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President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that partial compensation has already been distributed to fishermen whose livelihoods were affected by the Express Pearl marine pollution, and assured that the remaining payments will be made promptly.
The President made these remarks last night (8) during a meeting with residents of the Willorawatta area in Moratuwa, responding to their concerns.
Addressing a request to provide pensions for carpenters in Moratuwa, President Wickremesinghe highlighted that the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" initiative includes provisions for a pension and social security scheme for those in the informal labour sector.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe elaborated on his plans, saying:
"I intend to establish an anti-narcotics command center to tackle the drug menace. This center will focus on studying drug issues, implementing control measures, and rehabilitating those affected by drug addiction who are currently serving sentences. We also plan to introduce stricter laws than those currently in place for drug traffickers.
When I took over leadership of the country, the International Monetary Fund warned that our economy could no longer sustain its debt and was on the brink of collapse. We were unable to pay our debts, and our credit sustainability had been lost. To restore financial stability, we had to re-establish debt sustainability, which meant halting borrowing, stopping the printing of money, and refraining from taking loans from state banks. Instead, we had to use financial capital to stabilize those banks."
Due to the prevailing situation, we were compelled to increase the VAT to raise government revenue, a very difficult decision. However, we knew it would yield positive results. We not only increased VAT but also reformed the income tax system, and today we are seeing the outcomes. As the country’s revenue increased, the rupee strengthened, bringing the dollar down from Rs. 370 to Rs. 300. Consequently, the prices of goods, fuel including petrol and diesel began to decrease gradually.
However, there was a challenge. In 2019, the dollar was between Rs.185 and Rs.190, and prices were adjusted accordingly. As the dollar surged to Rs.370, the cost of goods rose in parallel. Yet, our revenue didn’t increase, and because of the imposed taxes, revenue actually decreased. Therefore, we took steps to provide relief to the public.
First, we implemented the "Aswesuma" program for low-income individuals, increasing the number of beneficiaries to 2.4 million. In 2024, we also worked to provide relief to public servants as revenue grew. The 2024 budget granted a Rs.10,000 allowance, and starting next year, the report of the Udaya R. Seneviratne committee will be implemented. As a result, both salaries and allowances will increase during 2025-2026. Therefore, the question in this election is whether to continue advancing these initiatives.
Our goal is to transform into an export-oriented economy. Additionally, we aim to create 100,000 jobs in collaboration with the government and private sectors and provide training for 50,000 individuals for foreign employment. Within this export economy, we plan to develop the fisheries industry, double tourist arrivals next year, modernize agriculture, establish new investment zones, and create a digital economy—all as part of the “Pulluwan Sri Lanka” program.
It took other countries around 10-15 years to restore normalcy after going bankrupt, but my goal is to complete this process by 2027. The question remains whether other candidates can achieve this. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has two policy declarations: Nalaka Godahewa’s "Victory for All" and the group's "Blue Print 3.0."
My friend and the leader of National People’s Power (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently stated that Sri Lankan businesses should focus on an export-oriented economy, exporting to India and Africa. I was pleased to see that they are aligning with our approach. However, their policy declaration suggests cancelling all Free Trade Agreements (FTA) Sri Lanka has entered into. Without free trade agreements, how can we develop an export-oriented economy? Furthermore, Sunil Handunnetti opposed the Economic Transformation Bill in court, arguing that establishing an export economy violates the Constitution, while emphasizing the need to protect an economy based on import industries.
During my meeting in Morawaka, I requested that he clarify this when he was scheduled to visit Morawaka the following day. However, there was no response. Instead, he spoke about presenting details of the Central Bank bond scam, which is irrelevant to me.
Therefore, I provided an explanation today regarding the recent issues. He had made a statement in Jaffna, which I also questioned, but he did not respond. Whether he supports an export economy or an import economy remains unclear. Instead of answering, the discussion shifted to central bank fraud, which frustrated me, leading to my stern remarks during today's youth meeting. Despite this, he affirmed his support for national unity, which I appreciate, though he still did not address my specific question.
These inquiries are crucial for voters. During elections, questioning other parties is routine and often sparks significant debate.
A Parliamentary Select Committee and a Presidential Commission of Inquiry were set up to investigate the bond scam. Some alleged my involvement, so I provided statements to the commission. Ultimately, it was confirmed that I was not implicated. Legal proceedings followed based on the reports' recommendations, but the accused were acquitted in the High Court. The government then appealed, and the case was dismissed there as well. Now, the government has brought the case before the Supreme Court. Anura Kumara Dissanayake may consult his lawyer about this matter if needed. There appears to be confusion about the facts. We remain committed to eradicating corruption in this country and have prepared the necessary legislation to support this effort.
Minister Susil Premajayantha;
The country has deteriorated significantly over the past two years and three months under leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. I urge you not to vote for your party in the upcoming presidential election. You can choose your preferred party in the general election. The events of May 9, 2022, echo the period of 1988-89, reminding us of that tumultuous time. Some people in this country remain silent, while others attempt to obscure the truth. Instead of offering genuine solutions, the destructive force of JVP is being masked under the NPP banner. The intelligent citizens of this country understand that this is a misleading approach.
Former Mayor of Moratuwa, Saman Lal Fernando;
If anyone here is considering voting for JVP, I must caution you that you would be making a grave mistake by supporting a party that lacks clear goals, objectives, or a coherent program. Additionally, another candidate, Sajith Premadasa, boasts about whether the IMF should be involved in rebuilding the country. In contrast, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader who has actively advocated in Parliament for immediate discussions with the IMF to aid the country's recovery.
The current state of the country is a direct result of such initiatives. Sajith and Anura, who once played roles in various schemes, now claim they are pursuing similar paths. In that case, you must decide whether you want to elect a leader who speaks the truth when it matters or leaders who are only truthful when it suits them.
Chief of the Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka and Former Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake were also present at the event.
