Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
FT
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Thursday, 8 August 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday expressed confidence in his victory in next month’s election, saying the choice before the people was proven experience to take them and the country forward versus other candidates’ future.
“I do not influence the voting process; it is the people’s right to exercise their franchise. I am confident the majority (of the people) will come along. The key question for voters is whether they want a leader who can address the country’s challenges or those who avoid them. Ultimately, the decision rests with the voters,” Wickremesinghe said in response to a question by the Daily FT during a luncheon with editors at the Cinnamon Grand.
The President reiterated the 21 September election was about the future of the country and people, and going forward on the path of stability, reforms and development taken two years ago.
Wickremesinghe said that while other candidates may be running for their personal ambitions and to secure their future, he is contesting the Presidential election for the future of the country and its people.
President Wickremesinghe also highlighted that altering agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or creditors could jeopardise the country’s financial support. He urged all candidates to be honest with voters about the nation’s economic challenges.
“I am serving as President today because no one else stepped into to take on this role. Within two years of assuming the Presidency, I addressed the country’s fundamental problems. Solving Sri Lanka’s issues is no small feat; it took Greece 10 years and Indonesia eight years. Some doubted how Sri Lanka could tackle these challenges,” the President recalled.
“However, I believed they could be resolved in a shorter period. I discussed this matter with then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and accepted the challenge without fear. I was confident that by engaging with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and making the hard decisions, we could recover. Initially, there was no party support for me. A faction of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) joined us, while another went to the opposition. Some from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) aligned with us, while others joined the opposition. I took on this responsibility by forming a Government without a party. We have now completed the initial work and have laid the foundation to free the country from bankruptcy. Let’s continue on this path.
People suffered because the country’s economic system collapsed, and the increased tax burden became unbearable for some. I am sorry for that, but without these measures, the economy could not have been managed. Politics in our country is not prepared for the truth. Stability needs to be established. A country cannot be developed without stability.
We must decide whether to continue on our current path towards becoming a developed country, provide relief to those suffering and build a promising future for our youth, or revert to old politics, risking another economic collapse and a return to an era of shortages and queues.
There is no need to consider personal appearances. The decision should be based on whether the candidates have the strength and policies to save the country. This Presidential election is not about the future of the candidates but the future of the country and its people. We must decide whether to proceed systematically and solve the country’s problems with determination or risk returning to the situation of 2022.
It is not possible to break any agreements made with the IMF and our lending countries. These existing targets and benchmarks are non-negotiable. If we violate them, we will not receive the necessary funds, leading to another economic collapse in our country.
Different people can make various promises, but many of them are unrealistic. Fulfilling such promises would require increasing VAT. That is the reality we face. We must decide whether we are prepared to tell the truth and save the country or seek power through deception. Therefore, I ask the people for the mandate to continue the programs initiated by the Government.
The following are the questions raised by journalists and the responses provided by President Ranil Wickremesinghe:
Q: Dhammika Perera has withdrawn from the Presidential race and Namal Rajapaksa has been nominated as the Presidential candidate. With most SLPP supporters backing you, do you expect a strong challenge from Namal Rajapaksa?
I cannot predict the nature of the competition. My goal is not to engage in a fight but to present my policies to the people and demonstrate how we can advance the country. If you agree with my vision, you can vote for me. I am not concerned with what others say. If he wishes to come, I have no objection. In fact, he should clearly convey his message.
Namal Rajapaksa and the SLPP supported me in the Parliamentary election for the Presidency, and I am grateful for that. We had agreed to work together over the past two years, and that period has now passed.
It is now up to him to determine the party’s position on supporting or nominating a candidate. It is his responsibility to present his proposals to the country.
This is not my personal contest. It is up to the people to decide their future. They can choose to support my program and vote accordingly, or opt for another candidate.
Q: This question is about the ban on vehicle imports. Is it possible to allow people to import vehicles with a higher tax, and in return, reduce other individual taxes? This would enable those who can afford it to import vehicles. Are you considering options like this for after your re-election?
Next year, we will gradually allow vehicle imports because we need the customs duty to help generate revenue. We are waiting until our reserves are built up to a sufficient level, at which point we can permit vehicle imports. Duties from vehicle imports are a significant source of revenue for the government, and we will need this income next year.
Q: Many candidates are vying for the upcoming Presidential election. What qualifications do you possess that make you a strong contender to be President again and what will you offer the people of this country?
I have put forward a plan to advance the country’s economy and build a strong foundation over the next five years, and I have demonstrated my capability through action on two occasions.
In 2001, I took charge of a country with a struggling economy and fulfilled my responsibilities and the same now. I am confident in my ability to continue this program, unlike other candidates who only offer promises. They need to be asked how they plan to fulfil those promises. We must remember that the country’s economic collapse was due to the old political system. That is why I have decided to run independently in this Presidential election, for the future of the people of this country.
