PM Wickremesinghe cautions harsher times ahead

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today presented to the general public the harsh reality of the status of the national economy and pointed out what is in store for the people and businesses in the coming months.

Sharing the country's economic conditions with absolutely no sugar coating, Premier Wickremesinghe cautioned that the current difficult time is about to get only worse in the coming months, despite efforts being rolled out to ease pressures.

Addressing the nation this evening, Wickremesinghe said in the short term Sri Lanka will have to face an even more difficult time period.

“There is a possibility that inflation will increase further…The next couple of months will be the most difficult ones of our lives. We must prepare ourselves to make some sacrifices and face the challenges of this period,” said Wickremesinghe, preparing the general public on the circumstances that lay ahead.

Acknowledging the current facts are “unpleasant and terrifying”, he said he has no desire to hide the truth and to lie to the public.

“…this is the true situation. For a short period, our future will be even more difficult than the tough times that we have passed. We will face considerable challenges and adversity,” the Prime Minister reiterated.

In an effort to provide some reassurance, Wickremesinghe said the harsh economic conditions will not remain for long, as foreign allies have pledged assistance.

“Therefore, we will have to patiently bear the next couple of months. However, we can overcome this situation. Doing so will require taking a new path,” he said.