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Gota promises a poverty-free, secure, progressive country
A special 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).
Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
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.