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By Nuwan Senarathna
Sixteen political parties yesterday entered into an agreement to back Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa, forming the Sri Lanka People’s Freedom Alliance (SLPFA).
The agreement was signed at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) at an auspicious time, in front of a packed crowd representing all 17 political parties.
Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Democratic Left Front, Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Ceylon Workers’ Congress, the Eelam People’s Democratic Party, the National Congress, Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya, Deshavimukthi Janatha Pakshaya, United People’s Party, Vijaya Dharanee Mahajana Sabawa, Muthpokkuth Thamil Kacchi, and Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal are also members of the new alliance. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) also signed the latest agreement.
Speaking at the event, SLPP presidential aspirant Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that based on voting patterns seen at the last Local Government Election, he was confident of about 56% of the vote.
“Seventeen political parties today joined together to form the SLPFA. If we consider all the votes all of us have secured during the last Local Government Election, we can attract around 56% of the vote at the Presidential Election, which is a very positive sign,” Rajapaksa said.
Rajapaksa argued the public had already decided who they will vote for, therefore the result of the election has already been decided. “People have decided who will be the next President by now.” He noted a collection of parties with different views and opinions have come together to fight for one objective, which is to lead the country to prosperity.
“All 17 parties have different views, but all of them have joined today for one cause, which is developing the country. We can work together to achieve that goal, overcoming each other’s differences. I am confident that this alliance will guide the nation to a better future.”
Rajapaksa pointed out the country faces great challenges, which need to be addressed at the earliest possible time to attain development goals. He pointed out that protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity would be key areas under their Government.
“If elected, our priorities will be rebuilding the economy, protecting democracy, and restoring the supremacy of the law as well as lifting living standard. We will introduce new programs to narrow income inequality and reduce poverty.”
He noted his manifesto consists of policies which are practically attainable, and claimed his policies are based on years of observations of experts. Rajapaksa stressed that his manifesto was based on data collected from all levels of the country, and therefore no one will be left out in his policies.
