The National People’s Power (NPP), led by its presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, launched its “Pohosath Ratak, Lassana Jeevithayak” (“A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life”) election manifesto on August 26.
The NPP election manifesto points out that after 76 years of shifting political regimes, the country finds it self in a severe crisis marked by an economic collapse, corruption, and social division.
The once-thriving nation is now burdened by debt, unemployment, and a deteriorating standard of living. NPP blames the ruling elite for the country’s downfall.
The NPP’s election manifesto calls upon the citizens to reject corrupt leaders and support the National People’s Power and its program envisioning a prosperous future under a people-centered Government led by its leader, Comrade Anura Kumara Dissanayake..
A nation in crisis
The NPP’s manifesto paints a bleak picture of the current state of the country, highlighting a nation once rich in potential but now weighed down by debt, unemployment, and a declining standard of living. The NPP places the blame squarely on the ruling elite, whom they accuse of leading the country into this crisis through years of mismanagement and corruption.
Call for change
The manifesto is a rallying cry for citizens to reject corrupt leadership and to embrace the NPP’s vision of a people-centered Government.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the party’s leader, promises a brighter future built on principles of integrity, accountability, and collective effort. The upcoming Presidential Election is portrayed as a pivotal moment for the nation, offering a chance to break free from the failures of the past and embark on a new era of national renaissance.
The NPP’s vision for Sri Lanka targets key areas such as food security, modern agriculture, innovative fishing practices, and advanced animal husbandry.
The manifesto outlines a policy framework that includes high-quality education, enhanced social protection, and a robust healthcare system. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to eradicating corruption and establishing a transparent Government, which the NPP sees as essential for the country’s future prosperity.
Governance and democratic principles
A key pillar of the NPP’s manifesto is the establishment of a Government that upholds democratic principles. This includes a pledge to decentralise power, adopt a new Constitution, and abolish the executive presidential system.
The manifesto also promises to limit the Cabinet to 25 Ministers and Deputy Ministers, eliminate the position of State Minister, and remove the duty-free vehicle permit system for MPs. The NPP also intends to implement a national language policy to ensure that all citizens can access services in their own language.
Law and order
The manifesto places a strong emphasis on establishing a law-abiding society. It proposes the creation of a ‘Public Asset Recovery’ agency to reclaim assets stolen by politicians and their cronies.
It plans to establish a permanent three-judge High Court for the swift resolution of financial crimes, bribery, and corruption cases. The NPP also pledges to expedite investigations into the Easter Sunday attack and ensure that those responsible face legal action.
Information technology
The manifesto outlines a bold approach to expanding Sri Lanka’s information technology sector. The NPP aims to increase the IT workforce to at least 200,000 by 2030 and establish four IT centres across the country. It also envisions achieving an information technology economy valued at $5 billion by the same year.
Agricultural reform
Agriculture is another critical area of focus in the NPP’s manifesto.
The party pledges to enhance local food production and establish a new development bank to offer farmers collateral-free crop loans.
The manifesto also includes plans to establish 1,000 agricultural export villages and reconstruct key irrigation systems. The NPP promises to provide subsidies for agricultural inputs, including both chemical and organic fertilisers, in accordance with a scientifically developed plan for sustainable land use.
Fishing and animal husbandry
The NPP’s manifesto includes plans to revitalise the fishing industry through Government-backed financial and technical support for small-scale fisheries.
The party also intends to provide State support for high-quality breeding stock and offspring in the animal husbandry sector.
The manifesto highlights plans to establish 20,000 animal production farms managed by women and youth entrepreneurs, as well as providing affordable animal feed, medicines, and food supplements.
Healthcare reforms
The NPP’s vision for healthcare includes eradicating corruption and fraud in the import and distribution of medicinal drugs, as well as addressing the push factors causing health professionals to leave the country.
The party pledges to allocate 3 percent of GDP for healthcare, ensuring that essential basic laboratory facilities and a continuous supply of medicinal drugs are available. The manifesto also proposes providing annual health checkups for all seniors over the age of 60 and establishing a national health information system.
Employment and economic stability
Employment generation is a significant component of the NPP’s manifesto, with plans to absorb 20,000 graduates into the teaching profession and integrate 12,000 graduates into the IT field.
The manifesto also includes proposals to create 3,000 jobs in Inland Revenue, Customs, Foreign Services, and Tourism. The NPP envisions a stable economy with a diversified export base, aiming to meet a target of $45 billion within five years. The party also promises to increase the monthly personal tax exemption limit to Rs. 200,000 and release essential food items, healthcare, and school supplies from VAT.
Social protection and education
The NPP’s manifesto includes a strong focus on enhanced social protection, proposing to increase the monthly allowance for low-income families to a minimum of Rs. 10,000.
The party also plans to introduce a pension scheme for every citizen, both in the formal and informal sectors. In terms of education, the NPP pledges to increase the allocation for education to 6 percent of GDP and establish a fully equipped school within 3 km of every child’s home.
The manifesto also includes plans to eliminate pay disparities for teachers and principals and make the teaching profession one of the ten highest-paying professions in Sri Lanka.
Empowering women and youth
The NPP’s manifesto also addresses the empowerment of women and youth. It includes proposals to abolish all forms of gender discrimination, take steps to end period poverty, and provide financial support for young entrepreneurs.
The party also plans to enforce laws that uphold the rights of people with disabilities and ensure their accessibility and equal opportunities in society.
Strategic foreign relations
The manifesto outlines a strategic approach to foreign relations, including plans to restructure Sri Lanka’s network of foreign missions and introduce performance indicators for embassies.
The NPP also pledges to prevent the use of Sri Lanka’s land, sea, or airspace in ways that threaten regional security.
Housing and transport
The NPP’s vision for housing includes encouraging private investment in urban apartment projects and providing financial support for young married couples to buy or build a new home.
The manifesto includes plans to ensure that 70 percent of transportation needs are met by public transport within five years, develop railway services, and renovate 50,000 kilometres of rural roads.
Sustainable Energy
The NPP’s manifesto includes ambitious plans for sustainable energy. The party pledges to ensure a continuous electricity supply and integrate 2,500 megawatts of renewable energy into the national grid.
The NPP also envisions making Sri Lanka a central hub for fuel and energy trade, leveraging its strategic geographical location.
The NPP’s “Pohosath Ratak, Lassana Jeevithayak” manifesto outlines a future where the country can overcome its current challenges through a people-centered Government, transparency, and sustainable development.
Chamikara Weerasinghe
