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President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted his ability to stabilize Sri Lanka's economy over the past two years by assembling a team of the most talented individuals from across various political parties. Speaking at a meeting with legal professionals’ at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo yesterday (25), the President emphasized that no other political group can surpass the economic team he has built, which transcends party lines.
During the event, organized under the theme "Lawyers for Economic Stability," President Wickremesinghe highlighted that the current political contest is not merely about leadership but about ensuring the survival and well-being of the people. As the person who brought the people who urged voters to cast their ballots in favour of moving beyond the days of struggling to find basic necessities like gas cylinders, signalling a need to focus on long-term economic recovery.
Addressing the gathering, which included senior presidents’ councils, presidents’ councils, and other legal professionals, the President also responded to criticisms regarding the handling of corruption cases. He recalled how, under the Good Governance Government in 2015, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) took charge of pursuing corrupt individuals but appointed Mr. Ananda Wijepala, who was neither a police officer nor a lawyer, to lead the effort. He mentioned that the initiative relied on 400 files and that his role as Prime Minister at the time was limited to providing financial resources.
Using a metaphor, President Wickremesinghe compared tackling corruption to catching mice, stating that a toothless cat cannot catch mice and criticizing him for inadequacies beyond his control is useless. He emphasized that effective action against corruption requires not just criticism but the right tools and capabilities.
President Ranil Wickeremesinghe further elaborated;
"First of all, I would like to thank you all for being here today. We have gathered for a common purpose—to protect and advance the country together.
President J.R. Jayawardena once told me not to leave a vacuum in power. That's why I stepped up and took on the role of Prime Minister. The situation at that time was dire, and it's needless to say what could have happened if the country had continued on that path. We’ve seen similar situations in other nations, like Bangladesh, where the absence of leadership after Sheikh Hasina left created a significant vacuum, causing immense challenges for the country.
No one else was willing to take on the premiership during that critical period. However, as a single-seat Member of Parliament, I was asked to step in. As I mentioned in Batticaloa, I followed the example of the Athenian oath we learned at Royal College. If I had turned away from that responsibility, the consequences would have been disastrous. Running from duty in such a situation would have been an act of cowardice
The leader of the opposition was considered the alternative Prime Minister. On that day, MPs from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya approached us, indicating that if the Rajapaksa government fell, the opposition leader would assume leadership. This occurred in the Parliament lobby, and we agreed because it was the tradition. I stated that the opposition leader should step in to form a government, and we expressed our willingness to support them even from the opposition during a crisis. I had no issues with Sajith Premadasa at that time.
However, when it came time for him to take on the role, he declined and withdrew. If I had also walked away, it would have been an act of cowardice. I accepted the responsibility because I was confident in my ability to address the situation, given my experience.
To advance this work, I needed a capable team. I appointed Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, who had collaborated with me during the good governance government, as one of my state ministers. I was also familiar with Minister Shehan Semasinghe from his tenure as a Member of Parliament, and I selected him as well. Both ministers performed admirably in their roles and even participated in the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
Minister Ali Sabry was entrusted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he fulfilled his duties effectively. The most significant challenge we faced was in the energy sector, and Minister Kanchana Wijesekera was appointed to address this issue. This core group was instrumental in driving our initiatives forward.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena was appointed to manage communications with the media. I also assembled a team of advisors and officials, including Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, who served as Secretary to the Ministry of Finance during the good governance government and was appointed as my advisor. Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the Central Bank, and Mr. Mahinda Siriwardena, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, were given the mandate to continue their work. Additionally, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka was appointed as my Chief of Staff.
Advisors such as Mr. Indrajith Kumaraswamy, Mr. Shantha Devaraj, and Mrs. Shamini Coorey provided crucial guidance. This team was integral to the success of our program, making it one of the most effective teams we have had. Other ministers also fulfilled their responsibilities. The Prime Minister, along with Minister Susil Premajayantha, managed parliamentary affairs, while Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva oversaw the port and civil aviation services and secured the support of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Mr. Harin Fernando took charge of the tourism sector. Despite being a small cabinet, we were able to accomplish all these tasks efficiently.
It was not just one party; everyone worked together with a shared commitment to the country. The parliamentary team played a crucial role in this effort. As a result, we have now reached a certain level of stability. So far, 18 countries have entered into agreements with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and other institutions.
Our initial negotiations were with the International Monetary Fund, where we reached an agreement. Next, we needed to negotiate with China and other countries. China was waiting to see if we would offer any special terms to other countries, and similarly, other countries were watching to see our approach toward China. After these complex negotiations, we finally reached a consensus. Concurrently, the authority for everyone to act on behalf of the International Monetary Fund has expired. We have signed agreements with 18 countries and three organizations. Moving forward, there is still work to be done according to these agreements. Next year, we must generate an income of Rs. 5 trillion and work accordingly.
This agreement can be compromised when political promises are made to provide services for free or to reduce taxes. If this happens, alternative funding sources must be found. For example, if VAT is reduced, income tax may need to be increased. The target of raising Rs. 5 trillion remains fixed, but the methods to achieve this target can be adjusted. However, we must remain committed to this goal. What happens if we fail to meet the target?
Some suggest that we can renegotiate with the International Monetary Fund. However, since the IMF no longer has authority in this matter, such discussions would not be effective. Instead, we would have to negotiate separately with each of these 18 countries and three organizations, which is not an easy task. Many countries are more focused on resolving their internal issues rather than addressing ours.
