Q: The President has invited your group to participate in an open discussion about the IMF without spreading false information to the public. What is your response?
A: The President has now requested a discussion about the IMF. We have already conducted two rounds of open negotiations with the IMF, during which we made our position clear. As the Government of the National People’s Power, we are prepared to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the IMF and hope to review the agreement once more.
The IMF has also said that they are ready to work with a Government with a mandate. The IMF openly says that some agreements can be reached without affecting their core. As the leader of the country, as the President, he can deal with the IMF for a few more days according to his opinion. After that, the next Government will operate according to its mandate, with the opportunity to review the agreement again.
Q: The Government claims the IMF agreement conditions cannot be renegotiated. Are you also aware that five Acts related to the stabilisation of the IMF agreement have been passed so far?
A: We believe that these actions are designed by the Government to maintain power. The President’s statements and interactions with the IMF appear to be part of his political campaign. He is creating the impression that the IMF’s support is contingent on his presence and that the country cannot recover without him.
It is also misleading to claim that the President took charge during difficult times on his own accord; in reality, he was chosen by SLPP as successor and protector.
These narratives are crafted by the Government. In reality, the IMF will engage with the Government holding a mandate in the future, not with individual leaders. Additionally, the IMF has stated that it is not a solution to all of the country’s problems.
The IMF can adapt to changing situations, but the President is portraying the narrative that the IMF will not engage with Sri Lanka without him. He is doing this for his political survival. However, this narrative will likely become irrelevant over time. The IMF operates according to the established program of the country.
Q: SJB MP Harsha de Silva is also claiming that if a Government acts according to the NPP manifesto, the IMF program will entirely collapse. Your comment?
A: It is evident from these questions that both Dr. Harsha de Silva MP and President Ranil Wickremesinghe are presenting similar arguments. Despite being from different parties, Harsha’s comments echo the views of President Wickremesinghe. While the country has approached the IMF 17 times, the UNP alone has done so 9 times. Even the UNP does not claim that the IMF is the sole solution to the country’s problems.
Harsha and Ranil were both part of these cabinets, and their current actions appear aimed at misleading the public to serve their political agendas. We are adopting a different approach, not solely centred on the IMF. We recognise the limitations and risks of IMF programs and are taking these into account as we proceed.
We understand how other countries have experienced both successes and failures with IMF involvement and are using these insights to guide our strategy.
We do not present one narrative to the people while treating the IMF as just another option. The claims made by the SJB and the Government, which continue to adhere to the same policies, do not align with our understanding.
Q: How does the NPP plan to deal with the IMF?
A: We have never said that we will not work with the IMF. We are prepared to collaborate with all institutions, including the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank. What is crucial for everyone to understand is that our decisions will be guided by the mandate we receive. Those without a mandate may resort to pressuring people with these institutions without proper consideration.
The Government appears unaware of how tripling electricity bills will impact the lives of ordinary citizens and small business owners. When the IMF suggested that these costs should be collected from the people rather than covered by the treasury, the Government chose to place the entire burden on the public. These issues need to be addressed and discussed thoroughly.
Without considering their responsibility to the people, they make agreements with these institutions that burden the public. The President seems to overlook how such agreements impact exports and small and medium-sized businesses.
Q: Before assuming office, many presidential candidates promised to abolish the executive presidential system. However, this change has yet to be realised. Will it remain just a promise in the NPP manifesto?
A: Those who have come to power have made promises about the executive presidential system and many other issues. However, they have failed to deliver, which has led the people to choose us for leadership today. We are committed to avoiding the same failures of the SJB, UNP, and SLPP over the past 76 years. We have made promises that we are prepared to keep, coming into power after extensive discussion and agreement.
We will transfer power to Parliament, introduce a new system, and abolish the executive presidential system. The new Constitution will safeguard the basic rights of the people. Our goal is to implement this new Constitution within our first five years in office.
Q: What does the NPP’s proposed new parliamentary election system entail?
A: We are working to implement a new parliamentary election system designed to strengthen the Parliament. There has been significant public opposition to the current election system, which allows those with substantial financial resources and media influence to gain parliamentary power. Our goal is to introduce a Constitution and election system that better reflects the will of the people and enhances the democratic process.
However, the public is dissatisfied with the current system. We aim to establish an election system that is truly accountable to the people, which will require a new Constitution.
This change cannot be achieved without amending the Constitution. We have spent at least eight months discussing the draft Constitution and will proceed to pass a document that reflects the will of the people once it is finalised.
We are working to create a system that ensures public representation is accountable to the people and includes the participation of all communities. Our goal is to advance a political culture that reflects these principles and fosters greater inclusivity and accountability.
Q: The NPP has discussed limiting presidential residences to one and restricting the number of official vehicles. Has your party put these types of measures into practice?
A: We use vehicles that belong to our party, not the Government. If anyone suggests otherwise, they are mistaken. These vehicles are registered under the name of our party’s general secretary, not under Government ownership.
Q: The policy statement mentions limiting ministerial posts to 25 and abolishing 25 deputy minister positions. Despite these promises, no previous Government has implemented these changes. Why do you think this is the case?
A: We can achieve this by capping the number of ministries at 25. Each ministry will have a Cabinet Minister, a Deputy Minister, and a Ministry Secretary. This approach aims to reduce unnecessary expenses in the country. We are committed to implementing this and demonstrating its effectiveness.
Q: Even though your party advocates for exempting essential goods from taxes, is it currently feasible to reduce taxes?
A: We are revising the VAT on essential items such as food, beverages, children’s school supplies, and medicines. Providing relief in these areas will not negatively impact the economy. By reducing people’s expenses, we aim to increase their contributions to the economy. These governments are burdening the people by imposing VAT on essential items, while those connected to the Government, including traffickers, are granted tax exemptions.
Q: Will a Government led by the NPP continue to follow welfare and subsidy policies?
A: We do not use subsidies as a political tool. In times of economic hardship and when people are struggling, we are committed to providing support. For example, we are working to offer a living allowance of ten thousand rupees to help those in need. This kind of intervention is essential to support the public during challenging times.
