Leader of the Saarvajana Balaya, MP Dilith Jayaweera, has called for the creation of a state rooted in civic-minded enterprise as the foundation for Sri Lanka’s economic and social recovery.
Addressing a newly established Sarvajana Sabha in Ambewela, Jayaweera said that rebuilding the nation requires more than punitive actions against corruption, urging a shift from reactive governance to systemic reform that empowers citizens and fosters economic self-reliance.
“A country cannot be rebuilt on debt, asset sales, or simply arresting thieves. We need a system that actually creates wealth—one that allows people to earn, educate their children, and save for the future,” he said.
Jayaweera stressed that civic responsibility and inclusive governance must form the backbone of national progress, noting that public trust is eroding as many feel disillusioned with the lack of meaningful change following recent elections.
Referring to the mass protests of 2022, he reminded the audience that people took to the streets not out of chaos, but in pursuit of a government that could deliver stability and dignity.
“None of the people you speak to today, be they farmers, public servants, or workers are content. They wanted a country they could be proud of. Instead, they now feel betrayed by broken promises and shallow victories,” he said.
Jayaweera also challenged the narrative that anti-corruption crackdowns alone will bring progress, stating that despite arrests, no significant financial recovery has yet benefited the public.
“This is a land where the Buddha once walked. We cannot make room for thieves, but neither can we pretend that catching them solves our deeper problems,” he said.
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