The International Monetary Fund provides assistance subject to a review every six months. Aid that had been suspended from Japan and other countries is also expected to resume soon. We have completed the second review with the IMF, and the funds are expected to be disbursed in February. Before this, the review must be completed, and approval obtained for the funds. If we decide to revise the current agreement, all aid will be halted until a new agreement is reached. This would mean further delays and challenges, starting in February, as we navigate the complexities of renegotiation.
A typical review takes around two months. If revisions are required, it may take four or five months. In total, the entire process could take at least eight months due to the need for renegotiations with other countries. Is this a feasible way to move the country forward? The real issue isn't about who holds the presidency—it's about our way of life. A crucial decision must be made.
If we are not truthful, the country will falter. Right now, economic stability is paramount, and I am committed to continuing this work. Foreign investment is critical, and to attract it. For that we all must vote for “Gas Cylinder”. This vote is to move beyond the days of searching for gas cylinders.
No other party is as capable as our economic team. I am unsure who makes up the other groups, but our team is internationally recognized. Numerous members of the global community seek our advice, including the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. No other party has the capability to surpass our group. Some of those in opposition were brought into politics by me, so I am well aware of their capabilities. Therefore, the people must carefully consider whether they want to entrust their future to these individuals and make an informed decision.
I should also address the ongoing discussions about tackling corruption. Back in 2015, various parties united to support former President Maithripala Sirisena's candidacy. After his victory, although all parties were invited to join the government, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was designated to stay in the opposition. The Tamil parties pushed for political solutions, while the JVP was given the responsibility of addressing corruption.
J.C. Weliamuna strongly advocated for taking action, while the JVP also expressed their commitment to the cause. Weliamuna led these efforts from the Presidential Secretariat, and Ravi Seneviratne and Ravi Waidyalankara were appointed from the police. The Bribery Commission and an Anti-Corruption Secretariat were established, with funding provided by the Prime Minister's Office. Ananda Wijepala from the JVP was appointed to lead the initiative, despite not being a police officer or lawyer. He managed 400 cases—some met with success, others did not.
My role was simply to ensure the necessary funding was in place. To catch mice, you need a cat with teeth. If the cat is toothless, that’s not my concern.
I stand firmly against corruption, but our legal framework had significant shortcomings that were not adequately addressed. However, since I became president, we have worked with the International Monetary Fund to draft both an anti-corruption law and legislation targeting property acquired through criminal activity. These laws are now being implemented, with support from the World Bank for training the necessary human resources.
Once fully enforced, Sri Lanka will have the strongest anti-corruption laws in South Asia. This is why we must focus on the future of our country. To that end, we have introduced the Economic Transformation Act. After the election, we need to reassess and continue moving forward.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, Ali Sabry;
More than 1,500 lawyers from across the country have gathered today for this meeting. This group is here to convey a unified message. This legal community does not represent any single party or political colour. Today, we recognize that economic stability is crucial for the future of Sri Lanka. As lawyers, we all love our country and have taken an oath to protect its territorial integrity, a commitment we uphold without hesitation. However, national security is sometimes misunderstood. It is not solely about protecting our borders. Based on the challenges Sri Lanka faced in 2022 and the current situation in Bangladesh, it has become clear that while territorial integrity is vital, it is only one aspect of national security.
National security encompasses many critical issues, including the economy, healthcare and food safety. If our economy collapses, the consequences will be catastrophic. Therefore, we have decided to set aside party differences and support President Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose leadership is capable of effectively managing the challenges our country faces.
Minister of Education Attorney-at-Law Dr. Susil Premajayantha:
For over two years, the Cabinet of Ministers, under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and supported by the parliamentary team, has worked tirelessly to revive a nation that had declared bankruptcy, to restore normalcy. There were days when we worked 16 hours straight. Every minister put in extraordinary effort.
The President, with over forty years of political experience, has led us with maturity. As a result, we now have an environment conducive to holding a peaceful, free and independent Presidential Election. This has allowed professionals like us to come together. Regardless of political views, everyone has the freedom to express their opinions. Over the past period, we have had the opportunity to hold meetings, conferences and discussions openly.
In 2022, the President assumed office as Prime Minister and held the first Cabinet meeting at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA). At that time, there was no place for the Cabinet to meet, and the President's private residence had also been set on fire and it served as a symbolic starting point for our journey. Under the President's leadership, we began the work of rebuilding the country, lifting it from its downfall, and establishing a sustainable program for recovery. Many who now aspire to become presidents and ministers were, back then, merely critics, avoiding responsibility and engaging in political maneuvering. They did not contribute to the hard work. We began our political activities only after the President placed the depoit money for the candidacy. It has been just two weeks, and the President has already advanced beyond the deceptive political rallies of those who were engaged in politics at that time.
Present at the event were Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, State Minister Sisira Jayakodyi, Members of Parliament Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and W. D. J. Seneviratne, Jayantha Weerasinghe, PC, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Attorney at Law, Madhura Withanage, Attorney at Law, S. M. M. Muszhaaraff, Attorney at Law, Central Province Governor Advocate Lalit U. Gamage, Presidential Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka, Presidential Counsel Ronald C. Perera, U. R. De Silva, PC, along with several senior Presidential Counsels, legal professionals, and distinguished guests.
