President says 2023 critical for Sri Lanka

President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the year 2023 will be a critical year for Sri Lanka.

In his New Year Message, the President said that Sri Lanka is looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times and immense hardships.

“I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse. Yet I believe that we have already gone through the worst of these times,” he said.

The President also appreciated all of those who are committed to the country first and he thanked the country for the patience and courage as the Government took the critical, initial steps to stabilise the economy.

“Indeed, 2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy. 2023 is also the 75th year of independence from the British Empire. Looking back, it is obvious that we have not done as well as other ex-colonies. This is why the youth of our country are calling for a system change – especially at this juncture. This cannot be ignored,” he said.

The President said that Sri Lanka must boldly implement the proposed social, economic and political reforms to build a prosperous and productive country in the coming decade. (Colombo Gazette)