Chief Prelates claim world knows well the value of Ravi K although Sri Lankans do not

The economic development agenda of Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake is envied by certain factions of Sri Lanka but it has been recognised well at international level, say the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and the Asgiri Chapters. The two chief prelates stated that Minister Karunanayake is engaged in a specific mission in economic building in the country. The two Mahanayaka Theras expressed these views when Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake paid courtesy calls on the Theras after paying homage to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy on Saturday.

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake who visited the Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic this morning. Later the minister paid a courtesy call on the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter the Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera. The minister told the Chief Prelate that he visited the Thera last year to obtain counselling in preparing Budget 2017, and the advice provided by the Nayake Thera helped immensely to present a successful national budget. He also said that such counselling guided him to prepare a budget which has helped strengthen the country’s economy. 

Accordingly, Minister Karunanayake provided details on the proposed development projects for Kandy city. The Minister explained in detail about the proposed underpass to minimise increasing traffic in the city and, the development project which is centred on the Bogambara Old Prison complex. He further said that the advice of the Mahanayaka Theras are always sought before commencing any development work and the blessings of the Mahanayaka Theras are of paramount importance in these massive development work. 

Minister Karunanayake who presented ‘The Banker’ award which was conferred on him after being selected as the Best Finance Minister of Asia Pacific Region to the Nayake Thera for admiration said that it is more an award won by the country rather than to that of his personal achievement.

Secondly, the Finance Minister and his delegation left for Malwathu Maha Viharaya. Presenting his award received from The Banker magazine, for the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya the Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera’s; Minister Karunanayake said the prestigious international award he received recently is particularly a victory for the entire country.

Speaking to the delegation, the Malwathu Chief Prelate said although a certain faction of this country is not prepared to admit the value of the Finance Minister, the International community has recognised it. Clear evidence to this is The Banker magazine’s selection Minister Karunanayake as the best Finance Minister of Asia Pacific, The Nayake Thera pointed out.

Responding the Nayake Thera, Minister Karunanayake said the country’s economy, once in turbulence, has been gradually recuperating. He also stressed that the rule of the good governance does not anticipate passing on such economic crises to the next generation. The minister further said that every possible measure to strengthen the country’s economy have been taken under the guidance of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe therefore, an optimistic environment has now been created for all Sri Lankans to live with hopes for a better tomorrow.

Later, Minister Ravi Karunanayake expressed his views to the media as well:

“As a responsible Government, we respect the advice given by the Mahanayaka Theras in the Government’s decision taking. Certain factions make various allegations against us amid we have been taking measures to develop the country. The country is moving on the correct track today. The double-dealers who find faults with us today will understand our sincerity one day in the future.

Some factions blame us that we are taking dictations from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. We do not need to work according to any body’s agenda in order to rebuild our economy.  We have been getting necessary investment. Our economy will rebound once such investment get ground. We are ready to welcome any development proposals from any party if they are favourable for the country. We take all possible attempts to remove the current tax burden as soon as possible”, the minister said.

Export Promotions and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama, Central Provincial Governor Niluka Ekanayake, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga and several others participated in this event.