Challenge of building economy will not be left on shoulders of a successor: Ravi K

Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake says that he would not leave the challenge of building the country’s economy on the shoulders of a successor. He points out that the economic strategies introduced by the good governance administration would not push the country backward.  He also said that challenges are taken as a common phenomenon in an effort of change; therefore, his government would not hesitate to even take unpopular decisions to reach its goals.

The minister stated these views at a seminar organised on “Citizens’ Engagement in the Budgetary Process – 2017 held at the Miloda Academy in Colombo 7 September.

A group of professors and lecturers representing 12 universities in the country participated in this seminar and, a research which gathered views from people from all corners of the island on how to develop the country was also taken for discussion during the seminar.

Addressing the seminar, Minister Karunanayake said that the administration of good governance always seeks the contribution by the intelligentsia of the country in its effort of nation building task and economic resurgence. Minister Karunanayake said that a large number of students enter universities annually and a similar number of graduates passed out.  He said the aim of the government is to produce skillful graduates who can directly cater to the job market.

Minister Karunanayake further stated:

“Challenges are a common phenomenon in a time of change.  Firm decisions would have to be taken on certain instances. No need to fear in taking such decisions whether they are unpopular. Various problems emerged when the government attempted to change the fertiliser subsidy. But the change was intended to remove middlemen and fraudsters and eliminate unpractical procedures. Now the fertiliser subsidy directly goes to correct hands. There are lots of other areas where changes are to be done.  One such colossal project is Samurdhi.  It is a project which wastes considerable public money.  The needy get a little benefit while some political henchmen and their proxies enjoy the lion share.  It is high time this system changed and, granted this money to the needy in order to obtain their contribution towards the ongoing development.  The knowledge of the intelligentsia is necessary in creating mechanisms to change this type of projects.

The country is now on correct the track.  The government has been able to consolidate its financial situation and reduce the budget deficit.

Minister Ravi Karunanayake recollected the statement made by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, who said soon after he was appointed as the army commander, that he would not leave his successor to fight the LTTE war.  Minister Karunanayake also said that he too would not leave the current economic problems of the country on the shoulders of his successor.

Said the Minister: “President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are giving their full blessings and other facilities to me to build a vibrant economy.  Majority masses voted President Sirisena, anticipating him to build a new country and the current government is committed to do it. I sincerely request the intellectuals of this country to lend their hand and knowledge unstinted for this government to achieve its noble task”.

Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Deputy Secretary A.R. Deshapriya, Director General of Budgetary Department Ruwan Chandra, Director of Economic Affairs Dimuthu Samaratunga, Miloda CEO Anura Lokuhetti and several others participated.