Will stabilise the dollar; ensure continuous gas, fuel supply: AKD

16 September 2024 10:49 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 75 Bookmark

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Colombo, September 16 (Daily Mirror)- Claiming that independent Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe was striking fear among the people by threatening of the re-emergence of gas, fuel and electricity crisis if he is not elected, NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that an NPP government will ensure the continuous supply of gas, fuel and electricity while stabilising the US dollar in relation to the Sri Lankan rupee.

Speaking at a rally in Akuressa, Dissanayake said the NPP has plans to increase the dollar reserve while protecting it by stopping unwanted imports.

“A country without gas, fuel and electricity was created by them. Ranil now says there will be a shortage of gas and fuel if he is not re-elected and the US dollar will appreciate against the Sri Lankan rupee. The NPP government will take on the challenge of supplying fuel, electricity and gas. Ranil has been in Parliament for 47 years, Mahinda Rajapaksa for 54 years and Dinesh Gunawardane for 41 years. You all will have to go now. The NPP will take on the responsibility of developing the country,” he said.

Dissanayake said governments so far have had no plans to develop the dollar earning sources and protect the dollar reserves.

“We will assure you that the country will receive record foreign remittances under an NPP government. We have received the highest remittances of USD 6.2 billion so far. We will ensure that it will increase to USD 8 to 9 billion a year,” he said.

He said dollar earning sources such as the tourism sector, the gem and tea industries will be developed under an NPP government.

“We will develop the tourism sector to increase USD 8 billion by attracting tourists to the highest arrivals of 2.3 million to 4 million a year. We will increase our IT economy from USD 1.2 billion to 5 billion a year. We will also develop the tea industry by promoting export of end-products rather than bulk tea,” he said and added that “Our dollar reserves depleted because we used our dollars to import things such as kankun, eggs, cement, sugar etc. We will not use dollar reserves to import things we can produce here.”

Comments - 75

Roger Monday, 16 September 2024 11:29 PM

Now you are sounding like every politician who are making election promises This is definitely not a plan No thought to the process only talk Sorry now you make these false promises I am more inclined not to vote for you Please let us know what steps you are taking example we struggle to cater to 2 M tourists plus a year at the airport Now you want to make it 4 M tourists overnight Please do not loose your credibility by making election promises

11 49

Man Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:09 AM

Credibility as the failed agriculture minister with Chandrika and as the failed Chief against corruption, under Maithree?

9 43

Fact Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:11 PM

Another Gota in the making ,i hope our foolish people will not do the same miracle again by brining Gota 2. Only Ranil is suitable from the lot though he is old none other is capable of delivering

0 7

Communism is knocking on your door Monday, 16 September 2024 11:44 PM

"Speaking at a rally in Akuressa, Dissanayake said the NPP has plans to increase the dollar reserve while PROTECTING IT BY STOPPING UNWANTED IMPORTS". Lol!! Well folks, Good luck! You'll need it!

9 53

Shelliah Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:29 AM

Ja Man correct we need challenging all factors, its not a problem last 75 years they don’t do and now talking about the same things they did last 75 years.

1 18

G.B.S. Hewarala Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:56 AM

Let it float, don't ever forcefully "stabilize", no matter who comes to power, those are A,B,C of international trade.

0 32

Ganesh Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:01 AM

Action speaks louder than empty words. You will have a very short time to deliver else the NPP too will end up like the one who said we did it the best.

1 36

Cheers Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:18 AM

These fellows cooked aragalaya with false propaganda hoodwinking people and taking the country backwards and violating the democracy and they should be treated the same if they come to power within 1 month so they understand what democracy is a about

5 35

Big Joke Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:29 AM

Can you please mention what are the "unwanted imports"? If we stop importing eggs cement and sugar do you know what will happen to its prices? It will go through the roof. What will happen to the construction of homes for people? Please don't be a fool and don't think others are bigger fools than you are.

2 40

Lkf Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:34 AM

NPP leader must reconsider his statements on tourism. It is revenue only and a loss income. In 85% import economy like S L and on borrowed money, tourism is sustaining imported inflation where the energy requirement alone to sustain tourism is 82%. The day SL is self sufficient in it' s energy requirements and covering the accomodation sector in full, then only, we can talk about, that tourism is a plus account. It is better to be realistic. Look to your energy providing raw material. You will be talking sense.

