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Ranil says UNP can garner IMF support for immediate economic take-off
by Sanath Nanayakkare
A future UNP government could garner the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to raise funds to honour the country’s debt repayment commitments, without causing any disruption to the economy, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said, at Mattegoda, last Saturday (01).
“The IMF has helped the UNP governments in the past to resolve balance of payment issues and effectively restore Sri Lanka’s economy during dire times, including the Easter Sunday bomb attacks. I am confident that the international lender will provide its much needed support to a UNP government, with loans on affordable terms because it knows that we do not compromise our sound economic policies and revenue-based fiscal consolidation programmes.”
The UNP leader said: “Our priority will be mitigating the negative impact of Covid-19 on diverse segments of the economy; from three-wheeler drivers to wage-earning workforce to self-employed people and small and medium entrepreneurs. The Covid-19 public health crisis has weighed heavily on economic activity, employment and inflation and poses considerable risks to the economic outlook in the near-to-medium term. The level of economic activity has drastically slowed down as consumers fear for their future. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, about five million people have lost their jobs and a similar number of jobs are at risk. Thousands of people have experienced pay-cuts and reduction of their allowances. Employers are not hireing job seekers. Many people can’t pay their house rents, utility bills and payback their loans.
“Hence today everyone is thinking about their financial problems more than the parliamentary election because that’s very important to them. When I was Prime Minister I adopted a revenue-based fiscal consolidation strategy to increase government income at the risk of growing public displeasure. At that time, the government earned Rs 150,000 million as revenue. In July 2020, it declined to Rs. 50,000 million. Our public servants’ pensions alone require Rs. 90,000 million and the government had to borrow to meet pension payments among other things. How long can we go on like this?
“During the Yahapalana government, we struck a certain balance between our income and expenditure and obtained support from bilateral and multilateral lending agencies for economic development. In 2018/19 we were able to have a surplus in our primary account.
“Today, the country’s stressed external liquidity position remains a credit weakness. Sri Lanka has not been able to get IMF funds despite having made three requests to them. Pakistan and Bangladesh have received funds from the IMF, and there should be no reason why Sri Lanka can’t access their funds. The UNP has presented a new three-year economic framework to face the challenges in the future which would boost confidence of the international lending agencies in our macroeconomic prudence and post-pandemic recovery path going forward. International funding will help strengthen the rupee. More exports and foreign remittances will bring in more money into the country. Through that strategy we will put more money into consumers’ wallets and increase their spending power. If current liquidity issues continue, the exchange rate of the rupee will hover around Rs. 195-Rs. 200 by October. In such a context, there will be more severe import controls and smartphones, electric and electronic goods will not be available in the market. Commodity prices will go up and life will be more difficult six months from now. Our new economic programme is capable of addressing such fiscal and external challenges. I urge you to consider the looming threats of these issues as you go to cast your vote on August 5.”
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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