Gotabhaya pledges new political culture rid of corruption

Presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa today (Oct 19) pledged to create a new political culture that would see politics as a mechanism to serve the people, and not to achieve personal gains.

He made these remarks after the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pledging support to his candidacy at the November 16 vote.

“I will provide the required leadership to change the political culture,” Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate said stressing that it would be free of corruption.

He drew emphasis on empowering the youth by uplifting their education and vocational skills, and also encouraging local businessmen, an exercise he eyed to uplift the country’s economy.

This policy, he said, would revolve around efforts to develop the country and its economy, uplift the youth, and serve the people.

“There is no need to create suspicion on protecting the SLFP’s policies and its identity, as a result of signing the agreement with me,” Rajapaksa said.

Meanwhile, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara, speaking at the event, requested the presidential candidate, to introduce a policy against wasting public funds on promoting politicians.

“On behalf of the party, I request you to create a stable policy that would eliminate activities such as setting up massive billboards which promote politicians,” he urged.

SLFP General Secretary Jayasekara, and SLPP candidate Rajapaksa signed the MoU at the Western Province Aesthetic Resort.

(Pics by Indika Handuwala)