July 16, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for a political culture that prioritises national interest over traditional partisan politics to ensure the country’s advancement.
He stressed the significant responsibility borne by all political leaders, both in government and opposition, to support initiatives aimed at improving the national economy.
During a recent meeting at the Presidential Secretariat with a group of lawyers, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the necessity of unified support for the country’s economic development programme, free from political entanglements.
He stated that while everyone has the right to engage in politics, undermining the economic framework essential for the country’s progress is unacceptable.
The President noted that recent strikes, including those anticipated ahead of the presidential election following the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, were politically motivated.
Reflecting on the evolution of the political landscape over the past two years, he mentioned the formation of a coalition prioritising the country’s interests, involving individuals from various political affiliations.
He recounted instances from Sri Lanka’s history where political leaders set aside differences to support national interests, urging a similar approach today.
President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of consistency in policies for economic development, citing examples of countries like Singapore and Vietnam.
He outlined the goal of increasing the GDP from USD 85 billion to USD 350 billion by 2048 through economic transformation towards a modern, export-oriented economy.
He acknowledged the achievements of the current government, which have been recognised globally, and called for the continuation of efforts to maintain economic stability.
The President concluded by inviting all parties to unite and work towards the nation’s progress, setting aside partisan politics for the next five years.
