In a candid address at the University of Colombo MBA Alumni Association budget forum, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the imperative for Sri Lanka to live within its means, asserting that fiscal responsibility is key to ensuring the nation's economic stability.

Addressing a gathering of esteemed alumni and financial experts, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, recognizing the challenges the country faces. He stressed the importance of making tough choices to secure a sustainable economic future for Sri Lanka.

"We must learn to live within our means. It's a challenging decision, but it's a decision that must be made for the greater good of our nation," declared President Wickremesinghe.

The President shed light on the government's commitment to building a new social construct that balances social initiatives with fiscal prudence. One notable aspect of this approach is the three-fold increase in Aswesuma benefits, a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of the citizens.

"As part of the new social construct we are building, we have increased the Aswesuma benefits by three-fold. This reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of our people while maintaining fiscal responsibility," President Wickremesinghe affirmed.

The Aswesuma program, a cornerstone of the government's social welfare initiatives, provides financial assistance to vulnerable populations, offering a safety net for those facing economic challenges.

President Wickremesinghe's address comes at a critical juncture as Sri Lanka grapples with economic complexities and seeks a balanced approach to address social issues without compromising fiscal stability.