• Says APC a genuine effort, not an attempt to gain political advantage
• Invites non-participating parties to attend next APC
• Says a committee will be set up to study proposals made by different parties at meeting

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday urged everyone to work together to find a solution to the current economic crisis in the country.

He also  pointed out the need to bring the economy to a stable position by embarking on short-term and long-term strategies.

The President made these remarks commencing the All-Party Conference at the President’s House in Colombo, yesterday.

Party leaders and the representatives representing the United National Party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, People›s United Front, Tamil National Alliance, National Congress, Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal, United People›s Front, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Sri Lanka People›s Party, the Eelam People›s Democratic Party, the All Ceylon People›s Congress, the National Muslim Alliance, the People›s Liberation Organisation and the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi participated in the Conference.

Lanka Sama Samaja Party Prof. Tissa Vitharana and Athuraliye Rathana Thera representing 11 partner political parties also attended the Conference.

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the JVP led National people›s Party (NPP) did not attend the meeting.

The Conference was convened in expectation of proposals and ideas to resolve the economic crisis faced by the country.

Party leaders and representatives presented their proposals in writing while some also made their statements before the APC.  The party leaders and representatives stated that they will give their maximum contribution and commitment on behalf of the country and the people at the All-Party Conference in the future.

Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal briefed about the current economic situation at the conference.

The President said the All-Party Conference is a genuine effort to bring all groups together and said  there is no political motive or narrow objective behind this and thanked all the participating parties for accepting the invitation of the Government and for recognising the event as a national need.

The President also requested the parties that did not participate, to express their stance at the All-Party Conference.

He said a committee could be set up to review all the ideas and proposals submitted and formulate a methodology to implement the effective proposals.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Cabinet and State Ministers, Government MPs, Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake were also present.

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