New Delhi, India – Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, attending a global summit in New Delhi, shared his thoughts on Sri Lanka’s current situation during a special edition of Conversations with Alanki.
Abbott, who expressed regret for only visiting Sri Lanka once, acknowledged the challenges the country faced, particularly its economic crisis. Reflecting on the past, he commended former President Rajapaksa for bringing the civil war to a successful conclusion and noted a reasonable respect for the rights of the Tamil minority during his visit in 2013.
When asked about Australia’s potential contribution to assist Sri Lanka, Abbott emphasized the strong government relations and the significant Sri Lankan community in Australia. While not claiming deep familiarity with the specificities of Sri Lanka’s position, he touched upon the economic crisis a couple of years ago, attributing part of it to a controversial decision to ban chemical fertilizers.
Abbott criticized the policy as “insane” and questioned its rationale, highlighting the importance of reversing such decisions for the country’s well-being. He expressed hope that Sri Lanka has rectified this policy and encouraged a more rational approach to address serious economic challenges.
As the conversation unfolded, Abbott touched upon broader global issues, such as the impact of the pandemic on supply chains, disruptions due to conflicts, and the challenges faced by democracies in implementing economic reforms.
In conclusion, Abbott stressed the need for leaders who prioritize the long-term interests of their countries over short-term electoral gains. He emphasized the importance of political decisions driven by purpose rather than solely for political victories.
The special edition of Conversations with Alanki provides valuable insights into Abbott’s perspectives on Sri Lanka and broader global economic challenges, offering viewers a glimpse into the discussions at the New Delhi global summit. (LankaXpress.com)