By Sandun A. Jayasekera

The current political transformation in the country had proved beyond any doubt that people’s aspirations and national development targets cannot be met through a mere regime change alone, former President and the SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena said.

If Sri Lanka is to achieve the targets of sustainable development, peace and harmony, there must be in place a technology-savvy national development plan that addresses the political, economic and human resources demands drafted in tandem with global requirements, he added.

Addressing the 70th anniversary of the SLFP held in virtual format at his official residence in Colombo, Mr. Sirisena made a plea to all those who support the SLFP and other like-minded Sri Lankans to be prepared to join a campaign led by the SLFP to achieve sustainable economic progress, peace and harmony on a common platform under a national agreement. 

Since the establishment of the SLFP 70 years ago – on September 2 ,1951 - by a team of patriots of progressive mindset led by late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, the party has confronted many an upheaval, win and defeat, conspiracy, and assassination but up to the leadership from Bandaranaikes to Mahinda Rajapaksa, the party has stood firm and as a leading political force in the country, he said.