Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that policies presented by the National People’s Power (NPP) align closely with the economic reforms implemented by President Wickremesinghe on Thursday (29).
“However, Anura Kumara Dissanayake has not supported any of these legislative proposals in Parliament. Nonetheless, President Wickremesinghe’s policies continue to be advanced as the framework for future economic strategy”.
The Minister was of the view that President Wickremesinghe’s policy statement represents a continuation of the economic strengthening efforts made over the past two years. “During the economic crisis, the industrial sector suffered significantly. To revitalise this sector, President Wickremesinghe has proposed a five-year policy plan”, he said.
He said this policy plan includes a proposal for a collaborative job training programme between the public and private sectors for school-leavers. “This will also involve a monthly stipend of Rs. 35,000 for participants. The objective is to reduce youth unemployment, with a proposal to allocate Rs. 50 billion from next year’s budget to achieve this”.
“Additionally, the President has provided a Rs. 15,000 Cost-of-Living allowance to public sector employees over the past two years, with a proposed salary increase of Rs. 25,000 for the coming year”.
He said that this plan also suggests addressing salary disparities within the public sector and introducing a merit-based promotion system.
“There are also proposals to introduce digital services that can be accessed from home. Sri Lanka currently has the lowest electricity tariffs in Asia, and the aim is to maintain this status while continuing economic reforms over the next five years to further reduce living costs”, he said.
President Wickremesinghe’s policy statement also outlines plans to strengthen the tourism industry and increase export revenue. Proposals include establishing the Bingiriya Investment Zone, the Kankesanturai Paranthan Investment Zone, and expanding the Sapugaskanda Investment Zone.
Minister Wijesekera emphasises that the President is the only leader who has successfully directed the country’s economic policy and created a viable environment for sustainable living.
In contrast, the promises made by other political parties are considered mere illusions.
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