Speeches

A personal treatise on Governance and Transparency I had very clear thoughts on this subject. I passionately detested dishonesty and still do and always wanted to eliminate corruption wherever I worked. I have sometimes asked myself from where I acquired...

Science Po Master of Public Affairs Graduation Paris, France JUNE 10, 2010 Secularism implies the relationship between Religion and Politics, more specifically between Religion and the State. The concept of secularism has drawn its sources from the philosophy that Humans...

Rotary International Inaugural Session Cochin, India SEPTEMBER 18, 2009 I am deeply honoured to have been invited to deliver the keynote address at the Rotary Institute, 2009 session. I have had a long association with Rotary and its varied activities,...

Rotary Club of Kandy Annual Meeting Kandy, Sri Lanka MARCH 25, 2009 I wish to present some thoughts to you on Democratic Governance and whether this is an evil that is unnecessary today or whether it is an essential need...

Farewell Address to the Nation Colombo, Sri Lanka DECEMBER 2, 2005 Some days ago, after 33 years in service to our country, I laid down the responsibilities of office when the Presidency of Sri Lanka was vested in my successor....

57th Anniversary of Sri Lankan Independence Colombo, Sri Lanka FEBRUARY 4, 2005 Venerable Maha Sangha,Reverend Members of the Clergy,Your Excellencies,Hon. Prime Minister,Hon. Members of Parliament,Distinguished invitees,Fellow citizens, Today we commence the 57th year of Sri Lanka’s Independence at an unusual...

Address to the Nation following the 2004 Tsunami Colombo, Sri Lanka DECEMBER 28, 2004 I address you today at a moment of deep shock and grief for our Nation caused by the most terrible disaster that has struck our country...

Address to the Nation after 60 Days in Office Colombo, Sri Lanka JUNE 12, 2004 The new United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Government has just completed 60 days since assuming office on 10th April 2004. I believe that it is...

55th Anniversary of Sri Lankan Independence Colombo, Sri Lanka FEBRUARY 4, 2003 Ven. Maha Sangha,Members of the Clergy,Your Excellencies,Hon. Prime Minister / Hon. Members of Parliament,Distinguished Invitees,Fellow citizens, Today, on the 55th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka, as...