Former President and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged the government to update the public in the coming days on the progress of its ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking at a rally in Athurugiriya on October 28, he underscored the importance of transparency in significant decisions related to the IMF, noting that during his presidency, all major economic steps were communicated openly to the nation.
The rally was held in support of Colombo District candidates contesting under the New Democratic Front’s ‘Gas Cylinder’ symbol. Wickremesinghe highlighted the need for experienced leaders in Parliament, especially to manage economic recovery and sustainable development. The team, represented by veteran figures such as former Education Minister Susil Premajayantha and UNP representative Sagala Rathnayake, was described by Wickremesinghe as a qualified group with the expertise to guide the nation’s economic future.
Reflecting on his time as President, Wickremesinghe reminded attendees of his role in stabilizing the country during difficult times, assembling a capable economic team to bring normalcy within two years. He emphasized the strategic efforts made in 2022 to partner with the IMF, leading to notable progress in debt sustainability and a completed debt restructuring program.
Wickremesinghe outlined the process achieved under his administration, from initial domestic debt restructuring in 2023 to a preliminary agreement on bilateral debt with 18 creditor countries, culminating in the final steps completed on June 26 this year.