This country belongs to the people - Min. Premadasa

United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa today (Sept 5) stressed that the country belonged to the people, claiming that some individuals were vying for the post of President with personal motives.

Addressing a rally in Kurunegala, Mr. Premadasa told supporters that he would not engage in family politics and nepotism if elected into power. "My family power is the power of the people," he said.

The UNP Deputy Leader emphasised that the rally which had been organised in support of him had not been held with the motive of opposing anyone and instead is an attempt to support the UNP-led United National Front (UNF) into power once again.

"I believe that UNP, along with the blessings of its leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Karu Jayasuriya will give me an opportunity to build the country," he said.

During his address, Minister Premadasa drew emphasis on the empowerment of women through self employment and the upliftment of the youth by developing IT and digital technology in the country.

"The only solution to overcome the rising cost of living is to increase the methods of earning revenue for a family," he opined adding that his government would support female self-employment while also providing protection to them.

Mr. Premadasa added that he would give utmost priority to sustainable development activities and focus on uplifting sectors such as agriculture. In addition, he said that religious places of worship would be developed irrespective of any religion.

"I will not spend time in mansions and forget my beginnings. If voted into power, I would work with the people," he reiterated.