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COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) has articulated a comprehensive vision for Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need for professionalized, evidence-based decision-making and consistent national policies.
Premadasa outlined ten key points he believes are crucial for the country's progress, advocating for a shift towards vision-based politics and away from traditional frameworks.
" If one is to implement development, promote growth, make all of your lives better, you have to be in positions of power. You have to be either the president, the prime minister, member of cabinet, state minister, deputy minister or a member of parliament who was a member of the government at that time. If those conditions were not fulfilled, you would be able to serve. What has been the traditional role of the opposition for the past 76 years? Invariably, the role of the opposition has been, on most occasions, to criticize the government and somehow to formulate political schemes and programs to attack power. This is the type of exchanges of power. At one time you are in government and at another time you are in opposition. This has been the usual practice, the traditional practice. ++ I am glad to say we did not resort to the same old standard operating procedures that have been followed by the traditional opposition political parties. We moved beyond that," detailed Premadasa.
Premadasa stressed the importance of decision-makers considering the perspectives of all societal sectors and embracing Sri Lankanism, moving beyond divisions based on ethnicity, religion, caste, and creed. He called for pragmatism and realism in governance, asserting that the truth will prevail in the upcoming presidential election on September 21st.
Highlighting his commitment to social welfare, Premadasa detailed various programs initiated by the opposition, including the provision of kidney dialysis machines and other critical medical equipment. He urged citizens to visit rural and estate areas to witness the challenges faced by the people, emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare access across the country.