GOTABAYA
Presents to you a Reconstructed
Country with a Future
Vistas of Prosperity
and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
i
My Vision…
Venerable members of the Maha Sangha, respected clergy
of all faiths, all parents, citizens and youth of Sri Lanka,
and dear friends...
Though I was born into a political family, I never wanted to be a
politician, leave alone the President. My elder brothers, Chamal
Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa and my younger sibling Basil
Rajapaksa have all been in active politics for many years. From
my school days at Ananda College, Colombo, my desire was to
join the Sri Lanka Army and serve the country and its people. But
in 2005, after Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa became the Fifth Executive
President of Sri Lanka, he wanted me to take up the position of
Secretary, Ministry of Defence. I acceded to his request because
of my desire to bring peace to our beautiful country, as it was then
gripped by the fear of death and destruction due to the scourge
of terrorism. There was the possibility that the country would have
been divided on ethnic lines. Having accepted this responsibility,
we were able to end the war against the world’s most ruthless
terrorist organization and bring peace to the country. In the ensuing
period, I was entrusted with another task - urban development. The
most significant result achieved in this context was that Colombo
was adjudged as the foremost among the fastest growing and
cleanest tourist cities in the world (by Master Card Index of Global
Destinations).
Even after our government was defeated in 2015, I did not
harbour any intention of entering politics. However, the majority
of our people were shaken when the present rulers imposed legal
obstacles on Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s eligibility to contest future
presidential elections. This is what motivated many people to
request that I consider entering politics, This eventually resulted in
my being fielded as the presidential candidate in 2019. The call to
come forward as the Presidential candidate was made to me by
venerable members of the Maha Sangha, and the respected clergy
of Christian, Hindu and Islam faiths, Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa of the
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, members of the political parties
of the Joint Opposition, many civic organizations, and people of
all communities and religious faiths belonging to all walks of life. I
thank you all, for the trust reposed in me.
I am only too well aware of the challenges I face at this presidential
election. My main task would be to ensure that our motherland
which is once again under threat from terrorist and extremist
elements is safe and protected. National security is of paramount
importance. We have to ensure that the peace that was won with
much sacrifice is maintained. We must once again ensure that
people of the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and other communities of
this country are able to live together harmoniously, with honour
and dignity in an undivided country, under one law. The principle
that “no-one is above the law” will have to be implemented
with rigour so that all citizens are treated as equals before the
law. I have clearly understood that what you expect from me.
Above everything else, is national security. Once we establish
national security, achieving economic development will not be an
insurmountable challenge.
The other important task will be to create a progressive national
economy and a pluralistic society; we have to create an
environment that provides our youth and local entrepreneurs
with new opportunities, gives everyone new hope and a sense
of pride, where people can use their skills, talents and business
acumen to be the world leaders in any field of their choice. It is only
by empowering our people that we can strengthen and expand
“Please fulfill your
responsibility and I will
fulfill my responsibility
by creating a secure
and prosperous nation”
the national economy. Our responsibility is to create an enabling
environment for a citizen to be prosperous and contented, leading
to a happy family, and a law abiding society in Sri Lanka. All over
the world, environmental degradation has brought about havoc,
and parts of our country have experienced severe drought and
floods, simultaneously. It is therefore our responsibility to make our
country, an example of sustainable development. At a time when
nobody in the world thought it would be possible to bring peace to
this country, we brought peace. Similarly, we will make Sri Lanka
prosperous and beautiful. I have great faith in our collective ability
to do so.
What we need at this hour is correct vision and unshakeable
leadership. I thank you for entrusting me with the task of
overcoming the challenges our country faces and leading our
motherland towards peace and prosperity. This journey is being
undertaken under the guidance of a proven leader, Mr Mahinda
Rajapaksa. His wisdom and experience will be a great source of
strength to us, in this national endeavour. I strongly believe that I will
be able to create the peaceful, prosperous and beautiful Sri Lanka
that you aspire to.
I, therefore, request your cooperation and invite you to join hands
with me by voting for me at this presidential election.
May our Motherland be peaceful and prosperous!
May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be upon you, and God
bless you!
Yours in Service,
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
ii
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Although Sri Lanka is not considered a wealthy country going
by economic indicators, according to human development
indices, we are on par with developed countries. However,
during the past few years, we have faced serious setbacks and
other countries have overtaken Sri Lanka. In terms of annual
economic growth we are now placed even below Afghanistan,
a country engulfed by terrorism. This situation has to change.
The entire world has now embarked on a new journey in
order to address the challenges of the modern era. There is
the danger of human civilization being destroyed by terrorism
fueled by religious extremism. There is the destruction of bio-
diversity which threatens the living environment of humankind.
The large scale consumption of fossil fuels has raised global
temperatures by 1 degree centigrade. Due to climatic changes
millions of people are suffering from natural disasters such as
drought, floods, crop failures etc. Due to undesirable economic
and commercial competition, societal values are deteriorating
resulting in the extensive spread of fraud, corruption and
throughout the world. To overcome and defeat all these
challenges, a sustainability revolution has begun globally.
What the world needs today is to be able to achieve sustainable
development goals while safeguarding the benefits of the
industrial revolution and maximizing the use of information
and communication technologies. The responsibility of all
governments in the world is to achieve a series of desirable
objectives: minimizing of inequality and eliminating poverty,
improving people’s health and lifestyle through the promotion
appropriate agricultural practices, providing good education
for all, making clean drinking water and cost-effective energy
universally available, ensuring gainful employment for youth
through green industries, the greening of cities to make them
suitable for human habitation, promoting the saving habit
among the people, ensuring equal and better opportunities
for women, addressing issues of climate change and
preventing the pollution of oceans, safeguarding bio-diversity
and establishing a society that values and promotes peace.
These are the 17 sustainable development goals of the United
Nations. We have prepared a clear policy and a programme
of action to achieve these targets with the participation of the
people.
This policy document tilted ‘A Vision for a Resurgent,
Prosperous Country’ is the result of a series of discourses,
‘interaction with the village’, conducted in
25,000 villages throughout our country during the past one
year. We have identified the requirements of housing, electricity,
drinking water, access roads, and irrigation facilities in every
village. We will be preparing all our future budgetary plans on
the basis of this grassroots level information already in our
possession.
In addition to the proposals emanating from the village
level discourses mentioned above, many other proposals
were submitted to us by various individuals as well as local
and international organizations. We appointed specialist
committees consisting of 540 persons covering 28 subject
areas in order to consider all these proposals and prepare this
policy document, These committees consisted of university
professors, subject matter specialists, professionals, senior
administrators, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, industrialists,
political party representatives, trade unionists, and civil society
representatives. In addition to this, 27 advisory committees
set up by ‘Viyathmaga’ have been involved in the process of
preparing our proposals and action plans, over the past three
years.
By Implementing these policies Sri Lanka will be able to achieve
maximum benefits from its natural resources, bio-diversity,
mineral resources and renewable energy sources. Our intention
is to mobilize and manage the educated human capital of our
country to ensure that Sri Lanka becomes a pioneering nation
in the era of sustainable development. We will provide vision
and leadership guided by Buddhist philosophy and nurtured
by other religions, for all Sri Lankans to live in harmonious
co-existence; and to establish and sustain a lifestyle free from
stress, based on spiritual and religious values.
Background
The ultimate aim of all governments in the world is to achieve a
series of desirable objectives such as the reduction of poverty,
a healthy population, education for all, and a clean environment
etc. which are among the 17 sustainable development goals of
the United Nations.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
iii
Sri Lanka Today
When President Mahinda Rajapaksa took over the reigns of
government in 2005, the GDP of Sri Lanka was USD 24.7
Billion, and the per capita income was USD 1,242. During the
9 years from 2006 to 2014, due to the rapid growth in the
country, the GDP grew by 221% and the per capita income
increased by an annual average of USD 287 and reached USD
3,821 by 2014. But from 2015 to 2018, per capita income grew
only up to USD 4102, i.e. by 7% or by USD 70.25 annually,
over the 4-year period.
When compared to 2014, the total tax burden of the general
public and businesses in 2019 has doubled. The total public
debt in 2006 was LKR 2,222 Billion, i.e., a very high 91% of the
GDP. By the end of 2014, that is, during a period of 9 years,
public debt had increased by LKR 5,169 Billion, reaching LKR
7,391 Billion. But, given the rapid increase of the GDP during
this same period, from USD 24 billion to USD 79 billion, the
total public debt had declined to 71% of the GDP. By the end of
2018 however, the total public debt had shot up to LKR 13,182
Billion, which works out to 91% of the GDP. During a period of
four years, i.e., from 2014 to 2018, the incumbent government
has plunged the country into a debt crisis by allowing the
government foreign debt to grow by 38%, i.e., from USD 23.7
Billion to USD 32.6 Billion.
At the end of 2014, the rates of interest for 3-month treasury
bills and 30-year treasury bonds was at single digit level
helping the growth of the economy. By 2018, as a result of
the infamous bond scam and certain ill-conceived economic
policies, the rates of interest on government securities
increased sharply, resulting in the government having to bear
an increased interest cost. The increased interest cost the
government had to bear from 2015 has been estimated at USD
834.6 Million, an equivalent of LKR 151.1 Billion. This could
be compared with the cost of construction of the Colombo
Katunayake Expressway (LKR 48 Billion) and the cost of
construction of Norochcholai coal power plant generating 900
MW of power (LKR 103 Billion).
Over the last four years, from 2015, unemployment has
increased by 409,000. In 2014, the Colombo Stock Exchange
was considered the best performing stock exchange in Asia as
its market capitalization increased fourfold from USD 5.7 Billion
to USD 23.7 Billion. It started collapsing from 2015 and as of
today, its market capitalization has dropped to USD 15.3 Billion.
Furthermore, it continues to decline.
We had only USD 2.7 Billion as our foreign reserves in 2005.
