At general elections... Two-thirds majority to seal presidential poll victory deal: SLPP

By Lahiru Pothmulla  

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said its new year resolution and ambition is to win the general elections with a two-thirds majority to fully capitalise on the presidential election victory. 

Addressing the party’s maiden news briefing of the 2020 at the head office at Battaramulla, SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L.Peiris said a strong government and a parliament is needed to carry forward President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s programme.  
“President Rajapaksa has been utilizing the Executive powers vested in him to implement his programme and the pledges made during the presidential election campaign. Reducing the tax burden on people, providing concessions and encouraging investments were all done utilizing the powers of the President,” he said.  

Therefore, he said the involvement of parliament is essential for the smooth delivery of the pledges and especially to amend and bring in necessary laws and regulations.  
“When reforming or repealing outdated laws and introducing new ones, it is the parliament that has the authority to do so. The Executive cannot do it alone. Parliament has a crucial role to play when drafting laws,” Prof. Peiris said.   

He said the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government would present a budget only after the general election, since it is not practical to do it before. “There will be another Vote on Account as the general election to be held between April end and early May. Once the general election is concluded and a new government is established, we will submit the budget. Our main objective and mission of this year is to secure a two- thirds majority in parliament from the election,” he said.   

Meanwhile, he commended the President for visiting state institutions where there were issues and appointing qualified personnel as heads of state departments. He said it was for the first time in the world’s history that a political party which is at the infancy secured a landslide victory at a local government election and then produced a President.   
“With the backing and the support of the all members of the Joint Opposition, we are confident of securing a two-thirds majority at the parliamentary election,” he said.