New ideologies, national work plan to develop the country- Sajith

The UNP-led New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate, Sajith Premadasa, said his future vision to develop the country would be through new ideologies and a National Work Plan.

Mr Premadasa speaking at the special UNP convention to endorse him as the Presidential candidate, said he would create an agenda centred on the people of the country.

“To create government institutions that work for the betterment and benefit of the people, there should be skilled people who are suited for designated tasks. There is a demand for professionals and experts. To create such a government service, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and I will join forces,” he said.

He said that, with his victory at the presidential election, he would get into a transparent social pact with the entire population.

“Under this pact, the people of this country and I will have a bond that would enable me to keep my promises, responsibilities and empower people, along with protecting party members. The pact would also be the start and the first step taken towards development of the country”, he stressed.

He said he would not allow divisions among religions, race and communities and, regardless of party affiliations, would act according to the social pacts.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, moving the first resolution, said that Deputy Leader of the UNP, Mr Premadasa was being nominated as their candidate for presidential election 2019, with the support all political parties of the United National Front (UNF) and other parties and individuals that accept the policies of the party.

Premier Wickremesinghe said the main challenge, when he was made leader of the party, was to create the future leadership for the party, which was not an easy task, as creating leadership takes time.

“We had hard times, in which the party could have been destroyed. Yet we protected the party, and due to that, now there is a set of new and young leaders within the party,” he said.

“Even though people criticise me, no one was put in jail. The substitute to this is Angulimala proposed by the Opposition. Will he get enlightened or bring white vans back?” Mr Wickremesinghe asked

The remaining five resolutions were read out by Party General Secretary and Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

*They are to remain committed to take forward the Constitutional Reforms process began during the UNP Government, with regard to (i) Devolution, (ii) Electoral Reforms, and (iii) Executive Presidency with the concurrence of the Prime Minister. We will consult all stakeholders.

* To reiterate the decisions by the UNP’s Working Committee on January 24, 2019, to elect Ranil Wickremesinghe as the leader of the party.

*Condemn the Anti democratic move to dismiss the UNF government for 52 days through a constitutional coup and to commend the people who came forward to protect democracy. And honour the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to protect the democratic government and constitution. The brave actions to protect democracy and the rights of the people by Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, was also commended.

*Turn the upcoming presidential election into a launch pad to create a Parliament with majority power to defeat the evil forces.

*To ensure proper payment of compensation for political victims.

The convention was held on grand scale under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the leader of the party.