• The manifesto is titled Samata Jaya   
• It was handed over to the Mahanayake Theras of the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters   
• We will not change the basic foundation of the IMF agreement but would only change certain aspect within it
• SJB will introduce a social market economy where the private sector will also have to play a role

By Yohan Perera, Shane Seneviratne and J. A. L. Jaysinghe   

pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

The manifesto of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa has pledged to bring about vast digital transformation in the country, MPs of the party said yesterday.   

MPs Harsha de Silva, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Eran Wickramaratne and Dullas Alahapperuma told media that an administration under Sajith Premadasa will introduce a public digital platform. “This will be a digital revolution,” MP Ranawaka said.   

“A person will be able to make any payment under this platform be it purchasing any goods. Every person will be able to have a single identity number under this system.  

We will also connect each state institution digitally so that people will be able obtain a more efficient service,” he said.   

“NPP has said they will recruit persons to make collection of taxes more efficient. However, we will make the tax collection efficient through digitalization. This platform will also create smart farmers,” he added.   
Dr. de Silva said an administration under Mr. Premadasa will make amendments to the IMF agreements. “We will not change the basic foundation of the IMF agreement but would only change certain aspect within it. It will be like changing the size of a bed room without changing the foundation of a house,” he said.   

“Conflicts of interests often occur when the Attorney General files action against a government person. Therefore, we will introduce an independent prosecution office to overcome these difficulties,” he said in this regard.   

MP Wickramaratne said the SJB will introduce a social market economy where the private sector will also have to play a role. The party also pledges to build up an independent foreign policy.   

The manifesto was handed over to Mahanayaka Theras of Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters and was offered at Dalada Maligawa according to SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara. The manifesto is titled Samata Jaya 

(victory for all).