Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday, 15 December 2022 03:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
He made these remarks opening the Toyota Lanka Fulfilment Centre in Mahara, Kadawatha yesterday, to mark 70 years of Japan-Sri Lanka relations.
The President unveiled the plaque and declared open the Toyota fulfilment centre and also went on an inspection tour.
“Today the country has become bankrupt because we have not changed the economic structure after the war was ended,” he claimed.
President Wickremesinghe emphasised the need for an institutional system that can revive the country’s economy and bring investment opportunities to the country, revealing that steps will be taken to create an economic corporation by merging the Board of Investment and the Export Development Board.
“Vietnam’s economy today is like a Formula-One racing car. Our economy is still like a three-wheeler. So how do we go about racing in Singapore? Other countries have Formula One racing cars. How can we go and compete in a three-wheeler? This is sufficient to meet the day-to-day travelling of the people. There is no issue. I say again that this is good. But, it does not suit the race,” he pointed out.
President Wickremesinghe said if Sri Lanka was to win, it must also find a racing car. “How can we win? If we are to win, we must also find ourselves a racing car. It should have a good engine. This means we must have a strong economy. This is the economy that we are in the process of making,” he stressed.
The President said first step to construct that powerful engine is by creating an open economy in Sri Lanka.
“First of all, we need to create a digital economy in the country, an environmentally friendly economy, as well as a socially just economy, and a very competitive export economy. This restructuring is done for that. People who are used to the old ways may be against this. But we have to go on a new path. Tell me, do you want to go in a racing car or a bicycle? because the future belongs to all of you,” he added.
Noting that this racing car is made to compete with the world by creating a competitive export economy, President Wickremesinghe said: “I believe you all have the ability to win.”
