President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his belief that the proposals put forward by presidential candidates Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake do not align with the country’s current economic needs. He made this statement while addressing the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” rally in Haputale today (08), where he reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing reforms and outlined his vision for the future.
During his speech, President Wickremesinghe reflected on the challenges the country faced during the economic crisis, particularly the long queues for essential goods like fuel, gas, and medicine. He noted that his leadership helped stabilize the situation and emphasized the importance of continuing on the path of economic reform.
He criticized the policies of his rivals, warning that abandoning the current program could result in the loss of international concessions, leading to further economic instability. He pointed out that the rupee could weaken once again if Premadasa and Dissanayake’s promises were implemented, which he believes is a risk the public is unwilling to take.
The President also highlighted his plan to shift the country towards an export-driven economy, drawing inspiration from countries like Vietnam and Thailand, which have built strong foreign reserves through similar models.
In addition to economic reforms, Wickremesinghe announced his intention to abolish the outdated line room system, which currently restricts plantation workers to cramped living conditions. He pledged to provide these workers with free land rights and modernized living facilities, granting them the same privileges as other villagers.
As the election approaches, the President emphasized that his experience and current strategy are key to Sri Lanka’s long-term recovery and growth.
