NPP never said no to loans – Lalkantha

Saturday, 19 October 2024 01:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says none of NPP’s leaders, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, have ever declared it would govern without obtaining loans
Emphasises that as President has repeatedly said borrowing itself is not a crime, but misusing those funds is
Challenges anyone accusing party of claiming it will not borrow to prove such claims

K.D. Lalkantha

Former MP and National People’s Power (NPP) Kandy group leader K.D. Lalkantha has defended the Government’s decision to borrow funds, stating that none of the NPP leaders, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, had ever declared that the party would govern without obtaining debt.

He made these comments at a public electoral meeting on Thursday. Lalkantha’s remarks come in response to critics who have slammed the new Government for obtaining funding through debt instruments, such as by issuing Treasury bills and bonds. Addressing the media, Lalkantha emphasised that as Dissanayake has repeatedly said borrowing itself is not a crime, but misusing those funds is.

“We have never claimed that we would run a Government without borrowing. I challenge anyone accusing us to prove where we said that. Whether it be the President, a Member of Parliament, or any NPP leader, none of us made such statements. Anura Dissanayake has consistently said that borrowing is not a crime, as long as the funds are invested in productive ventures,” Lalkantha said.

He highlighted the importance of using credit for productive investments without engaging in corruption or theft, stressing that responsible borrowing can fuel development.