President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris has warned that Sri Lanka cannot be under any illusion that it is immune from the ongoing war in the Middle East, stressing that the country’s economy faces both short‑term and long‑term risks from the crisis.

He noted that global oil prices have already risen steeply and natural gas production has been restricted, developments that will inevitably affect Sri Lanka in the coming months. 

In a statement on social media, Pieris highlighted possible consequences, including foreign‑exchange fluctuations, impacts on tourism from Europe and the Middle East, interruptions to tea exports, and challenges to foreign employment and remittances.

He emphasized that it is prudent for the Government of Sri Lanka to recognize these challenges early and plan ahead to prevent devastating consequences to the economy. 

“In this process, perhaps difficult decisions may have to be taken. It is important that the Government takes the people into its confidence, keeping them informed of possible risks and of what it intends to do to mitigate these risks. Such measures will build confidence. During the Covid period in 2020-22, the Prime Minister of Singapore regularly briefed the people on the Government’s plans, inspiring confidence in that Government,” the former BASL Chairman said.  

He cautioned that Sri Lanka’s 2022–23 economic crisis was not only the result of poor economic management but also the failure to take timely and necessary action. (Newswire)

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Former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Saliya Pieris said that the anticipated victory of NPP’s Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake reflects the public’s strong desire for genuine change.

However, Peiris cautioned Dissanayake to learn from the downfall of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose landslide election win five years ago ended abruptly when he failed to meet the expectations of the people.

“Although the final result is yet to be declared, it is now clear that Anura Kumara Dissanayake will be the next President of Sri Lanka,” Pieris said in a Facebook post.

“This victory is a tribute to the millions who voted for him, driven by a desire to build a nation free from corruption, cronyism, and favoritism, where citizens can live safe and prosperous lives,” he said.

Pieris acknowledged that the new President will face significant challenges, particularly in forming a government, navigating the transition of power, and calling for a general election.

He expressed hope that Dissanayake’s pragmatic approach, demonstrated throughout his career and campaign, will serve him well as he takes on the role of President.

Pieris also cautioned Dissanayake to be wary of the Executive Presidency’s vast powers and to exercise them with a sense of public responsibility.

“The new President will need to realise that as the President he will have to be a unifying figure, recognising that nearly half of the voters did not vote for him but that he is their President too,” Peiris said. (Newswire)

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