• Local agents of these forces are still active
• Protests taking place in the nation sponsored by them

 By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

An international force is behind Sri Lanka’s economy and this force is still active, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told Parliament yesterday.  Speaking during the second reading debate in the House, he said the local agents of these forces are still active.  “It was they who sponsor protests that are taking place in the nation. Their action affects the tourism sector which has begun to recover,” the former PM said.  

“Some are questioning the defence allocation. I would like to tell them that a country’s defence is more important than anything else. We will not allow the nation’s security to be at stake,” he added.  

“The budget 2023 is a giant leap to stabilize the economy though it does not fulfil aspirations of some sectors. The emphasis made on the youth in the budget is welcome. Loss-making state enterprises should be re-structured. However we are of the view that profit making enterprises should be safeguarded. We are against selling off national assets to foreign forces,” he also said. 

• Budget 2023 is a giant leap to stabilize the economy though it does not fulfil aspirations of some sectors