President Emphasizes the North’s Strong Economic Potential for Nationwide Growth
President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the economic challenges faced by the people of the Northern Province, including Jaffna, for an extended period. He emphasized the untapped economic potential in the region that could be leveraged for growth.
The President mentioned the government’s plans to capitalize on these opportunities to enhance the economic landscape of the entire country, with a specific focus on the Northern Province.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe shared these insights during a meeting with scholars, professionals, and entrepreneurs from the Jaffna district, held today (02) at the Valampuri Hotel in Jaffna.
He stressed the necessity of a new economic and political system to prevent the collapse of the country’s economy and governance, cautioning against repeated mistakes made in the past due to unsustainable promises and borrowing practices.
Addressing the need for urgent resolution of the ethnic conflict, President Wickremesinghe underlined the importance of treating all individuals equally, irrespective of ethnicity or religion, while also advocating for gender equality.
Furthermore, the President emphasized the significance of promoting the Tamil language alongside Sinhala, emphasizing the potential opportunities for Tamil-speaking Sri Lankans in the impending economic growth of Tamil Nadu.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe expanded on these points, stating,
“Historically, there was a commitment to impose specific tax levels under an IMF program. However, subsequent government actions led to tax reductions, resulting in reduced revenue and the withdrawal of the IMF from the program. We must avoid repeating this error and usher in a new political era aligned with economic growth.”
Highlighting the necessity for capable leadership and a revamped political framework, the President urged a collective effort to address the ethnic conflicts promptly and promote holistic development across all provinces.
President Wickremesinghe outlined strategies to empower provincial councils for regional progress, uplift Jaffna’s economic landscape, and foster integration between the central and provincial government structures.
He underscored the potential in renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture sectors in Jaffna, along with plans for investment zones and infrastructure development to spur economic growth and connectivity with India.
Concluding with an invitation for collective action towards a new Sri Lanka, the President encouraged professionals and leaders to steer the nation towards a prosperous future.
The event saw active participation from notable figures such as Northern Province Governor P. S. M. Charles, State Ministers Dr. Suren Raghavan and K. Kader Masthan, MP Angajan Ramanathan, and other distinguished guests, with engaging discussions on the country’s development trajectory.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by the people of the Northern Province, particularly in Jaffna, and highlighted the untapped economic potential in the region. He emphasized the need for a new economic and political system to prevent past mistakes and promote equality among ethnic and religious groups. The President also stressed the importance of developing Jaffna and the Northern Province, including giving more power to provincial councils for regional development. Wickremesinghe outlined plans for economic growth, including investment zones and infrastructure development, and encouraged collaboration for a better future for Sri Lanka.
