Summary of Election Manifestos of the Key Candidates

In this article, we will outline the key policies and promises made by the three main candidates in Sri Lanka's upcoming presidential election: President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as detailed in their respective election manifestos.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

The election manifesto of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a candidate for the 2024 Presidential Election in Sri Lanka. The manifesto outlines Wickremesinghe's vision and plans for the country, focusing on various key areas such as economic revival, governance, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. Here is a summary of the key points:

Economic Revival and Stability:

Wickremesinghe emphasizes the importance of economic stability and growth. His plan includes fiscal reforms aimed at reducing the budget deficit and managing public debt. He also stresses the need to attract foreign investment by creating a favorable business environment and improving ease of doing business.

Good Governance and Rule of Law:

The manifesto highlights the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency, and upholding the rule of law. Wickremesinghe pledges to combat corruption and enhance the efficiency of government services.

Infrastructure Development:

A significant focus is placed on infrastructure development, particularly in transport, energy, and urban development. Wickremesinghe proposes investments in roads, railways, and ports to improve connectivity and support economic growth.

Education and Human Capital Development:

Education is a key priority in Wickremesinghe's manifesto. He plans to reform the education system to align it with global standards, focusing on skill development, innovation, and technology. He also advocates for increasing access to quality education across the country.

Healthcare System Improvements:

The manifesto outlines plans to improve the healthcare system by investing in public health infrastructure, increasing the availability of essential medicines, and ensuring universal healthcare access. Wickremesinghe also emphasizes the need for preventive healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Environmental Sustainability:

Wickremesinghe's manifesto includes a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. He proposes policies to address climate change, protect natural resources, and promote renewable energy sources.

Social Welfare and Inclusivity:

The manifesto includes provisions for enhancing social welfare programs, supporting vulnerable communities, and ensuring inclusivity in development. Wickremesinghe emphasizes the need for equitable access to resources and opportunities for all citizens.

International Relations and Foreign Policy:

Wickremesinghe plans to adopt a balanced foreign policy, strengthening ties with key global partners while safeguarding national interests. He highlights the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in achieving national goals.

Digital Transformation and Innovation:

The manifesto advocates for the digital transformation of the economy, government services, and education. Wickremesinghe proposes initiatives to foster innovation, support startups, and promote a knowledge-based economy.

Overall, Ranil Wickremesinghe's manifesto presents a comprehensive plan for Sri Lanka's future, focusing on sustainable economic development, good governance, and social equity. His proposals aim to create a stable, prosperous, and inclusive society, positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive nation on the global stage.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

The manifesto titled "A Win for All" by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa outlines a comprehensive vision for transforming Sri Lanka's political, economic, and social landscape. As the leader of the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS), Premadasa emphasizes the importance of a social market economy that prioritizes both free market efficiency and social justice. His manifesto is built on five key pillars: building a resilient economy, empowering every citizen, enhancing government service, protecting quality of life, and safeguarding the nation.

Building a Resilient Economy:

Premadasa advocates for a social market economy that balances market-driven growth with social justice. He outlines a strategic plan to rebuild Sri Lanka's economy, focusing on transparency, accountability, and eradicating corruption. The manifesto proposes reforms in debt management, monetary policy, revenue growth, and expenditure control. Key initiatives include promoting a green economy, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and integrating Sri Lanka into global value chains. The plan also emphasizes agricultural modernization, industrial development, and energy reforms, aiming to make Sri Lanka a regional leader in renewable energy.

Empowering Every Citizen:

Premadasa's manifesto prioritizes education, healthcare, and social services to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens. The manifesto outlines plans to revamp the education system, promote gender equality, and improve the healthcare sector. It includes specific measures for marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities, the Indigenous Adiwasi community, and women-headed households. The manifesto also emphasizes the importance of vocational training, youth empowerment, and social protection programs to foster a self-reliant society.

Enhancing Government Service:

The manifesto calls for modernizing public services through digitalization and improved governance. It proposes the creation of a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to streamline government services, reduce corruption, and enhance efficiency. Key initiatives include introducing a comprehensive cyber security law, reforming public service delivery, and improving public sector management. The manifesto also emphasizes the importance of policy planning and implementation, with a focus on accountability and transparency.

