National Intellectuals’ Organisation Backs Government’s Economic Management, Highlights Transport Reforms

The National Intellectuals’ Organisation has expressed support for the government’s economic management and ongoing development initiatives, while highlighting proposed improvements to the country’s public transport system.

Speaking at a media briefing, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma said the organisation would celebrate its anniversary on October 31, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expected to attend as the chief guest.

Kumarapperuma said the organisation was established to contribute to the country’s economic and political processes and promote effective governance. It brought together professionals from several fields to contribute to national policymaking and administration, he said.

He added that the organisation decided to support the National People’s Power (NPP) in 2019, and that several individuals associated with the organisation now represent the movement in Parliament.

Transport Reforms and Railway Modernisation

Kumarapperuma identified transport as one of the country’s longstanding challenges and said improvements were being made to the public transport system.

He pointed to the modernisation of the railway network and the introduction of technology into transport services as part of the government’s development agenda.

He also referred to plans to develop the Kelani Valley railway line into a double-track system and proposals involving elevated railway infrastructure extending towards Maharagama.

Kumarapperuma said the aim was to make it easier for people to travel into urban areas using public transport. He added that political engagement was helping advance these initiatives and that the organisation intended to continue contributing to governance and national development.

He invited the public to attend the organisation’s anniversary celebration on October 31.

Economist Defends Government’s Fiscal Management

Professor Seetha Bandara of the Department of Economics at the University of Kelaniya defended the government’s economic management, saying strict financial discipline was being maintained.

She argued that the country’s economic recovery efforts were continuing under a team of professionals and said the government was working to rebuild an economy that had previously faced severe difficulties.

Using a medical analogy, Bandara said the country had been taken over when it was in intensive care and was now gradually moving towards recovery.

She acknowledged that not every government decision should automatically be considered correct but said the organisation would continue supporting the administration while monitoring its performance.

Tourism, Foreign Remittances and Reserves

Bandara also highlighted tourism development, foreign remittances and foreign exchange reserves as indicators of the country’s economic position.

She claimed that tourism had recorded significant development and referred to foreign remittance inflows exceeding eight million, although the currency and measurement period were not specified in the information provided.

She further stated that Sri Lanka had approximately US$7 billion in foreign reserves, arguing that these resources would help the country respond to future economic challenges.

Bandara said the government was focusing on tax administration, revenue management and financial discipline to strengthen the economy and prepare for potential difficulties.

She added that the government hoped to provide further relief to the public over the next three years, as improvements in several sectors continued.

The organisation, she said, intended to keep monitoring the government’s performance while extending its support to initiatives it considered beneficial to the country.

Other Representatives at the Briefing

Sameera Alwis, convenor of the Banking and Finance Forum, and Priyantha Sangakkara, a former member of the Matale District and an adviser to the organisation, were also mentioned among the representatives associated with the briefing.

The organisation reiterated its intention to contribute to governance, economic recovery and national development through professional engagement and continued cooperation with the government.