The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, per your answer, the dollar’s moves are temporary and will stabilize; I sincerely hope that proves true for the people.

¶ 02 On fuel, diesel is not a discretionary household good; it is used out of necessity. With over Rs. 100 per litre subsidy on diesel, the Government bears a cost. Since fuel imports and the exchange rate are linked, if possible, target relief to sectors like public transport rather than blanket subsidies. Also, vehicle imports have slowed since December–January, reducing Government revenue; there are concerns about excess LCs opened. Instead of across-the-board fuel subsidies—where a luxury car owner and a low-income earner both benefit—consider retargeting. Alternatively, consider temporarily restricting certain luxury imports. One of these approaches should be pursued.

¶ 03 On FDIs, we have discussed creating a Sri Lanka Development Fund—requiring at least US$ 200 million at inception. We need a mechanism to advance such proposals. On tourism, with regional tensions, we should devise strategies to attract tourists—including from India where outbound travel is rising. Let us discuss these beyond SO 27(2) time, and work together to avoid another economic crisis.