By the end of 2014, the foreign reserves had been increased
to USD 8.2 Billion. Foreign reserves dropped rapidly from 2015
onwards and the volume came down to USD 6.9 Billion by
the end of 2018. It had further declined to USD 6.0 Billion by
28th of February, 2019, which is lower than the USD 7.2 Billion
we had at the end of 2010. As it is estimated that our foreign
reserves should have reached at least USD 13.5 Billion in 2019,
it is implied that there is an actual shortfall of reserves of USD
7.5 Billion.
The Central Bank Bond scam cost the government LKR 145
Billion in incremental interest cost. The loss incurred by the
Employees Provident Fund on that account, was LKR 20 Billion.
The increase in government debt servicing costs resulting from
the rupee depreciation was LKR 1,760 Billion. The loss incurred
due to the cancellation of the leases on four Sri Lankan Airlines
aircrafts amounted to LKR 17 Billion. The delays caused to the
Port City project also resulted in the government granting of
five hectares of reclaimed land as compensation, estimated at
a value of LKR 23 Billion. The total loss to the country caused
by the wrong decisions and fraudulent actions of the incumbent
government during a period 4 years amounted to LKR 1,971.1
Billion.
The present policy of selling strategic assets of the country at
giveaway prices has resulted in foreigners being able to buy
lands, a scarce resource, without any hindrance. The policy
of selling the country’s strategic assets continued through
the sale of the Hambantota Port, the proposed sale of the
Mattala airport, etc. The government has also paved the way
for legislation to be drafted to dispose of coastal land, the state
banks and State Owned Enterprises.
A Vision for a Prosperous Nation
A productive citizen, a happy family, a disciplined
society and a prosperous nation
The people of this country are now living in despair and fear.
They have seen their country which was once growing rapidly
as Asia’s new miracle sliding back towards negative growth
rates. They now live in fear of terrorist attacks and bomb
explosions. The incumbent government has turned the country
into a failed state riddled with corruption and characterized
by inefficiency. We are at a critical juncture where we can end
this hopeless state of affairs and lay the foundation to build
a progressive and prosperous nation. Politicians, scholars
and professionals have come together and worked out a
programme of action consisting of 10 key policies aimed at
achieving a fourfold outcome: a productive citizenry, a happy
family, a disciplined society and a prosperous nation.
We solemnly pledge to build a prosperous Sri Lanka with the
maximum participation of our people.
2018 - USD/ Bn 32.6
2014 - USD/ Bn 23.7
38%
Government
Foreign debt
iv
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Contents
My Vision…
i
Background
ii
Sri Lanka Today
iii
A Vision for a Prosperous Nation
iii
A productive citizen, a happy family,
a disciplined society and a prosperous nation
iii
Chapter - 1
The 10 Key Policies
02
Chapter - 2
An Efficient Country
Free from Corruption
06
An Efficient Governance Mechanism
06
Defeating Corruption
07
State Enterprises Management Policy
08
Achieving National Unity
through Democratic Governance
09
Chapter - 3
A Safe and A Secure Country for All
12
National Security
12
April 21st Incident
13
A Country Free from Drugs
13
Security Services – A Secure Work Environment
14
A Contented Police Service
14
Civil Defence Force
15
In recognition of the services of the armed forces
15
Friendly and Non-aligned Foreign Policy
15
Chapter - 4
A Productive Citizen and
A Happy Family
18
New Vistas of Human Resource Development
20
An informed Citizen: A Society Endowed
with Knowledge
20
From Mother’s Lap to Teacher’s Care
20
Re-awakening of School Education
20
A Student-centered Education System in Place of
Examination-centered Education System
21
University and Higher Vocational Education
21
A System of Higher Education
to produce Technocrats
22
Health First
23
The “Suwa Divimaga” Programme
23
Healthcare Facilities Development Programme
23
Indigenous and Ayurvedic Sector
25
Harnessing the Power of Youth
25
Sports for a Vibrant Youth
26
An Informed and Knowledgeable
Child Population
26
The Economic and Social
Contribution of Women
27
Differently Abled and Disabled People
27
A Society with Respected Senior Citizens
28
A Culture of “Working for the Country”
28
Towards a People-Centred Public Service
28
The Retired Community
29
Public Corporations, Semi Government Institutions and
Banks
29
The Private Sector
29
Workforce in Foreign Employment
30
Private Security Services
30
A Comfortable Home for Each Family
30
Chapter - 5
People-centric Economy
34
A People-centric Economy
36
2020-2025: Macroeconomic Targets
36
Macroeconomic Policy Framework
36
Emergency Relief Plan
36
New Tax Policy
36
Cost of Living
37
A New System of Banking
38
Capital Market Reforms
38
Inclusive Development Indicator Approach
38
Agriculture to be Developed
through Advanced Technology
38
A Revolution in the Use of Fertilizer
39
Production of Seeds and Planting Material
39
Packaging and Storage
40
Marketing and Transport
40
Research for Agricultural Innovation
40
Immediate Action to Help Paddy Farmers
40
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
v
Export Crops
41
Tea
41
Rubber
41
Coconut
41
Other Export Crops
42
Cinnamon
42
Pepper
42
Strengthening the Fisheries Sector
42
Milk Production
43
Meat and Eggs for Export
43
Beyond Industrialisation
43
Tourism Industry
44
Apparel Industry
45
Construction Industry
45
Sugar Manufacturing
46
Small and Medium Industries
46
An Active Cooperative Movement
47
Chapter - 6
A Technology Based Society
50
A Technology Based Society (Smart Nation)
50
Chapter - 7
New Approach in National Spatial System
54
New Approach in National Spatial System
56
A9 with C9: Nine ‘C’ shaped Economic Corridors
56
Re-engineering Townships
56
Four Multi-dimensional Commercial Cities
56
National Cities
56
Connecting Cities
56
Cluster Cities
56
New Colombo-Commercial and Financial Hub
56
Comfortable Travel - Nature-Friendly
Transportation Network
56
Integrated Road Network
56
Transport Services
57
Train Transport Services
57
Ports and Air Services
57
Colombo Port
57
Hambantota Port
58
Developing Airports
58
Renewable Energy
58
Transformation Toward Renewable energy
58
Water
59
Disaster Management
59
Chapter - 8
A Sustainable Environmental Policy
62
A Sustainable Environmental Policy
63
Land
63
Industries
63
Waste Management
63
Atmosphere
64
Biodiversity
64
Ocean Resources
64
Settlements and Cities
64
Environmental Education
65
Chapter - 9
A Righteous, Disciplined and Law Abiding
Society
68
A Righteous, Disciplined and Just Society
69
The Foremost Place to Religion
69
For a Law Abiding and Fair Society
69
A Transparent Mass Media Policy
70
History, Archeology and National Heritage
70
Culture, Literature and the Arts
71
Literary Field
71
Theatre/Stage Drama
71
Cinema Industry
71
Music
71
Dancing Sector
72
Arts and Sculpture Sector
72
Shanthikarma or Traditional Rituals
72
Social Protection and Welfare
72
Framework of Making Low Income Earners
as High Income Earners
72
Social Protection
73
Control of Crimes
73
Control of Road Accidents
73
Love for Animals
73
Chapter - 10
“Dialogue with the Village”
76
“Gama Samaga Pilisandara” “Dialogue
with the Village”
76
People-Centric Board and People-Centric Centers
76
“Gami Liyata Rate Saviya”
77
Regional Development
77
Tamil-Muslim Brotherhood
77
Estate Population
78
The 10 Key
Policies
02
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Chapter - 1
The 10 Key Policies
Politicians, scholars and professionals have come together
and worked out a programme consisting of 10 key policies
aimed at achieving the fourfold outcome of a productive
citizenry, a contented family, a disciplined and just society and a
prosperous nation.
Our 10 Key Policies
1. Priority to National Security
2. Friendly, Non-aligned, Foreign Policy
3. An Administration Free from Corruption
4. New Constitution that fulfils
the people’s wishes
5. Productive Citizenry and a vibrant
Human resource
6. People Centric Economic Development
7. Technology Based Society
8. Development of Physical Resources
9. Sustainable Environmental Management
10. Disciplined, Law Abiding and values
based society
Priority to National Security
There are many international
examples where the collapse or
deterioration of national security
eventually led to a country losing
its status as a nation state. The
continuity of any nation state
depends on the emphasis placed on
national security. Our government
will adopt new methodologies to
safeguard national security without
compromising the democratic space
available to our people.
1. Priority to National Security
There are many international examples where the collapse or
deterioration of national security eventually led to a country
losing its status as a nation state. The continuity of any nation
state depends on the emphasis placed on national security.
Our government will adopt new methodologies to safeguard
national security without compromising the democratic space
available to our people
2. Friendly, Non-aligned, Foreign Policy
The basis of our foreign policy will be ensure that Sri Lanka’s
territorial integrity and independence are respected and
protected in the interests of the citizen and future generations of
this country. It also aims to ensure that Sri Lanka’s dignity as a
sovereign nation is respected. No harmful agreements /treaties
will be entered into by our government. Our foreign policy will
be based on non-alignment and mutual friendship and trust
among nations.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
03
3. An administration Free from Corruption
Today the people of the country expect all government officials
and politicians to be of high moral standing and to provide a
public service free from corruption and graft. This is the form of
governance that will be carried out by our government.
4. A New Constitution that Fulfils
the Wishes of the People
The constitutional changes that have taken place were
introduced to suit the requirements of certain individuals and
political parties, and have therefore failed to reflect the peoples’
aspirations. It is our desire to bring about constitutional reforms
in accordance with the wishes of the people.
5. A Productive Citizenry and
Vibrant Human Resource
A country’s progress is dependent upon its peoples’
knowledge, skills and capabilities. These attributes change
overtime and Sri Lanka too needs to develop its peoples’
knowledge, skills and competencies to compete at a global
level. This challenge will be undertaken by our government.
6. People Centric Economic Development
We pledge to develop a people centric economic model
whereby every citizen of this country can participate and
take pride in the work they do as every job is required for
the progress of this country. The thrust of our growth model
will be focused on promoting agriculture and fisheries to
become global players. This will be done through incentivizing
entrepreneurs and infusing new technology to enhance
production and productivity.
7. Technology Based Society
We pledge to bring about a technological revolution across all
sectors. A country cannot progress without adapting to the
rapid technological changes taking place. It is with this in mind
that our policies will create the environment required to develop
the IT competencies and language skills of future generations,
in order to enable them to conquer global markets.
