There is no doubt that the year 2026 will be a challenging one for our motherland. Recognizing this reality, all of us must commit ourselves to acting with wisdom rather than emotion.
In the face of unexpected crises, the economic, social, and political challenges we have been confronting have shifted into a new dimension. Overcoming these challenges will not be possible through unilateral actions or isolated plans alone. Therefore, I wish to emphasize that cooperation—both at the national and international levels—is more important now than ever before.
Doing nothing due to disappointment or a sense of helplessness will not improve the situation. What is required for meaningful change is for everyone to come together and work collectively for the benefit of all. Hence, we must remain humble enough to agree where agreement is possible and to act within that consensus. As Albert Einstein stated, there is no difference between major and minor problems when it comes to truth and justice, because all issues related to how people are treated are fundamentally the same.
In this challenging year, our actions must be guided by the principle of viewing every problem faced by our fellow citizens as equally important and working to find solutions accordingly. With such a vision and philosophy, I extend my New Year wishes, hoping that all religious leaders, political and social activists, as well as the entire nation, will be empowered with courage and strength to move forward.
Sajith Premadasa
Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Sri Lanka
Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya
