Establishing a solid foundation for all students to master the English language
Read more
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he only promises the nation what he can realistically deliver and is committed to avoiding actions that could harm the economy by making unattainable promises. He pledged to work diligently over the next five years to develop a debt-free, advanced country for the benefit of the youth.
The President emphasized that his plan includes reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, providing tax relief, promoting economic growth, and implementing programs to ensure that every citizen has the right to own land and a home.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks today (29) while unveiling his manifesto titled “Five Triumphant Years for Sri Lanka with Ranil”.
The manifesto, "Five Triumphant Years for Sri Lanka with Ranil" comprised of five core principles: "The Theravada Trade Economy, Operation – Beyond 2025, Towards a Prosperous Nation, A Win for the Motherland, and A United Sri Lanka," was first presented to religious leaders, led by the Maha Sangha, and then to the youth of the country by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
He also launched the website www.ranil2024.lk, which features his manifesto "Five Triumphant Years for Sri Lanka with Ranil" as an independent candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
During the event, the President announced that in the first phase of his plan, 100,000 employment opportunities would be created for the youth. He highlighted that new job openings are being established in both the public and private sectors, with 50,000 school leavers receiving immediate funds for technical training.
The President highlighted that while all the candidates talk about catching offenders, none are prepared to take real action. He stated that he would establish a committee to implement these measures and invited the Speaker, the Organization of Professional Associations, the Bar Association, and the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce to each appoint a representative for this purpose. He also mentioned that, if necessary, a government representative would be appointed to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives.
Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated;
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for joining this event. As a presidential candidate, I'm not presenting a traditional manifesto. Instead, this document outlines all the projects we have undertaken to stabilize the economy after assuming leadership during a national emergency.
I've observed other candidates proposing long-term policies that could take years to implement. However, at this critical juncture, we need immediate, actionable proposals. We are facing an economic crisis.
In 2022, when the country was in turmoil, no one was willing to step up and take charge of the government. Yet, those of us who accepted that challenge successfully stabilized the economy by 2023. We've maintained and strengthened that stability. To further secure and protect it, we must pivot towards an export-oriented economy. We are committed to working within that framework and refuse to jeopardize the economy again by making unrealistic promises.
Today, we witness political and economic instability in countries like Bangladesh and the Maldives. If a situation similar to what happened in 2022 occurs again in our country, it will jeopardize the future of our youth.
It is crucial to maintain the economic stability we’ve achieved and advance towards a program that will drive the country's economic transformation. We must adhere to this strategy to safeguard the future of our young people.
To preserve the economic stability we've established over the past two years, we need to transition into an export-oriented economy. There is no need to disrupt this progress with new economic policies. We have agreements in place—let's follow them and continue on this path.
This publication is grounded in the agreements between Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as with the 17 countries of the Official Creditors Committee, including China, the IMF, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). We must operate within the framework of these agreements.
I would like to ask the other candidates if they are prepared to act within this framework and if they are willing to implement these agreements without any amendments.
Additionally, as the government and as president, I have several core objectives within this framework, which must be carried out according to specific principles. Central to these principles is the concept of a Theravada trade economy. During the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Sri Lanka had a flourishing trade economy. When that kingdom declined, the Ayutthaya Kingdom in Thailand, another Theravada nation, emerged as a major trade centre.
To illustrate our advancements from that era, all the tanks built in Anuradhapura were funded by our own resources. Foreign aid was only required for major projects like the Mahaweli Development. Today, our Theravada trading system operates in Thailand and Vietnam, and we propose to fully implement it here as well.
The people of this country have endured significant hardship in recent years, a reality you are more familiar with than I am. Therefore, as the economy grows, it is essential that the benefits are shared with the people. To address this, we have initiated the “People's Sector”. Through the “Urumaya” program, land rights have been granted to 2 million people, and 250,000 residents of government flats in Colombo have been given housing rights. Additionally, estate workers now own their villages and homes. We have worked to expand these rights.
Furthermore, we are offering subsidized loans to low-income earners to build homes and plan to extend similar support to the middle class. Small and medium scale businesses, a crucial part of the economy, are receiving protection through an allocation of Rs.50 billion, with plans to provide additional funds as needed.
The third issue we need to address is climate change. Our economic strategy must focus on mitigating its effects.
This strategy includes five main points. First, we aim to alleviate the cost of living by strengthening the rupee and boosting the economy. Second, we will create employment opportunities. Third, we plan to offer tax relief. Fourth, we are committed to economic promotion by transitioning to an export-oriented economy. Lastly, we will fully implement “Urumaya” and “Aswesuma” programs.
Now is the time for action, not just discussion. We should avoid debating new policies or engaging in protracted negotiations with the IMF over new policies. Should we forget the hardships faced by the people during those times? This is the question I pose.
Our entire program is detailed in the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” Policy Statement and includes initiatives that can be implemented immediately in the coming years.
Our goal is to advance by providing relief to the people. We are rapidly implementing the agriculture modernization program, with the foundational work now completed, allowing us to start immediately.
We are also focusing on expanding the tourism industry to attract 5 million visitors. This project is underway and needs to be completed.
We aim to increase milk production from 380 million litres to 820 million litres. Additionally, we are developing industrial production and investment zones, with Bingiriya, North, and Hambantota identified for these initiatives. We are prepared to proceed with these projects.
Renewable energy is set to become a major economic sector in our country. Furthermore, we are presenting a new law on digitization to Parliament.
The most critical initiative is to create 100,000 jobs and income streams for the youth. After four years without job creation, we are now focusing on developing opportunities. While broader job creation will take three to four years, we will immediately provide 100,000 jobs in the first phase and allocate funds to those engaged in modern agriculture. Opportunities in tourism and other sectors will be created through training programs, and we are also recruiting for government positions.
Additionally, we will provide financial support to 50,000 school leavers, enabling them to use vouchers for technical training at any institution of their choice. This program will commence the day after tomorrow. While others talk about the youth, few offer concrete plans for job creation. We are establishing a new institute for vocational education transformation and working on setting up school boards. We are also developing an airport in Hingurakgoda, creating estate villages, and starting housing construction.
Today, many speak about catching thieves but fail to act. We are introducing laws to tackle theft and corruption, with some already in place and others under preparation. While others may discuss these issues, we are taking action.
Officers in these organizations are receiving specialized training. I am appointing a committee to oversee the full implementation of this initiative. The National Speakers Association, the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka, the Bar Association, and the Trade Association are requested to each appoint one representative. If needed, a government representative may also be added to the committee. This ensures that no one can claim we are protecting wrongdoers. While others have merely talked, we are taking action.
Additionally, the Women Empowerment Act is being implemented, which includes granting government employees one year of leave to pursue advanced courses. We are also establishing the University of Public Policy and Management, among other programs that will be rolled out soon.
Our vision extends to 2048, with the goal of securing a prosperous future for everyone. We are committed to this vision and actively working towards it, unlike others. We are prepared to move forward with those who share our commitment to progress.
It's very easy: We are ready to start working immediately. On September 21st, we will make a symbolic gesture by voting to gas cylinder and turning on the switch, signalling that we will resume our work from September 22nd. Let's advance for the benefit of the country.
