President Ranil Wickremesinghe has yet to receive a response to his inquiry about the economic policy of the Malimawa party, led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Specifically, he asked whether their policy supports an import or export-driven economy. The President criticized former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara, accusing him of destabilizing the country’s economy by helping to oust former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He emphasized his commitment to protecting Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the “Ranil ta Puluwan” (Ranil Can) victory rally at Beruwala Beach Stadium, held in support of his candidacy in the upcoming presidential election. A large crowd attended the rally, where a proposal for pensions and social security benefits for preschool teachers was also presented.
President called for transparency from the Malimawa party
In his speech, the President called for transparency from the Malimawa party, demanding they present a clear, data-backed explanation of their budget plans. He criticized opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, claiming that only a government like the U.S. could afford to deliver the free promises Premadasa was making. Wickremesinghe urged citizens not to be misled and to support the government’s ongoing efforts to rebuild the country based on a realistic understanding of the economy.
Addressing the crowd, he stated, “When the people of this country lacked food, medicine, fuel, and gas, I stepped in to meet those needs. When your workplaces were closed, I ensured they reopened. I worked to restore hope when there seemed to be none. Even after my own house was burned, I continued to work for the country. I aimed to end the suffering of the people, and over the past two years, I have completed this program.”
Looking forward, the President outlined plans to further improve the economy and provide relief to the public, promising that by next year, the burden on people’s lives would be significantly reduced. He announced the lifting of the ban on vehicle imports due to improvements in foreign exchange reserves and raised the basic income tax threshold from 500,000 to 720,000 rupees, providing tax relief.
Wickremesinghe warned that the Malimawa party’s promises would destabilize the economy, as they did by removing former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He cautioned that implementing their economic policies would cause Sri Lanka to lose International Monetary Fund (IMF) support, with the dollar potentially rising to 500 rupees, increasing the cost of living.
The President emphasized his commitment to reducing the dollar exchange rate to Rs. 275 and challenged Anura Kumara to do the same. He questioned the viability of Malimawa’s policies, urging them to present a clear plan to the public. He also recounted a conversation with young Malimawa supporters, whom he persuaded not to gamble their future on an unproven party.
He concluded by urging voters to support his party and the “gas cylinder” symbol in the September 21 election, warning that the country could not afford to hand over power to those who lack responsibility and could derail the economic recovery.
The rally also highlighted the President’s focus on maintaining progress and protecting the economy, as he continues his re-election campaign.
