“I believe Sri Lanka’s progress in recovering from its economic challenges is seen as a significant achievement, made possible by effective leadership and decisive actions taken by President Wickremasinghe,” he added.

Gunawardena noted that had there been a different political leader at the helm, the entire program could have been jeopardised.

He acknowledged President Wickremesinghe’s unwavering commitment to helping the country and its people overcome the darkest period of the economic crisis.

When questioned about why Sri Lanka did not obtain a higher facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) like some other countries, Gunawardena explained that Sri Lanka’s past behaviour with the IMF was a contributing factor.

“Sri Lanka had failed to fulfil its obligations under the IMF agreement on 16 occasions, which hindered the country’s ability to secure a higher facility,” he said. Nevertheless, Gunawardena acknowledged the progress made under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership in rebuilding trust and restoring economic stability.

Gunawardena also addressed opposition claims regarding the Domestic Debt Optimisation (DDO) and pointed to the stellar performance of the Colombo Stock Exchange on Tuesday as evidence that the Government’s actions were in the best interest of the country.

He emphasised the importance of viewing the issue as a national concern rather than from a purely political standpoint.

“As Sri Lanka continues its journey towards economic stability and growth, the Government’s commitment to addressing national concerns and prioritising the country’s interests over politics remains crucial. With steadfast leadership and sound policies, Sri Lanka aims to build a resilient and prosperous future for its citizens,” he stressed.

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