0 29

Ravi Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:35 AM

It's easier said than done machan

3 37

Mk Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:58 AM

The dollar is stabilised already

5 38

Sam Silva Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:09 AM

We saw how you distributed gas and fuel after the aragalya. The dollar was great.

2 30

Chris Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:30 PM

All the damn tuk tuk and bike fellows in their malima now are the scum who were selling for 3000 /- a liter. Now talking like saints.

1 15

Sam Silva Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:16 AM

We will, we will and we will. To do all what you have stated, you need to generate our economy to a greater level and paying back all our debts in billions. It is not a one shot deal here but growth of economy to the level what you intend to. It will very good information if you could explain your agenda.

3 27

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:59 AM

Just say how? How would you do that? Probably by taking over expats deposits?

5 36

DK Tuesday, 17 September 2024 03:16 PM

This is exactly what is being overlooked by the gullible backing this lot believing the pie in the sky promises without questioning how they intend delivering on their promises. This is an outfit capable of protesting and nothing else. If they were that smart on governance, why on earth did they not come forward when the country was on its knees and they were offered the Presidency on a platter.

0 9

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 03:02 AM

Did you win already? Who is your FM?

5 35

Fortune Teller Tuesday, 17 September 2024 03:16 AM

Foreign remittance can dwindle to a trickle in the present uncertain world economic conditions. Especially, where people are loosing jobs all over the world. For this fool to promise people of solving all foreign exchange is like 'a pie in the sky' story. Although he has some great ideas of developing the nation. No nation can successfully be developed while alienating a sect or group of people. His recipe for success should have Plan A, Plan B C..E. By this I do not say others will do it any better. Only time will tell!

1 31

Wera Tuesday, 17 September 2024 03:34 AM

You have a Rs 4000 Billion gap between your expenditure and revenue. If you do not renege on your promises and lower the expenditure and keep the tax levels as they are The IMF will withdraw its support. Just mouthing words I will do this and I will do that when you never ran a country before is the work of a joker.

1 40

Man Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:23 AM

As the agriculture minister under Chandrika, could not do any tangible thing. He ran away like Gota. What positive results AKD brought as the Agriculture minister or as the Chief of committee appointed by My3 to file cases against culprits whom the NPP accuse? Nothing at all. Heading for greater misery unlike any other time as Gota Part II.

1 12

Gamini Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:22 AM

He has not even run a tea boutique in his entire life, and talks of how to run a country-foundation for Aragalaya-2

0 10

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 03:36 AM

No need to worry. All Sri Lankan intellects will assist NPP with developing our nation.

28 38

Kavinda Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:07 PM

Tissa- Very happy that you have understood

1 0

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:08 PM

It is probably a NPP appointed imposter. Not me. I will never be a fool.

0 3

Ram P Tuesday, 17 September 2024 05:49 AM

Some of your past comrades make irresponsible statements and that must be stopped. All what you say can be easily done if corruption is brought down to Zero

2 15

Man Tuesday, 17 September 2024 06:04 AM

By (i) Collecting 500 US $ each from Sri Lankan's who have migrated or abroad. (ii) Printing money (SL) resulting inflation (iii) Sell whatever available (iv) Take over all the Fixed deposits of Sri Lankans. (v) Money that swindled or illegally earned, to be made legal for using for government expenses. (vi) Devolution of Judicial power to carders with dispute resolution councils, like in 1988-90. (vii) Allowing loans for public without any guarantor so that the depositors will have no money in their accounts.

3 21

lion Tuesday, 17 September 2024 06:05 AM

well said Anura, we know unlike other politicians your intentions and actions are always to help the people. After your Sirasa interweave I have spoken to some doctors and most of them are in the view of giving their vote for AKD.