Protecting Quality of Life:

Premadasa's manifesto highlights the importance of religious and cultural affairs, media freedom, housing, and public utilities. It proposes initiatives to protect the rights of all religious communities, promote freedom of expression, and support the development of the arts. The manifesto also outlines plans to improve housing for low-income and middle-class families, enhance public utilities, and support migrant workers. A key focus is on creating a robust social protection network to eradicate poverty and ensure a decent quality of life for all citizens.

Safeguarding the Nation:

The manifesto emphasizes national security, democracy, and environmental sustainability. Premadasa pledges to strengthen democracy by ensuring equal treatment for all citizens and promoting reconciliation. The manifesto includes plans to reform the constitution, hold provincial council elections, and ensure the independence of the judiciary. In foreign affairs, Premadasa advocates for a multi-aligned foreign policy, promoting regional integration and economic diplomacy.

Overall, Sajith Premadasa's manifesto presents a detailed plan for a prosperous, equitable, and secure Sri Lanka, emphasizing inclusive growth, social justice, and transparent governance.

NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake

The election manifesto for NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate of the National People's Power (NPP) for the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election. The manifesto outlines a comprehensive vision for the social, economic, and political transformation of Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need for a massive social transformation or renaissance to realize the dream of a developed nation.

Key Areas of Focus:

A Fulfilling Life - A Comfortable Country:

Education: The manifesto highlights the crisis in Sri Lanka's education system, including high dropout rates, resource disparities, and a lack of alignment with economic needs. The NPP aims to increase public investment in education, ensure free and equal access, and mainstream vocational education.

Health: The NPP commits to enhancing the public health sector by increasing government spending, integrating Western and Indigenous medical systems, and promoting preventive health care. The focus is on creating a patient-centered healthcare system that is efficient, safe, and equitable.

Housing: Addressing urban and rural housing issues, the manifesto proposes constructing multi-story housing complexes, providing financial support for home construction, and improving infrastructure in underserved areas.

An Honourable Life - A Safer Country:

Social Protection: The NPP plans to implement comprehensive social protection and welfare programs, including financial grants for low-income families, empowerment programs, and social security for all citizens. Special attention is given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and women-headed families.

Labour Rights: The manifesto emphasizes the protection of workers' rights, fair wages, and equal opportunities. It advocates for a national salary structure, non-discriminatory job selection processes, and improved working conditions, particularly for women and disabled individuals.

A Modern Life - A Wealthy Nation:

Economy: The NPP's economic policies focus on building a production-based economy, leveraging resources like mineral wealth, tourism, agriculture, and creative industries. The manifesto also advocates for digital transformation and the development of a democratic economy that ensures food security and sustainable resource management.

Infrastructure: Plans include improving public transportation, modernizing the energy sector with renewable sources, and developing a sustainable fishery and tourism industry.

A Dignified Life - A Strong Country:

Governance: The manifesto calls for a new constitution, efficient public service, and the rule of law to be upheld by an independent judiciary. The NPP pledges to eradicate corruption, reclaim looted wealth, and ensure national security.

Cultural Revival: The NPP seeks to foster a rich cultural life and compassionate society through the promotion of arts, culture, and heritage. The manifesto includes plans for enhancing education, preserving cultural diversity, and supporting the creative industries.

Environmental Sustainability:

Environmental Policy: The manifesto emphasizes the need for sustainable land use, water conservation, marine protection, and clean energy. The NPP envisions a balanced approach to development and environmental preservation, advocating for the protection of natural resources and biodiversity.

Media and Information:

Free Media: The NPP is committed to ensuring media freedom, promoting truthful and accurate information, and preventing the misuse of mass media. The manifesto includes proposals for media reforms, including a code of ethics for journalists and media institutions, and support for independent journalism.

The manifesto concludes with an invitation to all Sri Lankans to join the NPP in building a people’s government that will bring about a renaissance in Sri Lanka, making the dream of a thriving nation and a beautiful life a reality.