8. Development of Physical Resources
In order to develop the country it is paramount that we utilize
every square inch of our country in a productive manner by
integrating all regions. This will ensure that regional disparities
are eliminated and income distribution takes place in an
equitable manner. Therefore it is imperative that we fill the
existing gaps in the physical infrastructure needed for this
purpose. We as a government are ready to undertake this
challenge.
9. Sustainable Environmental Management
It is our pledge to ensure that the environment is protected in all
our development plans. This will ensure that future generations
are handed over a country that is not polluted. We shall bring
about amendments to existing laws, and if necessary new
legislation will be introduced in order to strengthen and protect
our forest cover, rivers, streams and wildlife.
10. Disciplined, Law Abiding and
Values Based Society
It is our pledge to bring about a country where no one is above
the law. Our intention is to ensure that the legal system works
devoid of considerations of political affiliations, social standing
and connections. In this context, we will also ensure that our
traditional values as a country are protected. We will ensure that
differently abled citizens and the young people of all religious
beliefs and ethnicities are accorded the ability to develop their
talents in a safe environment.
An Efficient
Country Free
from Corruption
06
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Chapter - 2
An Efficient Country Free from Corruption
• An Efficient Governance Mechanism
• Defeating Corruption
• State Enterprises Management Policy
• Achieving National Unity through Democratic Governance
An Efficient Governance
Mechanism
We will ensure that our
government will remove all
inefficiencies and make the
public sector responsive to the
people’s and country’s needs.
State Enterprises
Management Policy
We are against the privatization
of State owned enterprises.
We will look at the existing
management and capital
structures of the SOEs and
make them efficient so that they
are not a burden to the people
of this country.
Defeating Corruption
We will eliminate waste and ensure that Sri Lanka
is free of corruption and graft - a goal long desired
by the people. It is our intention to mould not only a
corruption-free politician but also a citizen who will
not tolerate corruption.
Achieving National Unity
through Democratic Governance
Instead of pandering to the needs of NGOs and
various interested parties at the international level,
we must promulgate a new constitution that reflects
the aspirations of our people. A Parliamentary
Select Committee will be appointed to engage with
the people, political leaders, and civil society groups
and prepare a new constitution for Sri Lanka.
An Efficient Governance Mechanism
During the tenure of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka
was considered to be among the fastest developing countries
in the world. During the past four and a half years Sri Lanka
has become the worst performing country in the South Asian
region (falling even below Afghanistan), due to the incumbent
government’s ill-conceived policies and numerous inefficiencies.
As a result, there is a visible breakdown in the administration
of the country. This has resulted in great inconvenience to
the public sector, private sector, farmers, manufactures,
and entrepreneurs. We will ensure that these inefficiencies
are eliminated and make the public sector responsive to the
people’s and country’s needs.
•
In order to deliver on our future development promises,
we will ensure that the new cabinet of ministers will be
appointed through a proper assessment of their skills and
competencies. The parliamentarians who possess subject
matter expertise and experience will be identified for
appointment as cabinet ministers to drive the vision of the
government. Additionally, all cabinet ministers will be made
accountable to the people of our country.
• Each ministry has to be managed on the advice of the
relevant minister, by a competent ministry secretary with a
team of dedicated public officers. As such, each ministry
secretary will be appointed from among public officers with
the requisite administrative experience and innovativeness or
from among recognized professionals in the relevant field.
•
In addition, a succession plan will be in place for all the
executive and administrative staff. They will be provided
with the needed skills, training and upgrading of technical
knowledge as a part of enriching their careers. Training will
be provided in both local and foreign institutions on the basis
of merit.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
07
Defeating Corruption
Since independence, all governments have been accused of
corruption. However, the government that came to power in
2015, claiming it would bring about ‘good governance’, made
a mockery that concept and outdid all previous governments
in corruption. Bent on political vengeance and an attempt
to eliminate the Rajapaksas from politics, the ‘yahapalana’
government paradoxically ended up proving our innocence.
While we thank this government for proving our innocence,
we will not hesitate to bring to book all those responsible for
corrupt practices such as the Central Bank Bond scam and
the maladministration of the Central Cultural Fund. The monies
misappropriated will be recovered from those involved.
We pledge that under our government corruption and wasteful
expenditure will not be tolerated and a part of the monies to
be spent by our government for people-centric development
will be found through the elimination of wasteful expenditure
presently seen in the public sector. A country free of corruption
has long been desired by our people. Our intention is to mould
not only a corruption-free politician but also a citizen who will
not tolerate corruption.
• We pledge to bring to justice all those involved in the Central
Bank Bond scam, and other 20 major financial crimes.
• We will ensure that none of our politicians or senior public
officials engage in any form of corrupt practice. If found guilty
of such practices, they will be expelled from the party and
their posts and brought before the law. The Commission to
Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption will be further
strengthened.
• We will ensure that already established Financial Crimes
Investigation Division is regularized and institutionalized in
a legal manner and kept independent so that the general
public also can lodge complaints against those involved in
financial crimes. A special court to hear cases relating to
financial crimes and frauds will also be established.
• We will ensure that a proper online procurement system
is in place for all public investments and expenditure,
determination of taxes, awarding of contracts through
competitive bidding and other such activities, as this will
eradicate any form of rent seeking. This will eliminate the
need for an individual to take the final decision, thus leaving
little room for bribery and corruption.
• Many countries have utilised technology to eliminate
corruption. We too can easily adopt such systems. We
intend introducing a national procurement system and
implementing it with rigour and transparency. We will create
a novel government machinery that will utilize public assets
optimally and efficiently and respond to public needs.
• All appointments as heads of State institutions, corporations
and statutory boards, and appointments to Boards of
Directors will be based on merit and leadership abilities.
A new selection process to these positions will be
rigorously pursued, taking into consideration subject matter
knowledge, competencies, experience, and the track record
of potential appointees.
• We will review all redundant laws, regulations and ‘red
tape’ hampering the effective performance of State sector
employees and replace such laws and regulations with
legal instruments that would speed up the delivery of public
services.
• We will disband the existing ‘National Economic Council’
and ‘Strategic Enterprise Management Agency’ and replace
it with a ‘National Policy, Planning and Implementation
Commission’ functioning directly under the President, to
formulate national policies and plans, to determine public
investment, to formulate national development strategies,
to monitor the procurement process, to undertake project
analysis and management - all components which are
central to the national development process. This will
ensure transparency in economic policy formulation and
implementation.
• The administrative machinery will be revamped to ensure the
participation of the people, as done earlier when these policy
proposals were formulated. Under this arrangement, officials,
professionals, and experienced senior citizens and other
interest groups will also have the opportunity to make their
contribution to the process.
• The structure of the cabinet of ministers will be rearranged
so as to ensure that sustainable development goals are met
by 2030, as announced by the United Nations in 2015.
• Our government will implement a systematic plan to achieve
the Millennium Development Goals.
• The establishment of a prosperous country is to create a
country where all people live in contentment. We intend to
take Sri Lanka to the topmost rungs of the World Happiness
Index.
• Cabinet papers on government expenditure and public
investment will be examined by a senior group of officials
under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Cabinet. The
group will submit its observations and recommendations to
the Cabinet of Ministers for consideration.
• The procurement of vehicles for the public sector (including
Ministers) and purchase of multi-faceted office facilities will
be suspended for a period of 3 years. In addition, the renting
of such facilities will also be stopped for a period of three
years.
08
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
• Laws will be promulgated to enable the introduction of
an e-technology system to receive public complaints
anonymously and promote whistle blowing in the main public
sector institutions that would become a strong deterrent to
corruption and bribery in public life.
• With the promulgation of rules to address the issues of
bribery and corruption and wasteful expenditure in the public
sector, the private sector too should comply with such rules
if we are to create a society free of bribery and corruption.
With this in view, we will strengthen the legal framework
of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or
Corruption.
State Enterprises Management Policy
If a country is to develop rapidly, it requires both an efficient
public sector and a dynamic private sector to achieve the
required national goals. We pledge that we will develop the
State owned enterprises and make them profitable. We do
not believe in privatizing such institutions. We will look at the
existing management and capital structures of SOEs and make
them efficient so that they are not a burden to the people of this
country.
• We will ensure that State owned enterprises are not a
burden to the exchequer. Accordingly,
• The Chairmen and Boards of all State Owned Enterprises
will be called upon to table a strategic plan to make such
ventures profitable and financially independent. This plan
will be reviewed annually and progress monitored.
• The Chairman and Board of Directors will be held totally
accountable to eradicate all forms of malpractices and
corruption in each of the institutions managed by them.
• All appointments to the Boards and the senior
management teams will be based on merit and political
affiliations will not be taken into account in making such
appointments.
• All State banks, State enterprises and State corporations
will be required to conduct forensic audits and ensure
that income and expenditure are managed in a compliant
manner; they will also be required to submit audited
financial statements using accepted auditing standards
on time. Any breach of this mandatory requirement would
result in the removal of the chairperson and members of
the Board.
• Our government will not privatize any public enterprise and
laws will be enacted to stop any public enterprise from being
privatized. Laws will be introduced to safeguard and protect
the majority stake or any interests of the State in those
entities already privatized and nominee Board member/s
would be bound to act by State policy.
• State enterprises such as the Bank of Ceylon, People’s
Bank, National Savings Bank, Sri Lanka Ports Authority,
Airport and Aviation Authority, SriLankan Airlines, Ceylon
Electricity Board, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, National
Water Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka Transport
Board and Sri Lanka Railways will all be managed by senior
career professionals.
• To this end, we will establish a National Enterprises Authority
that will ensure all such State enterprises are transformed
into commercially viable, profit making entities adopting
global best practices and prudent risk management
strategies.
• State enterprises that perform similar kinds of activities
and those that have become redundant would be suitably
amalgamated to achieve efficiency as well as productivity.
• We will amalgamate the numerous State sector entities that
focus on rural development, agriculture, tourism, plantations,
research, construction, and exports and establish one entity
to bring about efficiency in policy implementation.
• Timely submission of Annual reports by State enterprises
will be made mandatory. Performance appraisal of such
institutions will also be implemented. The Treasury will put
in place a special monitoring scheme in respect of those
enterprises deemed to be monetarily important to the
government.
