Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed that Sri Lanka target a $1 trillion economy by 2055. Speaking during a television interview, he noted that this would require the economy to grow ten-fold over the next 30 years. 

Wickremesinghe linked the goal to Asia’s rising global influence, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, and pointed out that India has set a comparable target for the same period.

The former President stressed the importance of economic integration with India to lift Sri Lanka out of its current fragile state. During his presidency from 2022 to 2024, his administration explored cooperation with India in renewable energy, agriculture, and connectivity, focusing on southern India. He argued that such partnerships are vital for long-term growth.

Wickremesinghe also criticised the National People’s Power (NPP) Government for halting the Adani Group’s renewable energy project in Mannar. The project, agreed upon during his tenure, involved Sri Lankan stakeholders and Indian investors. Wickremesinghe suggested that attempts to renegotiate it could discourage future large-scale investments.

On Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, he addressed the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. He explained that successful debt restructuring with international bondholders and bilateral creditors depends on IMF certification. He warned that abandoning the programme could lead to further economic difficulties, given the ongoing fallout from the crisis.