Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
Monday, 27 November 2023 01:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Ranil Wickremesinghe
President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday told the opposition that the best way to gain power is to unite with the Government.
Addressing a political meeting in Matale, Wickremesinghe expressed concern that the opposition seems primarily self-oriented. He suggested that the most effective route for them to attain power is through collaboration with the Government. “By actively participating and leveraging the experience gained from such collaboration, the opposition can strive to attain Governmental authority in the upcoming election, contributing to the overall progress of the nation,” Wickremesinghe was quoted as saying by the President Media Division.
The President emphasised that the Nation is designed with a long-term perspective, focusing on the well-being of future generations rather than the present.
The gathering included SLPP, UNP and Labour Congress representatives from the Matale District all of whom engaged in discussions with the President concerning the challenges they currently encounter.
During the discourse, the President not only acknowledged the issues raised by the attendees but also took proactive measures to offer immediate solutions to specific problems.
In response to the recent economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged that, in the absence of any immediate volunteers to steer the country, he assumed responsibility at the behest of the ruling party. Expressing gratitude, the President recalled the unwavering support extended to him by all political parties across the nation.
The President highlighted that, under his leadership, the nation successfully navigated toward the correct course, achieving economic stability. Despite uncertainty from opposition politicians who asserted a prolonged recovery period of five years, the President emphasised that the country was effectively rescued from the brink of economic crisis within a remarkably brief span of 16 months.
Additionally, the President underscored that had the opposition politicians rallied behind the government during the economic crisis, the nation could have averted bankruptcy several months prior.
Despite this, local political authorities commended the initiatives spearheaded by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, expressing a commitment to extend unwavering support to the program in the future.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe offered additional remarks, stating, “In 2021, our nation encountered an economic problem, and by 2022, it had evolved into a full-blown crisis. During this period, all facets of the country experienced a standstill, resulting in financial losses and diminished income. Simultaneously, developmental projects ground to a halt, compounded by the fact that being a financially bankrupt nation, we lost foreign aid.
During that challenging period, no individuals stepped forward to shoulder the responsibility for the country. In response, I willingly assumed that responsibility, consciously distancing myself from those who merely claimed to possess solutions for the nation’s issues.” Collaboration with groups across the political spectrum, irrespective of affiliations, played a pivotal role in navigating this endeavour.
Upon assuming this responsibility, numerous individuals predicted a four to five-year timeline for the reconstruction of the ailing economy. Facing such uncertainty, a significant number even opted to leave the country, convinced that a viable solution was indefinite. Presently, active negotiations are underway with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other nations. With these on-going efforts, it is anticipated that by the year’s end, the nation will no longer bear the burden of the bankruptcy label.
The comprehensive initiatives undertaken thus far have spanned a period of 16 months. Notably, had the opposition extended their support, this endeavour could have been expedited by an additional two to three months.
