Sri Lanka president asks for mandate after bilateral debt deal signed
By Shihar Aneez
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe asked for a mandate to continue his International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed economic reforms and questioned the citizens if they will align “with those grappling in the dark”.
President Wickremesinghe’s address to the nation, recorded and televised in all the electronic media, came shortly after Sri Lanka declared it had reached an agreement on a $10-billion debt restructuring deal in Paris and Beijing.
Wickremesinghe reminded the people of the country’s 2022 economic crisis through visuals of queues for fuel and gas as well as power cuts and lack of fertilizer.
He explained the difficult economic reforms done under him in the last two years and criticized his rivals saying their actions reveal a culture of opportunism, driven solely by ambitions for personal gain and political positioning.
“While they vie for presidential positions, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the country’s development and progress. Their dreams revolve around titles and accolades; ours are anchored in advancing the nation,” he said, calling on the people to determine whether to move forward with him, as he truly comprehends the challenges facing the country, provides practical solutions, and has demonstrated tangible results, or align with groups that have yet to grasp the issues and are blindly seeking power.
Wickremesinghe said his rivals and those who were trying to come to power without taking the challenge of facing the economic crisis were now strategizing to divide the nation while the government under him was strategizing to advance the nation.
“They traverse Sri Lanka seeking power, visiting schools and travelling the world in relentless pursuit of authority. Meanwhile, I dedicate my days and nights to serving the country, addressing the needs of our people, and launching economic strengthening programs. I engage globally to garner international support for our nation’s development,” he pointed out.
“Given this context, I pose a crucial question: Will you move forward with me, who comprehended the problem from its inception, offered practical solutions, and delivered results? Or will you align with those grappling in the dark, still struggling to grasp the issues?” he asked.
He also questioned, “Will you stay the course towards a brighter future for yourself and the nation? Or will you opt for a different path?”
Noting that all were well aware of the perils of veering off course or choosing the wrong path, he urged the nation to make the right decision, stating “You have the full right and freedom to make that choice.”
He also intoned the future does not merely belong to Ranil Wickremesinghe. “It pertains to the country, to your future, and the future of our children.”
-economynext.com
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