The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) unveiled its enhanced economic blueprint for a Sri Lanka with good governance and inclusive prosperity, in the presence of diplomats and the business community yesterday.
Addressing the forum, SJB and Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa said the SJB is the only party capable of alleviating the suffering of the citizens of Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka is currently trapped in a stagnant mud pool. This is not a time for experiments. It is evident that we cannot thrive in a closed and controlled economic model. The SJB will maintain a welfare state, but it will be a carefully balanced approach and ensure that our national policies address every concern,” MP Premadasa said.
Stating that Sri Lanka is experiencing many changes at present, MP Premadasa said that it was imperative that realities are considered and captured in a comprehensive plan to tackle the national issue.
“The country must not be held hostage by traditional, archaic and colloquial thinking and the SJB is ready to carry out necessary reforms to achieve this end. Sri Lanka’s crisis is not just an economic concern, but is also a question of governance,” he added.
Also addressing the forum, SJB MPs Harsh de Silva and Eran Wickremeratne also pointed out the need for reforms, especially economic reforms to tackle the current crisis.
MP Harsha de Silva emphasized the need to strengthen ties with the international community, the need to draw investment and enhance entrepreneurship at all levels.
Stating that the SJB focuses on a model that encourages investment and economic activity at all levels, he added that it prioritizes the need to fast-track the formulation of a policy environment that can afford SMEs and entrepreneurs access to finance and global markets.
“We have to work to eradicate poverty. Most developing countries have graduated millions of their citizens from poverty to middle-income segments. But in Sri Lanka, millions have fallen into poverty over the past three years,” he added.
Meanwhile, SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne assured that the SJB will take a concerted effort to recover stolen funds and resources.
MP Wickremaratne stated that corruption must be stopped if Sri Lanka is to develop, and the country must open its borders to attract foreign investment.
“We need to be a clean and reliable country that both local and foreign investors can have confidence in, with centralised agreements. There should be a Board of Investment for local investors too, not just foreign investors,” the MP added.
Download the full SJB economic plan: https://www.newswire.lk/Blueprint2E.pdf (NewsWire)