President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who had avoided answering his question about whether his party’s economic policy is export- or import-oriented, was now inviting him to a debate.
The President suggested that Dissanayake must first hold a debate with party members Sunil Handunnetti and Harshana Suriyapperuma to clarify the NPP’s proper economic policy to the nation before debating with him.
“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,” the President said.
President Wickremesinghe also mentioned that a time could be set for a discussion with Dissanayake, himself, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director. .
“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.”
He added that even though Sajith does not allow others to speak, he too could be invited to the discussion.
“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,” he said.
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.
The President also took the opportunity to question as to why 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.
“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,” the President warned.
The President emphasized that instead of making empty speeches and promises on stage, Dissanayake should present a clear and proper economic policy to the country.
“I am questioning Anura Dissanayake on why those who have contributed to economic mismanagement and national bankruptcy are being given financial support,” Wickremesinghe questioned. (Newswire)
