The country which recorded an economic growth rate of around 7% in 2015 suffered a severe setback during the previous Yahapalana Government, said Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic today has not had an impact only on Sri Lanka’s economy, but on the global economy as a whole. Kariyawasam was speaking at a press conference held in Colombo.
“During the previous Yahapalana Government, the country experienced an economic decline due to large scale mismanagement and corruption,” he added.
“The COVID-19 pandemic situation has resulted in a global economic downturn. Due to this situation, the tourism industry that brings foreign exchange to our country has come to a complete halt. Also, there is a decrease in the foreign exchange brought to the country in the form of remittances from foreign workers. The garment industry has also suffered a setback in recent times. However, with the intervention of Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication Chairman Basil Rajapaksa, the garment industry has been given a boost. Also, some progress has been made with regard to exports. We have to face difficulties due to the current global catastrophic situation which is beyond our control. We as a Government are facing this situation very well, controlling this situation and making it possible for the people to think positively,” he said.
“We are confident that we will be able to fulfill the promises made in the Government’s “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” National Policy Framework. We call on the people to work with the Government during these difficult times for the country’s progress. The Government which you elected is working for the people’s well-being. Various parties with vested interests are trying to destroy the country’s foward march by resorting to gimmicks and slander progress via social media and in various ways and trying to drag the country into the abyss. The people are inteligent and must not fall into various traps or be fooled by various Opposition gimmicks to tarnish the country’s image and stifle its progess. We boldly declare that we will bring total normalcy to the country in the next few months by taking the necessary steps to take all development activities forward,” he said.
