“People who previously criticised President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s development initiatives are now promising the same developments in their manifestos,” said Namal Rajapaksa, the Presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
He made these remarks while addressing a rally to support the SLPP held in Kurunegala on Sunday (15).
He further stressed, “During the Presidencies of Mahinda Rajapaksa, we started development programmes covering the entire country. Some questioned whether building roads was necessary for survival. They believed that importing goods from abroad was more profitable than promoting self-sufficiency. However, we have always been committed to supporting our farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs. We are dedicated to strengthening the domestic economy.”
“We aim to cultivate every piece of arable land, and provide young farmers with technology to increase yields from limited land. Our goal is to establish an economy where essential goods can be purchased at affordable prices.”
“Today, many are promising salary increases. Even those who previously opposed such increases saying salary increases are impossible without tax increases, are now claiming in their manifestos they will raise wages.”
“We do not make false promises. We are honest about what we can achieve and acknowledge what we can’t. We are not afraid of challenges, we embrace them. Those who used to criticise the construction of highways and technology parks are now including them in their manifestos.”
“If we are to progress, we must modernise, but some leaders equate modernisation with Westernisation. For them, modernisation means nothing more than changing appearances. That is not what we mean. Modernisation is about aligning the State apparatus and technology with the current era to build a strong economic foundation. The decisions we make today are designed to ensure that future generations can thrive in a developed country.”
The post If we are to progress, we must modernise – Namal Rajapaksa appeared first on DailyNews.