National People’s Power (NPP) Presidential Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to shift Sri Lanka away from its current economic model, which he described as overly dependent on imports and characterized by a ‘buying and selling’ mentality.
He argued that this approach stifles local production, benefits political elites, and weakens the country’s long-term economic prospects.
Speaking in Kandy, Dissanayake criticized the import-heavy strategy of successive governments, noting that essential goods like school uniforms and coconut oil are sourced from abroad, despite Sri Lanka’s ability to produce them domestically.
He claimed that this reliance on imports has resulted in commissions and kickbacks for politicians, while local industries have been left to struggle.
“The more we import coconut oil, the better it is for corrupt politicians. The tax is adjusted here and there, but they profit from commissions. If coconut oil is produced locally, it’s beneficial for the people and the country. But it’s a loss for the politicians,” Dissanayake explained.
Highlighting the closure of local industries due to unregulated importation of goods such as tiles, he explained that some Sri Lankan businesses had invested significantly in domestic production but were forced out of the market due to imports.
According to Dissanayake, supporting local industries would not only create jobs but also reduce the country’s dependency on imports.
The NPP’s economic strategy, as outlined by Dissanayake, focuses on reviving local industries, promoting domestic production, and fostering a self-sustaining economy. (Newswire)
