Actor and former MP Ranjan Ramanayake said he will enter politics from the United Democratic Voice (UDV), a new party with the aim of creating a people-friendly governance free from corruption, fraud and theft.
He stated that he entered active politics from a new political party with no corruption charges as he cannot conscientiously work with corrupt persons in the same party as people involved in corruption charges and various aggressions have joined mainstream politics.
Ramanayaka said this while addressing the first press conference of the United Democratic Voice party in Colombo yesterday.
In line with the media briefing, the United Democratic Voice (UDV) party under the tagline “The People’s Voice”, was unveiled by party leader Ramanayake and National Organiser Thilakaratne Dilshan. “The people themselves inspired the creation of the United Democratic Voice,” Ramanayake said.
“This comes out of a yearning for change. The recent Presidential Elections demonstrate that the people of Sri Lanka want a new direction. This party will give them that. It’s fresh, new, and bold. The old system has collapsed. This is a process that has taken two years.The party is not wedded to an ideology,” he said.
He added that the UDV aims to address the legitimate concerns of people; not to impose a rigid ideology on them. The parties that have recently been removed from power over the last few years have plunged this country into debt and made us the laughing stock of the world since all these must end now.
The UDV is built on five pillars, Ramanayake said.
“They are; an end to corruption, creation of sustainable jobs that raise economic and living standards, knowledge and education, health, inclusivity and diversity. I and many of our members have been campaigning for several years on the subject of ending corruption. People are fed up with the political class taking backhanders as the economy plummets. We will be tough on corruption and the causes of corruption,” he added.
He pledged that the UDV will re-negotiate international loans and be in the business of job creation in a real partnership with the private sector. People needed sustainable jobs that raise economic prosperity and living standards, he emphasised.
He further added that it’s a well-known fact that Sri Lankans get to the top of their professions and thrive when they go overseas. Education is vital to stop the brain drain and through grants and scholarships. A partnership between state institutions and the best in the world to create a decent, efficient and effective education system and health service, where the people will value our professionals.
“We will be the first party that puts prevention as a key priority,” he emphasised.
“Inclusivity and diversity are also a priority for us. It’s time to bring people together. We will heal the divisions between religions, communities and races. We will also take immediate action to improve gender and youth representation.Both these groups have been left behind. Our party will equally represent all the people of Sri Lanka,” he added.
“We want to be Sri Lanka’s mirror. Some have been in politics before, some are new, all are devoted and committed to our cause. Every candidate will sign a Code of Conduct. Every MP will be made to hold a weekly meeting in their constituencies to take up issues. Any MP found to be involved in any unacceptable financial issue will be removed immediately,” Ramanayake further added.
When Ramanayake was asked whether there is a proper mechanism with the UDV to drive the country forward to prosperity he said that the only intention of the party is to get the country out of the economic crisis and create a corrupt free country. He stated that a formal programme for that has been mentioned in the party constitution also.
UDV National Organiser Tilakaratne Dilshan addressing the media invited country-friendly people to hand in hand with the UDV to bring the country forward. He noted that the UDV promises to be a strong force that represents the interests of the people of Sri Lanka since it is the People’s Voice.
Former MP Vadivel Suresh addressing the media said that the UDV represents all ethnicities and religions.
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