PB asks change for better or worse?

Saturday, 3 January 2015 03:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. P. B. Jayasundera yesterday opined that the call for change championed by the Opposition was likely to be for worse than better. He made this remark during his address at the launch of the Central Bank’s Road Map for 2015 and beyond at the BMICH. Justifying his opinion, the Treasury Secretary said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister of Finance, has a proven track-record during the past 10 years since he has delivered high growth on a consistent basis, which is a unique feat. “Peace and prosperity are something people and the private sector must take ownership of and protect. If we don’t Sri Lanka can perish,” Dr. Jayasundera said.

“I would say President Rajapaksa has delivered by ushering in peace, rapid socio-economic infrastructure and reducing fiscal deficit to 5% from a double digit level in the past,” Dr. Jayasundera said. The Finance Secretary said the President and the Government have delivered on a consistent basis with regard to inclusive growth and key reforms. “President Rajapaksa has shown bold, credible and sensitive leadership,” Dr. Jayasundera said indicating that the incumbent deserves another term for continuity and stability. He said as Finance Secretary he would like President Rajapaksa to be also remembered as the leader who not only brought about peace but the best economic fundamentals in Sri Lanka. Apart from a lower budget deficit, other indicators cited include low inflation and stable exchange rate, low unemployment, poverty reduction and higher per capita income. “President Rajapaksa has led the country to enormous transformation and amazing structural changes in the economy,” he said at the forum, which was packed with financial sector and business leaders. Noting that political stability was key for development and uncertainty will not help, Dr. Jayasundera said change for the sake of change was not the best remedy but must be based on proven and credible results.