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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that Anura Dissanayake, who had avoided answering his question about whether the NPP's economic policy is export- or import-oriented, was now inviting him to a debate. The President further suggested that Anura, Sunil Handunnetti, and Harshana Suriyapperuma first hold a separate debate to clarify the NPP's proper economic policy to the nation before debating with him.
The President also mentioned that, as previously discussed, a time could be set for a video discussion with Anura, himself, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director. He added that even though Sajith does not allow others to speak, he too could be invited to the discussion.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a meeting held yesterday (10) with intellectuals and business leaders from the Kurunegala District at the Asliya Golden Cassandra Hotel in Kurunegala.
Additionally, the President questioned why Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his policy statement, presented a budget with an expenditure of Rs. 8,900 billion and an income of Rs. 4,900 billion, creating a deficit of Rs. 4,000 billion, which would devastate the country's economy. The President emphasized that instead of making empty speeches and promises on stage, Anura should present a clear and proper economic policy to the country.
"I have a longstanding connection with the Kurunegala District. Just as I initiated development in Gampaha in 1978, we will bring that progress to Kurunegala as well. These development activities will commence soon.
Two years ago, I raised the question, what happened to me? It’s not about what happened to me; it’s about what happened to Sajith and Anura. When the people were suffering without food, medicine, fuel, gas and fertilizer, did Sajith and Anura feel any pain or sympathy for them? Did they feel that they should do something for the people? If they had done their duty back then, I wouldn't be here today. It is because they failed to fulfil their responsibilities that I had to take on the Presidency of this country, even though I represented a party with only one Parliamentary seat.
At that time, I received support from several political parties. With that support, I was able to steer the country’s economy forward. What would have happened if, when former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepped down, the Speaker had been appointed as the caretaker President and an election was called? If that power gap is created, we would likely be facing the same situation as Bangladesh today.
We have taken on the responsibility of steering the country forward, advancing our economy with the support of the IMF. In the coming year, our focus will be on easing the burden on people's lives. We are establishing investment zones across the country and rolling out a modernization program for agriculture. Additionally, we are creating new job opportunities for the youth.
However, adhering strictly to the IMF's agreements limits our ability to secure loans. The government's budget outlines future expenditures at Rs.6, 800 billion, with projected income at Rs.5, 100 billion, resulting in a budget deficit of Rs.1, 700 billion, or 5.2% of GDP. We are confident in our capacity to manage this deficit effectively.
If the NPP delivers on its promises, the cost will be Rs.8, 900 billion. They also propose tax concessions, which would reduce income to Rs.4, 900 billion. This would create a deficit of Rs.4, 000 billion, or 11.9% of GDP. Given these figures, it's unclear how they plan to advance the economy.
Furthermore, if we breach our agreements with the IMF and seek funds from the market, the interest rate could soar to 25%. This could result in the value of the dollar rising to Rs.500, and we'd lose IMF support due to the violation of our agreements, potentially leading to an economic collapse.
To strengthen the country’s economy, we need to focus on developing an export-driven economy. This is our stance. Recently, Anura Kumara Dissanayake also mentioned in Kelaniya that his approach includes an export-oriented strategy. However, his policy statement proposes abolishing free trade agreements. It is challenging to advance an export economy without these agreements, as they facilitate the export of goods.
When we introduced the Economic Transformation Act, Sunil Sunil Handunnetti and Harshana Suriyapperuma filed a lawsuit claiming that the export economy was unconstitutional.
I saw, Anura has invited me to a debate in Anamaduwa, but how can I participate without knowing whether their economic strategy focuses on export or import?
Therefore, I propose a debate among former Agriculture Ministers Anura Dissanayake, Sunil Handunnetti, and Harshana Suriyapperuma to clarify whether their economic policy is geared towards an export economy or an import economy.
Once this is clarified, as I mentioned earlier, I am willing to arrange a video discussion with Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Managing Director of the IMF with myself. I am prepared to make this happen.
