For the first time, representatives from the four major candidates in Sri Lanka’s upcoming presidential election engaged in a high-stakes debate, showcasing their economic visions for the country’s future. The event, organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, took place yesterday at the Bandaranaike Conference Hall in Colombo.
The debate, titled “Defining The Vision,” featured Shehan Semasinghe representing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Dr. Harsha De Silva for Sajith Premadasa, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma for Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Prof. Ranjith Bandara on behalf of Namal Rajapaksa. Each participant laid out their respective candidate’s economic policies, aiming to convince business leaders, professionals, scholars, and civil society members in attendance.
In the first round, each representative had the opportunity to present their candidate’s economic policies and vision for Sri Lanka. The second round featured pointed questions from Ceylon Chamber of Commerce President Duminda Hulangamuwa and Board Member Kasturi Chellarajah, challenging the representatives to defend their proposed reforms.
The final round provided an open forum where participants were allowed to question each other, leading to a robust exchange of ideas and critiques. This interactive session allowed the audience to gain deeper insights into the candidates’ potential economic strategies and the implications for Sri Lanka’s future.
The debate highlighted the diverse approaches of the candidates, ranging from economic reform plans to strategies for addressing unemployment, inflation, and poverty. The event marked a significant moment in the electoral process, offering voters a clearer understanding of the choices they face in the upcoming election.
