The main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said that the Government should not deviate from pressing economic priorities during its fight against corruption, as Sri Lanka’s economic challenges are rooted not only in corruption but also hindered economic development.

SJB Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar told a press briefing yesterday (30 September): “The Government should take progressive steps to fulfill the promises that it gave in the second year (of its tenure). Foreign direct investments have to be attracted however possible. It becomes a necessity as we have to repay debts in 2028. If the United States Dollar income is not increased, it would be impossible to repay debts in 2028. That is when the crisis breaks out.”

Moreover, Marikkar said that although the Government’s anti-corruption efforts are commendable, those efforts should not be used to spread oppression. He opined that opposing such forms of oppression is not the same as supporting corrupt individuals.

“Thieves should be arrested, and the money that they stole should be taken back. However, that is not enough. The country’s people need essential food items, children need a quality education, and an effective health system should be established,” he said, adding that penalising corrupt individuals alone will not move the country forward.