UNP proposes three measures for Govt. to strengthen COVID-19 resilience

Sunday, 5 April 2020 17:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today issuing a special statement made several recommendations to mitigate the impact of the looming economic crisis on the public, which includes amending the Vote on Account (VoA) and considering seeking assistance from International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Wickremesinghe pointed out that the public was already under significant strain due to the COVID-19 outbreak and that Sri Lanka was going through a crucial period.

“At times like this we need to think of the future, the decision we take must be based on what's best for tomorrow,” he stated, pointing out that he intends to draw the attention of the Government to the need of the hour.

His proposals include updating the Vote on Account to meet current needs as the amount allocated is not sufficient to deal with the tasks at hand and because the Government income streams are limited.

Wickremesinghe also proposes that Sri Lanka prepare a conducive climate to obtain maximum assistance from the IMF which will release its plans mid-April. He also called for streamed-lined national policies covering a range of State and private sector entities to improve their ability to counter COVID-19.

“I make these recommendations because I feel that the current measures taken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka are inadequate,” he added.