Dissanayake reveals his vision to end Sri Lanka’s ‘Buying and Selling’

National People’s Power Presidential Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to shift Sri Lanka away from its current economic model, which he described as overly dependent on imports and characterized by a ‘buying and selling’ mentality.

He argued that this approach stifles local production, benefits political elites, and weakens the country’s long-term economic prospects.

Speaking in Kandy, Dissanayake criticized the import-heavy strategy of successive governments, noting that essential goods like school uniforms and coconut oil are sourced from abroad, despite Sri Lanka’s ability to produce them domestically.

He claimed that this reliance on imports has resulted in commissions and kickbacks for politicians, while local industries have been left to struggle.