If needed, we should also invite Sajith Premadasa. However, it's worth noting that when Sajith speaks, the Managing Director of the IMF often doesn't get a chance to address the audience. Nevertheless, let's extend the invitation to Sajith.
Anura Kumara should clarify whether his economic policy favours an export-oriented economy or an import-driven one. I am questioning Anura Dissanayake on why those who have contributed to economic mismanagement and national bankruptcy are being given financial support. Therefore, I urge Anura Kumara Dissanayake to present a clear and viable economic policy, rather than just making speeches from the platform.
Is this the same Sri Lanka we knew in our childhood, when the literacy rate was only around 50%? I recently heard on the radio that literacy for those up to 30 years old is now at 100%, and overall literacy has reached 92%. Wasn't bankruptcy in the past due to issues with financial management, control, and discipline rather than development activities? Why, then, is everyone being blamed?
Let's set aside other developments in the country for a moment. There was a small school in Tambuttegama, which was provided with buildings to become a Central College. Among the students there was Anura Dissanayake, who went on to enter Kelaniya University, a university established during President R. Jayewardene’s time. After completing his education, he joined Parliament, which was built in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the country's capital. Yet, he now claims that nothing has been accomplished in 76 years.
Moreover, our country boasts the highest Human Development Index in South Asia. This suggests that significant progress has been made over these 76 years. In 1947, there were approximately 2,000 schools in the country. Today, schools are widespread across the nation. Similarly, there is now electricity throughout the country, whereas previously, many homes had none. Kurunegala town was powered by a small generator back then. We had only one university in the past, but now there are 17. The number of industrial zones has also increased significantly.
Given the progress that has been made, can we really claim that nothing has been accomplished? It suggests that others did not contribute and only certain individuals are seen as having made a difference, implying that change is necessary primarily to install one's own supporters. If we were to remove the current leaders, who would we replace them with? Are we to appoint those who are ill-prepared or unsuitable? This narrative is nothing more than a falsehood.
The real problem arose from misusing borrowed funds on non-productive activities. If a portion of these funds had been allocated to income-generating activities, the situation might have been different. Instead, we ended up with insufficient resources to repay our debts. Although loans were taken for social development, the remaining funds were used for administration and infrastructure without generating any income. This mismanagement is at the heart of our current problems.
When you were Prime Minister, relief was provided to many individuals affected by political revenge, yet there were instances where it was not implemented at the provincial level. Now that you are President, what actions will you take to address this issue?
There are numerous issues related to political revenge that need to be addressed. During my time as Prime Minister, relief was provided to many affected individuals. Additionally, we must address the issues faced by those whose homes were burned last season. Members of all parties have their own problems. An inclusive political solution is expected to resolve these various issues comprehensively.
Do you have plans to involve community leaders from the villages in the governance of the state? Additionally, I would like to understand your approach to overcoming the challenges posed by the current compass.
I am the first president from Vanni Hatpattu. The responsibility of establishing the Jana Sabha has been entrusted to Mr. Karu Jayasuriya. A secretariat and legislation are currently being developed for this purpose, and they will be adopted and implemented in the future.
What about the NPP? A compass finds its direction using a magnet. If the magnet is flawed, the compass will point in the wrong direction. That’s exactly what has occurred.
Mr. President, there are concerns about the current education system. I would also like to know what plans you have to secure a better future for the youth.
The education system faces many challenges. The Minister of Education is addressing these issues through administrative reforms, such as establishing school boards. We are working towards creating an education system that will be suitable for the year 2040, which will take approximately 5 to 10 years.
I emphasize to Gen Z that 2050 is their future, and my focus is on paving the way for it. When I mention 2050, some, like SJB and NPP, question why that year is significant. They may not yet grasp the importance, but we are among the few who are thinking about the future and what lies ahead.
Additionally, I plan to introduce smart agriculture in the Kurunegala district and am focusing on the development of coconut cultivation. Vanni Hatpattu is ideal for paddy cultivation and dry zone agriculture, and Kurunegala is a fortunate district. Let us move forward with these initiatives.
