President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that partial compensation has already been distributed to fishermen whose livelihoods were affected by the Express Pearl marine pollution, and assured that the remaining payments will be made promptly.
The President made these remarks last night (08) during a meeting with residents of the Willorawatta area in Moratuwa, responding to their concerns.
Addressing a request to provide pensions for carpenters in Moratuwa, President Wickremesinghe highlighted that the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” initiative includes provisions for a pension and social security scheme for those in the informal labour sector.
Wickremesinghe further elaborated: “I intend to establish an anti-narcotics command center to tackle the drug menace. This center will focus on studying drug issues, implementing control measures, and rehabilitating those affected by drug addiction who are currently serving sentences. We also plan to introduce stricter laws than those currently in place for drug traffickers.”
“First, we implemented the “Aswesuma” program for low-income individuals, increasing the number of beneficiaries to 2.4 million. In 2024, we also worked to provide relief to public servants as revenue grew. The 2024 budget granted a Rs.10,000 allowance, and starting next year, the report of the Udaya R. Seneviratne committee will be implemented. As a result, both salaries and allowances will increase during 2025-2026. Therefore, the question in this election is whether to continue advancing these initiatives.”
“Our goal is to transform into an export-oriented economy. Additionally, we aim to create 100,000 jobs in collaboration with the government and private sectors and provide training for 50,000 individuals for foreign employment. Within this export economy, we plan to develop the fisheries industry, double tourist arrivals next year, modernize agriculture, establish new investment zones, and create a digital economy—all as part of the “Pulluwan Sri Lanka” program”, he expressed.
“It took other countries around 10-15 years to restore normalcy after going bankrupt, but my goal is to complete this process by 2027. The question remains whether other candidates can achieve this. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has two policy declarations: Nalaka Godahewa’s “Victory for All” and the group’s “Blue Print 3.0.”
“My friend and the leader of National People’s Power (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently stated that Sri Lankan businesses should focus on an export-oriented economy, exporting to India and Africa. I was pleased to see that they are aligning with our approach.”
“However, their policy declaration suggests cancelling all Free Trade Agreements (FTA) Sri Lanka has entered into. Without free trade agreements, how can we develop an export oriented economy? Furthermore, Sunil Handunnetti opposed the Economic Transformation Bill in court, arguing that establishing an export economy violates the Constitution, while emphasizing the need to protect an economy based on import industries,” he said.
Commenting further, the President added: “During my meeting in Morawaka, I requested that he clarify this when he was scheduled to visit Morawaka the following day. However, there was no response. Instead, he spoke about presenting details of the Central Bank bond scam, which is irrelevant to me.”
“A Parliamentary Select Committee and a Presidential Commission of Inquiry were set up to investigate the bond scam. Some alleged my involvement, so I provided statements to the commission. Ultimately, it was confirmed that I was not implicated. Legal proceedings followed based on the reports’ recommendations, but the accused were acquitted in the High Court.”
“The government then appealed, and the case was dismissed there as well. Now, the government has brought the case before the Supreme Court. Anura Kumara Dissanayake may consult his lawyer about this matter if needed. There appears to be confusion about the facts. We remain committed to eradicating corruption in this country and have prepared the necessary legislation to support this effort”, said Wickremesinghe.
