He said during the opening of the Toyota Lanka fulfilment Centre in Mahara, Kadawatha today (14), coinciding with 70 years of Japan-Sri Lanka relations.
The President said that today the country has become bankrupt due to the failure to change the economic program after the war, but said that he expects to increase the investment opportunities and move the economy forward by next year.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for an institutional system that can revive the country's economy and bring investment opportunities to the country and said that steps will be taken to create an economic corporation by merging the Investment Promotion Division of the Sri Lanka Board of Investment and the Export Development Board.
The President further said,
"Vietnam's economy today is like a Formula One racing car. Our economy is still like a three-wheeler. So how do we go about racing in Singapore? Other countries have Formula One racing cars. How can we go and compete in a three-wheeler? This is sufficient to meet the day-to-day traveling of the people. There is no issue. I say again that this is good. But, it does not suit the race. How can we win? If we are to win, we must also find ourselves a racing car. It should have a good engine. This means we must have a strong economy. This is the economy that were are in the process of making.
We are constructing that engine by creating an open economy in this country. This racing car is made to compete with the world by creating a competitive export economy. I believe you all have the ability to win.
First of all, we need to create a digital economy in the country, an environmentally friendly economy, as well as a socially just economy, and a very competitive export economy. This restructuring is done for that. People who are used to the old ways may be against this. But we have to go on a new path. Tell me, do you want to go in a racing car or a bicycle? Because the future belongs to all of you.
The president, unveiled the plaque and declared open the Toyota fulfilment centre and also went on an inspection tour.
Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayake, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki, Chairman of Toyota Lanka Company Sachio Yotsukura and a group of staff members of Toyota Lanka Company attended the event.
