19 January 2024 07:32 am
Emphasising tourism promotion, agricultural modernisation and a focus on renewable energy, the President expressed the country’s eagerness to attract new investments.
Wickremesinghe, addressing a panel discussion acknowledged the critical issues of balancing payments and budgetary constraints and went on to outline measures to address these challenges, including working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase revenue, revamping revenue collection systems, and establishing a revenue authority to replace individual departments.
The discussion delved into the complexities of managing populism and meeting public expectations while adhering to conventional financial rules. President Wickremesinghe stressed the need for governments to strike a balance between providing essential facilities and managing strict financial rules.
Addressing concerns about potential resentment from the population due to tax increases and IMF schemes, the President reassured that Sri Lanka is accustomed to foreign investments and maintains an open society. He expressed support for debt relief for African countries, acknowledging the unique challenges they face.
Wickremesinghe asserted Sri Lanka’s ability to manage its economic challenges and called for collective efforts to support African nations in their pursuit of debt relief. The panel discussion provided valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s economic strategies, showcasing President Wickremesinghe’s commitment to navigating the country through these challenging times.