President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that IMF representatives are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in two weeks to disburse the next instalment of funds, as outlined in the agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the International Monetary Fund.
The President emphasized that on September 21, the public will have to decide whether to approve changes to the IMF agreement, which could result in losing the financial concessions currently on offer.
President Wickremesinghe made these statements while speaking at the “Ranil Can” (Ranil ta Puluwan) victory rally held at the Kalutara Public Stadium today (18). The rally, attended by a large crowd, was organized to solidify support for President Wickremesinghe’s candidacy in the upcoming presidential election.
He said Anura Kumara Dissanayake remarked today that Sri Lanka’s economy has improved under Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership. He also noted that Dissanayake had pledged to step down in a year and a half if he fails to lead the country effectively.
Similarly, President Wickremesinghe mentioned that Sajith Premadasa had been invited to a television program to discuss his plans but chose not to attend. He urged the public not to entrust the country to such leaders who fail to present a clear vision for the future.
Addressing the rally, President Wickremesinghe further elaborated;
“I ask the people if they can trust leaders who abandon their responsibilities at the first sign of trouble. Today, we have managed to steer our economy, which was once sinking like the Titanic, back on course. Now, the choice is whether to change the captain and alter our course while the ship is docked.
We need to rethink our approach and move forward. This country has a promising future, and we cannot afford to return to the conditions of 2022. Therefore, on September 21, I am seeking your mandate to build a better future for our youth.
Currently, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake are preparing to reverse the progress we have made. In two weeks, representatives from the International Monetary Fund will arrive in Sri Lanka to provide the next installment of funding. If we decide to alter the agreement, the IMF will withhold the funds, potentially leading to another economic collapse. It is up to the people to decide if we want to risk this.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged that the economy has improved under my leadership and suggested that the current system might need to continue. Yet, he claims he will step down in a year and a half if he fails to make progress. I question why he seeks to take over if he is not prepared to lead effectively.
Sajith Premadasa was invited to a television program yesterday to discuss his plans, but he did not show up. Can we entrust our country to someone who cannot clearly present their vision to the public? Sajith and Anura have demonstrated that they are not capable of leading this country forward.
Therefore, the choice is clear: we must decide whether to advance as a nation or revert to the status quo of 2022. I urge you to vote for the Gas Cylinder for progress and a strong economy on September 21.”
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