•
In recruiting professionals to large State enterprises, subject
matter specialists and proven managers would be provided
opportunities and the existing laws governing salaries and
emoluments would be revised enabling such professionals
to be adequately remunerated. A scheme to monitor their
performance will also be established.
• State enterprises will be made independent and would have
to compete with private organizations in the same field.
State enterprises will not be granted privileges which would
negate market fundamentals.
• We will also ensure that all State enterprises are free from
political interference and made financially independent.
Chapter - 2
An Efficient Country Free from Corruption
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
09
Achieving National Unity
through Democratic Governance
• The adoption of the 19th Constitutional Amendment has
resulted in the disruption of the smooth functioning of the
government. Public outrage at this state of affairs has been
well documented. Rather than pandering to NGOs and
certain interested foreign parties, we must promulgate a
new constitution that reflects the aspirations of our people.
A Parliamentary Select Committee will be appointed by our
government to engage with the people, political leaders, and
civil society groups and prepare a new constitution.
•
In these deliberations, we will look into the Executive
Presidency, the mixed electoral system, the Provincial
Councils and strengthening of the independence of the
judiciary.
• The Unitary State, ensuring the foremost place to Buddhism,
establishing religious freedom and securing the fundamental
rights of the people will be the corner stones of this process.
•
In order to prevent minor tensions between religious and
ethnic groups from developing into major calamities, an
Inter-Religious Advisory Council will be established under the
chairmanship of the President.
• Although 13,784 LTTE cadres who surrendered with arms
were rehabilitated and freed, similar measures have not been
applied in respect of armed forces personnel who have been
subject to accusations relating to various offences during the
war. Armed forces personnel charged with various offences
during the war and those who are already undergoing
punishment as well as the remaining LTTE cadres charged
with terrorism related offences will be rehabilitated and
integrated with the rest of society as free persons.
• All those under detention for long periods, charged
with terrorism related offences, will either be indicted or
discharged within three months.
• One of the main factors contributing to tensions among
communities is land. A National Land Commission will be
established to prepare a proper land use policy taking into
consideration historical and archeological factors, location
of natural resources, requirements for urbanization, the
development of infrastructure, and future development
needs etc. All these will be factored in arriving at a viable
land use policy at the national, provincial, district and local
government levels.
• Another contributory factor to tension among communities
is the inability to communicate among themselves and
the resulting suspicion and discomfort. Therefore, we will
bridge this ‘communication gap’ by making it mandatory
for Sinhalese medium students to learn Tamil, and Tamil
medium students to learn Sinhalese, with the fullest support
of the State. This would undoubtedly contribute towards
national harmony.
• The unruly, indisciplined and ill-mannered behaviour of
certain people’s representatives and their supporters has
painted a negative image of the politician in your minds.
Therefore, we will ensure that all people’s representatives
conduct themselves in a disciplined and decent manner and
unruly behavior on their part will be dealt with in terms of the
law.
• Given the large sums of money required for election
campaigns, unhealthy links have developed between
politicians and racketeers. This situation has also given
rise to a situation where moneyed persons of questionable
integrity are able to come into politics. Therefore, we
will enact laws to curb election related expenditure and
empower the Election Commission to institute legal action
against any violations.
A Safe and
A Secure
Country for All
12
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Chapter - 3
A Safe and A Secure Country for All
National Security
We know through experience that if we
compromise on national security, we put
economic growth and stability at risk. In the
absence of national security, democratic
institutions are also at risk. Therefore, national
security will become our first priority.
April 21st Incident
Our government will dismantle all
structures supporting and nurturing
terrorism and extremism. Strict laws
will be enacted to curtail such activity.
A Country Free
from Drugs
The use of narcotics is
entwined with economic
and social degradation.
Today, this menace has
reached even school
children. The danger is
that these harmful drugs
are now freely available
and come in all forms
of attractive packaging,
so as to make our
children fall prey to these
substances. We will
take all necessary steps
to eradicate this drug
menace.
Security Services – A
Secure Work Environment
The armed forces and the
police who contributed
immensely towards the defeat
of the LTTE and thereby
ensured the unity and territorial
integrity of our country, have
proved themselves to be
professional and law abiding.
However, during the past
five years, they have been
subjected to humiliation and
unfounded accusations. We
will take resolute steps to
restore the dignity of the armed
forces, the police and the Civil
Defence Force.
Friendly and Non-
aligned Foreign Policy
We will not fall on our
knees before any country
in maintaining foreign
and trade relations.
We will always be
mindful of our national
sovereignty and maintain
friendly relations with
other countries from a
standpoint of equality.
Our government will
restore Sri Lanka’s
national pride and
dignity.
National Security
National security is of paramount importance for national
development. If there is no peace in a country, that would affect
people’s daily lives and have a negative impact on the activities
of the public and private sectors. Local and foreign investors
also require a secure environment free from extremism and
terrorism. If we compromise on national security, we endanger
economic stability and growth. In the absence of national
security, democratic institutions are also at risk. Therefore,
national security will be a top priority for our government.
• We will ensure that Sri Lanka remains a unitary state. No one
will be permitted to challenge this principle.
• We will not permit any religious, ethnic or other form of
extremism to take root in this country. We will ensure that
every citizen regardless of ethnicity or religious belief is able
to live without fear in this land.
• We will revamp the intelligence services, and bring them to
the highest levels of performance. Capable officers will be
recruited to the intelligence services as before. We will also
strengthen the intelligence agencies of the armed forces and
the police. Ensuring coordination among all these agencies
will be the responsibility of a National Chief of Intelligence
who will be endowed with adequate powers to carry out his
responsibilities.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
13
• We will also ensure that all those still needing medical care,
attention and assistance as a result of their injuries will be
taken care of, and those needing treatment overseas will
be fully supported by the government to undergo treatment
abroad.
• A scheme will be implemented to care for those who have
been permanently disabled, on a long-term basis.
• Relatives who are looking after children who have lost their
parents due to the terror attack will be provided financial
assistance on a monthly basis.
• We will also provide compensation within two months, to
affected families and all those who have been promised
financial assistance to rebuild their lives, but have not
received any from the present government.
A Country Free from Drugs
The use of narcotics is entwined with economic and social
degradation. Today, this menace has reached even school
children. The danger is that these harmful drugs are now freely
available and come in all forms of attractive packaging designed
to make our children fall prey to these substances. We pledge
to eradicate this drug menace completely from this country.
• We will provide the latest technology to customs officers and
other relevant authorities manning all airports and ports to
enable them to stop the influx of these harmful substances
into the country.
• While empowering the police and the armed forces to
control the drug menace, public participation would also be
sought to eradicate drugs from our country.
• We will also develop a programme to assist and rehabilitate
all children who have fallen prey to drugs with the help of
teachers, parents and social workers.
• We will ensure that a proper surveillance and inspection
mechanism is in place to supervise all small shops, eateries,
and drug stores that could easily lure children into using
drugs. These measures will protect school children from
having easy access to harmful drugs.
• A National Drug Rehabilitation Programme will be instituted
to ensure that all those addicted to drugs are rehabilitated.
Medical assistance will be provided to help overcome
their addiction. For this, we will establish four rehabilitation
centers island wide, with modern treatment methods and
prevention strategies.
• We must have very strong working links with foreign
intelligence agencies. Further, all our intelligence personnel
will be provided with modern training, both locally and
abroad. As inter-State crime is becoming more and more
sophisticated, all intelligence personnel will be equipped to
use modern Information and Communication Technologies in
the performance of their duties.
• After 2015, personnel in our intelligence agencies, armed
forces and the police have been subjected to humiliation,
victimization, intimidation and imprisonment, which has
resulted in a collapse of morale. This in turn has resulted in
the breakdown of national security. We will provide personnel
in this sphere with legal protection to enable them to perform
their duties fearlessly and with dignity, without any political
interference.
• Apart from ensuring national security, we will protect
our country from international threats including threats
emanating from cyber space. We will ensure food security,
and guarantee that the country is free from drug trafficking,
money laundering and other such illegal activities that
presently plague this country.
• We pledge to make this country a safe and a secure country
for all citizens, especially for women and children.
• We will ensure that local and foreign investors are able
to conduct their business in an environment free from
corruption, graft, bribery, and intimidation.
April 21st Incident
The global ISIS network has spread its terror network to Sri
Lanka as well. The Easter Sunday suicide attacks on the
21st April is ample evidence of this. The main reason for
such bombings to take place in Sri Lanka less than 10 years
after defeating terrorism, is the drastic breakdown of national
security. The other reason is the emergence of a political and
social environment in Sri Lanka that supported extremism and
terrorism. Our government will and dismantle all structures
supporting terrorism and extremism and strict laws will be
enacted to curtail such activity.
• We will appoint an independent commission to investigate
into the activities of all those responsible for the April 21st
terror attack and to expose the perpetrators to the people of
our country. The recommendations of this commission will
be implemented expeditiously and those found guilty for this
heinous crime will be punished in accordance with the law.
14
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Chapter - 3
A Safe and A Secure Country for All
Security Services – A Secure Work
Environment
The armed forces and the police contributed immensely
towards the defeat of the LTTE and thereby ensured the
unity and territorial integrity of our country. They have been
acknowledged to be professional and law abiding. However,
during the past five years, they have been subjected to
humiliation and unfounded accusations. We will take the
necessary steps to restore the dignity of armed forces
personnel, the police and the Civil Defence Force.
• We will take measures to swiftly release all armed forces
personnel, police officers and CDF personnel imprisoned on
false allegations, or on fabricated charges, and unite them
with their loved ones.
• We will rectify anomalies in salaries and allowances, and
address issues relating to promotions and pensions of all
armed forces, police and civil defence force personnel.
• We will also ensure that all armed forces personnel in active
service prior to 2009 will be duly compensated for delays in
promotions.
• We will speedily examine issues relating to barrack and
lodging facilities and other requirements of all armed forces
personnel and address them at the earliest.
• We will continue to provide and improve the medical facilities
available to armed forces, police and civil defence force
personnel. We will continue to provide medical facilities to
family members of such personnel and retired members of
these services.
