News Today: President Anura Dissanayake stresses the need for social development and transformation

In a powerful statement emphasizing the need for long-term development, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that true economic progress in Sri Lanka hinges on two critical factors: social development and a transformation in political culture. His remarks, made during a high-level discussion at the Ministry of Finance, were shared by the President’s Media Division (PMD) today.

The President pointed out that countries like China, South Korea, and Vietnam achieved remarkable economic milestones only after decades of unified national effort and systemic reform. He stressed that Sri Lanka must now embark on a similar path—placing national interest above individual or partisan agendas.

Crucially, President Dissanayake noted that economic development cannot succeed in isolation. “It must be supported by a political environment that fosters collaboration, professionalism, and meritocracy,” he said. Highlighting past project failures due to arbitrary political interference, he pledged not to impose personal views, but to guide through structured dialogue between experts and public officials.

The President further instructed Treasury officials to implement structural reforms across key government institutions, based on the core policy vision of the administration. He also emphasized the importance of retaining strategic oversight of critical sectors under state control.

In addition, he referenced key global challenges facing Sri Lanka’s economy:

• The IMF Extended Fund Facility programme

• New U.S. tariffs

• The expiration of GSP+ concessions in 2027