33 6

End of Ranil and the Capitalists Tuesday, 17 September 2024 06:48 AM

Ranil and the capitalists ruined our nation since independence. The rulers who ruled us usurped the wealth of our nation. The same rulers were docile in front of the western powers. These are some of the catchy slogans the JVP guys expound. Since these statements garner no more support, the NPP has come up with lame statements that have become ludicrous. Ranil, thanks to his gallant and visionary leadership has stabilised the economy with the assistance of the IMF programme. There are no queues for essentials. There is continuous supply of gas, medicine, fuel, food, etc. So, what is there for the AKD to ensure continuous supply of these items? Do they have any plans to develop the county further? Always making statements like "we will", "we can" "we will so". Ayyo, AKD!

3 39

Mahen Tuesday, 17 September 2024 06:55 AM

Words, words and words. Poll Pot also talked like this in Cambodia. AKD and his JVP cabal may say anything to swindle the people. There aren't any solid plan to revive the economy in the JVP(NPP) manifest. It is damn easy to criticize the action taken by the previous governments lead by rogue politicians. However, words of a Marxist do not attract any investors to develop a country like Sri Lanka. He may attempt to hoodwink the people by quoting the achievements made by China and Vietnam, unfortunately this man is not even welcome by these two countries as no one wants to encourage emergence of another "Pol Pot" in Sri Lanka.

4 30

AJ Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:02 AM

For more than 5 decades,JVP members not have been giving government opportunities, How are you going to rectifying this,

3 18

Jude Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:02 AM

Stop unnecessary imports.!! Start joint venture partners with Indian automobile industry to assemble Indian automobile!!. Increase to exorbitant tariffs for all other automobile imports. Start producing cement locally. Revive Oruwala Iron and kelani Tire factories.

5 8

saliya Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:26 AM

How can you do that with constant trade union disruption sponsored by these Marxist. If you want to develop the nation and grow these trade unions business must STOP

0 5

Return please Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:09 AM

RW, please return the Central Bank BOND SCAM money. With this money, we can buy GAS for several years.

25 5

kalpana Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:27 AM

what bond scam money are you talking of? There never was anu such money in this country. Do you even know how a bond works?

1 7

You can't punish a person twice Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:53 AM

@Return please You goddamn idiot! It was already done.

1 7

THE MAJORITY ARE PUTTING THEIR FAITH IN YOU AND YOUR TEAM, YOU CAN DO IT ANURA WITH THE HELP OF HONEST REPUTABLE MEN AND WEMON AND WHAT EVER YOU DO, DO NOT GO BACK TO THE JVP DAYS, IT WILL BE YOUR DO Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:36 AM

ANURA SHOULD TURN POLTRY FARMIMG INTO SMALL BUSINESS FARMING, WHERE THE POOR AND LESS FORTUNATE IN VILLAGES OTHER AREAS CAN PRODUCE FOR OUR LOCAL CONSUMPTION. FREE SUPPLY OF EX AMOUNT OF CHICKS TOGETHER WITH A COCKBIRD AND HEN AND FREE FEED TO GET THEM ON THEIR FEET, COLOMBO AND OUTSKIRTS SHOULD BE MEANS TESTED IF REQUIRED. GET THE MARKETS AND SUPER MARKETS TO DONATE PRODUCE THAT END UP IN LAND FILL, SO THAT THE POOR CAN HAVE A FEW FOOD BANKS FOR THE POOR IN THE MOST POOR AREAS. VILLAGE SCHOOLS INCLUDING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN POOR AREAS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE LEVEL OF ALL SCHOOLS RUN IN THE COUNTRY.

6 3

SLEx Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:40 AM

Yes, you will do everything. But how you will do it is not said. Everything regarding reservers and stabilisation of the rupee has already been done. 2 years ago also Mahinda and Ranil were in parliament for over 40 years. But you didnt take it from them then, why? Thought they would fail and you could swoop in?

2 18

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:53 AM

Already done? Joking? Without paying loans and interest? Only way to succeed is increase growth (generate income) via exports and taxes. This can be done by producing more and increasing services value. These vital aspects were neglected during past two years. NPP will do it for sure IMO.

