• In his speech at the conference, Cabraal has briefed Sri Lanka’s current economic situation and had palmed the blame on the former Government for the prevailing crisis
• We are here to discuss the present crisis and propose solutions to overcome the challenges. However, this is not a time to play the blame game

 By Sheain Fernandopulle  

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressed his apologies to former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the All Party Conference over the remarks made by Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in which he accused the former government for the present crisis. 

In his speech at the conference, Cabraal has briefed Sri Lanka’s current economic situation and had palmed the blame on the former Government for the prevailing crisis.
Responding to the remarks, UNP Leader Wickremesinghe expressed his displeasure and slammed Cabraal for making such a statement.

“This conference was convened by you (President Gotabaya) at the request made by the SLFP. I made my appearance upon a request made by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva who insisted me to attend the conference because of the old friendship,” he said.

“Accordingly, we are here to discuss the present crisis and propose solutions to overcome the challenges. However, this is not a time to play the blame game,” he added. Former Prime Minister proceeded to say that he regretted seeing that the Central Bank Governor had started his speech by saying that “the present crisis is due to the shortcomings of the former Government.”

“If we are to drag this issue, it will end in the era of King Vijaya,” Wickremesinghe added.

Subsequently, President Gotabaya apologized to Mr. Wickremesinghe saying that “my apology if you are hurt.”

The All-Party Conference (APC) convened by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was held yesterday at the President's House with the participation of representatives of respective parties.
However, several parties including SJB and JVP decided to boycott the APC.