• NPP Presidential candidate, Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that one cannot think of building a country whilst fraud and corruption are prevalent

National People’s Power (NPP) Leader and Presidential candidate, and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Leader and Opposition Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the NPP seeks a fresh people’s mandate for their Government to discuss with the IMF and change certain conditions in the inked agreement that affect the grant of reliefs. He further pointed out that while it is challenging to achieve consensus with regard to debt restructuring among bilateral, multilateral and private creditors to Sri Lanka, it however, must be done.

Following are excerpts from the interview: 

What are the main economic policies and strategies planned for Sri Lanka's restoration from its present economic crisis situation, if elected as the President? How long will such take to have a meaningful impact on the economy?  

We have always stated that what should be done first is for the decayed and corrupt political culture replete with fraud, corruption and irregularities to be done away with. In the first hour of coming to power, we will commence changing such. The second is the re-establishment of the rule of law and law and order. These two factors are very important as the first step in the restoration of the situation in Sri Lanka. However, we don't think that eradicating fraud and corruption and establishing the rule of law alone are the sole path to building the country. Yet, one cannot think about building a country whilst fraud and corruption are prevalent. Therefore, fraud, corruption and waste must definitely be eradicated. By the same token, the law must be enforced equally concerning all. This we will do within the first hour. 

Regarding the economic policies and strategies, there is no other alternative to uplift the country than increasing the country's production. Therefore, we have clearly stated that we will commence a programme to build a massive production economy in order to increase the country's goods and services production. Also, we must expeditiously move towards the new foreign market in order to sell the excess production and to be a stakeholder in the global supply chain. In this regard, we consider it very important to pay attention to foreign direct investments (FDIs), making the use of natural resources efficient, increasing the investments for infrastructure developments, promoting domestic and foreign trade and exports, promoting innovation and technology, and developing the human resource. Since this programme will be implemented as short term, medium term and long term, the country and the people will start receiving benefits at various stages.

You have stated that you intend to renegotiate the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement in order to obtain better and favourable conditions and situations for our country. However, recently you reiterated that the IMF agreement is not harmful and that you intend to continue the same. Under your leadership, will you revisit the EFF? What special aspects of the EFF agreement do you intend to change? 

What needs to be accepted at this moment is that we are, even at present, within the IMF programme. More precisely, we are in the middle of this programme. However, in the implementation of this programme, a great level of pressure has been directed towards the people. Therefore, our plan is to discuss the same with the IMF and to provide relief to the people. For this, we seek a fresh mandate from the people. We trust that they (the IMF) will respect the people’s new mandate. Also, they have already stated that they are ready to discuss with the Government elected with the new mandate. We think that this matter must be done without causing pressure to be imposed upon the people and without causing even the slightest harm to the economy. This is because even the smallest change taking place in the economy can bring about major consequences. We have understood this very well. Therefore, we hope to discuss with the IMF and change certain conditions that affect the grant of reliefs to the people under pressure.        

Do you believe that such a discussion can be expedited? Also, can such be done without an adverse impact to Sri Lanka? 

We believe that the IMF will definitely provide an opportunity for such. This is because we are talking about difficulties actually faced by the people. Also, we are requesting for a discussion with the receipt of the people’s mandate. We are also aware that in the situation that our country is presently under, even the smallest step can have a major impact on the economy. Regardless, it is our view that it is mandatory that discussions be held with the IMF in order to minimise the pressures that the people are under in general, as a result of this programme. We firmly believe that this can be done without causing any negative impact to Sri Lanka. They have given a greenlight that they are ready to discuss with the Government that will be elected with a new mandate. 

Do you intend to revisit the bilateral debt restructuring agreements entered into with the Official Creditor Countries and China? In revisiting such, what aspects do you intend to change?

