SJB braces for a challenging year

• Bringing economic stability to the nation is a huge task

By Yohan Perera   

 Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa will face challenges in  the New Year, but he will be okay as he has a strategically drawn plan  to overcome obstacles, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Tissa Attanayake  said yesterday.    

Responding to a question as to whether Mr. Premadasa will  be able to resolve the economic crisis faced by the nation, Mr.  Attanayake said bringing about economic stability is a very difficult  task. “Bringing economic stability to the nation is a huge task. However, we have plans. What we are looking at is to cut down expenditure  instead of imposing taxes,” Mr. Attanayake said.   

“Sajith will face challenges when it comes to presidential  elections as well. One will obviously face challenges when a number of  strong candidates contest the presidential elections. The three factors  which will be focused on next year’s presidential elections are the  leadership qualities, the team behind a candidate and policies. One who  gets all these factors correct will become the President,” he added.   

At the same time, Mr, Attanayake said presidential  elections depend on how incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe reads  the political situation. “Ranil will think of some strategy to avoid the presidential elections if he thinks he will not be able to win. He would  not have allowed Mr. Premadasa to contest the presidential elections if  he (Ranil) thought he could win. 

• We are looking at is to cut down expenditure  instead of imposing taxes