President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized his vision to build an economy in Sri Lanka that remains resilient in the face of global crises, whether they be pandemics, wars, or abrupt changes in global trade policies.
Speaking at a National People’s Power rally in Beruwala, the President outlined his economic agenda, declaring that the current vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s economy to external events highlights a fundamental flaw—its lack of self-reliance.
“The fact that our economy crumbles whenever there is a global pandemic, a war, or a change in tariffs abroad, only proves one thing: we have failed to build a national economy,” he said.
President Anura acknowledged the potential implications of recent decisions taken by international powers such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, admitting that these could have serious repercussions. However, he affirmed that the government had already initiated diplomatic engagements to mitigate the impact.
“Our delegations have already begun discussions to find solutions, and certain agreements have been reached. We are making every effort to minimize the damage,” he added.
Underscoring the fragility of the existing economic system, he noted: “If a single decision taken by a foreign power can destabilize our economy, then what we have is not a national economy—it is a dependent one.”
He warned that if Sri Lanka continues to be exposed to external shocks—be it a health crisis, war, or global policy shift—the country will continue to suffer unless it reinvents its economic structure.
“What we are aiming for is a transformative economic model—rooted in our national strengths, our cultural and natural resources, and the energy of our people,” the President concluded. “Only then can we build an economy that stands strong, no matter what storms may arise across the world.”
