Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), MP Ravi Karunanayake, says that despite the many criticisms directed at the UNP and former President J.R. Jayewardene for introducing the open economy, it was that very policy which brought Sri Lanka into the modern world — and the country continues to operate within that framework even after 45 years.
Speaking to the media, MP Karunanayake noted that Minister Sunil Handunnetti had recently stated that a government’s role is to formulate policies, not to engage in business.
He pointed out that when the UNP had introduced this concept decades ago, it was met with heavy criticism. “I am pleased to see that those who once opposed us are now acknowledging the same principles we stood for,” Karunanayake added.
