Government has ensured true political freedom through clean governance: Minister

Colombo, Feb. 5 (Daily Mirror) - The Government has ensured true political freedom in the country through clean and transparent governance and has introduced clean political practices nationwide, Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena said.

He made these remarks while addressing the 78th National Independence Day celebration organised by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, held in conjunction with Sri Lanka’s Independence Day celebrations under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”

Minister Abeysena attended the event alongside Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha and Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said Sri Lanka continues to face significant challenges, noting that strengthening the national economy was essential to overcoming them. He stressed that true economic freedom could only be achieved through a strong and stable economy.

“The Government assumed responsibility at a time of severe economic instability and has since stabilised the economy. The lowest budget deficit since 1977 has been recorded, and state revenue has been increased without corruption,” he said. He added that the country was safeguarded from collapse even during Cyclone Ditwah, while development budget proposals were being implemented with additional allocations to rebuild the nation.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of cultural freedom, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to safeguarding religious and cultural freedom for all communities while strengthening national unity.

Consul General Alexi Gunawardena, addressing the event, said this marked the first occasion on which three Sri Lankan ministers attended a National Independence Day celebration in the United Arab Emirates. He also noted that nearly 300,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed in the UAE, making a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings.

During the visit, the three ministers held a brief interaction with Sri Lankan professionals living in Dubai, who outlined the ways in which they could contribute to the Government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative. The event was attended by members of the Sri Lankan community in the UAE, including staff of the Consulate General, government officials and other invitees.

Meanwhile, a diplomatic reception organised by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi to mark the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka was held yesterday (04) at the Sheraton Hotel, under the patronage of His Excellency Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Organisation and Development Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

Representing the Sri Lanka Government, Minister Abeysena and Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha attended the reception as special guests. The event was attended by over 150 participants, including government officials and representatives of business institutions from the UAE and other countries.