Debt restructuring is a process for the Government to improve financial stability, to prepare a programme needed to get out of the situation of not being able to pay debt and to once again repay debt, and to discuss loan related conditions. This can include numerous alternatives such as changing the timeframe for the repayment of the debt, reducing the loan interest or doing away with the interest completely, and reducing the basic loan amount. The end goal of this is to guarantee the foundation for the creditors to obtain their monies as much as possible while managing our debt to an optimum level. 

We have stated previously also that in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, we must discuss with various creditor groups. There are three groups in this. There are bilateral creditors to Sri Lanka such as China, India and Japan. There are multilateral creditors like the IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. 

Also, there is a group that has invested in international sovereign bonds (ISBs). They too have contributed to a considerable portion of Sri Lanka’s loans. It is challenging to achieve consensus among these bilateral, multilateral and private creditors with varied needs. However, it must be done. Next in this regard, it is needed to implement financial reforms within the country in order to face this resistance domestically. Also, we think that political stability is very important. This is because, since 2022, we have continuously been in such a situation. As of now, the debt restructuring process has been implemented to a certain level. Yet, it is not complete. In particular, we have not arrived at an agreement with the group that has invested in ISBs. The success of this process depends on us entering into agreements that are more favourable to us with all creditor groups. Our final goal is reestablishing economic stability and creating a path for Sri Lanka to reenter the global capital market. We will definitely act towards achieving such.

What is your stance on power devolution and the long-standing demands of the minorities? Will you fully enforce the 13th Amendment to the Constitution or go beyond it? Will you conduct a referendum in order to obtain a mandate for such?   

Clearly, we are not ready for a deal with the Tamil people, targeting votes for the Election. Regardless of the North or the South, we will not make a deal with the Tamil and Muslim people. We have made a common appeal to them which is for all of us to get together and form a Government and for us to collectively attempt to resolve each of our problems under such a Government. Towards this end, our policy statement includes numerous matters pertaining to a new Constitution, holding the Provincial Councils (PCs) Elections immediately, establishing language rights practically, strengthening the truth seeking commission, and establishing a commission to receive complaints on any discrimination faced by anyone on the basis of religion, language and culture. In order to resolve the national question, harmony must be built among the Sinhalese, the Tamil and Muslim people. We have included within our manifesto the process of strengthening this process. What we ask is that let us form a Government of ours without distinction of race or ethnicity. Such a Government will clearly become a people’s Government. Through such a Government, let us resolve issues unique to each and every one of us and common issues also. Also, let us create a country that truly respects diversity. Our appeal is such. PCs are a mechanism that functions as per the current law of the land. Although it is stated that this system was established as a solution to the issues faced by the Tamil people, neither the Tamil people nor the other communities think that such has become a solution. Regardless, PCs are our country’s law. Therefore, the indefinitely postponed PCs and Local Government (LG) Elections will be held before a year is lapsed. We will provide an opportunity for the people to get involved in the governance of their areas. 

However, it must be stated here that our hope is to create a form of governance where all people become involved in governance under one country and power is administratively devolved to every LG body and district. We have especially stated that a new Constitution that is suited for all ethnic groups including the Sinhalese, the Tamils, the Muslims, the Malays and the Burghers, and which represents their needs, will be drafted. We will only approve such following a debate with the people. In that context, a suitable decision can be taken in this regard.     

You have stated that you intend to create a more optimal export economy. What are your plans to achieve this target?  

An export economy is an economic system that earns by exporting a significant portion of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) as goods and services. These exports can be deemed in general as a country’s economic progress and a primary driver of development. This situation will have a major impact on generating employment, increasing the people’s income, and generating foreign exchange, and commonly on the economic sphere. In this regard, we have planned to take a number of steps to: make the use of natural resources maximally efficient; for the formulation of raw materials; to increase the industrial capacity; to establish information technology (IT) parks; to establish free trade agreements (FTAs) by paying attention to the foreign trade policy; to take necessary steps to overcome duties and trade related obstacles internationally; to increase the export quantity; to manage the fiscal deficit; to optimise the fluctuation of the value of the currency; to expand the opportunities for the international market; to update existing  FTAs and to enter into new FTAs; and to resolve issues of micro, small and medium scale entrepreneurs and to direct them towards products targeting exports.