6 2

SLEx Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:35 PM

We are recovering from an economic crisis unless you have forgotten the state of our country 2 years back. You do not build a bridge before building the supporting structure. Whats the point of increasing services and exports if majority of the people cannot afford necessities? Now that its somewhat stabilised, they can finally begin aiming for growth instead of aiming to stabilise. Also, will you pay off a bank loan if you are broke and they have given a 5 year grace period to start paying? Same idea here.

0 3

DOT Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:44 AM

How ?

1 18

Panduka Dasanayake Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:22 AM

Onward Lanka!

4 1

Professor at MBS - Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne). Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:25 AM

AKD's proposals appear to be largely anecdotal, lacking a coherent plan or strategic framework for governing the country and managing the economy effectively. His economic policies, as currently presented, seem impractical and unfeasible. Should AKD assume office, there is a substantial risk that the economic conditions in Sri Lanka could deteriorate to a point of irreversibility, potentially surpassing the challenges faced in 2022. It is imperative to make an informed and prudent voting decision to safeguard the nation's economic stability. Professor at MBS - Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne).

4 26

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:44 AM

If you’re a professor you should be able to understand the economic policies, if you have listened to AKD’s speeches and NPP policies. You say you doubt AKD’s policies but where have previous economic policies taken SL? NPP model is simple, enforce Law and Order, let markets function as they should with minimal government intervention, government to only provide laws, data and ease of doing business. Allow state institutions to operate independently without political interference. SL has enough human and business talent to do the rest. Isn’t this what they do in Australia? You can also partake in the economy by either providing your expertise or investing AUD.

8 3

Sunil Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:37 PM

NPP has a bright team of economic experts and they are also willing to listen to other experts. People have no choice but vote for NPP because other parties will spur economic growth, fraud, corruption, lawlessness, nepotism. So, no use voting for those with proven record of fraud over 76 years.

11 3

Dumb and inexperienced Wednesday, 18 September 2024 08:48 AM

Exactly, look what happened to Maldives after the new president came to power. The country which was flourishing with tourists is now going down the drain thanks to inexperienced leader who thought he was right. Who can say what might happen to the economy of this country if inexperienced AKD comes to power?

0 1

Liberal One Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:26 AM

The main source of dollar depletion is social handouts. The more you give people free rupees the more dollar imports it creates. Nobody get's it.

0 21

Sri Lankan Citizen Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:43 AM

Please state "how". Unfortunately, none of your promises provide details on how they will be achieved.

2 22

Yohan Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:52 AM

Lol. A talker without a plan. Hardly any experience as a minister. Not done anything significant to the people as an opposition mp since 2000. Cannot speak, read or write at least basic english. Has comedians like hadun and lal in his team. A joker nothing else.

4 30

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:00 AM

Humorous comment ha? Satisfied yourself?

17 4

Man Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:20 AM

@ Dilakshan Senevirathna; What positive results AKD brought as the Agriculture minister or as the Chief of committee appointed by My3 to file cases against culprits whom the NPP accuse? Nothing at all. Heading for greater misery unlike any other time as Gota Part II.

0 8

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:31 AM

Foolish comment from this guy again. Flash in the pan, knows nothing, doesn’t understand what AKD says. Doesn’t know history, simply mouthing off.

8 4

Sam Silva Tuesday, 17 September 2024 05:40 PM

Dilak Seems you have become the spoke person for jvp know as akd. Keep on doing it and you will find out who they are sooner than later. Good luck!

1 4

Designer clothes but No job Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:02 AM

One who has no experience running a Petti Kade, is planning to stabilize the economy. Welcome Mr No Job.

5 24

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:28 AM

Cheap below the belt comment of no value to anyone.

8 2

Make SL Great Again Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:02 AM

That’s expected of any Leader to ensure sufficient essentials are available for the population at large all the time. You have to ensure Rule of Law is practiced at all levels of your team and anyone involved with illegal activities must be TERMINATED AT ONCE. Need to send a clear message to the party members that you mean business and it wasn’t easy to convince the general population to vote you into office if you are the candidate people desire this coming weekend. Best of Luck and Make Sri Lanka Great Again!

3 10

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:27 AM

Previous leaders never lived up to expectations, they didn’t have the political will to do so, instead they and their followers started looting. Law and order for everyone, including themselves is required and AKD will deliver, he is well aware that he has to.

