Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed to reform the country’s corrupt image during independence celebrations, opting for a scaled-down military parade. His government is focused on reducing spending and restructuring debt to aid the nation’s recovery after the economic crisis that led to the resignation of the former president.
Sri Lanka’s leftist president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, commemorated the anniversary of independence from Britain with a commitment to reform the country’s reputation of corruption. Rejecting traditional extravagant military celebrations, his administration hosted a modest military parade in line with efforts to reduce unnecessary government spending. Dissanayake expressed a resolve to shift Sri Lanka’s image from one of corrupt governance to a nation making progress despite inherited challenges.
Sri Lanka has been grappling with an economic crisis exacerbated by a default on $46 billion in foreign debt in April 2022. This situation led to severe shortages of essential goods, triggering mass protests and the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Dissanayake’s administration is working to stabilize the economy, having engaged in debt restructuring and securing financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund.
In summary, President Dissanayake is taking active steps to address Sri Lanka’s longstanding corruption issues and improve the nation’s international standing. By transforming governmental spending and focusing on economic recovery, his administration aims to create a more resilient economy. These reforms come as Sri Lanka works to emerge from its recent financial turmoil.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk