Incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe is a certain candidate at the next presidential election, but his decisions are based on a future vision for the well-being of the economy and the people, and do not target an election,
said minister Manusha Nanayakkara.
A final decision will be taken shortly on how Wickremesinghe would contest, he said, adding that he is the only one capable of ensuring a growth of the national economy.
“We will never grant relief by aiming for votes. Taxes would not have been imposed if we expected votes. We work to overhaul this system,” said Nanayakkara.
Certain decisions for economic upliftment could be politically disadvantageous, but that cannot be avoided in the bid to create livable conditions for all the people, he said.
“We will not print money again. That is why taxes are being levied. But, taxes are levied only from those who have the money. We work to create a situation for all to live. That is politically disadvantageous. But, we do it anyway.”
Once the economy becomes better, taxes will be reduced and people given relief, he added.
