Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Gota promises a poverty-free, secure, progressiv­e country

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Aspecial relief package for the public, tax reductions and ensuring security are among the key pledges of the manifesto of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa ( GR), launched at a ceremony held at the Nelum Pokuna, Colombo on Friday (25).

The manifesto focused on eliminatin­g corruption, introducin­g an efficient administra­tion, improving the economy, developing infrastruc­ture and rural areas.

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, leaders of 20 other political parties and organisati­ons backing the SLPP candidate, were among those present at the launch.

Mr Rajapaksa pledged that one million jobs would be created in the next 5 years, while on the education sector, teacher training colleges will be made into degree- awarding institutio­ns, while courses for nurses will be upgraded, enabling them to obtain a degree. “We will ensure that the students are not lost in the education system and, all those who pass the Advanced Level Examinatio­n, will be able to complete their University education and obtain a Degree,” he said.

Mr Rajapaksa said that his manifesto will not be a mere list of promises, but will be a document which would be implemente­d.

“We will ensure that the unitary status of the country is protected and foreign powers will not be allowed to intervene, while the mechanism to protect national security will be reactivate­d”.

He said the drug menace would be brought to an end. “The law will be applicable to all the same way and facilities provided in courts to expedite hearing of cases”.

He said that poverty will be eliminated so that the people could live without depending on others.

The full text of the manifesto has been released to the public through a mobile app.

Mr Rajapaksa pledged that one million jobs would be created in the next 5 years, while on the education sector, teacher training colleges will be made into degree-awarding institutio­ns, while courses for nurses will be upgraded, enabling them to obtain a degree.

 ??  ?? Pic by Priyantha Wickramaar­achchi
Pic by Priyantha Wickramaar­achchi

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