The Leader of the United National Partyand Former Prime Minister , Ranil Wickremesinghe has stressed the need of strengthening the banking industry in the face of Covid-19 crisis while suggesting the government to seek IMF assistance at this time of need.
“The major industry that needs our attention is the banking industry; he said adding that It is very important to protect this sector.
It is essential to take forward this sector, protecting it from collapsing; he emphasized pointing out that the government must also protect those involved in the sector.
In considering this, it is important that we work in a manner that put greater emphasis on tomorrow, than today,” he added.
“Thus, I place before economy related proposals. The first is to amend the Vote on Account to suit the current situation as the previously passed Vote on Account will not be sufficient.
The government must take the maximum from the packages offered by the International Monetary Fund, he said adding that the International Monetary Fund is set to announce their relief packages in mid-April.
Another important factor is to consider the future and create a broader economic plan to cover the essential economic sectors, he said.
He claimed that he has made these proposals as the measures taken by the Central Bank do not suffice.
He urged the government to take such steps, and to also inform the public of the same.
The people currently suffering at the hands of the Coronavirus, need not suffer at the hands of the Economic Virus, he added
(LI)