GL: Ranil’s pomposity on economic front short on delivery

Rebel SLPP MP Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday (20) said that though President Ranil Wickremesinghe repeatedly declared that economic recovery was his priority, he was yet to take tangible measures to attract foreign investment.

Instead, longstanding investors here had expressed serious concerns over the continuing deterioration of the business environment, Prof. Peiris said, contrary to claims the situation had worsened since Wickremesinghe received appointment as the 8th executive president to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five-year term.

Addressing the media at Nawala, Prof. Peiris pointed out that the warning issued by German Ambassador in Colombo that German companies would consider leaving Sri Lanka if import ban continues was an extremely serious development.

The former External Affairs Minister examined the German warning against the backdrop of Japanese companies Mitsubishi and Taisei Corp declaring their intention to scale down operations here.

Lawmaker Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of President Wickremesinghe to restore political, economic and social stability. In terms of the Constitution, President Wickremesinghe could now dissolve parliament to pave the way for an early general election, Prof. Peiris said, pointing out that the parliament didn’t reflect the situation on the ground.

Commenting on President Wickremesinghe’s declaration over the weekend that the people would get an opportunity to exercise their franchise next year, Prof. Peiris said that the UNP leader feared to face the electorate. The public confidence in the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa governmnt is so low, they worked overtime to sabotage local council polls scheduled for March 09.

The retired top law academic strongly criticised Finnace Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, IGP C. D. Wickremaratne and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage for undermining the electoral process at the behest of their political masters. (SF)