Handle the economy diligently: Opposition

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Colombo, May 22 (Daily Mirror) - Few opposition political parties yesterday urged the government to act diligently and manage the sliding of the rupee to save the economy.

Warning that the money market would fall if the sliding of the rupee is not stopped, Samji Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva urged the government to use market intelligence and thereby save the Sri Lankan economy.

“Market could come to standstill as exporters have stopped converting their dollars to rupees as they expect further devaluation. The importers will quickly try to purchase dollars as soon as possible in the face of rupee devaluation. There is no faith in the Sri Lankan money market given today’s situation. You have to create faith in the money market using intelligence,” the MP said.

“One has to understand the reality. Yes it is true that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has had an effect. However, one has to understand the reality and take appropriate steps to prevent adverse situations,” he added.

Meanwhile, United National Party (UNP) came up with an allegation that Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha has influenced certain organizations to come up with positive statements on sliding of the rupee. “Some organizations have decided to keep quiet about the rupee crisis while Joint Apparel Associations Forum has spoken positively about the situation and has said the situation would help exporters,” the party said in a statement.

UNP urged the companies not to pass the burden to the workers.

SLPP MP D. V. Chanaka also called for diligent handling of the economy during his speech in Parliament.