Namal scoffs at election promise of Rs.25,000 salary hike

By Yohan Perera   

The government is bound to serve the interests of the people  of this country, not only those of the International Monetary Fund  (IMF), World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), Sri Lanka Podujana  Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential Candidate Namal Rajapaksa said.  

“Government is bound to take care of people rather than  satisfying IMF, World Bank and the ADB,” Mr. Rajapaksa said during a  rally in Yakkala.   

“We are a group that loves this nation. We are connected  to the underprivileged. We are attached to our culture and temple. 

We  have understood our responsibility of safeguarding the population of  this country,” he said.   

“We believe that the country’s education system has to be  modernised. Children should be given the opportunity to engage in  higher studies. Those who want to go for vocational training should also  be given that opportunity. We believe in producing skilled persons,  which the world needs today,” he added.   

“Also we believe that foreign investments should be brought  in. We need to follow investor-friendly policies. High taxes are a  burden for ordinary citizens. It is essential to adopt a tax policy  which is fair. Our administration will not change this policy from time  to time,” he also said.   

Mr. Rajapaksa stressed no one should deceive people by  giving attractive policies such as increasing the salaries of state workers  by Rs 25,000. “One should not adopt policies which are based on  elections. Salary increment should be in line with the inflation,” he  said in this regard.   

He said state workers should be trained in technological  skills. Also, he promised to resolve the issues pertaining to issuance of  passports.