Govt should keep promises and modernize the country: Namal

19 January 2026 07:53 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

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Colombo, Jan. 19 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa said the government must fulfill its promises and modernize the country instead of focusing on narrow political interests.

He made these remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of a youth conference organized by the SLPP youth wing.

Rajapaksa said the country should strengthen its economy, protect its culture and religion, and prepare young people to compete in the modern world.

“Modernizing the country does not mean destroying our culture, religion, and traditions. We must move toward modernity while protecting our national identity,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of youth in shaping the future of the country. According to him, throughout history, major political and social struggles in Sri Lanka and around the world have been led by young people.

“Youth have played a key role in every major event, whether it was the fight against terrorism, national unity, or political struggles in recent years,” he said.

Rajapaksa said that when a country faces economic problems, it is the younger generation that suffers the most.

He also criticized successive governments for only planning for short-term political goals instead of thinking about long-term national development.

Referring to the Colombo Port City project, he said Sri Lanka must position itself as a competitive financial hub in the region.

“The challenge for Colombo Port City is not local economic zones. The real competition is with financial cities like Singapore, Dubai, and China. We need a clear long-term plan to compete with them,” he added.

Rajapaksa said that the country must prepare a vision for the next 20 to 30 years and create opportunities for young people to take Sri Lanka forward.

Comments - 9

j0shua Monday, 19 January 2026 09:10 PM

Yes it can be done. But first we need to get rid of the rogues.

0 1

Nihal Tuesday, 20 January 2026 02:53 AM

You talks too much these days.

0 1

R Navaratnam Tuesday, 20 January 2026 05:30 AM

Namallllllllllllllllll, please exercise patience.

0 1

Percy Wijenayake Tuesday, 20 January 2026 06:38 AM

The President knows it all. Wiping out corruption is the greatest achievement. Promoting Business and self employment is next. European dress is the smart attire to me.

0 1

lion Tuesday, 20 January 2026 07:34 AM

Normel it must be the first time in the history of this country a ruler , who has fulfilled more than 30 percent of the promises made to the nation and another 30 percent is in the process of fulfillment during the first year of governance. It is a stark contrast to the period of governance of your father and his siblings even including you.

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Chelliah Thiruchelvam Tuesday, 20 January 2026 08:15 AM

Yes. The NPP shall formulate a vision for a better future for Sri Lanka. What happened to your family vision for the country?

0 2

Jude Tuesday, 20 January 2026 10:30 AM

Give few more years. You guys expect miracles.

1 4

Jude Tuesday, 20 January 2026 10:34 AM

90% of people are happy COZ gov't corruption down to almost zero. The other 10% are disgruntled SLPP UNP SLFP and SJB supporters.

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Lal Piyal Mendis Wednesday, 21 January 2026 11:21 AM

Exactly, even out of 10% - 8% Potuwa henchmen.

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