Election manifesto of Gotabaya Rajapaksa launched

Launching his election manifesto on Friday, SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured he would provide immediate relief packages and tax concessions while giving priority to national security and maintaining zero tolerance for corruption in a government led by him. Pledges to fight corruption and drug menace Says will introduce an immediate relief package Promises Rs.1,000 daily wage to estate workers Will introduce a new Constitution Reform outdated laws Laws to cap campaign expenditures of candidates Make learning Tamil & Sinhala compulsory to avoid miscommunication Simplify tax system The 10-point manifesto themed ‘Go for action - Vision Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ was launched at a ceremony held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo.

Mr. Rajapaksa said he hoped to implement a proper mechanism to put an end to institutional and political corruption in a future government.

“We will strengthen necessary mechanisms to punish those found guilty of corruption and also to prevent corruption,” he said and added that the drug menace would be eradicated within a short period of time.

Reiterating that no foreign force would be allowed to meddle in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka or compromise its sovereignty, he said the national security would be considered the utmost responsibility of his government.

“The security apparatus would be strengthened to secure the country from threats of terrorism, underworld activities, robbers, extortionists, drugs, violence and as well as foreign threats,” he said.

The ‘One country one law concept’, development of infrastructure in the judicial sector to clear backlog of cases and expansion of investment in the education sector to make available more degree awarding programmes are some of the pledges in the manifesto.

“We will expand the three-year nursing diploma to a four-year degree programme accepted by the international and upgrade teacher training collages to award degrees,” he said.

Apart from the long terms goals and reforms, Mr. Rajapaksa said they would introduce an immediate relief package to the people to ease out the impact of the increased cost of living.

“The tax system will be revamped and VAT will be reduced to 8%. Religious place will be exempt from taxes and the PAYE tax will be removed,” he said.

According to the manifesto, the Economic Service Charge (ESC) and Withholding Tax to be scrapped while personal income tax will be subject to a ceiling of 15 per cent. “Service charges levied on telephones and internet will be reduced by 50 per cent and a simple taxation system will be introduced to cover annual vehicle registrations and charges for relevant annual services, replacing the existing tax systems,” it said.
Plans to expand tourism sector with a target of earning an income of USD 10 billion, creating 1 million employment opportunities within 10 years and the export of value added products are also in Mr. Rajapaksa’s manifesto.(Lahiru Pothmulla)