Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake says that the government must prioritize boosting exports as a key strategy to revive the economy.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka should seek assistance from the international community to strengthen its export sector. He added that foreign investors must be attracted, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should be requested to provide incentives to encourage such investment.
“There’s no issue with imports. The challenge lies in how we promote exports. The government must ensure there are no barriers to exports and work to expand the sector with international support,” he said.
Karunanayake also highlighted that Sri Lanka is expected to begin repaying its external creditors from 2028, underscoring the urgency of developing a strong export base to meet future obligations.
He stressed that solutions must be identified and implemented now, before current debt relief measures expire, to ensure the country’s long-term economic stability.
