RaviK says 2016 heralds new era of economic resurgence

Saturday, 2 January 2016 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake yesterday invited all Sri Lankans to set aside differences in race, caste, creed, religion and light a single candle for the country as the dawn of a New Year heralds a new era of economic resurgence.

Following is the full text of Finance Minister’s New Year message.

“It is with a sense of elation that I state that the dawn of a New Year heralds a new era of prosperity for all Sri Lankans buoyed by fresh hopes brought about by the first budget of the new government solidly based on principles of good governance. Under the able guidance of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the weighty responsibility of strengthening and ensuring the economic wellbeing of the country and its people has been entrusted to me as the Minister of Finance.

Accordingly, the 2016 budget was presented with a totally new perspective and vision. It is no exaggeration to state that no other budget in the history of the country generated as much discussion as the 2016 budget.

Unquestionably, all Governments in the 60 year period of post independence era contributed in some way to the economic upliftment of the country. However the masses mobilised themselves to elect the new good governance Government with the noble intention of rescuing the country sliding fast towards economic ruin.

If a genuine change is to take place in the country, a wholly new way of thinking should be adopted and, quite naturally, there might be circumstances that will not please everybody. If any citizen who adores our blessed motherland thinks of taking the country forward albeit by a very small margin, I believe this is the most opportune moment for that.

I invite you to sink differences in race, caste, creed and religion and light a single candle for the country rather than to curse the darkness. Never has there been a better opportunity.

It is the year of dignity for all that dawns tomorrow. May the triple gem bless you! May God bless you all!”