President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that out-dated political slogans such as "we catch thieves, they didn't catch thieves" are no longer relevant to the country's current needs. He emphasized that in the upcoming presidential election, which will shape the future of the nation and its people, every candidate must present a clear and actionable economic policy aimed at advancing the country.
President When an economy collapses, a nation falters. The Kingdom of Raja Rata, once a formidable power, fell into ruin when its economy disintegrated. We later established new kingdoms in the wet zone, but the lesson remained clear: if the economy fails, the nation is doomed. By 2022, we reached a crisis point where daily life became unbearable for many.
The President urged the public not to entrust their future to leaders who rely on slogans. Instead, he encouraged citizens to engage thoughtfully and seek reasoned answers about the issues impacting their future, following the advice of Buddha.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a meeting with professionals and businessmen from the Anuradhapura district, held today (11) in Anuradhapura.
President The event, aimed at garnering support for the President's re-election, saw a significant turnout of professionals and business leaders, who received positive responses to their queries from the President
I decided to take responsibility for the country's recovery. While other leaders hesitated, fearing for their political futures, I knew that if the nation was lost, political prospects would be meaningless. To secure a future for both the country and its leaders, we had to act decisively.
President Together, we committed to rebuilding the nation. Today, we have stabilized the economy, and people are beginning to feel relief. With anticipated increases in revenue next year, we can lower the cost of goods and ease the burden on our citizens. Additionally, we are implementing salary increases for both government employees and those in the private sector, as part of our on-going efforts to support and uplift the populace.
In the past two years, we have achieved economic stability, but our economy is not yet fully robust. There remains a risk of future collapse if we do not continue our efforts. To ensure lasting stability, we need to maintain our current program for another 5-10 years. This presidential election will be crucial in determining whether we continue to build on our progress or risk regressing. It is essential to recognize that this election will shape the future of our people.
President
To secure the country’s economic stability, we must transition from an import-based economy to an export-driven one. We have until 2042 to repay our existing loans, and taking on new debt could jeopardize our economy once again within the next 5-10 years.
Thus, it is imperative that we swiftly pivot to an export economy. Our “Puluwan Sri Lanka” program outlines this transition, focusing on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, easing the tax burden, and safeguarding our heritage and security. To support these goals, we need to strengthen the rupee and increase the income sources for our citizens.
Former Agriculture Minister Anura Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa have not addressed this critical issue. As our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rises and incomes improve, we expect the tax burden to decrease. We aim to achieve these objectives by 2025.
Our priority is to strengthen the economy by shifting to a competitive export-driven model. Additionally, we are working to boost revenue by doubling the number of tourists. This future plan is key to our country's development.
In contrast, Sajith Premadasa promises everything for free, but such promises lack practical feasibility. He has failed to present a coherent budget, and Harsha de Silva’s economic plan appears contradictory, promising both reduced goods prices and conflicting fiscal strategies.
Former Agriculture Minister Anura Dissanayake also claims to support an export economy. However, his election manifesto contradicts this by proposing the abolition of free trade agreements, which are essential for accessing foreign markets.
Sunil Handunnetti has filed a case against me for supporting an export economy. I have called him for a debate. I suggested that Anura and Sajith should first debate their economic policies to clarify their positions to the public. Following that, we can all participate in a video debate with the Managing Director of the IMF to discuss our economic strategies.
I am committed to developing this country, and it's crucial that our leaders engage in meaningful discussions about how to achieve this. Out-dated political slogans, such as accusing opponents of not catching thieves, are no longer relevant. Each candidate must clearly explain their plans for advancing the nation's economy. This election is a pivotal moment for shaping the future of our people, and we should not entrust it to those who rely solely on slogans.
If someone makes a statement that impacts your future, scrutinize it carefully and assess its merits. Lord Buddha himself taught us not to accept teachings blindly but to question and investigate them. I urge everyone to make a well-informed decision about their future, rather than being swayed by empty rhetoric and false promises. I suggest that everyone vote for the 'Gas Cylinder' on September 21 so we can move forward together.
