Govt. has mismanaged ‘polycrisis’: Eran

Monday, 13 February 2023 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opines while others have managed the crisis well, SL Govt. has failed to do so
Claims SL Govt. is dependent on creating speculations while others have ensured stability even during a crisis
Accuses SL Govt. of creating speculation and uncertainty in various areas including elections

MP Eran Wickramaratne

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne yesterday alleged that the Government has mismanaged the ‘polycrisis’ in the country.

A term coined by Economic Historian Adam Tooze describing the simultaneous and overlapping crises facing the world today, Wickramaratne noted that the polycrisis has affected many countries across the world including Sri Lanka.

“People are unable to repay their debt, inflation is soaring, the cost of food and electricity is at an all-time high, and there are environmental disasters as well. While some countries have managed the crisis situation well, we have not been able to do so,” Wickramaratne told journalists yesterday.

The SJB MP, a former banker, said Governments often attempt to create some semblance of stability during a crisis. “However we are merely speculating. We were told an IMF agreement was agreed upon in September. Then we were told it will happen in the third quarter and later in the fourth quarter,” he said.

The MP said while Governments of other countries have attempted to manage the crisis and ensure stability, the leaders in Sri Lanka are merely surviving on speculation and conjecture.

He said the Government is even attempting to create speculation about the local Government elections from the inception. The MP said speculation and uncertainty can hamper businesses.

“The businessmen are not saying they cannot pay taxes. They are merely asking the Government to not change it continuously and are asking for a set amount,” he said.

“If there are firm policies they can manage their businesses. It is even connected to elections and even the economy,” he added.