While stating that bringing in dollars is what he does best, newly appointed MP Dhammika Perera has stated that his intention is to bring in foreign exchange over obtaining loans. He made this statement while speaking to the media after taking oaths as an SLPP National List MP today (22). "I know that Sri Lanka can be brought up again, and in a country where people are losing jobs, I am here to create jobs. I feel that I am fulfilling my duties by entering parliament, instead of just shouting out on the streets. During the war, I was in the economic committee and this is not much of a challenge in comparison to that time," he mentioned. Perera further noted that he is currently hosting an online programme at the Moratuwa University in the Information Technology field and that over 90,000 students are being educated under the same. "Under the IT Programme I am hosting at the Moratuwa University, over 90,000 students are being educated. These are some of my accomplishments and with this experience, I feel I can bring about a change in the future generations," Perera said. When inquired by the media whether Perera had spoken to Basil Rajapaksa recently, he said that he was grateful to Mr Rajapaksa for stepping down and nominating him to take over. "Basil Rajapaksa had nominated me, this seat was supposed to be handed over to someone else, but it was Basil who asked me to step in. Mahinda Rajapaksa has not met me as yet, but I intend on paying him a visit today," Perera said. When asked if he felt he was stepping into a sinking ship by joining as a member of Parliament and accepting a Ministerial Portfolio, Perera stated he does not feel the country is a sinking ship. "No one walks into a sinking ship. No one makes silly decisions as such. I took up this challenge as I feel Sri Lanka is not a sinking ship and I am able to bring about a change. I intend to submit my report and suggestions for an economic relief plan within the next 2 weeks. Let us take it up from there," Perera concluded.