This week will be a significant week. As a government, we will update all Sri Lankans on the significant achievements of the government over the past two years, as we continue to work together to build a stronger economy.
Without a strong economy we would not be able to build houses, provide loans, invest in the private sector, or ensure that people are working and collecting wages.
The economy is central to everything we do, and is the key to a prosperous future for our country.
So, I hope the importance of this week is clear. It is a progress report to show that as a country, Sri Lanka is on the right track to a better future.
The previous regime left us with a country and economy on the brink of collapse. Sri Lanka had become a pariah state, public finances were crippled, unemployment was on the rise, the poor and disadvantaged in our society were ignored. People had no say and Sri Lankans suffered.
Now, two years later - as you will see this week - Sri Lanka has undergone a transformation. The UNP in national government has deepened our democracy, restored our international reputation, and given freedoms back to the people and the media, who can comment freely, without fear. We are stabilizing our economy so that we have funds to invest in the people of Sri Lanka.
We are delivering homes to tackle the housing crisis left by the last government. To date, we have helped over 200,000 families secure a home and ensured that many thousands more have been upgraded so that they are safe. We have set a target to ensure that all Sri Lankans have shelter by 2025 and we are well on track to meet that.
Our poorest communities are now receiving double the amount in Sumurdhi payments and benefitting from the measures we have taken to lower the cost of essential items, like fuel and medicines.
We increased the salaries of public sector workers by Rs 10,000 and also put in place a Rs 10,000 minimum wage in the private sector so that families are able to make ends meet.
All of these measures are helping to put more money in the pockets of Sri Lankans.
Expectant mothers are receiving Rs 20,000 worth of nourishing meals to ensure the next generation arrives safely into this world.
Our restored international reputation has resulted in Sri Lanka achieving record tourism numbers, creating 35,000 jobs. Foreign investment commitments are up by 300% and we now have the financial fire power to develop large scale strategic infrastructure so that we can expand and enhance our exports and bring increased wealth into Sri Lanka.
We have acted to stimulate the private sector. We are investing in key strategic sectors such as, agriculture, which has seen significant growth, and enhancing our manufacturing sector as we look to move up the value chain. We are backing small businesses and helping entrepreneurs.
Our economy is growing and we are creating jobs. We have already ensured that over 400,000 more people are in work and our support for small businesses will generate tens of thousands more jobs and employment opportunities.
So this week, we will be outlining some of the things the UNP has achieved in national government.
These are things we can all be proud of. Much progress has been made but there is still much to do and there are difficult decisions still to be made.
It is only with the UNP in national government and with our economic plan that we can continue to build on this progress, strengthen our economy and ensure that all Sri Lankans share our new prosperity.