President assures shortage will be resolved within few days

• Says supply of essential goods including fuel, gas, medicines scheduled to be delivered
• Lists a host of initiatives to resolve economic crisis in tandem with introducing political reforms
• Urges people to properly understand current situation and act peacefully and intelligently without getting caught up in wrong ideologies

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday assured that shortage of essential goods will be resolved within a few days as fresh supplies are on schedule.

“The objective of the Government is to overcome the existing economic challenges facing the country and to build a strong economy with new investments by giving priority to exports and agricultural economy,” President Media Office said in a statement. “Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic situation faced by the whole world has led all countries to a severe economic crisis. The top richest countries in the world are looking for solutions to the current economic crisis. This situation is severely affected for an economy of a country like ours where there is no cash reserve,” it added.

In this context, the President discussed with all political party leaders to find solutions to the prevailing issues through an all-party Government. But with the failure of the response, Ranil Wickremesinghe was invited to take over the position of Prime Minister.

The statement also said that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund have been very successful and within the next few weeks, the necessary background has been created to implement the loan assistance program. In the last few weeks, phone conversations were held with the Heads of States as well as with the Ambassadors of many countries and efforts were made to get the assistance of those countries.

After a long and well-planned effort, the country is now reaping its benefits:

• Essential medicines have already been received.

• 65,000 metric tons of fertilisers have been ordered under Indian credit line facilities. The first ship carrying 44,000 metric tons of fertiliser will reach the island today 

• The required fuel, gas and ordered essentials will continue to be received from 12 July.

• All arrangements have been made to prevent food shortage in the country under various agricultural programs.

• The 21st Amendment has already been approved by the Cabinet.

The President’s statement also said at a time when successful solutions have been achieved to the existing problematic situation, the program of the Opposition political groups to mislead the people is very sad and unpleasant. This will lead to setting the country back once again.

It is the responsibility and duty of the people to support the building of a good country for the future generations of the country through a correct economic program. Therefore, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requested the people to properly understand the current situation and act peacefully and intelligently without getting caught up in wrong ideologies.