President champions youth empowerment and economic reform at Anuradhapura District Conference
April 07, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised the government’s dedication to steering Sri Lanka towards prosperity by 2048 through substantial reforms in key sectors such as modern agriculture, tourism, and energy.
Speaking at the “Let’s Start with Me” Anuradhapura District Youth Conference, he highlighted the pivotal role of young individuals in driving this transformative journey while cautioning against the distractions posed by mere slogans and arguments.
Conducted at the Koombichchankulam lake, the conference saw President Wickremesinghe engaging with a significant number of young participants from the Anuradhapura district, directly addressing their concerns.
He pledged immediate resolutions to many of their issues and instructed officials to take prompt action on others.
In response to queries, the President assured the youth that their futures should not be dictated solely by academic certificates, expressing a commitment to creating abundant job opportunities amidst Sri Lanka’s evolving economic landscape.
Additionally, he announced plans to extend education beyond the General Certificate of Education, ensuring a thirteen-year educational continuum.
President Wickremesinghe delineated forthcoming economic reforms, including the legalisation of agreements with international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the introduction of laws for economic restructuring in May.
He outlined strategies aimed at extending the repayment period for Sri Lanka’s foreign debt to 2042, easing debt burdens, and expediting the transition to an export-oriented economy.
Furthermore, Wickremesinghe underscored the government’s resolve to equip youth with modern technology to enable direct contributions to the nation’s economic progress.
The conference witnessed the presence of Ministers Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, MP Duminda Dissanayake, former Minister P. Harrison, and other notable figures, including United National Party Secretary General Palitha Range Bandara, former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Presidential Director General (Community Affairs) Rajitha Keerthi Thennakoon, Presidential Trade Unions Director General Saman Ratnapriya, former Opposition Leader of the North Central Province Attorney Kasthuri Anuradhanayake, and several others.
