Major Development Plans for Trincomalee - Ranil

COLOMBO (News 1st); Independent Presidential Candidate & President, Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that, due to the government's efforts over the past two years to rebuild the economy, Sri Lanka has gained the support of friendly nations, including India and Japan, in its journey towards progress.

"Plans are underway to relocate the Sapugaskanda oil refinery to Trincomalee, while Sampur is being transformed into a solar energy hub. Trincomalee will also grow as a tourism destination, and we’ll establish trade and investment zones there. The governments of India and Sri Lanka are collaborating on this development," he said as quoted by his campaign.

Speaking at the "Ranil Can" (Ranil ta Puluwan) victory rally in front of the Kantale Railway Station this morning (16), he emphasized that, in partnership with the Indian government, Trincomalee will see extensive development. 

President Wickremesinghe criticized Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake for abandoning the people during the previous economic crisis, despite now speaking about patriotism. He also noted that, following two years of economic stabilization, 38 individuals are currently working to rebuild the nation.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said that in 2016, during a discussion he had with the International Monetary Fund as Prime Minister, the IMF made it clear that reducing taxes would result in losing IMF support, and he made this public at the time. 

"Yet, when Gotabaya Rajapaksa came into power, he reduced taxes, and as expected, the IMF stopped providing relief," he added.

"I brought together people from all parties to strengthen the economy. Neither Sajith nor Anura supported me, but the majority stood with me. Mahinda Rajapaksa extended his support, as did Wajira Abeywardena from the United National Party. Members from various parties, including the Podujana Peramuna, also joined me. Despite this, they accused me of being part of the Rajapaksa government. If this were truly a Rajapaksa government, Namal Rajapaksa would be standing on this platform with me. I appreciate the support they offered in times of need, but with the majority in hand, I took the lead in negotiating with the International Monetary Fund and successfully implemented the program," added Wickremesinghe as reported by his campaign.