Sajith reiterates call to Gota for a debate

Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa today (Oct 29) invited rival candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for a public debate if he has a “backbone”, calling it an exercise which will allow the public to evaluate both candidates.

“If there is a difficulty in coming alone (for the debate), I wish to tell my rival candidate that he can bring his whole family to debate with me,” the New Democratic Front (NDF) told a rally in Biyagama.

Premadasa has been repeatedly urging Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate Rajapaksa for a public debate – an invitation to which the SLPP candidate has not responded yet.

“I believe that I have the knowledge and vision to debate with anyone. However, my greatest interest lies in engaging in a face-to-face peaceful debate with my rival,” the NDF candidate declared.

In his address, Premadasa told supporters that he will permit sand mining under his rule, provided that it does not affect the environment.

He observed that sand miners, especially in the Biyagama area, have been inconvenienced due to several regulations in place.

“While protecting the environment, rivers, and the people, I wish to responsibly state that I will grant permission for sand mining to be carried out without affecting the environment,” he said.

Premadasa also said he will commence construction of a hospital and a national school in the Biyagama area “within three months after coming into power”.

Another key election promise he made was to pay full attention and resolve the housing problems of those near the Biyagama Free Trade Zone.

“We will also widen the Malwana road and ensure infrastructure development in the Biyagama area,” the NDF candidate said.

Among other promises he made were to mitigate floods which have affected the Biyagama area greatly in the past, and also to empower local traders in the area.

He pledged to create an environment that would see tax concessions being granted, to attract foreign investments and increase the number of factories in the country