President urges political leaders to act responsibly vis-a-vis the IMF programme

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all political leaders to exhibit responsibility in their approach to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. He emphasized that those opposing the programme should provide concrete proposals to rescue the country from financial crisis.

The President cautioned against engaging in rhetoric merely for public appeasement without shouldering responsibilities, noting that such political tactics could lead the nation back into economic turmoil.

The President underscored that, despite facing blame and acknowledging the challenge of making tough decisions, individuals resorting to popular statements exhibit an unwillingness to take necessary measures. Emphasizing the absence of alternative options to salvage the country’s economy, he reiterated the initiation of the programme with the IMF.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while participating in the inauguration of the ‘Karaliya Conference’ and Performing Arts Centre at the Kandy Municipality yesterday (17).

The construction of the Karaliya Conference and Performing Arts Centre by the Kandy Municipal Council commenced in 2018, with an expenditure of nearly Rs. 600 million from the Municipal Council Fund. The establishment of this conference and performing arts centre aims to address the city’s infrastructure gap by providing auditorium facilities and creating exhibition halls for art and sculpture. The President inaugurated the building complex by unveiling the commemorative plaque.

President Wickremesinghe awarded certificates of appreciation to individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the ‘Pivithuru Dorakada’ business contribution programme and the city beautification programme. These initiatives were collaboratively implemented by the Urban Development Authority and the Kandy Municipality under the Kandy Formal City Development Programme, aiming to enhance and preserve the distinctive features of the world heritage buildings in the city of Kandy.

President Wickremesinghe, addressing the gathering, emphasized that the construction of the new ‘Karaliya’ theatre signifies a modern architectural model for the city of Kandy in the 21st century. Highlighting the cultural significance of such structures, he said that the city, deeply rooted in history, plays a crucial role in the cultural and tourism industries of the country.

The newly established centre has the capacity to host conferences and events, thereby elevating the significance of Kandy city. President Wickremesinghe expressed the intention to enhance Kandy’s cultural infrastructure by introducing a modern library. Plans are underway to construct a three or four-storey library building as part of the Bogambara programme.

The relocation of the D.S. Senanayake Library to this new facility is expected, enabling the integration of the library with the theatre building. This transformation aims to create a facility comparable to the BMICH.

President Wickremesinghe expressed plans to initiate the Kandy development programme in the coming year.

Additionally, a multimodal transport centre is slated to commence construction next year in Kandy. The President emphasized the need for upgrading infrastructure on Gopallawa Mawatha, advocating for the replacement of single-storey houses with at least three-storied structures. These endeavours are projected to be completed within the next five years.

A modern Kandy city is set to take shape, with the commencement of the first phase scheduled for the upcoming month. Although previously initiated, progress on these projects had been impeded by the economic crisis.

The President highlighted that the stagnation resulting from the country’s financial distress had obstructed the momentum of crucial development initiatives.

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