President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all political leaders to exhibit responsibility in their approach to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and cautioned against engaging in rhetoric merely for public appeasement without shouldering responsibilities.
He emphasized that those opposing the program should provide concrete proposals to rescue the country from financial crisis, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.
The President cautioned against engaging in rhetoric merely for public appeasement without shouldering responsibilities, noting that such political tactics could lead the nation back into economic turmoil.
The President underscored that, despite facing blame and acknowledging the challenge of making tough decisions, individuals resorting to popular statements exhibit an unwillingness to take necessary measures. Emphasizing the absence of alternative options to salvage the country’s economy, he reiterated the initiation of the program with the IMF.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks while participating in the inauguration of the Karaliya Convention Centre and Performing Arts at Kandy Municipality on Sunday (17).
The construction of the Karaliya Convention Centre and Performing Arts by the Kandy Municipal Council commenced in 2018, with an expenditure of nearly Rs. 600 million from the Municipal Council Fund. The establishment of this conference and performing arts centre aims to address the city’s infrastructure gap by providing auditorium facilities and creating exhibition halls for art and sculpture. The President inaugurated the building complex by unveiling the commemorative plaque.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe awarded certificates of appreciation to individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the “Pivithuru Dorakada” business contribution program and the city beautification program. These initiatives were collaboratively implemented by the Urban Development Authority and the Kandy Municipality under the Kandy Formal City Development Program, aiming to enhance and preserve the distinctive features of the world heritage buildings in the city of Kandy.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the gathering, emphasized that the construction of the new Karaliya Convention Centre signifies a modern architectural model for the city of Kandy in the 21st century. Highlighting the cultural significance of such structures, he expressed that the city, deeply rooted in history, plays a crucial role in the cultural and tourism industries of the country.
The newly established centre has the capacity to host conferences and events, thereby elevating the significance of Kandy city. President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed the intention to enhance Kandy’s cultural infrastructure by introducing a modern library. Plans are underway to construct a three or four-story library building as part of the Bogambara program. The relocation of the D.S. Senanayake Library to this new facility is expected, enabling the integration of the library with the theatre building. This transformation aims to create a facility comparable to the Bandaranaike Conference Hall.
President Wickremesinghe expressed plans to initiate the Kandy development program in the coming year. Additionally, a multimodal transport centre is slated to commence construction next year in Kandy. The President emphasized the need for upgrading infrastructure on Gopallawa Mawatha, advocating for the replacement of single-story houses with at least three-storied structures. These endeavours are projected to be completed within the next five years.