• We will ensure our armed forces are given additional
opportunities to serve in UN peace keeping missions
across the world. To this end, we will ensure that a proper
transparent process for enlisting will be in place.
• We will provide concessionary housing loans to all serving,
or disabled armed forces personnel and the spouses or
children of deceased armed services personnel. Such loans
can be used for the construction of a house, purchase of a
new home or renovation of an existing home.
• We will also revisit the existing loan schemes and ensure that
delays are eliminated.
• We will also ensure that all armed forces personnel in active
service who have been selected for the award of medals and
such other accolades will be duly rewarded. Foreign training
opportunities presently suspended will be resumed.
A Contented Police Service
We do not underestimate the contribution made by the police
to end the 30-year war against terrorism. They have contributed
immensely to the success of the war effort. It is with profound
gratitude that we remember the police war heroes 2,594 of
whom sacrificed their lives and 1,567 of whom were disabled
in the line of duty during the war. We will not forget their service
to the country. In a future government significant responsibilities
will be placed on the police in ensuring national security. We
will restructure the Sri Lanka police to ensure that the police
service will be people friendly and police personnel will also
be accorded privileges similar to those of the armed forces
personnel. We will also ensure that they will not have to bow to
political pressures in carrying out their duties.
• We pledge to address all salary anomalies in the police
service and would look into measures to have an adequate
salary increment scheme.
• We pledge to bring about a more efficient and acceptable
promotion mechanism, reducing the time taken to progress
through the ranks. Those who possess the necessary
qualifications and service merit will be able to progress from
being a constable to a Senior Deputy Inspector General of
Police, irrespective of gender.
• We will also create a police university similar to the
Kotalawala Defence Academy to enable all police officers
including police women to enhance their knowledge and
skills.
• We will address all difficulties faced by the Police department
and its personnel in discharging their duties, including the
problem of insufficient transport facilities, new technology,
infrastructure, overseas training, and transfers without
political favours or interference. Steps will also be taken to
establish a transparent scheme to appoint OICs to police
stations.
• All politically motivated promotions and favours will be
stopped forthwith and promotions will be based purely on
performance reviews and merit.
• Due to shortfalls in the police cadre, police officers are
required to serve longer shifts beyond 8 hours; this will
be ended and all gaps in recruitment will be filled, thereby
ensuring that no police officer works more than the
stipulated eight hours.
• We will build adequate housing, i.e., quarters/hostel units
for all police officers so that they can move from location to
location as required without any issues. Every effort will be
made to provide opportunities for police officers to commute
to work from their own homes.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
15
• We will increase the meal allowances and other allowances
of all police officers, as provided to armed forces personnel.
These allowances will not be added to the salary, but will be
paid along with the salary.
• We will provide a motorcycle to police officers below the
rank of Inspector, who have to carry out field investigations.
We will authorize the use of this motorcycle for personal use
as well.
• We will remedy all the deficiencies in the police hospital and
ensure that modern facilities are available in order to provide
police personnel and their families with a quality health
service.
• We will also examine the existing welfare facilities available
to the police department, and we will make necessary
adjustments to ensure that a more viable family centric
welfare system is instituted, including a suitable insurance
scheme.
• We will provide the needed support and assistance to the
Police Sports Club and the Western and Eastern Police
bands.
Civil Defence Force
• We will address and rectify all pension anomalies that exist
within the Civil Defence Force.
• We will ensure that members of the Civil Defence Force are
not transferred outside their home districts for long periods
except under special circumstances.
In recognition of the services of the armed forces
The sacrifices made by our armed forces is not measurable in
any manner. The value of the lives lost, the limbs lost, the pain
that they underwent cannot be measured. They went through
all that to protect and keep all Sri Lankans, Sinhalese, Tamils,
Muslims, and Burghers safe from LTTE attacks and to ensure
that we were not in harm’s way. Therefore, it’s now every
citizen’s duty to reciprocate and to keep them safe and happy
and provide them with all possible facilities.
• Prior to 2015, departed soldiers and disabled soldiers were
treated alike but since 2015, departed soldiers and disabled
soldiers are treated differently. This has brought about
changes in the payments made to them and caused a great
deal of distress among these heroic war veterans who only
want a decent living for themselves and their families. We
will rectify this anomaly and make good on all outstanding
arrears as well.
• All permanently disabled soldiers will be entitled to obtain
their salaries during their life time and after their demise, the
salary will be paid to the spouse if he is married or to the
parents of those who are not married.
• We will immediately put an end to any deductions made
from the salaries of disabled soldiers.
• We will adopt a mechanism whereby all disabled soldiers
who lost their limbs will be able to obtain artificial limbs at
State cost. We will also redevelop the physiotherapy, rest
and rehabilitation centers such as Abhimansala which was
discontinued by the incumbent government.
Friendly and Non-aligned Foreign Policy
We will not fall on our knees before any country in maintaining
foreign and trade relations. We will always be mindful of our
national sovereignty and maintain friendly relations with other
countries from a standpoint of equality. Our government will
restore Sri Lanka’s national pride and dignity.
• We will ensure that ownership of strategic assets and
economically important natural resources are not transferred
to any foreign country.
• We will adopt a non-aligned policy in all our foreign dealings
and work with all friendly nations on equal terms.
• Given the fact that economic power is now shifting towards
Asia, our focus will be on developing strong bonds and
reciprocal commercial ties and trade relationships with our
Asian neighbours.
• We must work closely with India to ensure regional security
and also engage with other SAARC and BIMSTEC nations.
• We have to acknowledge the standing of developed
countries such as the USA, China, European Union, Japan,
Canada, South Africa, Australia, Russia, and Britain in
commerce and trade.
• We will strive to develop enhanced trade relationships with
the Middle East, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea,
the Philippines, and Singapore.
• We will re-examine all bi-lateral trade agreements signed in
the past 5 years. If these agreements contain any harmful
or economically damaging provisions, they will be removed
after discussions with the relevant country or countries. In
the future, we will not enter into any agreements harmful
to the economic well-being of local industrialists and
entrepreneurs.
A Productive
Citizen and a
Happy Family
18
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
A Productive Citizen and a Happy Family
A Wise Citizen: A
Society Endowed with
Knowledge
If we wish to see our
younger generation
becoming productive
citizens, it is essential
to impart to them new
knowledge and skills. We
will focus special attention
on preparing an action
plan on education from
pre-school to the tertiary
level including technical
education. We will expand
opportunities for technical
education and the use
of technology among
students.
The Economic and Social
Contribution of Women
Women play a critical role
in the social, political and
economic development
of the country. We believe
that citizens, families and
communities are shaped by
the guidance and nurturing
of women. Therefore,
harnessing the contribution
of women is vital to our short
and long term development
plans. We will assign high
priority to increasing the
labour force participation of
women and in promoting
women entrepreneurs.
From Mother’s
Lap to Teacher’s
Care
We have identified
the importance of
pre-schools, day-
care centres and
early childhood
development
centres in the field
of education.
Harnessing the Power of Youth
The country’s youth, who account for almost one fourth
of the total population, will be engaged as proactive
partners in the country’s sustainable development
process. We will identify their aspirations and develop an
effective programme to enable young people to reach
their full potential.
Chapter - 4
Health First
Health is one of the main pillars in human capital
development. Health is not restricted to physical, mental
and social wellbeing, but applies to spiritual well-being as
well. Healthcare will be delivered throughout the country
on the basis of a National Health Policy.
Human resources will be the foundation for creating a
prosperous country. Therefore, human resource development
will be the primary responsibility of our government.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
19
An Informed and Knowledgeable
Child Population
Children are Sri Lanka’s future. The
nation’s future depends on how we
guide children them to be healthy and
productive citizens. They must not
be discriminatory towards religions,
ethnicities and castes other than their
own.
Differently Abled
and Disabled
People
We respect the
rights of differently
abled and disabled
people. We are
committed to their
economic, and
social rights and
recognize that
they need equal
opportunities to
realize their full
potential.
A Society with
Respected Senior
Citizens
As Sri Lanka’s elderly
population increases,
the country will face
several social and
economic challenges.
A majority of the elderly
are not eligible for
pensions or insurance
cover. Providing welfare
measures to enable
the elderly to live with
dignity will therefore be a
priority.
A Culture of
“Working for the Country”
The dynamism of a country’s
economy depends on its labour
force. A country’s development
depends on its productivity.
Therefore, a trained, energetic
workforce with a culture of
working for the country will be
established to achieve accelerated
development. It is our aspiration to
create a worker who works hard
and lives a richer, more fulfilled life.
A Comfortable Home
for Each Family
While acknowledging that adequate
housing is a basic need, it is also
recognized that most families cannot
afford housing. During our tenure in
government we identified this as a
pressing issue for the low income
urban community and introduced
not only permanent housing but also
changed the living conditions and
lifestyles of the urban poor. Once
in office we will continue the urban
regeneration programme and will
extend it to the rural communities to
uplift their living standards.
20
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
New Vistas of Human Resource Development
The Human resource is the most valuable resource we
possess. That resource can be developed by building a
knowledge-centered economy based on the concept of a
healthy and productive person and a happy family. This will be
the foundation for creating a prosperous country. Therefore,
human resource development will be the primary responsibility
of our government.
An informed Citizen: A Society Endowed
with Knowledge
If we wish to see our future generations becoming productive
citizens of our country, it is essential to impart to them, new
knowledge and skills. We will focus our special attention on
preparing an action plan in this regard from pre-school to
tertiary education including technical education. We intend
expanding the opportunities available for technical education
and the use of technology among students. To give effect to
this, it is necessary to bring all institutions related to education
under one ministry.
Comprehensive reforms will be undertaken to establish a quality
education system to which all children would have a right to
access from pre-school to the tertiary level education under a
single curriculum in accordance with international standards.
This will enable young children to develop their inherent talents
and skills and also to select the education stream that would
provide them with a pathway to the employment market.
From Mother’s Lap to Teacher’s Care
We have identified the pre-school, day-care centre and early
childhood development centre as an important stage in the field
of education. At these centres, rather than children receiving
education that is normally imparted in school, they could be
taught valuable human qualities such as love, kindness, and
compassion.
