Samagi Jana Balawegaya publishes manifesto ahead of parliamentary poll

COLOMBO (News1st): The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on Monday released its manifesto comprising 33 pledges, targeting the August 5 parliamentary election. Prioritizing national security, waving off electricity charges for March and April, ensuring job security, and providing the required financial assistance for businesses were some of the key pledges in the manifesto. "Some are trying to confine national security to military security by undermining its true importance," Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya said. He said his party is capable of facing the challenges posed to national security by the COVID-19 pandemic. The party manifesto pledged salary and pension hikes for public officers, repatriation of Sri Lankans, and a Rs 25,000 monthly allowance for families economically hit by the pandemic. The promise to prepare a code of ethics for politicians was a significant pledge in the document. The SJB also promised to punish those involved in corruption and to thwart any moves to establish a dictatorial rule in the country. It also outlined measures such as reducing fuel prices, setting concessionary rates for medicines, providing a Rs 1000 rupee daily allowance for estate workers, legalizing the Women's Charter to eradicate female harassment, and establishing technology universities targeting jobs.