• PM assures a good future but tells biz leaders it will belong to all those who are willing to sweat for it
• Promises good governance, bold reforms, competitive economy and equitable prosperity to people
• Seeks private sector support; Says will reward entrepreneurship and applaud good initiatives
• Phones IMF Chief to seek help to restructure economy; says host of countries expressing support

By Nisthar Cassim Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday, along with President Maithripala Sirisena, shared with a select and influential group of business leaders what could be described as a sneak preview of the way forward for the country in terms of politics and the economy. “President Maithripala Sirisena took a great risk when he came over to be the common candidate. We had two options and we knew what the second option was if we didn’t win. But we were committed to winning and ensuring good governance, a competitive economy and equitable prosperity for the people,” Premier Wickremesinghe said. “We do have a good future and it will belong to all those who are willing to sweat for it. We will reward entrepreneurship and applaud good initiatives. That is the future we promise,” the Prime Minister told the business leaders at a networking session held at the ‘1864’ fine dining restaurant of the Galle Face Hotel. That is the future we promise,” the Prime Minister told the business leaders at a networking session held at the ‘1864’ fine dining restaurant of the Galle Face Hotel. “We need the help of the entire private sector to help people to improve their wellbeing and find good jobs for the youth,” Wickremesinghe emphasised. The Premier also said that the Government would go for next generation reforms, which in his opinion should have been made some time ago. “We are going in for a bold set of reforms, a more competitive economy, promotion of FDIs to create 1 million jobs and double the income of people in five years. This is a difficult task but not an impossible one. If you see how the world has developed and the region is developing we have that opportunity,” the Prime Minister said. Referring to growing support and offers from the international community, Wickremesinghe said recently that he had telephoned IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde to seek the multilateral lending agency’s help to restructure the economy. The Government also had discussions this week with the visiting IMF team. “The Finance Minister visited the US and the Foreign Minister also toured the US and Europe. We have had talks with India and Foreign Minister of Singapore was here. We have got overwhelming support and offers for our efforts from all these countries,” Prime Minister said.   Noting that the first phase of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe Government had been achieved, the Prime Minister said Sri Lanka would no longer face the music in Geneva in March. However, he pointed out: “But we still have to fulfill obligations of accountability and commitments given by the previous regime in 2009.” “In the past two months we have the President visiting India and Prime Minister of India coming back in March in reciprocity. President will also visit China and Pakistan. Many more are planned.” Wickremesinghe said that with growth in India and the West, and improved relations, Sri Lanka stands to benefit. “So this is just the beginning. As what we will do, you will know by the end of March and the full details by June. I think it is worthwhile keeping you all guessing otherwise there is no fun in it,” the Premier said, causing many of the business leaders present to erupt into laughter. Referring to unprecedented corruption experienced under the previous regime, the Prime Minister said that the necessary preliminary steps had been taken to institute action against those responsible. He also said that the previous regime had committed 80% of 2015 capital expenditure on roads and very little on education and health, etc. “We finished our discussions with visiting IMF team and I telephoned the IMF MD and asked for IMF help in restructuring the economy,” he revealed.