Sarvajana Balaya Questions Government’s Economic Claims and Lack of Foreign Investment

Dr Chaminda Mallalasekara, chairman of the Association of Professional Academics and Sarvajana Balaya’s Senkadagala electorate organiser, has questioned the government’s economic claims, particularly statements about the country’s foreign currency situation.

Speaking at a Sarvajana Balaya media briefing, he said it was a serious concern that, two years after coming to power, the President was still identifying a shortage of US dollars as a major problem.

Mallalasekara pointed out that another minister had reportedly claimed at the same event that Sri Lanka ranked among the world’s four most developed economies. He criticised what he described as contradictory statements from government representatives speaking on the same platform.

Referring to a statement reportedly made by the President in Nikaweratiya that the country’s main problem was its shortage of dollars, Mallalasekara questioned why the issue remained unresolved after two years.

He recalled that people had previously spent long hours in fuel queues because of the foreign currency shortage, arguing that the continued emphasis on the same issue raised serious questions about the country’s economic progress.

Calls for Foreign Investment and Tourism Development

Mallalasekara said Sri Lanka needed more foreign direct investment to strengthen its economy. He also claimed that the tourism sector, which had previously performed well, was now experiencing a decline.

He argued that the country could not rebuild its economy without attracting foreign investors and improving its ability to generate foreign exchange.

Referring to the country’s past experience during the war, he said people had not gone hungry despite the conflict, which also required substantial foreign currency expenditure to purchase military equipment.

Comments on Gnanasara Thera’s Prison Treatment

Mallalasekara also addressed the controversy surrounding the treatment of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera in prison.

He questioned the government’s claims of eliminating corruption, referring to reports emerging from the prison system.

While acknowledging that the monk had been sentenced by a court, Mallalasekara argued that prison authorities could have avoided causing difficulties regarding his religious robes.

He stressed that the removal of the monk’s robes was a separate concern, adding that the case did not involve an allegation of murder, rape or robbery.

His remarks reflected concerns raised by some political figures over the treatment of the monk while serving his prison sentence.