Highlighting that his election manifesto is a practical program that can be implemented starting from September 22, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined his goals to alleviate the burden on people’s lives, create jobs, reduce the tax burden, establish an affordable tax system, and promote economic growth by fostering an export-driven economy. This initiative will be carried out under the primary objective of preserving social welfare programs and ensuring they reach all eligible recipients.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe mentioned this while joining the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally held in Bandarawela this morning (31).
Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe, who gave further comments, also said:
“I am contesting the presidential election as an independent candidate because it was essential for everyone to unite beyond party lines to save our country. After announcing my candidacy, I outlined the steps we had taken previously and highlighted the economic progress we have achieved to date. Compared to the situation in 2022, we have managed to reduce the prices of essential goods and alleviate the financial burden on the public. Additionally, the salaries of government employees have been increased, and relief has been provided to low-income earners. There are still 500,000 more people who need assistance, and we are committed to ensuring they receive it as well.
Looking ahead, I have set five primary goals: to reduce the cost of living, create jobs, lower the tax burden and establish a fair tax system, stimulate economic growth by fostering an export-driven economy, and safeguard social welfare programs, ensuring they reach all eligible beneficiaries. These are not just promises; we are actively working towards achieving these objectives.
My election manifesto is not just another set of promises but a practical and actionable plan that can be implemented starting September 22. While we have already made progress by reducing the cost of living compared to 2022, I am not satisfied with the current state. Our goal is to further alleviate the financial burden on the people and continue reducing the prices of essential goods.
Although other parties also promise to lower the cost of goods, our approach is to strengthen the rupee. As the rupee strengthens, the prices of goods will decrease, providing tangible relief to the people.
We have focused on efficiency rather than simply maintaining the status quo. The changes were not made to dismantle the Samurdhi program but to enhance it by integrating it with the Aswasuma program. This allows the Samurdhi initiative to operate more effectively, and Samurdhi officers can continue their work without any disruption. We are committed to securing their future.
We have already implemented measures to strengthen the economy, which has resulted in an increase in the country’s gross domestic product. However, Sajith and Anura claim they will reduce taxes. It is not feasible to lower taxes while simultaneously providing relief to the public. Each year, we collaborate with the International Monetary Fund to meet specific revenue targets. To safeguard the nation’s economy, we must continue this program.
We aim to provide relief by boosting domestic production. For instance, we have launched an initiative to allocate land to people living on estate line rooms, transforming them into villages. As promised, we have increased the wages of plantation workers and will continue to fulfill our commitments.
Unlike other candidates, who have not addressed the issue of youth employment, our government is committed to creating jobs for the youth. With increased revenue, we are striving to develop 100 million new income opportunities in the future.
Additionally, we are providing financial support to another 50,000 individuals to pursue professional training of their choice. It is important to note that many more new job opportunities will be created next year.
We are implementing programs to modernize agriculture, create jobs, and develop the tourism industry. For example, recognizing Bandarawela as a key vegetable collection center, we are planning to provide a large cold storage facility in this province under the Agriculture Modernization Program.
Today, I am speaking on behalf of all members of the United National Party (UNP), Podu Jana Peramuna, and Sri Lanka Freedom Party. However, as the leader who succeeded D.S. Senanayake, J.R. Jayawardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa, and D.B. Wijetunga in leading the UNP, I want to address the members of our party specifically.
The people of Bandarawela do not need to be reminded of the UNP’s performance in this region. During a meeting held here, J.R. Jayawardene announced that he would entrust the management of the economy to me. Later, under President Premadasa, when I initiated the industrial program, he committed to establishing 200 garment factories. I was then given the responsibility of setting up an additional 300 factories. I defended him when an impeachment was brought against him, and I have always stood by the United National Party.
Sajith Premadasa dismantled the UNP that we worked so hard to protect. We must come together again as members of the UNP. Like J.R. Jayawardene, I took control of the nation’s finances and improved them within two years. This is the tradition of the United National Party. Therefore, we must unite as the UNP and move forward. We cannot afford to turn back. Sajith Premadasa cannot lead the UNP to growth.
He lacks the vision to develop the country and cannot competently discuss economic matters. He relies on Harsha de Silva and Kabir Hashim for guidance, and when they are at a loss, they look to Nalaka Godahewa. Can we entrust the leadership of our country to someone like this? The party has lost its direction and no longer adheres to the core policies of the UNP. If you are true members of the UNP who love your country, I urge all of you to support me on September 21st.
