August 27, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised his success in stabilising Sri Lanka’s economy over the past two years by assembling a team of experts drawn from across political lines.
Speaking at an event titled “Lawyers for Economic Stability” at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, he stressed that no other political group could rival the economic team he had constructed, which transcends traditional party boundaries.
The President underscored that the current political landscape is not solely about leadership but is fundamentally about safeguarding the nation’s economic future.
He drew attention to the critical period when Sri Lanka was on the brink of crisis, recalling that even when others refused to take on leadership roles, he stepped in as Prime Minister to prevent further instability.
Wickremesinghe acknowledged that his appointment came at a time when opposition leaders hesitated, leaving him as the sole viable candidate for the position.
Wickremesinghe highlighted key appointments that played a central role in his economic recovery strategy. He specifically mentioned individuals such as Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, and Minister Ali Sabry, who were instrumental in negotiations with international bodies like the IMF.
Additionally, figures such as Minister Kanchana Wijesekera and Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana were credited for their contributions in tackling energy challenges and managing communications, respectively.
The President also addressed criticisms of past anti-corruption initiatives, pointing out the inefficiencies of previous efforts led by the JVP during the Good Governance Government in 2015.
He noted that these shortcomings had been rectified under his administration, with the introduction of new anti-corruption legislation supported by international bodies like the IMF and World Bank.
He assured that Sri Lanka now has some of the most robust anti-corruption laws in South Asia.
In closing, President Wickremesinghe warned of the dangers of compromising economic progress with populist promises and highlighted the need for fiscal discipline.
He reiterated the importance of securing foreign investment and urged for continued support to achieve the government’s ambitious targets for revenue generation and economic transformation.
The President’s remarks underscore his commitment to steering Sri Lanka toward long-term economic recovery while navigating the political challenges that lie ahead.