• State patronage will be provided to establish one pre-
school and one day care centre conforming to acceptable
standards, in each Grama Seva Niladhari division.
• There will be a monitoring mechanism under the central
government to maintain these pre-schools and day-care
centres.
• There will be compulsory teacher training, which includes
knowledge in psychology for all pre-school teachers. On
completion of this training, the teachers will be eligible to
receive a government salary.
Re-awakening of School Education
• We strongly believe that ‘free education’ is a fundamental
right of the people of our country. Therefore, top priority will
be given to allocate adequate funds from the Annual budget
to protect and continue the implementation of the free
education policy.
•
Infrastructure facilities and modern technology will be
provided to needy rural schools to improve their quality and
to prevent the closure of such schools. An extra allowance
will be paid to teachers who serve in schools situated in very
difficult and remote areas.
• Three (03) schools per Divisional Secretariat will be upgraded
and provided with all the necessary physical and human
resources. These schools will be designated as ‘National
Schools’ thus increasing the present number of 353 National
Schools to 1000. Steps will be taken to create a Cluster
Schools system enabling children in other schools in the
same Divisional Secretariat area to benefit from these
enhanced facilities.
•
In order to end the competition for school admissions,
provincial schools will be upgraded to the level of national
schools. Furthermore, in each district at least one trilingual,
model secondary national school will be built on the lines
of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalayas in Homagama and
Matara. Twenty such model schools will be built within the
first two years.
• Primary schools will be developed into ‘Child-Friendly
schools’ and 50,000 Teacher Assistants will be recruited
enabling the deployment of two teachers per classroom from
Grade I to Grade V.
•
In selecting students to State universities, the Z-score is
currently determined on a district basis, regardless of the
difference in the facilities provided to the main schools as
against other schools in the same district which have lesser
facilities and teachers. We intend introducing a new scientific
method for university admissions based on the school rather
than the district.
• Opportunities to enter the Principal grade will be provided to
those teachers who possess the required knowledge, skills,
training and experience. Furthermore, administrative reforms
will be put in place, to provide opportunities not only for
teachers who are subject coordinators, class heads, section
heads etc., but others who have shown good performance
to enhance their skills.
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• One of our main objectives is to make the whole teacher
community qualified graduates, and to achieve that goal, we
will convert the existing eighteen (18) National Colleges of
Education to university faculties.
• While appreciating the commitment of teachers, principals,
teacher instructors, and education administrative officers, we
intended creating one closed service, combining all these
services.
• Changes to legal provisions will be made to enable teachers
to secure transfers between a national school and a
provincial school, without students, the schools or teachers
being affected.
• A properly managed school transport service for students
and teachers will be established as a public-private
partnership.
• Our attention has been drawn to three main areas, viz.,
(1) curriculum development, (2) teacher training, and (3)
infrastructure development in the school system, to enhance
the quality of the education system. We will put in place a
new scientific method that will look at these three critical
areas in a new perspective.
A Student-centered Education System in Place of
Examination-centered Education System
The present conventional education system, which has been
a burden on the student, teachers and parents will not be
continued for long. Instead, a new education system based on
innovation and knowledge will be introduced through which the
new generation of students, teachers and parents would have
easy access to global knowledge. This will enable students to
receive education without stress or delay.
• The purpose of education should be to create a generation
that is disciplined, healthy, stress free, and possessing an
inquisitive mind instead of a generation that is stressed due
to a competitive environment and possessing only book
knowledge. Therefore, the school curriculum must be made
lighter and assignments flexible so that there would be time
in school time-tables for sports, aesthetics, foreign language
learning, and the use of library facilities.
• The entire education system will be digitalized and the
necessary knowledge, training and infrastructure will be
provided to school children, teachers and parents.
• The age limits for ‘O levels and ‘A’ levels will be amended in
accordance with the norm at international examinations, and
reforms will be introduced to minimize the number of years
spent to obtain a university degree.
• A new method will be introduced to test a student’s IQ
level at Grade 6, and they will be guided to higher studies
according to their acquired skills and inherent skills.
•
It is our objective to establish a truly student-centered
education system. We will take suitable action to eliminate
physical and mental punishments and ensure that there
would be no abuse of children in the education system
University and Higher Vocational Education
Every parent’s aspiration is for their children to obtain a
university degree. We cannot be satisfied with the low
percentage of students who are able to enter our universities
after the GCE ‘A’ Levels. As a result, many parents try to send
their children to foreign universities despite their economic
difficulties. Therefore, a programme will be launched enable
all qualified students to continue their higher education up
to degree level. Our aim is to create a graduate who is well-
disciplined and possesses the knowledge and skills required by
the employment market.
• Action will be taken to increase the intake of students into
the universities and other higher education institutions, by
providing the required academic and non-academic staff as
well as other infrastructure facilities within a short period of
time. We will make a substantial investment for this purpose.
• All universities will be converted to Smart Learning
Universities and the necessary technical support will be
provided.
•
It is expected to commence technological faculties affiliated
to universities to produce more technocrats to meet the
demands of the 21st Century.
• An aviation university and a nautical university will be
established with the aim of improving the quality and
professionalism of those engaged in those fields.
• Adequate funds will be provided to university students to
pursue new courses that will impart skills in demand in the
21st Century.
• The student’s Mahapola financial assistance programme will
be adequately enhanced.
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• An interest free loan scheme will be introduced for the
benefit of those who follow professional courses. The
recipients would be able to repay the loans after they find
employment.
• The government, with the support of the private sector, will
open student hostels for university and other students and
the income derived from these hostels will be made tax free.
• Steps will be taken to open 10 ‘university colleges’ affiliated
to existing aesthetic universities to enable students who
study aesthetic subjects for ‘O’ Levels and ‘A’ Levels, to
follow higher diplomas.
• The Open University education system will be enhanced to
provide distance education with a skills-based job oriented
higher education system using self-learning, guided learning,
group learning and project training in order to produce a
creative employee.
• Action will be taken to upgrade the Maritime University to
international standard. Steps will be taken to expand the
Kotelawala Defence University which is in great demand
among students.
• All State universities will be upgraded so as to be included
among world ranking universities and these institutions will
be allowed to take any action necessary to achieve these
objectives.
• Discussions will be held with Institutions that provide
professional qualifications such as the Institute of Chartered
Accountants, the Association of Accounting Technicians
(AAT), and the Institute of Bankers to introduce new courses
and upgrade their academic staff.
• Ragging has caused immense stress and trauma to students
entering our universities as well to their parents. All steps will
be taken to eradicate the culture of ragging from universities
and other higher educational establishments. The governing
councils will be empowered to eliminate ragging in their
respective institutions.
A System of Higher Education
to produce Technocrats
Our priority will be to produce ‘smart technocrats’ who
are globally recognized and who possess internationally
acclaimed qualifications required by the local and international
employment markets. They will be the leaders of the future
world. Sri Lanka should be at the apex of innovation and
creativity. Our intention is to have a highly paid and creative
labour force.
• Regardless of whether one passes or fails the ‘O’ Levels or
‘A’ Levels, there will be other avenues to pursue technical
and vocational courses.
• The quality of all existing vocational education institutes
will be evaluated during the first six months. Those found
to be suitable will be upgraded as Technological Degree
awarding institutes; steps will also be taken to enhance the
quality of the courses as well as to increase the salaries and
benefits of the academic and non-academic staff of these
institutions.
• An island wide network of new ‘technical university colleges’
will be established.
• Four institutes affiliated to the Ceylon German Technical
Training Institute (CGTTI) will be established in Matara,
Mannar, Batticaloa, and Badulla. The number of existing
university colleges will be increased from 6 to 20.
• Any student passing the ‘O’ Levels will be eligible to receive
an NVQ certificate. We plan to increase the present scheme
of 7 levels of the NVQ to 10. In the Technology stream,
students will be able to pursue postgraduate qualifications
leading up to Doctorate level. We also intend awarding
foreign scholarships to deserving students. The Sri Lanka
Qualification Framework (SLQF) will be revised so as to
accurately calibrate the mainstream degrees and NVQ
degree qualifications.
• Whilst at work, people should be able to learn and acquire
new knowledge and skills, without any disruption to their
employment. Online education, weekend education and
open learning will be promoted for this purpose.
• We will provide all students in the vocational and technical
streams, with financial assistance similar to the Mahapola
scholarship scheme, and with subsidized transport, uniforms
and computers.
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• We will provide facilities for students of universities and other
professional bodies to acquire a knowledge of English and
other foreign languages, as well as Mathematics. Assistance
would also be provided to young inventors to become
entrepreneurs.
• Activities of all TVET institutions will be reviewed and a
special coordinating mechanism will be established under
the concept of ‘One TVET system’.
• As a result of all these initiatives, it is the primary objective
of our government to reduce the unskilled category in the
labour force to 20% within the first two years and to bring it
down to 10% by 2025.

Health First
In human capital development, health is of paramount
importance. Health is not just physical, mental and social
wellbeing, but spiritual well-being as well. Healthcare will
be delivered throughout the country in accordance with the
National Health Policy. Politically motivated changes that
took place in the health sector during the recent past will be
reviewed in the best interests of patient-care services and
rectified.
• The time has come to change our approach from ‘treating
a patient after the disease has developed’ to preventing
diseases by promoting a healthy lifestyle. Action will be taken
to implement a change in attitudes nationwide through an
extensive programme titled “Suwa Divimaga”
The “Suwa Divimaga” Programme
• A programme to ensure the right of the people to have a
healthy meal free of agrochemicals and additives.
• A programme to promote the production of organic food free
of agrochemicals and additives.
• A programme to promote proper eating habits at all stages
of life, childhood, school age and adulthood,
• A programme to create a healthy environment by preventing
the contamination and pollution of the air we breathe,
the water we drink and the soil we cultivate, through our
sustainable environment policy.
• A national programme for the detection and prevention of
non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease,
kidney disease and diabetes.
• Action will be taken according to the convention of the World
Health Organization, to reduce smoking and alcohol usage
and to eradicate usage of narcotic drugs within society.
• A programme to incorporate physical exercise as a routine
life habit. Jogging tracks and fitness centres built by us
in Colombo and other urban areas which received public
appreciation, will be expanded across the country under the
direct supervision of the Urban Development Authority and
maintained by the relevant local government institutions.
