The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is looking forward to contesting the forthcoming General Election under a common symbol forming a broad alliance named the Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Sandanaya (SLNPS) together with Sri Lanka Poduana Peramuna (SLPP), SLFP General Secretary and Industries State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said.
He was addressing media yesterday at the SLFP Headquarters in Colombo.
Asked what the symbol of the SLNPS for the election, he added that in accordance with the bi-party agreement signed just before the recent Presidential Election the symbol should be “Chair”. However, if the SLPP insists on having the “Lotus bud” symbol, discussions will be held in order to come to a common stance.
Speaking on the SLFP’s preparation for the forthcoming General Election, Jayasekara further said that vacancies for Electoral Organisers are being filled with educated, energetic and qualified personnel. He asked those interested people who wish to be Electoral Organisers to submit their applications, which will be considered by a Committee appointed in due course under the chairmanship of Prof. Rohana Laksman Piyadasa. A Code of Ethics, which should be signed by the selected personnel, is being prepared.
“Anyone violating the Code of Ethics will be expelled from the party even after being elected,” he noted. Minister Jayasekara said that a discussion was held yesterday between former President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa aiming to settle the issues pertaining to the trade union sector.
He further said the business community is benefited by the tax relief granted by this government under the guidance of the President. As an outcome of the tax relief, it is significant that foreign and local investments are increasing gradually.
Speaking on university ragging, Jayasekara said that ragging should be eradicated from the university system.
“Ragging should be completely wiped out from the university system so as to create a disciplined and loyal society. Ragging is used for silly political gains by certain politically motivated groups,” he noted.
He urged both the President and the Government to take immediate and adequate measures to wipe out ragging from universities.
Speaking on the policy changes in the education sector, he said that a knowledge, skills and abilities centred education system should be implemented instead of the present student centred education system. Undergraduate courses should also be streamlined as job-oriented degree programmes.
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