• Some countries are amazed at how Sri Lanka had gone into the path to recovery in such a short time 

By Yohan Perera and Rohana Chandradasa   
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have sought advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on stabilizing their economies though he is often attacked by National People’s Power (NPP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) , UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.   
“World leaders respect our President though opposition parties such as NPP and SJB attack the President. However he is accepted worldwide. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have sought Mr.Wickremesinghe’s advice on stabilizing their economies. Some countries are amazed on how Sri Lanka had gone into the path to recovery in such a short time .,” Mr. Wijewardene said during the UNP Bala Mandala meeting at Anuradhapura.   
“We have heard NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioning President Wickremesinghe’s foreign travel. He often meets world leaders to get assistance to develop our country,” he said.   
“The opposition leader is going about distributing buses to schools while the other opposition party NPP is bringing busloads of people to their rallies. Who is funding them to undertake these activities? Are they getting funds from international sources,” he questioned.   
Mr. Wijewardene told the party activists to get ready for a presidential elections this year. UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara and Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam also indicated that Mr. Wickremesinghe will be running for presidency this year. A resolution was also adopted by the UNP Anuradhapura Bala Mandalaya to this effect.