Sri Lanka: the emerging "Wonder of Asia"The people of our country are awaiting the victory in the “economic war,” in a manner similar to our victory in the war against terrorism. Over the next six years I will dedicate myself to increase our per capita income to well above US $ 4000, placing the country among the ranks of middle income nations.
A prosperous country; a land of plenty
Will continue the “budget pack” containing essential food items through the CWE and other private retail outlets, reduction in electricity costs with the commissioning of Norochcholai power plant by end of this year , minimum Samurdhi payment to be increased to Rs. 1,000.
Comforts, convenience and
satisfactory life styles
Construct 600,000 houses in the next six years to make “house ownership for all” a reality , housing schemes for shanty dwellers in and around Colombo, water supply schemes throughout the country, electricity facilities for all and establishment of information technology centres in all main cities.
Assistance to enhance self employment for women, increase women’s participation in politics and administration, special bonus interest scheme for fixed and savings deposits of senior citizens over 60 years, better facilities for pensioners and differently-abled persons.
A disciplined and law abiding society
Will introduce special act to eliminate fraud, corruption and malpractice in tender procedures in state sector and transparency in utilisation of state funds.
Shared values, rapid development
and lasting peace
Will establish the Northern Provincial Council under the 13th Amendment with immediate effect, a senate will be established to facilitate the participation of religious leaders and professionals who are not represented in parliament and Provincial Councils, changes to the proportional electoral system and abolishment of the power of the President to dissolve parliament after one year except in a national emergency.
Priority for youth
Young people between the ages of 18-22 will be given financial assistance up to a maximum of Rs. 200,000 to pursue tertiary education or training in her/his field of choice, measures to be taken to establish large scale sports complexes in each province, to ensure Sri Lanka wins Olympic medals in the future, sports such as athletics, archery, shooting, table tennis and badminton will be promoted.
Focus on modern education and knowledge systems
The present compulsory education age limit of 14 years will be extended to O/L examination level or to 16 years. There will be reforms to assist examination systems.
A healthy society
The biological data of each child born in the country will be maintained by Jana Sabha Secretariats to monitor the health of all children, an islandwide programme to prevent youth falling prey to drugs, smoking and alcohol, programme for the complete eradication of diseases spread by mosquitoes as well as other diseases such as rabies, TB etc and the use of indigenous medicine will be promoted as a tourist attraction.
Foreign Affairs
Sri Lank ‘s non aligned foreign policy will continue, Sri Lanka will abide by global treaties and agreements on environment and climate change and initiate a new programmed to forge relations with countries.
Agriculture
Free agricultural land for 100,000 farming families in the northern and eastern provinces; re-organize the fertilizer subsidy programme to include all food crops. |
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