UNP launches manifesto: Focuses on economy revival plan similar to Japan

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe launching the UNP manifesto online using modern technology yesterday. Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

By Yohan Perera   

Whilst stating that Sri Lanka is slated to lose one million jobs and foreign revenue worth dollars 7 billion this year, former Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said manifesto of his party has focused on this issue.   

Launching his party’s manifesto for the general election 2020, Mr Wickremesinghe said a UNP government if elected will raise US dollars 6 billion utilising the assistance of IMF and through financial sources. He pledged to revive Sri Lanka’s relationship with other countries through a strong proactive foreign policy. “Our economic revival plan will set the basis to build a competitive platform similar to Japanese model” Mr. Wickremesinghe said.   

“We will pay an allowance of Rs 10,000 a month for those who become unemployed due to the COVID-19 crisis. This includes those who return from foreign employment,” he said.   
Moratorium for Enterprise Sri Lanka loans below Rs 50 million, payment of Rs 10,000 to families affected by lockdown, business support scene including SME support scheme, new laws to protect businesses from bankruptcy due to lockdown caused by COVID-19, digitalising the economy, enhancing Suwaserya ambulance service by adding air mobile hospitals and a paramedical service and compensation to everyone who die while engaged in providing services to overcome COVID-19, restarting the programme of providing free computer tabs to school children, government financing of private schools and introducing Public Health Emergency act are some of the pledges made in the manifesto as explained by the UNP Leader.    Also he said that UNP would never support any amendment to the constitution which abolishes independent commissions.   “ I don’t intend to sling mud at opponents but wish to debate on our manifesto. There is no use in slinging mud at anyone as such an act will not increase our vote bank” he said. 

• We will pay an allowance of Rs 10,000 a month for those who become unemployed due to the COVID-19 crisis