Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the country has made progress in its economic recovery process, attributing it to the support of citizens despite facing hardships. He mentioned that when Sri Lanka celebrated Independence Day last year, it was considered bankrupt. The economic recovery is linked to a comprehensive long-term national rebuilding program, according to the President. Sri Lanka faced a sovereign default in April 2022, leading to economic challenges and reforms. Wickremesinghe, who took over after his predecessor’s departure, has implemented unpopular economic reforms to address the crisis and is expected to contest the next presidential election later in the year.