Sajith says won't issue new liquor licenses under his government

 Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa today (Oct 21) said he would not issue new liquor licences under his government.

Addressing the launch of his Women's Charter at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo, the New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate vowed to remove all liquor stores located in the vicinity of schools.

Premadasa said he would also wipe off all micro finance loans obtained by women, and set-up a special bank for females to grant loans with interest concessions.

Among other promises he made, were to eliminate malnutrion of mothers and to implement a special plan that would cater to the needs of women in the country.

He also stated that he would establish a Presidential Task Force units to ensure the proper implementation of his policies concerning women, in each divisional secretariat.

The NDF candidate further pledged to impose the maximum possible punishment for individuals who abuse or harass women.

Meanwhile, Premadasa said he would establish an independent commission, within a week after assuming power, to strenghten the rights of women.

He added that he would aim to ensure that females are granted a mandatory representation in Parliament by 25 percent, in a similar manner to that in local authorities.