President Ranil Wickramasinghe has emphasized that halting the current economic program midway would plunge the country into a crisis. Speaking at the Satkorala Maha Sangha Conference in Kurunegala, the President stated that the upcoming presidential election will determine the future of the nation, not his own.
Reflecting on the state of the country when he assumed office, President Wickramasinghe noted the significant economic challenges he inherited. “When I took over as President, the country’s Gross Domestic Product had fallen to USD 76 billion from USD 89 billion in 2019. The foreign exchange reserve, which was USD 7 billion in 2019, had dwindled to less than USD 100 million,” he explained, highlighting the severe shortages of essentials such as oil, fertilizer, and medicine that the country faced.
The President reminded the audience of the struggles of 2022 and stressed that the path forward will be determined by the presidential election. He made it clear that his decision to run was driven by a desire to continue the economic program, ensuring stability and progress for the nation.
Addressing criticisms of tax policies, Wickramasinghe warned that reducing taxes could break contracts and lead to further economic difficulties. He pointed out that the strengthening of the rupee and the lowering of prices were the results of following the correct economic path.
He concluded by urging the public to recognize the gravity of the situation and to move forward with the truth in mind, stating, “It is not my future that is decided, but the future of the country.”
