Ranil Wickremesinghe Criticizes Government for Investment Stagnation
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticizes the NPP government for failing to secure foreign investments, notably the USD 700 million Adani project, which he claims is crucial for economic recovery. Concurrently, alarming statistics about adolescents not attending school and initiatives like the Coral Reef Protection Project at the Hambantota International Port showcase the pressing issues and efforts towards sustainable development. Additionally, discussions between Sri Lanka and Australia are set to enhance bilateral relations.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has criticized the current government for not advancing large-scale foreign investments, specifically highlighting the halted USD 700 million Adani project. He emphasized the necessity of this investment for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, mentioning additional potential projects in Trincomalee could contribute nearly USD 500 million more. The former President lamented that over a billion dollars in investments are currently suspended, significantly hindering economic progress.
During an appearance on Ada Derana’s ‘@Hydepark,’ Wickremesinghe expressed his concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s ambiguous position on foreign investments, particularly regarding commitments outlined in the 2023 Indo-Sri Lanka Vision Document. He noted the embarrassment faced when informing Indian business representatives about the status of these projects and warned that prolonged delays could jeopardize economic relations with India, a crucial partner for future investments.
Wickremesinghe asserted that attracting Indian investments is pivotal, citing that as India’s economy flourishes, other investors will follow suit. He articulated the vision of building a trillion-dollar economy for Sri Lanka, calling for significant reforms to facilitate growth and prevent poverty.
In a separate report, a concerning statistic was revealed showing that approximately 29% of Sri Lanka’s adolescents, nearly 3.5 million young individuals, are currently not attending school. This information emerged from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey, which assessed the health behaviors of high school students, revealing alarming trends in substance abuse and poor dietary choices.
Furthermore, the Hambantota International Port has launched a Coral Reef Protection Project aimed at preserving and studying the coral species flourishing around the port. Through eco-conscious policies, the port has fostered a sanctuary for diverse coral species, emphasizing environmental sustainability as a core tenet of its operations.
Plans for official discussions between Sri Lanka and Australia on bilateral relations and strategic maritime dialogue are set for late March. The meetings will focus on various aspects of collaboration, ranging from political engagement to economic partnerships and tourism.
These developments underscore ongoing challenges and initiatives within Sri Lanka, highlighting the need for strategic actions to secure economic growth and educational engagement for its youth.
In summary, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has raised critical concerns over Sri Lanka’s failure to secure significant foreign investments, particularly the stalled Adani project. This issue emphasizes the need for urgent reforms to attract funding for economic growth. Concurrently, alarming statistics regarding adolescent educational disengagement and environmental conservation efforts illustrate the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. Overall, these matters underline the importance of strategic partnerships and sustainable development for Sri Lanka’s future prosperity.
Original Source: island.lk
