26 October 2019 01:39 am
National Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday pledged if elected to office to set up a special department for minor export crops and to provide a pair of shoes to every school-going child.
He said this at election rallies in Kamburupitiya and Hakmana in the Matara District yesterday and added that he would set up a special government department for minor export crops and an authority for the same. “I will take these steps to ensure a stable price for minor export crops,” Mr. Premadasa said. He said he was aware that cinnamon farmers and pepper farmers in Matara were suffering without a proper price for their produce.
“My father, late President Ranasinghe Premadasa could not fulfil his dream of providing two school uniforms, a free midday meal but I will fulfil his dream and will also provide a free pair of shoes to all schoolchildren," he said.
Mr. Premadasa pledged to set up IT parks and economic zones in each divisional secretariat area in the country.
“My opponent had pledged to build a nation where everyone could live safely but I wonder where he was when a local politician in the Matara District celebrated molesting 100 women by throwing a party,” he said.
“I will use the presidency as a weapon. However please don’t misunderstand I don’t intend to use its power to shoot people who protest for their rights. I will be as humble as the dust which gets trampled by everyone,” Mr. Premadasa said. (Yohan Perera)