President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that those who cannot speak about the future of the country have no right to take responsibility for it. Only those who actively discuss the nation’s future should be entrusted with its leadership.
Referring to a statement made by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who recently called for local businessmen and industrialists to focus on exports, President Wickremesinghe pointed out that Dissanayake‟s policy document also mentions the cancellation of Sri Lanka‟s free trade agreements. He questioned how an export-oriented economy could be developed without such agreements in place.
“On September 4th, MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of focusing on exports for our country’s businessmen and industrialists. While this principle is commendable, there is a concern. Their policy statement suggests that Sri Lanka plans to cancel its free trade agreements. This raises a significant question: how can we develop an export industry without these agreements? Such contradictions pose challenges”
“Additionally, Sunil Handunnetti and their economic expert, Harshana Suriyapperuma, have challenged the Economic Transformation Bill in court. They argue that the bill,which promotes an export-based economy, fails to provide opportunities for import-based businesses and is therefore unconstitutional.
They also contend that treating foreign investors on par with local investors is unconstitutional. This situation is confusing: one side argues for necessary changes, while the other side disagrees. It‟s worth questioning whether we can move forward with such a program and if this truly represents the change they envision.
I have asked Anura Kumara Dissanayake for clarification on this matter. Political solutions alone won‟t suffice; to truly save our country, we must think critically and work collaboratively. Unlike other countries where programs are clearly presented,defended, and pursued, our politics have often been characterized by empty promises and evasions. We need to change this approach”
The President urged voters to carefully consider this matter and make informed decisions. He also stated that if the country is ready for change, then changes in other sectors are also possible.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe shared these remarks while speaking at the conference on banking and finance organized under the theme “Bankers with Smart Leadership” by the National Bankers Association at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo.
