The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Then I will use three more minutes.

¶ 02 I appreciate Minister Nalin Bandara Jayatissa’s candour in saying Government cannot meet all pay demands via strikes. There are fewer strikes now, and fewer processions; yet investments are still not coming at the pace needed. Facilitate Sinopec and others—you cannot refuse everyone.

¶ 03 Minister Lalkantha says all of us must take responsibility for the collapse. Then do not curse the “76-year blight”; instead, de-politicize economics and follow policy. Convert youths into entrepreneurs, not protesters.

¶ 04 On rice: we are still importing; let SMEs produce 4,000 units of 50,000 kg each at a total cost of Rs. 250 billion with facilitation to transform them into investors.

¶ 05 When IMF’s Gita Gopinath visited, the President said “Sri Lanka is on track for debt-servicing capability by 2028”—good. He also said, “We will lay the foundation for self-reflecting economic growth”—good. Dr. Gopinath said: “This time, be different. Let this be the last IMF programme in Sri Lanka.” That means tough decisions now, sustained.

¶ 06 Bankers say a reform agenda is absolutely important—more than stability alone. Productivity must rise: for paddy, yields are 4,500–5,000 kg/ha here vs. 7,500 kg in India/Thailand; a 30–35% productivity gap raises unit costs and erodes profitability.

¶ 07 In closing: the Fiscal Management (Responsibility) framework provides a path, but data discipline and leadership are vital. Do not leave it only to officials. Generals must lead, not soldiers alone. Today’s legal rigidity is stifling discretion; enable officials, but hold them accountable. Let us pursue practical, growth-oriented reforms and move forward together. Thank you.