There are a number of issues concerning agriculture which are unresolved. What is your plan to resolve these? How will you bring in the agri. economy to the 21st Century?

We will definitely take steps to resolve the issues faced by the agriculture sector and those engaged in it. Our main policy is to produce within the country all food that can be made within our country. In addition to granting State sponsorship for the same, we will also commence a special programme for this. A main target of ours in this regard is especially to develop 50,000 agri entrepreneurs within five years. Our programme also includes: establishing agri industrial zones throughout the country; establishing 1,000 agri export villages; propagating co-operatives managed by farmers and farmers associations; empowering the agri industry with technology; and establishing a centralised plan with a real time live data based system covering the entire country and targeting the entire agriculture sector. Through these, making agriculture suit the 21st Century and to raise farming to a profitable and respectable profession, are our targets. 

What do you plan to do to make the State sector more transparent, efficient, to reduce the number of workers, and to make the same more responsible. Will you continue the State sector restructuring process that the Government has commenced?  

We will definitely act to increase the productivity, efficiency and transparency of the State sector. We will take steps to update the laws, rules and regulations, Acts and statutes pertaining to making the human resource efficient. Also, we will prepare a national salary structure to resolve the salary disparities of the suffering public servants. Further, it must be stated that our policy statement ‘Rich Country – Beautiful Life’ contains many matters that need to be done within five years. We will consider how the existing public service can be optimally utilised to implement the aspects contained in this policy statement. While any progressive State sector restructuring actions commenced by the Government, if any, can be considered, we will however not move forward with anything that clashes with our policies and are unsuitable.  

Will an NPP Government reduce the size of the State sector, reduce the cadre where such is excessive and make the State sector one that is not a burden to the taxpayer? 

First, we will pay attention to restructuring the public service and increasing its efficiency and productivity. Through such, we aim to guarantee a public service that is close to the people. Through that, it is our aim to make it an entity that is not a burden to the taxpayer. In this regard, we won’t act to remove those presently in the State sector. Instead, what we will attempt to do is to get them productively aligned to the process of building the country. Towards this end, we believe that every public servant likes to work for the country. Although the former and existing rulers sought to fill the public service to expand their voter base, they failed to manage the public service under a fixed and scientific programme. However, we will transform the State service to one that guarantees public trust and is incorrupt, and one which fulfils public expectations and is an efficient service.  

You have stated that a Government led by you will increase State sector salaries considerably. How will you find the funds and provisions to do so? From which sectors will you reduce funds to provide the same?

We have already stated that in keeping with the cost of living (CoL), every six months, the State sector salaries will be revised. On the other hand, unlike our opponents, we will not pledge or declare fake salary hikes. We will definitely act on what we have stated. We will first act to increase the institutional contribution made to national production by making the existing public service more efficient and more productive. Through that, the country’s economy will receive a great boost. For example, from the taxes that can be collected in our country, only around 70% is collected. We will optimise tax collection and will increase the tax threshold. Also, as of now, the taxes that can be collected but are not amount to approximately Rs. 1,100 billion. From this, Rs. 200 billion can be expeditiously collected without any issue. These must be collected. There are a number of alternative sources of income. We have already formulated plans for such.      

How will a Government led by you raise the State revenue? What is your tax policy? 

The State income comes primarily from the tax revenue and the non-tax revenue. We already attempt to maintain the tax revenue in a manner that does not harm the people. In this regard, we will establish a special unit to formulate and implement tax policies. 

Also, we have planned to expeditiously bring the necessary legal amendments to make tax management efficient. The moment we come to power, we will implement an expeditious programme to obtain the tax arrears expeditiously. Thus far, most who paid taxes thought that the rulers were defrauding one’s tax money that has been collected, and that they were wasting such. Therefore, we believe that during our rule, an attitudinal shift will take place regarding the payment of taxes. 

