Colombo, April 1 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday credited his government’s economic recovery efforts for reviving numerous foreign-funded infrastructure projects that had been stalled during Sri Lanka's financial crisis.
Addressing a rally in Buttala, a rural town in the island’s southeast, Dissanayake acknowledged that critical infrastructure projects—such as airport and highway developments—were suspended due to the country’s inability to repay foreign loans.
Dissanayake’s remarks come amid his party’s grassroots campaign across the country, highlighting governance reforms and economic recovery as key electoral promises.
Addressing a rally in Buttala, a rural town in the island’s southeast, Dissanayake acknowledged that critical infrastructure projects—such as airport and highway developments—were suspended due to the country’s inability to repay foreign loans.
Dissanayake specifically mentioned the Colombo International Airport expansion project, backed by Japanese funding, and the Central Highway development, partially financed by China. Both initiatives had been suspended amid Sri Lanka's severe financial meltdown.“All our foreign-funded projects came to be halted due to the economic crisis. We got loans to do the airport, but they stopped the project and left because we were unable to pay back the loans. Same with the highway, we were given a loan and it was stopped halfway,” he said.
The president emphasized that the resumption of these projects signals economic stability achieved since his cabinet took office in November.“Eleven Japanese projects were halted. During my visit to China, we agreed to see the resumption of some 76 projects,” he added.
Having secured both the presidential and parliamentary elections last year, Dissanayake’s National People's Power (NPP) party is now preparing to contest 340 local councils in the upcoming May 6 polls. His administration has continued with the economic reform program initiated by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which is tied to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout—despite earlier pledges to renegotiate its stringent terms.“The US dollar was hovering near 400 rupees as par value, but is now around 300 rupees. This is the stability we have achieved,” Dissanayake stated.
Dissanayake’s remarks come amid his party’s grassroots campaign across the country, highlighting governance reforms and economic recovery as key electoral promises.
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