No need to go out over citizenship issue, I’ll win: Sajith

There is no need for anyone to go out of the presidential race over citizenship issue as I am confident of winning the presidential election, New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Mr Premadasa, who made this remark at an election rally in Kuliyapitiya yesterday, said he will win the election whether anyone goes out of the presidential race or not. “I am an original Sri Lankan, unlike others. However there is no need for anyone to go out of the presidential election over citizenship issue as I will win the election anyway,” Mr Premadasa said indicating that he is confident of winning.

Mr Premadasa pledged to revive the fallen coconut industry in Kuliyapitiya in the Kurunegala District. He said providing free fertiliser to all crops is one way of reviving the coconut industry. He also pledged to set up digital parks, industrial zones and technical colleges in Kuliyapitiya to provide employment opportunities for the youth in the area.

The NDF candidate came out with these pledges by highlighting that these are what is written in his manifesto. “All my personal experiences and knowledge. I am aware of the issues faced by the people in different areas I am aware of the ground situation,” he said in his regard.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who participated in the rally, pledged to reduce data charges. “Youth wants us to reduce data charges and this will be done under a government led by NDF candidate Sajith Premadasa,” he said.

“Youth of today wanted digital technology and we, under an administration led by Mr Premadasa, will provide this service by laying fibre optic cables around the country. Youth wants us, the politicians, to be digital like them. Youth are digital and we politicians are analogue. Digital is speedy and strong while analogue means weak and slow,” he also said. (Yohan Perera)