In a recent press conference at Sirikotha, the UNP headquarters, Lasantha Gunawardena, Colombo District Manager and Working Committee Member of the United National Party (UNP), passionately asserted the party's historical role in salvaging the nation during times of collapse. Gunawardena specifically credited President Ranil Wickremesinghe for steering the country out of a dire financial crisis.
Reflecting on the state of the country in 2022 when President Wickremesinghe assumed office, Gunawardena painted a bleak picture — an empty Treasury, fuel and gas shortages, disrupted examinations, distressed farmers, and a soaring exchange rate with the dollar reaching Rs. 400. The situation was dire, with challenges ranging from unpaid oil tanker bills to a lack of remittances from migrant workers and a tourism downturn.
Fast forward to the present, Gunawardena highlighted a remarkable turnaround. Dollar reserves at the Central Bank surged to US$ 4 billion, eradicating fuel queues and ensuring timely school operations and exams. The agricultural sector received a boost with Rs. 113 billion allocated for welfare benefits, including the Aswesuma program. Notably, the government committed Rs. 207 billion for the welfare of citizens.
Gunawardena emphasized the upcoming program to grant land rights, commencing in January, and the allocation of funds in the budget for Artificial Intelligence, underscoring President Wickremesinghe's forward-thinking approach. He also lauded the reduction of bank interest rates from 28 percent to 12 percent and the implementation of measures through the Central Bank Act to limit money printing.
The transformative impact extended to inflation, which plummeted from 70 percent to a mere 3 percent. Gunawardena praised President Wickremesinghe as a leader with foresight, acknowledging the importance of strategic budget allocations and policies that have ushered in a new era of stability and progress for the nation.
Lasantha Gunawardena's insightful overview at the press conference vividly portrays the United National Party (UNP) as a stalwart force in times of national crises, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe steering the ship towards recovery. Gunawardena's narrative, echoing the challenges faced in 2022 and the subsequent transformative progress, illustrates the resilience and vision of the UNP's leadership.
From a nation grappling with economic turmoil, fuel shortages, and a weakened agricultural sector, the present stands as a testament to President Wickremesinghe's strategic governance. The substantial increase in the Central Bank's dollar reserves, eradication of queues for essential commodities, and investments in welfare programs underscore a commitment to holistic development.
Gunawardena's emphasis on upcoming initiatives, such as land rights grants and budget allocations for Artificial Intelligence, highlights a forward-thinking approach aimed at ensuring sustained growth. The reduction in bank interest rates, curbing inflation, and prudent fiscal policies further solidify the UNP's dedication to economic stability.
As the UNP continues to navigate the complex landscape of governance, the showcased achievements and ongoing plans depict a party that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and envisions a prosperous future. President Wickremesinghe's leadership, as articulated by Gunawardena, reflects a strategic blend of foresight, resilience, and a commitment to advancing the nation toward greater heights of success and stability.