News
Ranil, et al paint greener picture for Lanka at UNP Convention
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told the United National Party (UNP) yesterday their choice at the August 17 Parliamentary election was
All smiles in spite of political uncertainties: UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema, UNP leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and UNP assistant leader and Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. Pix by Nissanka Meegoda
between their future and that of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s.
He was addressing their packed annual convention at Campbell Park, which was an upbeat sea of green that didn’t mind when Mr Wickremesinghe arrived over an hour late, while most had to stand by the roadside with their children, to listen to their political favourites speak. And greeted the PM with a series of hoorahs as he arrived.
“The upcoming election is a judgmental one, when you (the public) should choose between your future and Mahinda’s future,” said Mr. Wickremesinghe, explaining that the two cannot go hand-in-hand.
He said, “The UNP made many sacrifices to end the corruption of the previous government. We had to contest under a different logo. Joined the ‘swan’ for support and made SLFP’s Maithripala Sirisena our common candidate, and were able to defeat Mahinda Rajapaksa.”
“Now our responsibility is to defeat the Rajapaksa regime in the August 17 election and sweep him out of the picture,” he said, adding they will be contesting under the ‘elephant’ symbol.
In his address, Mr. Wickremesinghe focused on a new programme to develop Sri Lanka, with a series of welfare measures that will be implemented after the August 17 elections. He said they are going to work with all Members of Parliament, willing to work with them, to implement the planned project.
The main objective being to develop the country’s economy, the PM said he intends to prove he can create a million job opportunities and employment within five years. He also pledged to create 48 economic zones around the country, where Agriculture, Fisheries and other sectors can flourish.
The UNP leader’s promise that a Volkswagen car, locally manufactured by the world’s second best car manufacturers, will be available for Rs 2 to 3 million, met with applause from gathering.
“In addition to this, if a three-wheeler driver dies while working, we will give his surviving family Rs 1 million,” he said to another round of
Other party stalwarts acknowledge party supporters
applause. “And for his funeral expenses, Rs. 25,000 will be granted.”
He added they have planned several Samurdhi projects, one of which is to develop 2500 village markets.
“Through the Mahaweli project, farmers were given land for cultivation or construct houses. This was since the time of the late D.S. Senanayake, but now we promise to give complete ownership of these lands,” he said, adding that, ownership will be granted to those living in State apartments for a number of years. “With this,” he said, “over 2 million will be given complete ownership to their land.”
Mr. Wickremesinghe pledged to eradicate corruption from the country.
Assuring their government would develop Education, he said, “We are going to make Education compulsory for 13 years. Create a system to deliver good higher and university education. We will cancel the University Grant Commission and introduce a University Development Department.”
In his turn to address the public, Minister Ravi Karunanayake said the Government since early January was able to accomplish most of the promises made in the 100-Day programme. He said they reduced the prices of essential commodities such as milk, sugar and dhal along with
The crowd at the convention
fuel, gas and kerosene; gave an increment of Rs 10,000 to all State sector employees within 21 days, which, he added, the previous government failed to do in 12 years.
Assuring that their party will be able to acquire a two-thirds majority at the forthcoming elections, the Minister said they are sure of winning from the Kurunegala district too.
Mr Karunanayake announced that from July 15, prices of Lak Sathosa Samba will be reduced to Rs 69 and White Nadu to Rs 60, along with the reduction of gas prices by Rs 100.
UNP General Secretary Kabir Hashim for his part, read out some projects they have commenced.
He said that a number of water projects including Gampaha water project, Upper Matale water project and Phase II of the South Kelaniya water project are under way.
He said they will develop roads in the country with the lengthening of the expressway from Matara to Hanbantota, constructing flyovers in Polgahawela and Ganemulla, and bridges in Kochchikade. Also formulate a proper traffic plan to reduce traffic congestion within Kandy town.
Asserting they were able to accomplish much within 100 days, Mr. Hashim said they are certain that the public are with the ‘elephant’.
“We worked for the public, were able to get the appreciation of international parties and restore the rights of Shiranee Bandaranayake and Sarath Fonseka. Ranil Wickremesinghe introduced a common candidate thinking about the country and not himself,” he said, ensuring that they are with the public.