Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
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Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, while unveiling the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) alliance in support of his Presidential candidacy yesterday, vowed to bring to justice and punish those responsible for the economic crimes that bankrupted the country through corruption and fraud.
He described the formation of the SJS as a historic moment, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s political history and the launch of a new mission for the nation.
Premadasa pledged that the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) would realise the aspirations of Sri Lanka’s 22 million citizens by breaking away from corrupt political practices and addressing the needs of the suffering population.
“We will bring the economic criminals who bankrupted this country to justice and fulfil our responsibility before the law. We will also recover every dollar and rupee lost to corruption and use them for the betterment of the country’s people,” he assured the packed venue.
Revealing the SJS’s economic policies Premadasa announced that the group will focus on building an export-oriented economy. He said that under his leadership, the Government would establish manufacturing and production industries in all 341 Pradeshiya Sabhas. He promised that starting from 22 September, every pledge made today would be turned into reality, with a major development program commencing that will impact all citizens.
The SJS leader invited all other parties and groups to join the alliance, emphasising that the goal is not to distribute Ministerial positions or other roles but to focus entirely on rebuilding the country. He assured that the SJS would be fully committed to this mission and urged his supporters to brace themselves for the hard work ahead, vowing to lead by example.
Premadasa also pledged to introduce a new program to eradicate poverty, one that would be even more robust than the Jana Saviya program introduced by his father, the late President R. Premadasa, in 1989. He declared that a victory for the SJS would be a victory for the people.
The Opposition leader and now Presidential hopeful Sajith Premadasa, emphasised that a victory for the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) would not be a victory for any one family, rejecting the nepotism seen in other political movements. He vowed to put an end to family bandyism, assuring that the SJB would not be inherited by any relative of his, nor would the country be handed down as a family legacy. He called on the people to rally around the party and help strengthen it.
The event took place at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, with the participation of supporting political parties, party members, and the public.
Premadasa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leaders of several political parties and groups who have pledged their support for his Presidential bid. The signatories included Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem, Democratic People’s Front leader Mano Ganesan, National Union of Workers leader Palani Digambaram, Up Country People’s Front leader V. Radhakrishnan, Freedom People’s Congress MP group leader Prof. G.L. Peiris, Freedom People’s Congress leader Dullas Alahapperuma, Sri Lanka Freedom Party General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara, National Front for Good Governance General Secretary E.L.B. Sameer, Progressive Tamil National Party leader Vijayasundaram Ramesh, among others.
Following the signing, the group vowed to bring all corrupt individuals to justice, regardless of their status, and to establish a system to recover all assets and funds obtained through irregular means.
Speaking at the event, Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) leader Dullas Alahapperuma emphasised that a broad alliance alone is not enough to rebuild a country. He outlined three essential prerequisites for success: a talented leader, a capable team, and an exemplary program. He expressed confidence that all three are present in Premadasa’s candidacy, which is why the FPC is supporting him.
Meanwhile, MP Mano Ganesan rejected President Wickremesinghe’s claim that his party had already decided to join Premadasa before the forming of the SJS and was merely looking for good reasons to justify it. Ganesan clarified that his party represents the people’s interests and joined the SJS to advance their aspirations.
Meanwhile, Dayasiri Jayasekara, representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of enabling corrupt members of the ruling party to continue their misdeeds unchecked. He highlighted how 44 cases of bribery and corruption against SLPP members were dismissed on technicalities during Wickremesinghe’s Presidency. Jayasekara urged Premadasa to ensure that these corrupt individuals are brought before the law and held accountable.
Prof. G.L. Peiris vouched for Premadasa’s honesty and integrity, praising his leadership qualities, including humility and a consultative approach. He further emphasised that Premadasa has the best team to rebuild Sri Lanka.
At the event, a policy brief prepared by academics, professionals, and civil society groups was also presented to Premadasa.
