• Calls on ‘IMF affected’ countries to form a union

The presidential candidate of the United Socialist Party (USP), Siritunga Jayasuriya, urged the entire country to reject the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and World Bank (WB) programmes arguing that these initiatives are 'entrapping' the country's future under the guise of the economic crisis.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (4), Jayasuriya highlighted the negative consequences faced by countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, which have relied heavily on international organisations instead of seeking domestic solutions. "Many countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan are facing adverse consequences of depending on such international organisations rather than a domestic solution," he stated.

Jayasuriya emphasised the need for collective action among affected nations. "Those countries must get together, form a union and work for 'collective bargaining' with those organisations," he said. He said that he believes in a united front could help negotiate more favourable terms and conditions.

He further noted that the public is becoming increasingly aware of the negative impacts of these programmes. "Most of the people have now understood the consequences of these programmes," Jayasuriya observed. Amid this growing awareness, he suggested, it should lead to a re-evaluation of the country's reliance on external financial support.

Jayasuriya also called on political leaders to exercise greater responsibility when engaging with international organisations. "Political leaders of the country should be responsible when working with such organisations and not do everything these organisations ask to do," he asserted. He stressed the importance of making decisions that prioritise the welfare of the citizens over the interests of external entities.