COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says there is no longer any threat to the government, stressing that the focus of the rallies is to build a broad-based people’s movement to develop the country.He made these remarks, attending a public Rally in Kahatagasdigiliya. The President said rebuilding the country requires the government and the people to work together.He said cooperatives, organizations and constituency-level councils are being brought together to strengthen this people’s movement.He also added that a society suitable for punishing the corrupt and criminals has now been created. The President also criticized what he described as a small, “primitive” group that continues to support individuals accused of corruption and oppose efforts to punish them.Referring to the recent gathering in Anuradhapura, he said those who believe that people who steal or engage in fraud should not be imprisoned represent only a small group remaining in society.He stressed that the government would not allow such attitudes to prevent action against corruption and fraud. The President said institutions including the CID, CIABOC, Attorney General’s Department and the judiciary have been strengthened and empowered to act independently against corruption.He said he would not be concerned about the identity or status of anyone accused of corruption, stressing that there would be no exceptions.The President also said there is no limit to pursuing those who have stolen public funds, adding that investigations and prosecutions are now moving forward.He further claimed that those calling for the government to be overthrown include corrupt politicians, drug traffickers, underworld figures and financial fraudsters affected by the government’s crackdown.
