to 5.2% by 2026. The economy, therefore, has already grown by 4.9% (approximately USD 1 billion). How, one wonders, can anyone remain so blind to such plain facts?
3 Rise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
In the first eight months of 2025 alone, Foreign Direct Investment reached USD 507 million—a 101% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This represents an additional half-billion dollars of confidence from international investors.
4 New Investment Projects
During this period, plans for 39 development projects were finalized and official blueprints are being prepared for the signing of 40 new investment agreements.
5 Revival of the Tourism Sector
A remarkable revival is evident in the tourism sector as well. In the past eight months, revenue from tourism has surged by USD 2–3 billion—an achievement unprecedented in Sri Lanka’s recent history. This resurgence can be attributed to three main factors:
* Economic Stability: Foreign observers have recognized that, by 2025, Sri Lanka had re-entered a phase of economic stability and recovery.
* Diplomatic Outreach: The government’s honest and gracious appeal to international travellers demonstrated both its sincerity and strategic foresight.
* Restored Safety: The administration has emphasized that, following this political transformation, the country has become safe for visitors—free from the fear of assault, robbery, or assassination.
According to Time Out magazine (October 2025), Sri Lanka was ranked as the best tourist destination in the world—a recognition that reflects not only scenic beauty but also the renewed sense of security and hospitality under Anura’s government.
6 Increase in Foreign Remittances
There are thousands of Sri Lankans employed abroad. They did not send their savings to Sri Lanka because of the so called ‘10% men, Tsunami thieves, the money embezzlers in the MIG dealings, and Hedging racketeers, and such persons had been the rulers in the country. They had no trust in these swindlers or white-collar criminals. But as they trusted Anura, they began remitting funds to their home country. In comparison with the previous years, during this year, foreign remittances have gone up by 10.01 %. That is up to the 6.57 billion dollars. During the first six months period of 2025 also, the foreign remittances have gone up by 18.9 %. The total amount credited has been 3.7 billion dollars. (This is equal to the initial $ 3 billion loan approved for us by the IMF in 2923). The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the amount of foreign remittances show a trend of steady increase.Those who are blind to the truth due to their own self-deception do not see these data."This reminds me of comrade T.M. Jayaratna’s song ‘Balan Kadaturaa Hära dääse’ (‘see without masks on).
7. Growth in Excise Tax Revenue
Through disciplined administration and firm decision-making, the government set clear targets for the Excise Department, compelling long-time tax evaders in the liquor trade, for example, to pay their dues on time. Consequently, excise tax revenue increased by 13.9%, bringing total income to over Rs. 120 billion.
8. Revenue from vehicle import
Despite the protests launched by the opposition, on February 1, 2025, president AKD’s government officially lifted Sri Lanka's long-standing ban on vehicle imports. This is undoubtedly a brave and bold decision but it brought dividends. Anura’s regime was able to collect Rs. 165 billion in revenue from vehicle imports as of mid-June 2025. Bold decisions at times bring fruitful returns. They at times are blessings in disguise.
9. Profits of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) increased from Rs. 14,691 million in the first half of 2024 to Rs. 24,418 million in the first half of 2025. It is a 66% increase.
10. Even the Petroleum Corporation, after a long period of loss, during the first half of the year 2025, has reported a profit of 16 billion Rupees, relatively to the year 2024, this was a positive gain.
11. Relatively to the year 2024, in the first half of the year 2025, The Sri Lanka Telecom too, has shown a considerable rate of profit.
12. The government implemented a significant cost-cutting plan that resulted in a remarkable reduction of state expenses. As a result, the gap between income and expenditure was decreased by 33%. As readers are aware of them already I will refrain from detailing them.
13. Anura’s govt. has taken steps to restore the fundamental principle in law, i.e. ‘The equality before the law’. Twenty odd former politicians who dodged the law are already in jail and many more culprits are awaiting investigation/prosecution/etc. In addtion several judicial officers including District Judges and Magistrates, have been suspended or interdicted by the JSC over various allegations, such as misconduct and performance issues. (Do we not need this purification?)
14. Initiating comprehensive police reform and institutional restructuring to re-establish the police force's dignity and legitimacy. Approximately 20 police officers who broke the law are currently incarcerated.
15. Reorganizing and enforcing discipline within state institutions, including the Passport Office, Customs, Sri Lankan Airlines, and the Prisons.
16. Revival of SriLankan Airlines
Sri Lankan Airlines, which had been driven to ruin under the Rajapaksa regime and was almost auctioned off by appointed president Ranil, has been rescued and revived within just one year under Anura’s leadership. By August, this year, the airline reported a 10% increase in profits — a remarkable revival for an institution once declared beyond recovery.( Is not this a miracle?)
17. Revival of Vehicle Imports and Treasury Growth
Despite the opposition’s attempts to intimidate and obstruct, the government boldly decided to resume vehicle imports. This bold yet, intelligent decision generated Rs. 129 billion in revenue for the Treasury within the first six months of 2025. When leadership is intelligent, bold decisions yield abundant results and they, at times, are blessings in disguise.
18. Customs Revenue Increase
Customs income, too, has shown impressive growth. Compared with the first half of 2024, revenue increased by 66%, reaching Rs. 24,418 million in 2025 — an increase of Rs. 14,691 million.
19. Petroleum Corporation Returns to Profit
After years of continuous losses, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has recorded a profit of Rs. 16 billion during the first half of 2025, a dramatic improvement compared to the preceding year.
20. Transparency in Assets and Liabilities
The preparation and publication of accurate Assets and Liabilities statements have brought a new level of transparency and accountability into public administration. Although the jealous and short-sighted may ignore these facts, those with integrity, both individuals and institutions — have praised Anura’s first year in office.
21. Winning the Confidence of the BOI
The Board of Investment (BOI) has expressed satisfaction with the government’s commitment to reform, transparency, and the creation of a stable environment for investments.
The facts and figures presented above strongly support the conclusion that Anura's first year in office has yielded positive and beneficial results for the country and its people.
There are four more years for Anura and his government and four more Budgets to be presented. Anura has already indicated referring to the second budget to come in November 7th that it would be more people friendly. When unnecessary expenses are curtailed such as maintaining six former presidents from public funds and when taxes are collected duly and promptly, reducing the gap between income and expenditure will not be a magical feat. The outcome can be attributed to more effective management. This is the secret behind AKD’s achievements and accomplishments in his first year in office as the president.
Among these (1) large anti-corruption drive (2) economic and educational policy changes (3) social welfare programs (4) disciplining of state departments, police, and the judiciary stands out. However, speeding up the phase of economic growth which is currently sluggish at 2%, and reducing the high cost of living present a significant challenge that the AKD administration must address promptly.
What I have discussed here is only the achievements gained by Anura in his first year of presidency. : It is a pity that even with all the facts and figures, the self-centered and megalomaniac politicians of our country chose to turn a blind eye to the naked truth. If they wish to see the truth, they can visit the two eye clinics I have opened in this article. If this is the incontestable truth about AKD ‘s first year performance as the president there is no doubt in my mind that if this rule remains intact for another five years, we will be in a rich country, blessed with a beautiful life’, which is the sweet dream the Sri Lankan people have been aspiring to achieve for many years, if not for decades.
[email protected]
Contact -0743434 768
---------------------------
by (2025-11-09 01:05:11)
Read 2184 Times
Leave a Reply
0 discussion on this news