President assumes duties as Defense Minister
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called upon all public officials to unite with a common purpose and work together to transform the motherland into a better nation.
He made this statement today (22) during his visit to the Ministry of Defense at the Defense Headquarters premises in Akuregoda, where he assumed duties as the new Defence Minister.
Upon his arrival, the President was warmly welcomed by the staff of the Ministry of Defense.
Following the reception, the President held a meeting with the commanders of the tri-forces and senior officials of the Ministry of Defense, where they discussed ongoing and future initiatives of the Ministry.
President Dissanayake stated that the new government is dedicated to promoting good governance and seeks the support of everyone for the nation’s development program.
The President highlighted that the power of the people remains just as strong, irrespective of the Constitution and laws. He pointed out that the composition and outcome of the mandate given in the most recent presidential and general elections reflect the people’s expectations. The President also noted that the government received nearly 80% of the public’s support in the election, marking a significant shift that aligns with the people’s desires.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that his government, as a political authority, has no other objective than to provide the political leadership necessary to meet the expectations of the people. He also emphasized that the support of public officials is crucial to making these goals a reality.
The President stressed that in this new transformation that the public is anticipating, progress cannot be made without strengthening public trust in the public service. He noted that it is the public service that has been the driving force behind the economic and social growth of every developed nation.
Deputy Minister of Defense Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, Chief of Defense Staff General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General H L V M Liyanage, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, members of the security forces, and staff from the Ministry of Defense also attended the event.
