PM pledges unity, recovery as Sri Lanka enters 2026

Colombo, January 1 (Daily Mirror) - As Sri Lanka enters 2026 following a year of reform and adversity, the government has placed national unity and post-disaster recovery at the centre of its agenda for the year ahead, calling on citizens to work collectively to rebuild the country and strengthen long-term resilience, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

In a New Year message reflecting on developments in 2025, the government said the past year was marked by decisive governance reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and accountability within the public sector. These measures, it noted, were part of efforts to cultivate a new political culture and restore public confidence in state institutions.

While acknowledging progress in areas such as economic stability, legislative sovereignty and Sri Lanka’s improving international standing, the government said the country faced a significant setback towards the end of 2025 due to a major disaster that disrupted lives and livelihoods across several regions.

Describing the period as a defining moment for the nation, the government highlighted the widespread public response to the crisis, noting that the solidarity, compassion and collective action demonstrated by Sri Lankans transcended ethnic, religious and political divisions and drew international admiration.

Looking ahead, the government said its immediate priority in 2026 would be to heal communities affected by the disaster, restore livelihoods and strengthen national preparedness. It added that rebuilding efforts would be guided by inclusivity and sustainability, with lessons from the crisis shaping future development planning.

Beyond recovery, the government outlined a broader reform agenda for 2026, including sustainable transformation of the education sector, accelerated digitalisation of public services, and the creation of opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists and innovators to compete globally. Commitments were also reiterated towards building an environmentally conscious society and intensifying efforts to curb drug abuse and harmful substances.

The message concluded with an appeal for collective responsibility, urging all citizens to contribute to national rebuilding regardless of political, ethnic or religious differences, and to move into the New Year with renewed determination and hope.