7 1

Jude Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:29 AM

Even the dollar value could be stabilized with the control of supply and demand of dollars. Right now demand for dollar in low ebb Coz for the last 4 years government haven't repaid any debt. Then IMPORTS ARE CURTAILED. Inflow of dollars are Good due to overseas workers remittance and encouraging tourists arrivals.

1 7

Terrence K Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:01 AM

@Jude remember it is not that easy to stabilize the control of dollars by supply and demand only. We have to understand the country scenario with 22mn which is to a major part dependent on imports and in those circumstances it will be scarcities as our country has not matured to an exporting country except for a few items. The same happened during Sirimavo Bandarnaike's time with many scarcities of basics of rice, bread queues etc, What Anura is talking is some bullshit with his gola balayas who think they wield a magic wand in a dream of utopia. Also the composition of the bureaucracy consists of multi party and definitely it is not easy for Anura to reign them although he is in a dream world. Good judgement should prevail to counter the freedom we have in democracy otherwise it will be a lost world for this country!!!!!!

1 16

FAHIM Mufakkir Mutazillah ( Fahim reasons) Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:03 AM

In the upcoming Sri Lankan Presidential Election of 2024, selecting the most suitable candidate is crucial for the nation’s future. Voters must evaluate the candidates' ability to present tangible financial solutions. The ideal candidate should provide clear data and identify reliable sources of funding to address two critical areas: servicing the national debt and managing the country’s fiscal obligations over the next five years. This includes ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term economic stability. Furthermore, the candidate must have a well-defined strategy to allocate funds for the annual budget in alignment with national priorities, promoting economic growth. Once these financial pillars are in place, the President can work effectively with the Prime Minister and their cabinet to address other pressing governance issues.

0 16

Keppa Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:05 AM

Stabilize LKR, Federal Reserve will take care of the dollar.

0 7

Lakshman maddumahewa Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:09 AM

U can be utilised 6 billion US$ RW SAVED until second aragalaya commence. I hope u will not a same happen like Gaddafi libiya.

1 12

Chris Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:29 AM

OMG this joker. God save us.

1 5

Gamini Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:20 AM

D you seriously expect these failed Marxist to understand that

0 4

LankanLover Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:47 AM

I cant wait until September 22 2024, This is so interesting, the fate of Sri Lanka will be decided on that particular day for another 5 years :)

0 3

LankanLover Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:47 AM

I cant wait until September 22 2024, This is so interesting, the fate of Sri Lanka will be decided on that particular day for another 5 years :)

0 2

LankanLover Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:47 AM

I cant wait until September 22 2024, This is so interesting, the fate of Sri Lanka will be decided on that particular day for another 5 years :)

0 2

LankanLover Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:47 AM

I cant wait until September 22 2024, This is so interesting, the fate of Sri Lanka will be decided on that particular day for another 5 years :)

0 2

sam Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:15 PM

Corrupt are not happy with AKD.

3 2

Don't blame others for your own incompetence Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:37 PM

AKD's 76 year curse saying is basically 'Natanna Bari Kenata polawa adai' type of saying.

0 4

Modapala Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:11 PM

If you stabilise dollar give continuoud gas fuel supply as you say Rs.100 or so people will become lazy to work like Mrs.B gave 2 free kilo rice per person

0 3

Practical Citizen Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:14 PM

How is it possible without going ahead with the IMF agreement that facilitated by Ranil Wickramasinghe

1 3

Bandara Gamaga Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:40 PM

How? AKD no understanding of how economy works. There will be capital flight people will move their money overseas, rupee will depreciate. Playback of 2022.

1 6

Lost Lankan Tuesday, 17 September 2024 04:10 PM

AKD rightly said continuous GAS supply where is the cylinder? Please vote for cylinder to have continuous gas supply. Jaya Wewa bros.

0 2

Bernard Jayatilake Tuesday, 17 September 2024 04:22 PM

Peace loving people are concerned with the re-energence of the JVP, its symbol the Bell and its real color, Red in the event the NPP candidate wins the election and such a scenario cannot be ruled out as the old JVP is now only cognito. temporarily taken over by its new name and symbol only until the election is over.

0 1

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