President's Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka said that President Ranil Wickremeisnghe's rise to leadership was not for personal gain, but to stabilize the country, starting with difficult reforms such as tax restructuring when there was minimal revenue.
He made this observation while attending the "Puluwan Peraliya” program held on Thursday (12) at Park Street Mews. The event, organised by the Colombo Circle, was held to rally support for the President in the upcoming presidential election.
Noting that many residents in Colombo live in severely cramped conditions, often within just 100 square feet, with multiple families sharing the same space, Ratnayaka said that this situation highlights the critical importance of a strong economy for Sri Lanka’s development, particularly for our capital city.
"Despite the country's significant potential, we have not yet fully harnessed it. While there has been some progress over the past 76 years, the economy has not advanced as needed.
We have initiated a comprehensive reform program, partly with IMF support and partly through independent measures, aimed at strengthening the economy. The only way to reduce taxes and improve living standards is by fostering economic growth," he said.
Pointing out that tourism is one sector where Sri Lanka can achieve rapid growth, Ratnayaka said that yet at present, Colombo lacks sufficient attractions to retain tourists for more than a day.
"Sri Lanka has immense potential to attract millions of visitors with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and opportunities for adventure tourism, but we have not fully capitalized on these assets. Similarly, agriculture requires modernization, and we must boost the manufacturing sector to increase exports," he said.
Stating that the government is also pursuing free trade agreements, such as the FTA with Thailand to make our products competitive in global markets, Ratnayaka alleged that NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka opposes free trade agreements, claiming they’ll abolish them.
"But without them, how can we grow the economy, create jobs, or secure foreign exchange? Economic development is the only sustainable path to lowering the cost of living and creating a better future for Sri Lanka. It is essential that everyone actively participates in this process. With the new laws and reforms in place, I am confident we are moving in the right direction. President Wickremesinghe’s growth strategy will benefit future generations, providing them with improved incomes and a more prosperous nation," he added.
