Professionals’ org. backs GR’s policy framework

From left: Upali Gunasekara, Dr. Charitha Herath and Dr. Thusitha Tennakoon at the press conference – Pic by Upul Abeysekara 

• Confident of framework to be launched today as meeting professionals aspirations 
• Blames Govt. for economic lapses
• Claims Premadasa’s promises contradict Govt. polices 
• Insists strong leadership has answer to growth challenges 

by Nuwan Senarathna

Professionals backing Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday expressed confidence that he will present a strong policy framework capable of tackling economic challenges that would warrant the confidence of the working community.  Speaking to media at Pearl Grand Hotel, Dr. Charitha Herath, representing the pro-Rajapaksa group Professionals Intervention for Policy Dialogue (PIPD), charged the current Government was unable to address economic challenges and had failed to uplift living standards of citizens. He argued political leadership should assess the country’s economic status, and set up policies to tackle economic challenges. 

“The country needs a fresh start with a new vision that is capable of addressing the current economic and social challenges. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has explained his view on how to address the country’s issues. This is a very positive sign that shows he is a leader with vision,” he said. 

Dr. Herath charged that the United National Party (UNP) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa’s policies were not practical. According to Dr. Herath, Premadasa’s policies were not focused on long-term development goals, in his view, Premadasa’s policies are based on providing concessions that will not address what has caused slow growth in Sri Lanka. 

“Sajith Premadasa is promising to implement various new initiatives to address the current economic challenges. We do not understand why he was unable to implement those policies during the past four-and-a-half years. If he is capable of developing the country he should have implemented those policies by now.”

He argued the UNP presidential candidate’s policies will only be an extension of the current Government’s policies, which in his view have failed to achieve the aspirations of the people, especially the working class.   “During the past four-and-half years, the Government was unable to address any long-standing issues. They failed to identify priorities of the country. They have led to the economy to a very challenging point. Only a leader like Rajapaksa is capable of leading the country to prosperity,” he added.