Presidential candidate of the ‘Samagi Jana Sandhanaya’ and opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa, reiterated his commitment to amending Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after his election to the Presidency, arguing that the current agreement lacks a focus on economic growth.
Speaking at the National Visionary Summit in Colombo, organized by the National Council of Professionals, Premadasa emphasized that a government should not solely focus on debt sustainability, but must also address other areas, including trade.
Premadasa further criticized the target of a mere 3.1% economic growth by 2029, agreed upon by the IMF and the Sri Lankan government, as insufficient, stressing that debt sustainability cannot be the only priority.
“We must steer our economy towards growth—specifically tradable growth. Achieving shared prosperity is essential,” he stated.
Premadasa also emphasized that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya is committed to continuing the reform process.