Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the rise of the US dollar against the Sri Lankan rupee has created a major impact on the country’s economy. He made these remarks while attending an event held in Batticaloa on May 20 under the national programme titled “The Whole Country as One.”
Addressing the gathering, the President said that the depreciation of the rupee has increased economic pressure across several sectors. However, he assured the public that the government would never allow Sri Lanka to fall back into an economic crisis similar to the one the country experienced in the past.
Dollar Rise Impacts Sri Lanka
Addressing the gathering, the President stated that the depreciation of the rupee has affected several key sectors and increased the country’s economic challenges. However, he assured the public that the government would not allow Sri Lanka to face a situation similar to the economic collapse experienced in the past.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further stated that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recorded a 29 percent decline in April this year compared to the same period last year. He also noted that remittances sent by Sri Lankans working abroad have decreased, adding further pressure on the country’s economy
President Urges Public Support Amid Fuel and Tourism Crisis
He President pointed out that the government now has to spend a significantly larger amount on fuel imports due to the rise of the US dollar against the Sri Lankan rupee. effort to reduce the growing burden of fuel import expenses, he urged the public to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and use fuel more efficiently as a short-term measure.
He also called on citizens to cooperate with the government to prevent a possible dollar shortage in the country. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further emphasized that public support and responsible economic practices remain essential to maintaining economic stability and protecting Sri Lanka from further financial difficulties.