Also, in order to increase the efficiency of tax collection, institutions such as the Excise Department, the Customs, the Department of Motor Traffic, and the Land Registry – the Registrar General’s Department will be expeditiously linked with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) via a network. We will act towards this end. Further, per world recognised tax principles and without causing an undue burden to the people, we will take steps to expand the tax base. Also, public enterprises are a sector that contributes to the State income. We will release all public enterprises from their loss making status. We will increase their income level. Through this programme, we are ready to reduce the expenditure incurred concerning public enterprises presently making losses or will manage their expenses and thereby reduce State spending and increase State revenue. 

What are the reforms that you will introduce to reduce fraud and corruption and increase transparency? 

As the first step, we will commence a permanent and massive island-wide programme to make the public aware of being against fraud and corruption. Also, in every District, an office of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) will be established. An organisation will be established to optimise State revenue and this institution will obtain international organisations’ technical advice and services. Expeditious steps will be taken to appoint a permanent panel of three judges to hear allegations of financial crimes, bribery and corruption. We will create a conducive environment for complaints received by the CIABOC to be expeditiously resolved within six months, Also, we will take steps to review the cases withdrawn by the CIABOC and the Attorney General’s (AG) Department and re-file them where suitable. Under our rule, in addition to taking the maximum decisions to eradicate corruption, fraud and bribery, we will also introduce all required legal contexts.           

Q: What are your plans to renew the archaic education system in Sri Lanka? Does the NPP still appear against private education, especially private higher education and private universities? 

A: We definitely have a programme for updating the existing education system. These reforms extend from early childhood education to postgraduate education. Our main policy is equal access to free education. Also, we consider giving people education our duty and the people’s right. We have suggested to separate school education into several parts, scientifically. We plan to categorise such as primary education, junior secondary education, senior secondary (lower) education and senior secondary (higher) education. Our main target is to establish an all encompassing, inclusive, complete school within the radius of every three kilometres. Also, we will guarantee the right to enter vocational university education and general university education. Further, the national university system will be made into institutions that provide theoretical and research based education. Moreover, we have already planned to take all necessary steps to make the education provided by such to be according to the international standards and the modern world. We stated at the inception that we recognise that the receipt of free education is a fundamental right. Therefore, we will act to establish free education in reality. Our goal is to expand State education and to raise its qualitative aspects by gradually increasing the GDP for education to 6%. In this context, a truth that we must accept is that at present, there are private schools and private universities existing in the country. Our belief is that if there exists citizens who have the financial capacity and think that they must pay and obtain an education, for such persons, a private education system that is regulated should be there for them to choose from. Furthermore, it is our belief that both private and State education should be aligned with the country’s fundamental economic policy.   

What would be Sri Lanka’s foreign policy under a rule led by you? 

The modern world is created on the basis of a number of power blocs. During one era, the world was clearly divided as the socialist camp and the capitalist camp. However, at present, a number of power blocs have been formed in the world. Sri Lanka is in no way a part of or stakeholder to the world’s geopolitical clash. However, neighbouring India is competitive geopolitically. Therefore, when we prepare our foreign policy, we have to clearly consider our national interests and also India’s national security. Also, we must pay attention to regional security. Therefore, we are of the stance that when considering our security policy, we must consider regional security, and when considering our economic policy, we must consider drawing the investments most beneficial to Sri Lanka, and while keeping these two aspects paramount, we must maintain strong foreign relations with every country. It is not suitable for small countries like us to maintain a polarised foreign policy. Therefore, we will be careful to maintain a strong foreign policy that optimally balances the global and regional situations that have arisen.

Some have questioned that if you and the NPP come to power, Sri Lanka’s financial system will collapse and that certain ground level NPP activists will behave violently post-Election. How do you respond to the same? 

