Youth Dialogue: President addresses economic recovery, Starlink delays

President Ranil Wickremesinghe flanked by Chief-of-Staff Sagala Ratnayaka and Senior Advisor on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena at the meeting.

Participants at the Youth Dialogue forum 

In a bid to engage Sri Lanka’s youth in the nation’s future, the Presidential Secretariat hosted an insightful Youth Dialogue at the President’s House on Paget Road recently. The event featured President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Chief-of-Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena, and Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage, who collectively addressed critical national issues and future prospects.

Economic Recovery and Debt Concession

President Wickremesinghe provided an unvarnished update on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following a period of severe financial distress. He detailed the government’s strategy to secure debt concessions from foreign creditors, aimed at reducing the total debt burden and extending repayment timelines. The President expressed optimism, projecting a surplus in national debt from 2027 to 2042, signalling a positive fiscal trajectory for Sri Lanka.

Transition to an Export-Oriented Economy

Highlighting a strategic pivot from an import-reliant economy to one driven by exports, President Wickremesinghe emphasised the crucial role of enhancing agricultural practices. This shift is designed to bolster exports and establish a robust, self-reliant economy, vital for the nation’s sustained prosperity.

Starlink Initiative: Promises and Challenges

The discussion also turned to the much-anticipated Starlink initiative by Elon Musk, a project promising to revolutionise Internet connectivity in Sri Lanka. Starlink, now available for pre-order, aims to commence service in 2024 pending regulatory approval. Despite initial reports indicating progress, President Wickremesinghe and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka revealed that the project is currently on hold due to necessary regulatory adjustments and feasibility evaluations.

Participants eagerly questioned the timeline and integration measures for Starlink’s technology within Sri Lanka’s existing infrastructure. The President explained that while specific measures are still under review, the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has been tasked with leading a team of experts to assess the project’s viability. He reiterated the importance of adapting to technological advancements to propel the country forward.

A youth posing a question at the session.

The Youth Dialogue underscored President Wickremesinghe’s dedication to involving the younger generation in Sri Lanka’s reformative journey. By fostering open dialogue and encouraging active participation, the initiative aims to empower youth leaders to play a pivotal role in the country’s development. The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to remain engaged and contribute to shaping Sri Lanka’s future.

(The writer is the President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Fort for the Rotary year 2024/25 and a Freelance Journalist. He is known for his impactful communication strategies and leadership in community initiatives).