President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s commitment to leading Sri Lanka towards prosperity by 2048 through transformative changes in modern agriculture, tourism, and the energy sector. Addressing the “Let’s Start with Me” Anuradhapura District Youth Conference, he underscored the vital role of youth in advancing this journey while cautioning against the distractions of slogans and arguments.
During the conference, held at Koombichchankulam lake on Saturday (6), President Wickremesinghe engaged with a large number of young participants from the Anuradhapura district, addressing their concerns first-hand. He pledged immediate solutions to many of their problems and instructed officials to take action on others.
Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed concern over the imbalance between import and export activities in the country, noting that Sri Lanka currently imports more than it exports. This trade deficit has led to financial challenges, with export earnings insufficient to cover import expenditures. In the past, Sri Lanka relied on loans to manage its debt obligations. However, the COVID-19 crisis disrupted this cycle, leading to difficulties in repaying existing debts. Consequently, the country’s foreign reserves, which stood at 7,000 billion dollars, were depleted. President Wickremesinghe warned that if this trend continues, Sri Lanka’s economy could face collapse within the next five to six years, unable to meet its debt obligations. Such a scenario would result in economic turmoil and potential hardships for the population.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the concerns of many individuals who are considering leaving the country due to uncertainties surrounding the economy. He emphasized that while some may have the option to leave, the majority must remain committed to building a prosperous future for Sri Lanka. To prevent future economic crises, the President stressed the importance of increasing exports and enhancing economic stability. Plans are underway to boost the tourism sector through strategic investments, and efforts are being made to attract new investments to the country. Additionally, initiatives to develop industries and promote information technology knowledge are being pursued, with the establishment of educational institutions to support these endeavours.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening export agriculture through modernization initiatives. Prior to this program, efforts were directed towards providing relief for low-income individuals. Through initiatives such as the “Aswesuma” program, benefits three times the amount of the “Samurdhi” allowance were extended to eligible recipients. Additionally, the “Urumaya” program aimed to grant permanent land rights to residents in these areas.
“As part of the “Urumaya” programme, individuals holding land permits are being provided with freehold deeds,” stated President Wickremesinghe. “Out of the two million people with land permits, plans have been devised to transfer legal land rights to one million individuals. Land deeds have already been distributed to some, and I aim to distribute the remaining deeds by May. If your parents have yet to secure legal land rights, I urge you to inform them and lend your support to this program.”
President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined the government’s vision to usher in a new era of economic prosperity in various provinces through the transformation of key sectors such as modern agriculture, tourism, and energy. Emphasizing the importance of the youth in shaping the nation’s future, the President urged them to assess and support the government’s initiatives.
“Our aim is to revitalize these provinces by modernizing agriculture, boosting tourism, and advancing energy sectors,” stated President Wickremesinghe. “It is crucial for the youth to decide whether to endorse the government’s program or not, and this question should be posed to every political party.”
The President also highlighted the government’s readiness to finalize agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and enact economic restructuring laws by May. These measures, he emphasized, are essential for advancing the country’s economic agenda and fostering sustainable growth and development.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has initiated negotiations to extend the repayment period for foreign debt until 2042, along with plans to partially withdraw loan amounts. He emphasized the need to transition towards an export-oriented economy to address current challenges effectively. “By advancing this programme, we can resolve many of the issues we face,” President Wickremesinghe stated. “It is essential not to lose sight of our responsibility for the country’s future amid slogans and various arguments.”
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