• Healthiness will be recognized as a main component of
life. A programme will be implemented parallel to the Suwa
Divimaga programme to ensure the achievement of such
objectives.
Healthcare Facilities Development Programme
• The free health care system will be protected as a whole;
annual appropriations for health care will be increased and
the entirety of the funds will be spent for the betterment of
patient care. Healthcare services delivered free of charge to
our citizens will not be provided free of charge to foreigners.
• Large numbers of patients and long waiting lists etc., have
become a daily challenge in hospitals all over the Island.
This situation will be changed and the necessary steps will
be taken to enable the patient to obtain healthcare services
conveniently.
• The National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo will be
upgraded to international standard where cardiology
services, emergency and complex treatment and operations
will be delivered to patients.
• One selected hospital in every district will be fully-equipped
and upgraded to a level similar to that of the National
Hospital at present, in terms of medical treatment, surgical
theatres and laboratory facilities.
• All other hospitals island-wide will be upgraded by providing
adequate doctors, nursing staff, laboratory technicians,
drugs and laboratory facilities. All out-patient services will
be allocated to these hospitals and a referral system will be
established to forward patients to the relevant hospitals.
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• Modern innovations such as E-health and Telemedicine will
be introduced for patients to obtain diagnoses and treatment
conveniently and to prevent crowding at hospitals.
• Facilities will be improved to retain doctors in the country
and to provide their services equitably throughout the island.
• Until healthcare delivery achieves the expected standard,
shortages of ICU beds, equipment and machinery and
the lack of an adequate number of operating theatres will
be rapidly rectified to minimize waiting lists for surgical
operations.
• Patient care services will be modernized and the prevailing
queues and crowding of patients will be minimized.
• A mechanism accountable to the public regarding the
maintenance and renovation of all hospitals and the provision
of patient care necessities such as beds and other facilities
without shortages will be established.
• A safe environment for patients as well as healthcare staff
will be established by making it compulsory to run all state
and private hospitals and laboratories according to ISO
standards.
• A regulatory authority will be established to govern all
hospitals, dispensaries and laboratories and to maintain
healthcare services at an accepted standard.
• The supply of all consumables including drugs at all hospitals
without shortages and interruption will be ensured by
maintaining compulsory safe stock levels of essential drugs
and supplies.
• An integrated programme will be implemented with the
Ministry of Health together with all provincial and regional
administrative institutions, to eradicate non-communicable
diseases.
• Action will be taken to strictly ban imports of low-quality
drugs to Sri Lanka. All drugs and medical consumables
that can be produced within the country to international
standards, will be produced locally. An adequately equipped
WHO-standard quality control laboratory will be established
to safeguard the quality of the drugs.
•
Import taxes for antioxidants and herbal products will be
increased.
• The procurement process of the Ministry of Health will be
rectified and accountability will be ensured, so as to prevent
corruption, malpractices and wastage.
• An online psychological counselling service with a 24-hour
toll-free mobile hotline will be established under the Ministry
of Health in order to maintain the quality of mental health of
the people.
• A system of promotion based on clinical competence will be
implemented for healthcare employees.
• Nursing Training Schools will be upgraded to degree-
awarding level.
• Public health and nursing staff will be provided with modern
technology and equipment to enable them to provide their
services more conveniently.
• A programme will be commenced to promote medical
research, innovation and training.
• Health services will be directed to contribute to the national
economy through promoting health tourism.
• Postgraduate training opportunities for doctors will be
increased. A programme to enable doctors to earn an
income for the country through the Knowledge Economy will
be put in place.
• The international recognition of the Sri Lankan medical
profession and medical education will be maintained and this
sector will be kept free of political influences.
• Responsibility and accountability in the medical
administrative service will be ensured while increasing
transparency and efficiency.
• A system will be developed to drive health policies and
planning by research and audit data, for the betterment of
patient care.
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
25
Indigenous and Ayurvedic Sector
Indigenous and ayurvedic medical systems have been
prevalent in our country long before we acquired western
medical knowledge. Indigenous medicine is not only a mode
of treatment for ill-health, but also accepted as a part of our
culture. However,it should be understood that the indigenous
and ayurvedic systems have regressed to a certain extent due
to various reasons. Therefore, we recognize the need to uplift
the status of these systems. This could be achieved by infusing
into our indigenous and ayurvedic systems a more scientific
and modern approach.
• Steps will be taken to establish a National Indigenous
Medical Council and a Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Medical Council.
• Steps will be taken to increase the proportion of the annual
allocation for the Ministry of Health, apportioned to the
indigenous sector.
• The indigenous sector can make a significant contribution
in the prevention of diseases. The necessary facilities will be
provided to develop this sector.
• Regional ayurvedic hospitals will be reviewed and steps will
be taken to improve their standing.
• Research regarding indigenous drugs and treatment
methods will be encouraged. A mechanism will be
established to register the same.
• Steps will be taken to update the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia.
• The Ministry of Tourism will be directed to develop a
mechanism to cater to the demand generated by tourists for
Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and other indigenous, traditional
and homeopathic treatment methods.
• Facilities will be provided to indigenous physicians and
relevant stakeholders to cultivate herb gardens of all medical
plants that have a high demand for the manufacture of
ayurvedic drugs.
• There is a demand for herbal cosmetic products in the
international market. Facilities will be provided to local
producers and entrepreneurs who can engage
•
In the manufacture and export of such products, to establish
production facilities.
•
Implementing a new system to rectify the issues that have
arisen in registering traditional healers (Weda Mahatthayas)
as indigenous doctors.
• The necessary facilities will be provided to upgrade the
Institute of Indigenous Medicine attached to the University
of Colombo to the level of an Ayurveda University, and to
improve indigenous medical education.
Harnessing the Power of Youth
The country’s youth, who account for almost one fourth of
the total population, will be engaged as proactive partners in
the country’s sustainable development process. Towards this
end, we will identify their aspirations and develop a viable and
effective programme which will enable them to reach their full
potential.
• The participation of youth in political decision making and in
government will be ensured. In order to realize this goal, 25
percent of nominations for local government elections will
be reserved for youth. Steps will be taken to increase the
relative share of youth representation at the provincial council
and parliamentary levels as well.
•
In order to create an economy that is driven by young
entrepreneurs, extensive opportunities and incentives will
be provided for youthful entrepreneurs in all sectors of the
economy.
•
‘Youth Entrepreneur Counselling Centres’ will be
established under the Ministry of Youth Affairs to provide
integrated services in entrepreneurial learning, identifying
business opportunities, resolving business issues and
identifying and expanding market opportunities.
• Measures will be taken by the Ministry of Science and
Technology to support and develop innovative businesses
by transferring modern technology for product and
technology innovation.
• The key issue faced by young entrepreneurs is the lack
of investment for businesses. As a solution, a ‘National
Youth Fund’ will be established. An initial seed allocation
of Rs 1,000 million will be provided by the General
Treasury. The Fund will be augmented through a ‘Youth
Development Lottery’.
• A simple loan scheme will be introduced under this
Fund to provide the required investment for youth
entrepreneurs.
• A Youth Human Resource Data Bank will be established
to provide employers with information regarding youth
eligible for public and private sector employment as well
as for foreign employment. This will enable young persons
to upload their curriculum vitae to this data bank. The data
bank will have provision to be regularly updated.
• Amendments will be introduced to revise the mandatory
qualification for the lowest grades of the public sector
from the current requirement of the GCE Ordinary Level
examination.
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa
• An Easy Payment Scheme will be introduced for youth to
purchase smart phones, tablets or laptop computers.
• An interest free loan of up to Rs one million will be provided
to youth to finance their higher education, which can be
repaid during employment.
Sports for a Vibrant Youth
Sport is the language of youth. Our aim is to create a
generation of youth who are energetic, healthy and disciplined.
• The first period of two school days per week will be allocated
for physical exercise.
• A programme will be launched to identify school children
who excel in sports and to provide them with nutrition,
training and other facilities.
• A Sports University of international standard will be
established.
• This University will have affiliated Sports University
Colleges established in each of the nine provinces.
• Students who have sat the GCE Ordinary or Advanced
Level and have excelled in sports at district and provincial
levels will be enrolled for diploma programmes.
• Such diploma holders as well as those who pass the GCE
Advanced Level and excel at the national or international
level will be enlisted by the Sports University for degree
programmes.
• Each provincial Sports University College will have an
international level stadium which could be used by all
sportsmen and sportswomen in the province.
• A special programme will be introduced to develop the
professions of coaches, trainers and physiotherapists
required for the development of sports.
• An incentive scheme will be introduced to enable
professional sportsmen and sportswomen to obtain foreign
education and training. Foreign trainers will be provided to
those who perform at international standard.
• Tax concessions will be provided for imported sports goods,
technical equipment and nutritional supplements.
• The Sports Ministry will sponsor international sports events
in Sri Lanka.
An Informed and Knowledgeable
Child Population
Children are Sri Lanka’s future. The nation’s future and pride
depend on how we guide them to be healthy and productive
citizens; they must be non-discriminatory towards races,
ethnicities, religions, creeds, and castes other than their own.
The following measures will be implemented to achieve this
aim:
• We will uphold and fulfill the provisions of the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• A special child nutrition programme will be introduced to
address undernutrition within the next five years. Such
children will be provided with the medically recommended
amounts of Triposha without disruption. In addition,
financial assistance programs for pregnant mothers will be
implemented.
• The children of families living in poverty will be provided
with a child nutrition allowance under the Divineguma
Programme, and in addition they will be supported to reach
their full potential.
• A programme will be established with the Ministries of
Justice, Child and Women Affairs and Defence as well as all
related state agencies to address all forms of exploitation,
abuse and violence against children.
• A programme will be put in place to prevent abuse, violence
and exploitation of children at pre-schools, day-care centres
and schools.
• Each District Court will have a dedicated section to resolve
court cases pertaining to children without delay.
• The complex system of child adoption will be simplified
and all efforts will be taken to prevent children from being
abandoned or killed.
• A national programme will be established to introduce
a ‘foster family system’ for all children in Child Care and
Development Centres/Institutions.
