President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on government officials to prioritize fulfilling the aspirations of the people, warning that failure to meet public expectations could erode citizens' hopes for a prosperous future.

Speaking to staff at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development on November 22, shortly after assuming duties as Minister, President Dissanayake stressed the importance of collective effort in addressing the nation’s challenges. He acknowledged the Ministry's key role in navigating the recent economic crisis and commended officials for their contributions.

The President pointed out that government performance, rather than political biases, would be the criteria for evaluating officials moving forward. He pledged to defend staff against unfair treatment or obstacles, assuring them that their work would be assessed fairly.

Acknowledging the public's skepticism towards revenue-generating departments, President Dissanayake urged officials to rebuild trust through transparency and accountability. He further reassured that his government would not tolerate the threatening or undermining of officials in public or media spaces, advocating instead for a culture of self-discipline.