With the promise “to build a truly progressive country that leaves no one behind”, New Democratic Front Presidential candidate and UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa’s election manifesto was launched ceremonially by Premadasa in Kandy yesterday.
The candidate visited the Venerable Mahanayaka Theras of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters to present copies of the Manifesto.
In his 80-page long Manifesto the NDF candidate presents a vista of a sweeping transformation of Sri Lanka that touches every aspect of national life, all groups of people and also the geographical environment of the island republic.
Reminding voters that, he, too is a ‘victim of terrorism’ – a reference to the assassination of his father, the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa - Sajith Premadasa tells voters: “I have walked and worked with people, felt their pulse, and nurtured a rural electorate” and reminds them that he has already served over two decades as an elected Parliamentarian.
Reminding voters of his own corruption-free political record and achievement-marked ministerial performance, Premadasa asks citizens to join him in his endeavours to protect “the unity of our country while demonstrating a clear commitment to interreligious, intercommunal and interracial harmony”.
The Manifesto highlights include :-
* Affordable prices and a high-quality life: Affordability of housing, education, healthcare, transportation and telecommunications, and improving wages for the private sector through high-quality jobs.
* Government for the people: Documents, permits and licences will be available online, or within a day
* Shelter for all: A home-owning society by 2025 and freehold land for permit holders
* Financial markets: A new national development bank and a competitive tax regime to accelerate investments to Port City
* Universal pre-school for all: We will immediately extend free education to pre-schools
* Inspiring women: The Women’s Charter will be implemented, 25% minimum quotas will be introduced for Provincial Councils, Parliament and the National List whilst ensuring safe public transport for women.
* Universal higher education: A university degree, a professional qualification, or vocational training for every school leaver
* Empowering small businesses: All businesses with a monthly sale of less than 4 million rupees, will be exempted from paying VAT
* Universal healthcare: Free medicine, tests and care, with no hidden costs. A free medical check-up for all over 35 and increased benefits for pregnant mothers.
* Empowering the farmer: Free seed paddy and fertiliser through farmer cooperatives
* Accountable leadership: A cabinet of ministers who are free of corruption and conflicts of interest. No relations will be given Government appointments
* Environment and energy: Environmentally-acceptable community centred solutions for the human elephant conflict, effective waste management, and a switch to 100% renewable energy by 2040.
* Zero tolerance on drugs and corruption: Swift legal proceedings and no parole or pardon for convicted drug traffickers
* Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation: A Rs. 10 Billion National Venture Capital Fund and a Rs. 10 Billion National Innovation Fund
* Zero tolerance on religious extremism and violence: Everyone will be free of fear in their homes and places of worship
* A market-ready youth population: Centres of Excellence at each Divisional Secretariat level to improve communication, language, technology and soft skills of the youth
* A tough and smart national security strategy: A National Security Council will be established by law, and the right people will be put in the right places
* Appreciation of migrant workers: Subsidised home loans, an increased duty-free allowance and legal assistance at embassies
* Dignity for the public sector: Scholarships for international exposure and legal assistance for public servants to defend their actions made in an official capacity
* Public transport: A multifaceted public transport policy through bus modernisation, railway electrification, Light Rail Transit and a smart traffic management system.
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