The National People’s Power (NPP) has announced its intention to engage in further discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to develop a robust and effective program aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting the most vulnerable populations.
This announcement was made during the launch of the party’s presidential election manifesto, titled “A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life,” which took place this morning.
At the event, the NPP’s presidential candidate, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, presented original copies of the manifesto to religious leaders, including the Maha Sangha, and other distinguished guests.
The manifesto is structured around four fundamental pillars:
- A Perfect Life – A Comfortable Country
- A Dignified Life – A Safe Country
- A Modern Life – A Rich Country
- A Proud Life – A Steadfast Country
Key policy proposals outlined in the manifesto include:
- Abolition of the Executive Presidency: Transitioning to a parliamentary system.
- New Parliamentary Election System: Introducing reforms to ensure fair representation.
- Limiting Presidential Quarters to one official residence.
- Ending pensions, special allowances, and benefits for retired presidents and their spouses.
- Appointing 25 ministers to scientifically allocated ministries.
- Abolishing the posts of State Ministers and only appointing Deputy Ministers.
- Establishing Expert Advisory Boards for each ministry.
- Empowering the electorate to recall corrupt representatives through Electoral Accountability.
- Abolishing the 5-year pension and duty-free vehicle licenses for Members of Parliament.
- Holding postponed provincial and local government elections within a year.
- Establishing an Anti-Discrimination Commission with statutory powers.
- Investigating political killings, enforced disappearances, and abductions to deliver justice.
- Expanding the efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address violence caused by racial and religious extremism.
- Taking legal action on the Easter Sunday Attack by prosecuting politicians and officials as per the Presidential Commission’s recommendations.
- Holding politicians and officials accountable under criminal law.
- Promptly investigating long-unsolved political killings and kidnappings, including those of journalists and sports personalities.
The manifesto also outlines key economic policies, including:
- Revisiting the IMF’s Income-Based Expenditure Management Proposals.
- Proposing new measures for efficient tax administration and government expenditure management.
- Preparing an alternative debt sustainability analysis.
- Conducting a detailed credit audit of government loans.
- Encouraging foreign investment in public-private and public joint ventures by prioritizing legislation to attract foreign investment in strategically important sectors.
- Evaluating state enterprises by assessing each state enterprise based on its strategic importance, economic growth potential, ability to stimulate production, impact on financial stability, and relevance to national security.
This comprehensive manifesto underscores the NPP’s commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all Sri Lankans.
