Harsha says President’s mixed messages on IMF prove SJB’s stance

 SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva 

• Assures if SJB forms next Govt. they will continue discussions with the IMF
• Criticises President for making contradictory statements on salaries and taxes
• Accuses Wickremesinghe of irresponsibly discussing tax reductions and salary increases as elections approach

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva over the weekend said that grassroot members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are now joining the SJB in large numbers.

Dr. de Silva noted that these SLPP members believe that the SJB is the only party capable of rebuilding Sri Lanka’s economy. “As a responsible party, we are pleased. We have long recognised the challenges faced by the country and have engaged in discussions on possible solutions. When the Government took positive steps, we supported them, and we only opposed measures that would negatively impact the people,” Dr. de Silva told a media briefing. He said the SJB intends to form a Government with the people’s vote. 

Commenting on the statements on the IMF agreement on the Presidential election campaign trail, De Silva noted that one time President Ranil Wickremesinghe said no conditions of the agreement can be changed as it would lead to the collapse of the economy. 

“He said there would once again be queues for gas and fuel while we would also face power cuts,” the SJB MP recalled. 

He pointed out that while supporters of Wickremesinghe are echoing these claims on the campaign trail, the President himself recently acknowledged the rigidity of the IMF clauses and suggested that some should be relaxed.

According to De Silva, in response to these concerns, Wickremesinghe claimed that he proposed to the IMF that taxes on the country’s middle class should be somewhat reduced, and the IMF agreed to provide more tax breaks.

De Silva further said that the IMF’s approach depends on the party and Government in power. Therefore, Wickremesinghe cannot assert that the SJB, if it forms the next Government, would be unable to continue discussions with the IMF.

He said the SJB did not vote against seeking IMF support, as the party understood that the program must continue. The MP emphasised that the SJB will maintain discussions with the IMF if it forms the next Government.

He also pointed out that while the President has promised a salary increase of Rs. 25,000 for Government sector workers, he simultaneously claims that such an increase could lead to bankruptcy. De Silva noted that Wickremesinghe is now discussing salary increases and tax reductions as elections approach.

De Silva criticised Wickremesinghe for speaking in an irresponsible manner but mentioned that this behaviour actually benefits the SJB, as it supports their claim that the IMF agreement can be amended.

“We have thoroughly analysed this tax policy. Our program ensures that the Government’s revenue targets are maintained accordingly,” he said, adding the SJB will reveal their plans shortly.