Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday, 29 October 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday called on the Tamil community to join him to create a united Sri Lanka, and work collectively towards developing the country, but stopped short of making any statement regarding political rights and other issues.
Visiting the North for the first time since launching his presidential campaign, Rajapaksa, addressing a political rally in Jaffna, pledged to create long-lasting economic development for people in the North. He noted that with the support of the Tamil community, which would create a Sri Lankan identity, it would be possible to take the country forward. During his speech, Rajapaksa referred to his manifesto multiple times, which includes a pledge to introduce a new Constitution by establishing a multi-party Parliamentary Select Committee. He also promises to release or file charges within three months of terror suspects, in his manifesto that was released on 25 October.
Rajapaksa said the difference in development in the North and other parts of the country as a result of false election promises will be changed if he is elected, and recalled the infrastructure development that took place when he was Defence Secretary. “Most of the politicians failed to keep their promises, which raised suspicions about election promises. People do not trust politicians anymore due to their false promises but I request all of you to place your trust in me for a better future,” Rajapaksa said.
The presidential aspirant argued that he was different from conventional politicians in Sri Lanka as he believed he had delivered his promises when he was the Defence Secretary. Rajapaksa pointed out that he was given administrative leadership to develop the North under Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa’s former Government.
“I have kept my promises. I have never walked away from my responsibilities. I did what I said I would do. In my manifesto, I have said what I will do if I am elected. Like I did in the past I will deliver my promises for a prosperous future.”
Rajapaksa charged certain politicians in the North was using past incidents for their political gain. In his view, this was pulling the Northern community away from development. He argued the Tamil people needed to move forward from an unpleasant past for a better life.
He argued the incumbent Government has failed to develop the North during the past four and a half years. Rajapaksa claimed the North was developed under the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government and efforts were made to provide infrastructure and create jobs for the local community.
“All these roads were developed during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s time. We were able to provide electricity, restore railway services to lift living standard in the North. Before 2005, this area was underdeveloped, but things changed after Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected.”
Referring to returning of lands in the North, Rajapaksa said 90% of lands controlled by the military were returned to the public when Mahinda Rajapaksa was in office. He claimed if Rajapaksa had not been defeated in 2015, the remainder of the lands would have returned to the public by now.
Moving on to improvement of livelihoods in the North, Rajapaksa pointed out that he has expressed his views on developing agriculture in his manifesto. He noted that he would take the necessary measures to develop agriculture.
Rajapaksa noted he would introduce modern technology to the fisheries industry, which will enable the Northern fishing community to improve their income and increase the safety of the industry.
