Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
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President Ranil Wickremesinghe – Pic By Pradeep Pathirana
President Ranil Wickremesinghe who is running for the 2024 Pre-sidential election as an independent candidate, yesterday unveiled his manifesto pledging to work diligently over the next five years to develop a debt-free economy.
His manifesto titled “Five years of winning the country with Ranil” was launched at Taj Samudra Hotel Colombo is built around five core principles of; The Theravada Trade Economy, Operation – Beyond 2025, Towards a Prosperous Nation, A Win for the Motherland, and A United Sri Lanka was first presented to religious leaders, led by the Maha Sangha and then to the youth of the country by Wickremesinghe.
He also launched the website www.ranil2024.lk, which features his manifesto as an independent candidate for the upcoming Presidential election.
Addressing the gathering, Wickremesinghe emphasised commitment to making only those promises he can realistically deliver, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of unattainable goals that could harm the economy.
“As a Presidential candidate, I am not presenting a traditional manifesto. Instead, this document outlines all the projects we have undertaken to stabilise the economy after assuming leadership during a national emergency. I have observed other candidates proposing long-term policies that could take years to implement. However, at this critical juncture, we need immediate, actionable proposals. We are facing an economic crisis,” he said.
Wickremesinghe emphasised that his plan includes reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, providing tax relief, promoting economic growth, and implementing programs to ensure that every citizen has the right to own land and a home.
“I have several core objectives within this framework, which must be carried out according to specific principles. Central to these principles is the concept of a Theravada trade economy. During the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Sri Lanka had a flourishing trade economy. When that kingdom declined, the Ayutthaya Kingdom in Thailand, another Theravada nation, emerged as a major trade centre,” he pointed out.
Noting that the Theravada trading system operates in Thailand and Vietnam, he proposed to fully implement it here as well.
“Our entire program is detailed in the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” policy statement and includes initiatives that can be implemented immediately in the coming years.
Wickremesinghe said that it is time for action, not just discussion. “We should avoid debating new policies or engaging in protracted negotiations with the IMF over new policies. Our goal is to advance by providing relief to the people. We are rapidly implementing the agriculture modernisation program, with the foundational work now completed, allowing us to start immediately. We are also focusing on expanding the tourism industry to attract five million visitors. This project is underway and needs to be completed,” he pointed out.
He assured that his vision extends till 2048, with the goal of securing a prosperous future for everyone. “We are committed to this vision and actively working towards it. We are prepared to move forward with those who share our commitment to progress,” he added.
President also announced that 100,000 employment opportunities would be created for the youth. “While broader job creation will take three to four years, we will immediately provide 100,000 jobs in the first phase and allocate funds to those engaged in modern agriculture. Opportunities in tourism and other sectors will be created through training programs, and we are also recruiting for Government positions,” he added.
Wickremesinghe highlighted that new job openings are being established in both the public and private sectors, with 50,000 school leavers receiving immediate funds for technical training.
The President highlighted that while all the candidates talk about catching offenders, none are prepared to take real action.
He stated that he would establish a committee to implement these measures and invited the Speaker, the Organisation of Professional Associations, the Bar Association, and the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce to each appoint a representative for this purpose.
“If necessary, a Government representative would be appointed to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives,” he added.
Furthermore, he outlined plans to offer subsidised loans to low-income earners to build homes and plan to extend similar support to the middle class. “Small and medium scale businesses, a crucial part of the economy, are receiving protection through an allocation of Rs. 50 billion, with plans to provide additional funds as needed,” he said.
Wickremesinghe also emphasised the need to focus on mitigating impacts of the climate change in economic strategy.
The President also underscored plans in developing industrial production and investment zones, with Bingiriya, North and Hambantota identified for these initiatives. “We are prepared to proceed with these projects,” he added.
Renewable energy is set to become a major economic sector in our country. Furthermore, we are presenting a new law on digitisation to Parliament.
Additionally, he said the Women Empowerment Act is being implemented, which includes granting Government employees one year of leave to pursue advanced courses. “We are also establishing the University of Public Policy and Management, among other programs that will be rolled out soon,” he added.
