By Chaminda Silva

Professionals and entrepreneurs, including both Millennials and older members of Generation Z, organized by the UNP’s Young Professionals Organization (YPO), are calling on opposition presidential candidates to clearly outline their plans for managing the IMF bailout package and ensuring a successful navigation of the country’s economic crisis.

Addressing a press conference held at Hotel Nippon last week, YPO President and Attorney-at-Law Sunil Kekulandala said that while the voting public has a clear but uncertain understanding of the economic plans of incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, there is significant ambiguity regarding the plans of other presidential candidates.

“The past two years have demonstrated how President Wickremesinghe managed to stabilize the economy, and we have some insight into his plans for recovery. However, there is a lack of clarity and consistency in the proposals from other candidates concerning IMF assistance. This uncertainty raises doubts and fears, as our nation cannot afford another crisis. We cannot return to the days of fuel queues and power cuts. We demand that presidential candidates clearly explain their strategies for managing the economy and ensuring a smooth recovery process,” Kekulandala said.

Secretary of the YPO’s Entrepreneurs’ Circle and Kesbewa UNP organizer Ranil Willaddarage remarked that during the peak of the crisis, when the rupee was rapidly depreciating, there were predictions that people might soon need to transport cash in wheelbarrows, similar to crises in Turkey and Argentina. “President Wickremesinghe has shown the entrepreneurial skills necessary to navigate the crisis and steer the country back on track. As entrepreneurs, we understand the difficulties of recovering from a bankruptcy situation. Now that we have moved past the worst, we need assurances from presidential candidates that they will not obstruct the recovery process,” Willaddarage said.

YPO National Organizer Kosala Munasinghe also expressed concerns about the statements and promises made by opposition presidential candidates. “These statements are unclear, and there is fear that additional taxes might be imposed if these candidates are elected and fail to meet their promises. Some promises seem unrealistic, and increasing taxes further might be the only way to fulfill their electoral commitments. The candidates’ statements about managing IMF assistance are varied and contradictory.

This is a critical issue where national interests should outweigh political agendas,” Munasinghe said. He added that YPO, through its coordinators and members in 22 districts, will begin canvassing to urge presidential candidates to clarify their economic policies and plans to prevent another economic crisis.YPO Treasurer Heshan Samaratunga and senior official Mohamed Ziyard Muzni also addressed the press.