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President vows to continue painful reform programme despite anarchists’ threats
View(s):President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday reiterated his call for unity to rebuild the country, but also vowed to continue with his new reform programme “regardless of the obstacles the anarchist political forces seek to create.”
In an address to the nation last evening, President Wickremesinghe said, “We have reached the point of destruction.” He called on Sri Lankans to work to heal this wound though it was difficult and painful.
“If we endure the suffering and pain for a short period of time, we can get the wound healed completely,” he said, adding that “We have no way out of this crisis with shortcuts as some political parties are pointing out.” Mr. Wickremesinghe noted that on several occasions, he had pointed out the seriousness and danger of the looming economic crisis the country was facing today. “I have already said that the first six months of this year will be extremely difficult. We have to face this difficult situation in our stride, although unwillingly, for the sake of the country.”
To achieve this end, the economy should be modernised and opened to the world, the President said. “The corrupt political factionalism that deceives the people making them dependent and poor forever should also be changed. This is the “system change” that the youth of this country have been demanding for over a long period of time,” he asserted.
“My government, therefore, has embarked on a new path of reform to fulfill the needs of the youth. Even though those decisions that have to be taken for it are painful, it has to be done in order to overcome.”
The basis and foundation for a strong new economy have already been formulated, Mr Wickremesinghe said. “We are successfully completing the difficult stage required to get support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We expect to get their consent without delay,” he claimed.
“We cannot be satisfied just by strengthening the economy. The entire system needs to be changed. All areas of this political system, the legislature, parliament, Executive, state machinery, etc. should be modified to suit the modern era. The nation, and we should benefit from this change. More space should be created in the new system for representation and opinions of young people and women in particular.”
Additionally, immediate action needs to be taken in relation to the unique issues that the people in the North and East face. A cabinet subcommittee for this purpose has already been established, he said.
“All political parties are informed of its decisions and their implementation dates. Thereby those tasks are carried forward. We have given priority to activities such as the release of land and prisoners. Furthermore, measures are being taken for the maximum devolution of power in a unitary state. However, we’ll never consent to the division of this nation,” the President pledged.
“I’m not attempting to treat the superficial condition with painkillers. But to treat the root cause of the malaise. It is challenging and difficult, but it’s our only option.”
The President said he knew that many of the decisions he had been compelled to take since assuming the presidency had been unpopular.
“However, because of those decisions, today no citizen of this country will die of dehydration in oil queues. You won’t starve without gas. Not curse without fertiliser,” he said.
“Therefore, regardless of the obstacles the anarchist political forces seek to create, I will continue this new reform programme with the majority of people who love this country,” Mr. Wickremesinghe added.
“We can become a developed country by 2048 if we work and move forward in a united and planned manner envisioning peace and reconciliation. There is the potential to become a developed country which is not begging from any other nation in the world. True freedom can be achieved and it is possible,” he said
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