• Says focus should be given to humanity and dignity

Crisis-ridden Sri Lanka needs to create a wealth-creation economy which is integrated with humanity and dignity, said Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva at the Economic Summit –The Blueprint last evening (14).

“(Sri Lanka) needs to create a dollar-generating economy. However, it is not enough to create wealth. Humanity needs to be there as well. The generated wealth needs to be distributed among people fairly.” 

His speech followed that of Kabir Hashim who presented the economic reforms of Sri Lanka from 1948 to date, where he said despite the criticism of the economic reforms during the J.R. Jayewardene presidency, it has reduced poverty among Sri Lankans. 

Elaborating, de Silva said that some only talk about markets and a few others only talk about socialism. However, equitable distribution and equal opportunity need to be incorporated into the country to overcome the crisis. 

He also recalled the statement made by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, which raised questions and criticism of working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He clarified saying that an SJB Government would join forces with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), nevertheless and the party has already presented the programme. 

“It states that we (SJB) are not ready to agree with everything. Above all, we need to understand the difficulties of our people more than the IMF. That is what we try to do, to create an economy with humanity where people can live happily.” 

Speaking to the media recently, de Silva stated that SJB would go ahead with the IMF, following a revision of the 36% tax rate on personal income tax and 30% on corporate profit tax on exporters, clarifying the “misinterpreted” statement of Premadasa.