Mr. Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition, has emphasized to the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that some of the proposals presented by the International Monetary Fund to solve the economic crisis in Sri Lanka should be revised.
The leader of the opposition said that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) positively agrees with the proposals and goals presented by the fund, in the discussion held today (20) in the Parliament with many MPs representing SJB and the Samagi Jana Sandhana with many representatives of the International Monetary Fund.
Although we can agree with the proposed tax revenue as a percentage of the gross domestic product, it has been emphasized here that the method of getting that revenue should be changed and it should be done in a way that does not oppress the people and create social justice.
Members of Parliament of the opposition and a group of micro, small and medium-scale businessmen who have been severely helpless due to this economic crisis also joined for this discussion.
The opposition leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa pointed out the need for a new program to eradicate poverty.
In particular, the opposition leader emphasized that almost half of the country has become poor and due to this situation, the income level of the households has dropped rapidly.
As a result, the situation of malnutrition among infants, pregnant women, mothers, children, 41 lakh school students as well as youth has developed and the support of the International Monetary Fund is needed to curb it, Mr. Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition, pointed out.
The opposition leader further emphasized that since the existing social security programs to eradicate poverty are not sufficient, a new social security program modeled on the ‘Janasaviya’ program is needed and it should also cover areas such as consumption, investment, saving etc.
Mr. Sajith Premadasa, the opposition leader, said in front of the members of the International Monetary Fund that the Samagi Jana Balawega has well understood the depth and complexity of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka as a responsible party.
The leader also said that a Samagi Jana Balawega government will take every step to get rid of the existing bankruptcy, strengthen investments and strengthen the economic strength of the people and for that they have a positive program.
He also said that if the government had responded earlier to his previous proposal that the country’s economic crisis should be faced with the participation of the International Monetary Fund, the current situation would not have been created.
In order to make tax collection, excise tax collection as well as customs tax collection more efficient, steps were taken to make all areas through digital technology, and how Samagi Jana Balawega will expand the space for that was discussed.
A program based on the performance of institutions in the management of public expenditure is implemented and the contracted economy is planned to achieve a continuous growth rate of 10% per annum for the next ten years and some amendments should be made to the International Monetary Fund Agreement in formulating strategies, the opposition leader added.
It was also emphasized that priority should be given to the restructuring of the international debt and the impact on investments due to its delay is great and for that the Samagi Jana Balawega has understood the importance of debt restructuring and getting the country out of bankruptcy and entering the international credit ratings.
It was emphasized that priority should be given to the restructuring of the international debt, and that the delay in it will have a big impact on the investments, and for that, the Samagi Jana Balawega has understood the importance of debt restructuring and freeing the country from bankruptcy and entering the international credit ratings.
Also, it was explained to the delegates that as a country, we are obliged to pay the debt, and in the restructuring of the debt, we should work to get the maximum advantage as well as a discount for the country.
In the meantime, if any loan has been misused, it will be investigated without any hesitation and legal action will be taken against the responsible parties.
The leader of the opposition pointed out that corruption, waste and poor management of certain government enterprises have a great impact on the economy, and that restructuring of such institutions will be done in a strategy suitable for the country.
Also, the leader of the opposition emphasized that the malnutrition of mothers, babies and children in Sri Lanka has reached a high level in the past period, and it was also emphasized that there should be a positive intervention for this.
Focus was given to the problems faced by small and medium scale industrialists, who contribute 50% to the country’s national income and 52% towards employment, in order to strengthen Sri Lanka’s economy.
He also explained at length about the problems of farmers, fishermen, self-employment, government service, and the middle class of the country, which are currently under severe crisis.
Since the entire people of the country are facing severe economic difficulties, the social security programs especially for low-income people should be implemented in such a way as to benefit a wide range of people without any influence and the importance of reviewing the security program was also discussed.
