Presidential candidates’ manifestos must align with Economic Transformation Act: Wajira

By Yohan Perera

Manifestos of all presidential candidates should be in  line with certain legislation including the Economic Transformation Act (ETA), and they would be illegal if they did not comply with these  legislations, United National Party (UNP) Chairman Wajira Abeywardena  said yesterday.   

“The Economic Transformation Act has outlined a framework  which Sri Lanka should adopt in shaping its economy during the coming  years. This framework is based on the agreement which Sri Lanka has  signed with the IMF. It has specified revenue targets and economic  growth targets which Sri Lanka has pledged to achieve. If any candidate  comes out with a different manifesto which may comprise a heap of  promises that candidate will be violating the economic transformation  Bill and the manifesto will be illegal,” the MP told a briefing.   
“People should use their votes at this year’s Presidential   Election with the economy in mind. They should use their vote to  prevent another economic crisis and civil unrest. Sri Lanka cannot  afford another civil unrest and economic collapse,” he added.   He said Wickremesinghe had already sought the support of all  parties and had written to them making a formal request for their  backing. “Mr. Wickremesinghe is expected to have a dialogue with all  parties. “The incumbent President decided to contest the Presidential  Election as an independent candidate with the intention of obtaining the  support of all parties,” he said.   

“Mr. Wickremesinghe has already obtained the support of some parties,” he said.  Referring to the allegation that Mr. Wickremesinghe has  allied with SLPP members who are responsible for the country’s economic  bankruptcy, Mr. Abeywardena said the President cannot help it. “The  President is compelled to work with the SLPP as it is them who hold a  majority in Parliament,” he said in this regard.   Asked about the symbol under which Mr. Wickremesinghe would be contesting, the MP said it would be made known soon.