Mix of local and global policies for development: Yapa

• States they hope to build economy reflecting global economic trends
• Short-term and long-term goals to be set to move economy forward

The Sirisena-Rajapaksa Cabinet will focus on policies embracing a mix of promoting local producers but also aligning with global economic trends, State Minister of Finance Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said yesterday when he assumed duties. 

The State Minister expressed that solutions for the economic issues that the county is facing must be tackled as short-term and long-term goals, and the ending of the pricing formula, reduction of oil prices and removal of some taxes by the Minister of Finance were some of such decisions taken. 

“Our economy faces issues of high taxes. The rupee depreciation against the dollar is one of the major problems we face. We are looking into how we can strengthen investments and increase exports,” the State Minister said.

He further explained how they are discussing the implementation of policies that would improve the income of the masses and how the President and the Finance Minister aim to reform the economy while considering global economic trends.

“We have a lot to do to build an economy that values and welcomes local produce, prioritises the farmers and embraces new technology, and is fair to all people. The previous Government lost the faith of the public because they couldn’t understand the wishes of the people; they had no vision for their future. We want to change that,” Yapa explained.

Yapa further stated that the appointing of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister by the President is constitutional and thus legal, and that they are confident about having majority in the Parliament. He also said he is humbled that the Finance Minister chose him to work alongside him to aid in the execution of policies that will push the economy forward.

Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Dunesh Gankanda, Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, and Finance Ministry Secretary S. R. Attygalle were present at the ceremony. (RG)