Sajith pledges to provide free fertiliser

• Says effort directed at self-sufficiency in agriculture  
• Argues free fertiliser will reduce food importation, improve trade balance 
• Investment zones to be established in every Divisional Secretariat 
• Reiterates pledge to provide free menstrual hygiene products

Democratic National Front (DNF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday participated in an election rally in Biyagama, organised by State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene, where he made one more call for SLPP candidate Gotabaya to engage in a public debate with him. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, State Minister Wijewardene, and Field Marshal Fonseka were among those who participated 

– Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Democratic National Front (DNF) presidential aspirant Sajith Premadasa yesterday pledged to provide free fertiliser, insisting that would be done with a broader economic plan to increase the productivity of the agriculture sector and assist Sri Lanka to become self-sufficient.

Addressing a rally held in Divulapitiya, Premadasa said the decision to provide free fertiliser was taken in good faith, as a necessary part of a plan to develop the agriculture sector. He argued an increase in local agriculture production would reduce food imports and assure food safety.

“I have an economic plan to develop the agriculture sector. Free fertiliser will reduce the production cost, which will encourage farmers to increase their production. If we become self-sufficient, that will reduce food imports, which improves the trade balance,” he said.

Premadasa argued an increase in agriculture production would improve Gross Domestic Production (GDP). According to Premadasa, improved GDP and reduction of food importation will improve the country’s debt repayment.

Referring to rural development, Premadasa said if he is elected, investment zones will be established in every Divisional Secretariat. He noted investment zones would industrialise every part of the country, which will create more job opportunities for youth.

“Investments zones will attract more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and that will indirectly develop infrastructure in the area. These zones will address issues of unemployment and develop a living standard in rural areas.” The presidential hopeful also pledged to bring in new technology and digitise the rural areas of the island. He emphasised the need to equip youth with digital skills so that they can be more employable and competitive in the job market. Premadasa also pledged to uplift youth language skills by bringing English education to the youth.

Moving to women’s empowerment, Premadasa said if he is elected, he would give menstrual hygiene products free of charge to women who cannot afford them. He noted more than 51% of the population were women, but their hygiene was the least talked topic in the political arena.

“I am not shy to talk about women’s hygiene issues. If we are serious about women’s empowerment, this topic has to be discussed. 

I will take measures to establish medical centres in every school to address the hygiene issues of female students and provide advice to live a healthy life,” he said.