Will end poverty and gap between have and have-nots: Gota

SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday pledged to end poverty and the gap between the have and have-nots as stipulated in his manifesto if elected president.

Speaking at a rally held in Bandaragama yesterday, Mr. Rajapaksa said their policies and the manifesto were people-centric.

"Four years ago, we started collecting ideas and opinions of the businessmen, industrialists and professionals through Viyath Maga and sought your opinion through Gamata Pilisandarak programme afterwards. It is those opinions, ideas and views which are included in our manifesto, " he said.

He assured that he will fulfil all pledges given during his tenure and to establish national security.

"We established a strong defence system. But this government has no idea about the national security. A future government if ours will uphold dignity of tri-forces, civil defence force and police and will establish national security. There will be no room for extremist terrorism," he said.

Reiterating that he will revive the economy, Mr Rajapaksa said agriculture and farmers will be given key attention.

"We will give free fertiliser and write off farmers loans. We have proposed a pension scheme for farmers as well," he said.

He said a knowledge-based economy will be introduced by good government.

"We have fulfilled challenges in the past and will do so in the future as well," he said.

SLPP Leader and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, MPs Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and others also attended the rally.  (Lahiru Pothmulla)