Build a prosperous and productive Sri Lanka - President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said we must boldly implement the proposed social, economic and political reforms to build a prosperous and productive Sri Lanka in the coming decade.
The President in his New Year message stated, “We are looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times, immense hardships, as well as the uncertainties and hopelessness of the last year. I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse.
“Yet I believe that we have already gone through the worst of these times. I sincerely appreciate all of you who are committed to our country first and I thank you for your patience and courage as we took the critical, initial steps to stabilise the economy.
“Indeed, 2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy.” The President said 2023 is also the 75th year of Independence from the British Empire. “Looking back, it is obvious that we have not done as well as other ex-colonies. This is why the youth of our country are calling for a system change - especially at this juncture. This cannot be ignored.”
****
Face the New Year with utmost commitment - PM
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said while 2022 was difficult for most people, “We must face the New Year with utmost commitment to build a better country even in the face of numerous challenges.”
The Premier in his New Year message stated, “We enter the New Year with cheer, hope and joy in our hearts.
We are actively engaged in the development of all spheres, giving priority to food security and rural economic revival in particular.
“Let us come together and follow strategies to strengthen the local economy in creating a prosperous country in this New Year.”
****
Rise united again - Speaker
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said we have to rise united again from the social, political, economic and extremist storm that destroyed the respectable unity that had been built as a Sri Lankan nation.
It is a serious responsibility placed on the shoulders of all Sri Lankans by the present and the future, not just politicians. The Speaker in his New Year message stated, “Regardless of what happened in the past, we must definitely treat each other with respect in the future. No matter which party we represent, there is no need to see the other party as our enemy. Respect is an essential factor for both parties to reach a common, mediated agreement. “The New Year will be a challenging one for all of us amid the economic storms and social and political upheavals in the world. In the midst of all this, we, the citizens of a small island, have the least ability to stand firm and independent. But it is not impossible.
“In my opinion, we should all think about the year 2023, when we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our country’s independence, from such a careful, responsible and respectful point of view. Looking forward to 2023, there is no mistake in calling the past year 2022 as a year of changes in the history of Sri Lanka more than any other. “Also, the lessons learned from those experiences cannot be called a disadvantage but a great heritage for a long future to come.”
As adults, we should be more careful about our future generations in the coming New Year than last year. In the face of a competitive world, we should look at our children with a cautious eye. Not only the family, the school, but also the temple, the church and neighbours have a selfless responsibility for the children who will be the future leaders of our country.
“To celebrate a freedom that is supreme to us, we must step into the Heavenly Kingdom of national freedom, as poet Rabindranath Tagore says in the thirty-fifth verse of his famous book ‘Gitanjali’. In that heavenly kingdom, our minds will be free from fear; Must be able to hold head straight; Knowledge must be free; Our words must flow from the bottom of truth. Must have logical thinking. There must be unrelenting vigour. A country should move towards such a state of freedom.
“May 2023 be a new year filled with freedom, joy, wisdom and innovative thinking for all of you!”
****
2023, a host of challenges – Opposition Leader
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated in his New Year message that 2023 has arrived amid numerous crises, many of which need resolution.
The message:
“Let us hope this year will be decisive and victorious, paving the way for the victory in which the darkness will vanish and light will shine.
“Many of the messages we heard and faced as a country over the past year were more concerning than encouraging. We may remember 2022 as the year when a short-sighted system of governance bankrupted Sri Lanka for the first time in history, while the decisive triumphant rise of the ordinary people marked a watershed moment.
“We also wish to express our heartfelt congratulations on that noble ascension. We, as a country, are encountering the year 2023 also amongst a host of challenges.
“We must take steps towards turning the country’s current disfigured state of governance into a recovery this year. The reality is that the people of this country cannot continue to suffer due to poor governance. As a result, we must reconsider a program that can and should lead the country down a new path.
“We wish all Sri Lankans a happy New Year, remembering once more that the driving force of a country is people’s sovereignty.”