Mr. President, the JVP has significantly harmed this country. What, then, is the reason for the sudden rise of this party called NPP?
The NPP emerged because the traditional opposition was not performing effectively. If the Opposition Leader had fulfilled his responsibilities, this wouldn’t have happened. Every leader, from Dudley Senanayake onwards, carried out their duties with accountability. It has been a longstanding practice, since the time of late Mr. Dudley Senanayake that an opposition leader should not allow another party within the opposition to gain prominence. If you become the opposition leader and permit another party to advance, you risk undermining your own efforts. We cannot predict whether they will secure votes or not. Some people may choose to use their votes against the government by supporting the compass.
Currently, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is spending excessive time delivering speeches in Parliament. While he speaks extensively, the core issues remain unresolved, and there are concerns about the percentage of votes secured in the election. Both he and his rival are competing for second place, with Sajith Premadasa even falling to third place in the postal vote. If Sajith cannot maintain his leadership within the opposition, how can he be expected to safeguard the country?
It is known that there is a readiness to explore atomic energy in our country. Is there a possibility that such initiatives could be pursued here?
Yes, while utilizing natural energy sources, we may also need to consider atomic energy. It is already being used in many countries, including at an atomic power plant in Tamil Nadu, India. We must embrace this era of energy development. By voting on the 21st, you can help us advance towards that future.
Do you plan to develop Kurunegala, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and Paduvasnuwara into a tourism zone? Additionally, are there efforts underway to develop Kurunegala’s world-renowned graphite resources into a related industry?
Our largest graphite mine is the Kahatagaha mine, which is currently facing issues with its existing graphite reserves. We are in the process of obtaining a modern scientific research report to address this. Additionally, the Ragedara mines also contain graphite. The graphite from the Kahatagaha mine is among the best in the world.
We are also preparing to launch a program to identify mineral resources across the country. Furthermore, we are focused on developing Kurunegala, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and Paduvasnuwara as tourist destinations. With Katunayake's proximity to the airport, there is potential for constructing new hotels in the area. Yapahuwa, in particular, has gained international recognition, and we are keen to capitalize on this growing interest.
Given that our country is primarily agricultural, with agriculture impacting about 65% of the economy, and considering we have significant natural resources for creating an export-oriented economy, have you focused on this?
We are taking necessary steps to transition towards a Smart agricultural sector. Additionally, the Wanni region has potential for solar energy. However, I have been focusing on developing a digital economy in the Kurunegala District. The establishment of Kurunegala University will create a large digital economic zone, and we are also planning to create another digital economic zone in Kandy. These zones will be connected by the Central Expressway. We are working on these initiatives and are also paying attention to the development of mineral and other natural resources to generate income. Regarding export-oriented agriculture, we are in the process of starting a new Durian project in the Mavathagama area to export Durians to China. Suitable areas for this project exist within this zone, and new ideas must be explored. We also plan to develop Kurunegala, Kuliyapitiya, and Chilaw into a unified educational zone.
Do you have any plans for those who work hard but do not receive a fixed salary and live in this country?
Most people in our country do not receive a fixed salary. There are individuals involved in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale businesses. We have planned a separate program for this informal sector, which includes a dedicated fund and a pension scheme. While we cannot include everyone, a group of people will benefit from it. Additionally, private investment in pension funds should be initiated. In countries like the USA and England, many people rely on such pension funds. We currently do not have such systems, but they have been started in India, so we should also move in that direction.
The event was attended by a distinguished group including UNP Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, MPs Ashanka Navaratne and Manjula Dissanayake, and key figures from the Kurunegala District M.B. Dissanayake, Dr. Chaminda Mallasekera, Polgahawela UNP Zone Organizer Dhammi Rathnayake, and Kurunegala District UNP Zone Organizer Nuwan Liyanage. Also present were local political leaders, professionals, and businesspeople.
