United National Party (UNP) Kaduwela organiser Binara Jayawardena, at a press conference held yesterday (17) at Sirikotha Party headquarters, said that, due to the recent increase in foreign remittances and tourist arrivals, the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has become the highest performing currency in the last quarter.
He went on to say that, “In discussions held with the Asian Development Bank, they have forecast that Sri Lanka will achieve an Economic growth of 1.9% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025.
“They stressed that the focus should be on raising the economic status of the people of Sri Lanka and further develop Health facilities.
“They also made positive comments about the ‘Aswesuma’ and ‘Urumaya’ programmes, as well as raising the incomes of the middle-class, including government employees.
“Especially during the Spring summit, the International Monetary Fund has praised Sri Lanka for its Debt Restructuring.
“To promote foreign remittances, electric cars are now provided, which explains the increase in electric vehicles seen on the road. The Tourism industry has also improved with the opening up of the possibility to apply for Tourist Visas online for up to six months.
“Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s Export Economy has expanded, showing growth in the earnings obtained through it.”
Janith Wickramasinghe, UNP Organiser – Kamburupitiya Constituency, said that many factors have contributed to LKR becoming the highest – performing currency in the last quarter. Economic experts commenting on the performance have stated that the measures taken to bring inflation to single digit, maintain the Bank Interest rate at a very good level, and increase the Foreign reserves by organising welfare activities of the people will help here, he added.
Ariyaratna Ganegoda