The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka trusts that President Dissanayake will embrace his role as a leader for all citizens (Pic by Nisal Baduge)

• We trust that President Dissanayake will embrace his role as a leader for all citizens, including ethnic and religious minorities and the many marginalised communities  
• We offer prayers on behalf of the President for wisdom in his leadership and guiding our nation with integrity

The ethnic complexities of our nation necessitate a commitment to dialogue and understanding among all communities, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
 It is imperative that the new administration actively pursues reconciliation efforts that address historical grievances and promote unity

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) has come forward to congratulate Sri Lanka’s new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake. A statement released by the NCCSL states, “We, the Heads of Churches and Ecumenical organizations of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, extend our heartfelt congratulations to His excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his election as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. We pray that President Dissanayake conducts himself with integrity, wisdom, and sound counsel, upholding the trust placed in him by the people. True leadership is not merely about being in charge; it is about taking care of those in your charge”.  

The statement goes on to add: As the Book of Proverbs states, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them” (Proverbs 11:3a) and “Righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34a). Therefore, we offer our prayers on behalf of the President for wisdom in his leadership, guiding our nation with integrity, humility, and compassion for all people groups”.  
The statement further adds, “In these challenging times, we encourage the President to unite our diverse communities, prioritize the common good, and foster an inclusive environment where every voice is valued. We pray that the decisions of the executive reflect the needs of all Sri Lankans, promoting justice, peace, and prosperity for every citizen.  
“We trust that President Dissanayake will embrace his role as a leader for all citizens, including ethnic and religious minorities and the many marginalized communities, as well as those who did not support him. The people are eager for clear, transformative change, particularly in addressing our nation’s heavy debt and establishing a robust, inclusive, and just economic programme. It is crucial that the administration prioritizes the voice of the people over party politics, ensuring that reforms genuinely reflect the needs of the populace rather than mere change for its own sake.  
“We look forward to swift and decisive action on the promises made during the campaign, including the prosecution of corrupt officials, the recovery of misappropriated funds, and a thorough investigation into the tragic events of the Easter attacks. It is our sincere hope that these matters will be approached with integrity, guided by the principles of the rule of law, good governance, and transparency. We must safeguard the pillars of democracy, ensuring that the rights of all citizens are respected.  
“As Sri Lankans, we envision a future defined by social justice, reconciliation, and inclusivity. As God admonished through the prophet Amos, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24).   
“The ethnic complexities of our nation necessitate a commitment to dialogue and understanding among all communities, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. It is imperative that the new administration actively pursues reconciliation efforts that address historical grievances and promote unity.  
“The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka will continue to pray and assure the solidarity for this new era to be characterized by a commitment to serve the people, protect our democratic traditions, and create a prosperous Sri Lanka marked by diversity, peace, and justice for all”.