President Rajapaksa launches election manifesto

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, launched his election manifesto “Mahinda Chinthana – Lowa dinana maga”  at the BMICH today said, there have always been locals who aid international forces in their attempts to divide the country. Accordingly, this manifesto will contain more pragmatic policies for social and economic development of the country, the state-owned national news agency said.

The President, while launching his election manifesto, pledged to introduce a new constitution in his third term. “I will, with the support of everyone, go toward a new constitution,” President Rajapaksa assured. He added that Mahinda Chintana was not just a political promissory note that was forgotten with the elections.

“In 2005, I promised peace for all citizens, and I delivered that within four years. In 2010, I promised development to the country and we delivered that too,” he added while stating that the government managed to create highways and clean cities.

The President said there are various attempts by foreign countries to interfere in Sri Lanka’s domestic affairs and he assured that he will not leave room for such interference.

The President also assured that constitutional changes will be made after having broad discussions with political parties, civil society and academics.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his willingness to bring about Constitutional reforms and said he is ready to usher in a new era with a new Constitution.

A Citizens Advisory Council would also be established to get the views of political parties not represented in the Parliament, Youth Parliament representatives, Constitutional experts, intellectuals and professionals, in the process of creating a new Constitution. The reform of the Executive Presidency would be done in accordance with the Constitutional Council’s decision.

“A Bill of Legislature will be presented to the Parliament and thence for a referendum. A new electoral system which is part proportional representation and part first-past-the-post will be introduced.

A Citizens Council comprising Buddhist monks and other clergy, professionals, intellectuals, Youth Parliament representatives, trade union representatives and leaders of community-based organizations will be formed to create a constant discourse between the people and the people’s representatives with regard to making laws.

An independent National Auditing Commission will be established, and it will look into whether in view of good governance the politicians have kept the pledge they have taken to protect good governance.

Leaders, officials and activists of religious organizations, community and village-level organizations, civil society organizations and State organizations will form a grama sabha system at government agent levels,” the manifesto elaborated.

Mr. Rajapaksa said his priorities, during his third term, would be establishing the rule of law, practicing good governance and eradicating fraud, bribery and corruption.