President Ranil Wickremesinghe has openly challenged Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake to engage in a public virtual discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This debate, he asserted, would allow the nation to evaluate the truthfulness of their public promises and statements.
The President emphasized that renegotiating the agreement with the IMF is not an option, warning that such changes could trigger another economic crisis. He criticized Premadasa and Dissanayake’s promises of reduced prices and taxes as “misleading,” suggesting that these could further deteriorate the country’s economic situation. Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of avoiding such deceptive promises.
While expressing his desire to lower the prices of goods and reduce taxes, the President underscored that these goals can only be achieved by strengthening the rupee and adhering to the IMF agreements.
He urged Premadasa and Dissanayake to immediately present any alternative solutions and to voice their opinions during the proposed IMF discussion.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the Special Convention of the United National Party (UNP), held yesterday (25) at the Party Headquarters, ‘Sirikotha’, in Pitakotte.
Reflecting on D.S. Senanayake, the founder of the UNP, Wickremesinghe spoke of his commitment to preserving Sri Lankan identity. He stated that, like the former leaders Dudley Senanayake, J.R. Jayawardene, and Ranasinghe Premadasa, he is inspired to prioritize the welfare of the country above all else.
A large number of UNP members attended the convention, where they expressed their support for President Wickremesinghe. They endorsed his candidacy as an independent for the upcoming Presidential Election on September 21, with the objective of advancing Sri Lanka toward development. The proposal to confirm the party’s endorsement was presented by UNP General Secretary, Palitha Range Bandara, and was unanimously passed, with all attendees raising their hands in agreement.
Additionally, President Wickremesinghe inaugurated the newly renovated Sirikotha party headquarters during the event.
