Ethnic issue: President keen to reach agreement this year
COLOMBO: President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the United National Party May Day celebrations held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo through video technology, said that the country should not focus on short-term politics; instead, we should think about the future, specifically 2048, and work toward making Sri Lanka a developed country.
He extended an invitation to all UNP members to transform the party into one that breaks free from traditional politics and charts a new path toward progress for the country, the PMD reported.
The President also spoke about the importance of addressing the ethnic problem and reaching an agreement by the end of the year.
He emphasized the need for all parties to come together and work towards a resolution that benefits all communities in Sri Lanka.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe also reflected on Sri Lanka’s history as a country with the second strongest economy in Asia. He credited the progress made by leaders such as Mr. D.S. Senanayake and J.R. Jayawardene who took the country forward with the open economy.
The President highlighted his commitment to rebuilding Sri Lanka according to President Jayawardene’s program.
With the support of the UNP and its members, he is determined to make Sri Lanka a stronger and more prosperous nation.
He emphasized that the UNP is a party that always prioritizes the country’s interests and engages in policy-based politics.
The President also highlighted that the party’s policy is to always be truthful with the people.
President Wickremesinghe recalled that the UNP was the first party to state in its election manifesto the need to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to address the economic crisis, while other parties were making promises that they could not keep.
The President acknowledged that the UNP had to face criticism for its stance, but stood by its policy.
The President stated that he expects to reach an agreement by the end of the year to solve the ethnic problem that has been a long-standing issue in the country.
With the UNP’s commitment to policies that benefit all communities in Sri Lanka, President Wickremesinghe expressed his optimism about achieving a resolution that is beneficial for everyone.