Offenders will face consequences, regardless of rank or status, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Friday (13) during a meeting with the heads of state media.

“We will not allow the trust the people have placed in us to be undermined in any way,” the President said.

He emphasised that irrespective of their position in government, any individual found guilty of wrongdoing will face appropriate action.

“For more than seven decades, the people of this nation have built and dismantled various governments. They voted for each government in the hope of positive change. However, all these governments have ultimately failed the people. For the first time, we stand with a profound understanding of the historic mandate entrusted to us and the NPP on two occasions,” President Dissanayake said.

He further stated that the people placed their faith in the NPP government, expecting a transparent and stable country.

“We will not tarnish that extraordinary trust, not even through the slightest misconduct. Simply put, our government is not here to shield anyone who errs, for any reason. Whether within the broader framework of the country or within our administration, anyone found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences. We will act decisively and at the appropriate time,” he affirmed.

President Dissanayake reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the trust bestowed upon them by the people, who have endured decades of deception.

“Should any wrongdoing occur, either within the country or at any level within our government, the party will not hesitate to take decisive action. Every necessary step will be taken at the appropriate time without delay,” he said.

The Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Director-General of Government Information, Harsha Bandara, and the heads of state media were present at the meeting.