Firstly, it must be stated that those who state that this financial system will collapse are President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the team around him and the team led by Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. This is a matter that they are promoting in an organised and planned manner. Because, what they do is to instil fear among our people. We tell the people clearly that nothing of the sort will take place. We request the people not to believe these baseless claims. Second is the fear that NPPers will assault the others after the Election. You may remember that these people initially stated that those who got 3% cannot win. Thereafter, they stated that we have no programme. Now, they say that we will win but that the country will fall and that after the victory, our group will attack others. 

Remember one thing that we will not only change the economy, the social life and politics but also this violent political culture that is being spoken about. Don’t be afraid of these false matters. 

The NPP is not (former Presidents) J.R. Jayewardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga or Mahinda Rajapaksa. In the said manner, they, after elections, sent the Police on holiday leave, assaulted the people, set houses on fire, attacked shops and looted. We are different. We are also coming in order to change this decayed political culture. Therefore, we will not allow even a fingernail of someone who didn’t vote for us or who worked against us to be harmed. Even though they may attempt to start conspiracies like that, we will not leave room for such. Also, another matter has to be stated. With our victory, we will commence the nation building national programme together with those who voted for us and those who didn’t. We believe that all will definitely join hands together with us.           

Quotes

Firstly, the decayed & corrupt political culture replete with fraud, corruption & irregularities should be done away with. The 2nd is the re-establishment of the rule of law & order. In the first hr of coming to power, we will commence changing such

There is no other alternative to uplift the country than increasing production 

We must expeditiously move towards the new foreign mkt. & global supply chain

Very important to pay attention to FDIs, making the use of nat. resources

efficient, increasing investments for infrastructure developments, promoting domestic/foreign trade & exports, promoting innovation & tech., & developing HR’

We are not ready for a deal with the Tamil people, targeting votes. Regardless of the North or the South, we won’t make a deal with the Tamil & Muslim people

Hold the PCs Polls immediately, establish language rights practically, strengthen the truth seeking comm., establish a comm. to receive complaints on any discrimination faced on the basis of religion, language & culture

The PCs & LG Polls will be held before a yr is lapsed 

We have planned to make use of nat. resources maximally efficient; formulate raw materials; increase the industrial capacity; establish IT parks; establish FTAs; overcome duties & trade related obstacles internationally; increase the export quantity; mge. the fiscal deficit; optimise the fluctuation of the value of the currency; expand the oppos. for the int’l mkt.; update existing  FTAs & enter into new FTAs; resolve issues of micro, small & medium scale entrepreneurs & direct them towards products targeting exports

Establish agri. industrial zones & 1,000 agri export villages; propagate co-operatives mgd. by farmers & farmers’ assos.; empower agri industry with tech.; establish centralised plan with a real time live data based system

We will prepare a nat’l salary structure

Won’t reduce State sector staff

In keeping with the CoL, every 6 months, State sector salaries will be revised

From the taxes that can be collected, only around 70% is collected 

Taxes that can be collected but are not amount to approx. Rs. 1,100 b; from this, Rs. 200 b can be expeditiously collected

Establish a spl. unit to formulate & implement tax policies 

During our rule, an attitudinal shift will take place regarding the payment of taxes 

The Excise Dept., the Customs, the Motor Traffic Dept., the Land Registry – Registrar Gen.’s Dept. will be expeditiously linked with the IRD via a network

Commence a permanent island-wide prog. to make public aware of fraud & corruption

Org. will be established to optimise State revenue

Permanent panel of 3 judges will be appointed to hear allegations of financial crimes, bribery & corruption. CIABOC cases will be resolved in 6 months, cases withdrawn by CIABOC & AG’s Dept. will be reviewed & re-filed where suitable

Our main policy is equal access to free edu. Giving people edu. is Govt.’s duty

Establish all encompassing, inclusive, complete school within 3 km radius

When we prepare our foreign policy, we have to consider our nat. interests & India’s nat. security & regional security

Won’t allow even a fingernail of someone who didn’t vote for us or who worked against us to be harmed’