Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe has declared that transforming Sri Lanka into a developed nation will require at least twenty years, stressing that there is no shortcut or political magic that can deliver such change within five years.
Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe emphasized that rebuilding and transforming Sri Lanka is a long-term process that demands patience, consistency, and strategic planning. Speaking during a program with Sirasa Television, he explained that it would take about two decades for the country to experience a complete transformation, highlighting that such change cannot be achieved within a short span of time.
He stated that his entry into politics after leaving the private sector was driven by a clear vision to dedicate at least twenty years to national development. According to him, expecting instant solutions or quick-fix politics within a five-year electoral cycle is unrealistic and misleading.
The Deputy Minister pointed to examples from Asia, noting that South Korea, Vietnam, and India also required extended periods of consistent reforms before achieving their current economic strength and stability. These countries, he argued, are proof that real transformation takes time and cannot be rushed.
Abeysinghe further remarked that his political team did not assume power to deliver small, short-term changes but to carry out a massive, long-term transformation of the entire system. He stressed that Sri Lanka needs to shift away from what he described as “magic politics,” where unrealistic promises are made for short-term electoral gains, and instead focus on structural reforms that will deliver sustainable results over decades.
“This requires a transformation as a country over the course of about twenty years. South Korea did it. Vietnam did it. India did it. If we change this political culture, we can go through this overall transformation. We didn’t come to power for small changes. We came to power for a massive transformation. Don’t compare our politics to short-term magic politics that come in five years,” he said.
The Deputy Minister’s comments come at a time when public frustration is high over economic struggles and political instability. His statement sets a reminder that meaningful development requires consistency, resilience, and long-term commitment rather than quick fixes.