Q: In this Presidential election, your opponents are the sons of two former executive Presidents. Additionally, two candidates who have not previously held State power are also competing. Do you feel challenged by these candidates in this four-way race?
None of this poses a challenge for me. I am focused on working for the future of the people of this country, while they are working for their own futures. So, it’s up to you to make that decision. Anura Dissanayake is a good friend of mine, and I have no issues with him. I’ve done politics both with and against Mahinda Rajapaksa. When President Premadasa faced impeachment, I helped prevent it.
Plantation sector wage hike
Q: You promised to provide a salary of Rs. 1,700 to the estate workers, but that decision was reversed in a gazette. Will those workers receive the Rs. 1,700 this time?
The amount was allocated by a board of the Ministry of Labour, but some companies challenged it in court. Currently, these companies are negotiating with the Minister of Labour. I do not agree with the old plantation system. Today, Sri Lanka has an agro-business sector where some companies can pay while others cannot. In my view, land should be taken from companies that cannot pay and given to those that can.
This amount should be provided to the estate workers, who live in difficult conditions. Additionally, we are working to cancel the lease agreements on the line rooms where they live and convert them into villages.
Q: Regarding the recent visit by the IMF delegation to Sri Lanka, they had deliberations and discussions with you and other parties. They plan to announce the next tranche after the Presidential elections. Given that election periods are challenging times, particularly considering the global situation, some parties have suggested changing the IMF agreement. What is your view on the future of this program, and what steps should we take with the IMF and the international economic process during this period and beyond?
We have reached an agreement with the IMF, and we must implement it. If we adhere to this agreement, there won’t be any problems for Sri Lanka. While others are proposing changes, they need to specify their plans. The IMF will not change its benchmarks; these remain constant for all countries. For example, if you propose giving something for free and offset this by increasing VAT to 25%, the IMF might agree if the numbers are feasible. However, you cannot alter the benchmarks, revenue figures, or expenditure figures.
Issue of apparent clash between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary
Q: Is there any conflict between you and the Court? You recently stated that the Speaker should discuss the issue regarding the Inspector General of Police with the Chief Justice, but it has not happened yet.
It was a suggestion for them to resolve the issue. The court gave one decision, and Parliament gave another. Previously, Anura Bandaranaike resolved a conflict between the judiciary and Parliament. As the executive, I made a proposal from the outside. It is up to the Speaker and the Chief Justice to act on it. I cannot force either of them. As President, I am accountable to Parliament and must implement its decisions. This is a conflict between two institutions.
Q: How do you plan to address the national problem, and what is the North-East development plan?
I made a clear statement about this at R. Sampanthan’s funeral. In consultation with Tamil MPs, other parties, and especially the Cabinet, we have prepared a proposal that is acceptable to all. We will discuss and implement it soon. Political stability is essential for economic stability, so we must resolve these issues quickly. None of us want to return to a time of fuel and electricity shortages.
Q: You have said that the country will be developed by 2048, but some people might wonder if they will be alive by then. If you win the upcoming Presidential election, what will you do for development in the next five years?
Many people doubt that, but consider this: a 40-year-old today will be 65 in 2048. Most of our population is under 40, so they will still be here. We need to aim for development. India plans to be developed by 2047 and China by 2049. We aim for 2048. Don’t you want your country to develop? Singapore achieved it in 50 years.
We need to change our political system and think long-term. Our current situation is due to lies and short-term promises. That’s why I am running as an independent candidate in this year’s Presidential election. We need a change. A country’s politics fails when it’s tied to party interests and unrealistic promises.
The Leader of the Opposition is essentially the alternative Prime Minister. However, when asked to take over the Government, he declined. When offered the Presidency, they suggested handing it to the Speaker, who also refused, saying he could manage Parliament but not the Presidency. This shows the need for responsible leadership and accountability.
Q: How confident are you that the people will make the right choice in the upcoming election?
I do not influence the voting process; it is the people’s right to exercise their universal suffrage. I am confident that the majority will support my proposals. The key question for voters is whether they want leaders who can address the country’s challenges or those who avoid them. Ultimately, the decision rests with the voters.
Q: Do you believe you can win the next Presidential election despite having individuals who face allegations of various charges in your team?
I have a group of Parliamentarians with me, and if any of them are accused, they can be prosecuted. I have not interfered in this process. It is up to the voters to decide whether to elect individuals with charges against them. We have introduced anti-corruption measures like never before, including the Proceeds of Crime Act, which will be presented to the Cabinet next week. Although there has been much talk about corruption, little was done about it until now.
My goal is to become President, while their goal is to be elected to Parliament. If voters reject them, the matter ends there. During my tenure, if any MP faced legal issues, I have not influenced their cases or provided protection. Politics involves interacting with a diverse range of people, and determining their guilt is a matter for the law. Many individuals were prosecuted during my time as Prime Minister, but the final judgment rests with the courts. Currently, there are court cases against a minister. I have not intervened in these cases, nor would it be appropriate for me to do so.