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27
The Economic and Social
Contribution of Women
Women play a critical role in child care, the well-being of the
family and in the social, political and economic development
of the country. We believe that citizens, families, communities
and societies are shaped through the guidance and nurturing
of women. Therefore, harnessing the contribution of women
is vital to our short and long term development plans. We will
assign high priority to increasing the labour force participation
of women and to promoting women entrepreneurs. We will
build on the high levels of literacy and education of women in
Sri Lanka to not only provide opportunities for women to be
equal partners in development but also to harness their skills to
prepare the next generation to face the challenges ahead.
• As child bearing and child rearing limits the participation of
women in the labour force, we will regulate, standardize and
expand child care facilities for mothers who go out to work.
• As young children need the love and care of their mother, a
system will be put in place for young mothers to take time
out from work temporarily and re-join the work force when
they are able to do so.
• A programme will be put in place to train women for high
demand and globally competitive professions such as
nursing.
• We will establish and expand financial and business
development services for rural women to start their own
businesses and cottage industries so that they generate
an income through home-based enterprise rather than
engaging in employment away from home.
• Sexual and Gender Based Violence has increased in our
country. This is experienced by women in public transport
and in society in general. We will create a society that
respects women, and aspires to the highest moral and
ethical standards to protect girls and women.
• A separate unit will be set up within the Police Commission
to take swift disciplinary action against officers who do not
adhere to the standards and principles of gender equality.
• A mechanism will be put in place for women to be able to
report violence or harassment to the nearest Police Station
through their mobile phones.
• A 24-hour emotional support and advisory help line will be
established under the Ministry of Women and Children’s
Affairs so that women can contact the centre for support
and help.
Differently Abled and Disabled People
We respect the rights of differently abled and disabled people.
We are committed to their economic, and social security rights
and recognize that they need equal opportunities to improve
their quality of life. The following steps will be taken in this
regard:
• Steps will be taken to ratify the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• A system will be introduced to address the difficulties
encountered by those with disabilities in accessing
education, in learning and in sitting for examinations in
schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
• A programme will be introduced to train more sign language
translators to meet the present shortfall.
• Call centres will be established with appropriate means and
modes of communication for those with disabilities including
a mobile application and electronic language systems.
• The responsibility for disabled people currently lies with
the Ministry of Social Services. This will be assigned to a
separate authority with the participation of disabled people
themselves.
• Updated training programmes will be introduced for those
with disabilities, and the circulars related to employment
in the Provincial Councils and the private sector will be
implemented.
• A tax relief package will be introduced for entertainment
targeting those with disabilities, especially cinema and
drama.
• Taxes currently in place for foreign aid and grants aimed at
the welfare of disabled people will be abolished.
•
It will be made compulsory for all television media to use sign
language at least during their news telecast.
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A Society with Respected Senior Citizens
As Sri Lanka’s elderly population is increasing, the country
will be faced with several social and economic challenges. Sri
Lankan culture assigns high priority for the care of the elderly
by the family and this is legally sanctioned. However, caring for
the elderly is fast becoming a complex social issue. A majority
of the elderly are not eligible for pensions or insurance cover.
Changes in family structures towards nuclear families, migration
to urban areas and abroad, reluctance of the elderly to migrate
with their children, dual earning households and financial
limitations of poor households for extended elderly care
necessitates state intervention. Providing welfare measures for
the elderly to live with dignity will therefore be a priority.
• The National Policy for Senior Citizens in Sri Lanka will be
reviewed and steps would be taken to implement the same.
• The five-year plan to overcome challenges during old age will
be structured and implemented effectively.
• A ‘Voluntary Service Task Force’ will be set up with
the objective of engaging senior citizens for soft skills
development projects and, for the sharing of their knowledge
and experience with the future generation.
• A programme will be implemented in collaboration with the
private sector to train and support senior citizens who wish
to improve their livelihoods.
• The Rs.100/- deducted from the elderly assistance
programme will be added back to the existing Rs. 2,000/-
and the monthly allowance will be increased to Rs. 2,500/-.
• A subsidy scheme will be put in place for senior citizens
above 65 years of age to purchase prescribed medicines.
• The responsibility of preparing a mechanism for senior
citizens to obtain a full medical examination/test every six
months will be assigned to the Ministry of Health.
• Standards will be established and implemented at Homes
for the Elderly and Aged, in order to ensure the safety and
comfort of the elderly; the existing Homes for the Elderly and
Aged will be modernised to meet these standards.
• The government allocation towards Homes for the Elderly
and Aged will be increased.
• Government assistance will be provided for the private
sector to open Homes for the Elderly as a business
operation, but adhering to the specified standards.
• Low interest loans will be made available for senior citizens
to go on pilgrimages to places of worship abroad according
to the religion they practice (such as Bodhgaya, the Vatican
and Mecca).
A Culture of “Working for the Country”
The dynamism of a country’s economy depends on its labour
force. A country’s development depends on its productivity.
Therefore, a trained, energetic workforce with a ‘culture
of working for the country’ will be fostered to achieve the
envisaged accelerated development goals. Our aspiration is to
create a worker who works hard and lives a richer life.
Towards a People-Centred Public Service
• A ‘Long-term Human Resource Plan’ will be developed to
enhance the productivity and efficiency of the public service.
The numbers required for an efficient service, the structure
and distribution of staff, and the work allocation of the staff
will be included in this plan.
• A ‘Long-term Succession Plan’ will be prepared to ensure
continuity in the public service.
• A new ‘Code of Ethics’ will be introduced to ensure an
independent public service.
• The age of retirement of public and private sector employees
will be determined following international practice, according
to a system based on life expectancy at birth.
• An insurance scheme will be introduced for public and
private sector employees who become unemployed so that
they will receive support until they are employed once again.
• The employer’s contribution to the Employees Provident
Fund (EPF) for employees of the public and private sector
will be increased to 15% from the existing 12% in order to
increase the employee’s savings in the fund.
• New legislation will be introduced to make it compulsory
for an employer of the public or private sector to pay the
salary of the employee to the widow until the retirement age
of the employee if the employee’s death takes place while
in service and the employee is a member of the Employees
Provident Fund.
• A programme will be introduced to facilitate the training
of public service personnel locally as well as outside the
country so as to enhance the efficiency of the public service.
• Service minutes will be introduced in relation to graduate
development officers, agriculture research and production
assistants and similar service categories.
• Legal provisions will be put in place to indemnify officers
of government departments, semi-government public
corporations and banks who carry out their duties in good
faith.
• A separate commission will be set up to remove salary
anomalies in the public sector.
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• Pension benefits will be granted to public servants who have
been deprived of such benefits.
• A mechanism will be implemented to increase the salaries of
public servants in line with the increasing cost of living.
• A mechanism similar to the arbitration system for labour
disputes currently in place in the private sector will be
introduced to the public sector as well.
• A healthcare allowance will be given to lower grades
of employees in the public service including the local
government service.
The Retired Community
• Pension anomalies in the public service including the armed
forces will be eliminated. A methodology will be explored to
provide the cost of living allowance to pensioners as well.
• The payment of the widow’s and orphan’s pensions to those
who are eligible will be expedited.
Public Corporations, Semi Government Institutions
and Banks
• The salary increase of Rs. 2,500/- paid to the public servants
will be paid to employees of the semi government sector as
well.
• The Shop and Office Act will be amended to ensure the
welfare of employees
• A special contributory pension scheme will be introduced in
addition to the Employees Provident Fund.
• Taxes on the retirement gratuity will be reduced from 24% to
15%.
• The income tax of employees in these sectors will be
reduced to the level that existed in 2014.
• The pension given to former state bank employees will be
given to new state bank employees, and the pension benefit
will also be granted to bank employees who are currently not
eligible for this benefit.
• A contributory insurance scheme will be introduced to public
corporations and institutions to cover critical illnesses at least
during the early stages where there are no medical insurance
schemes at the institutional level.
The Private Sector
• Private sector workers’ existing minimum wage of Rs.
10,000/- will be increased by Rs. 2,500/-.
• All legislation that the current government is attempting to
enact will be reviewed with the involvement of the work force
and labour unions. Steps will be taken to consolidate the
various social protection schemes that are in existence at
present.
•
It will be made mandatory to report the recruitment of new
employees to the Department of Labour within one week.
This will prevent the evasion of EPF contributions and will
secure the labour rights and welfare of the worker.
• The Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance No.19 of 1934
will be amended to increase compensation payments for
employees.
• The Industrial Disputes Act No. 43 of 1950 will be
amended to bring in legal provisions to expedite disciplinary
procedures.
• The security of the Employee’s Provident Fund will be
strengthened to protect member benefits, and action will be
taken to bring those responsible for the maladministration of
the Fund to justice and to recover losses.
• Further improvements will be introduced to the loan
schemes from the EPF and the withdrawal of funds by those
above the age of 55, by introducing internet banking to
credit funds to member accounts
• An accelerated programme will be implemented to ensure
payment of EPF benefits to those who have been in short
term employment, those who have changed jobs frequently,
those who have not informed the EPF of changes of
address, and to those whose information is incomplete.
• A contributory pension scheme will be introduced in addition
to the EPF.
• A consolidated mechanism will be established with the
involvement of worker welfare societies, factory owners
and the Board of Investment to identify and fulfill the health,
nutrition and other welfare requirements of workers in the
free trade zones.
• A state awards festival “Lak Vyawasayaka Harasara” will be
held annually to reward private sector organisations based
on selected performance indicators which include their
annual contribution to employment generation, wages and
benefits given to employees.
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Workforce in Foreign Employment
Sri Lanka’s migrant workforce plays a key role in the economy
through their remittances from abroad. In 2018, migrant
remittances accounted for 8% of Sri Lanka’s GDP. The future
government will pay special attention to migrant workers as well
as Sri Lankans domiciled abroad.
• Workers’ remittances as well as the earnings of Sri Lankans
domiciled abroad will be exempt from income taxes and the
saving of such foreign exchange earnings in foreign currency
bank accounts will be made tax free.
• Special facilities including tax concessions will be provided
to attract the foreign exchange earnings of migrants and Sri
Lankans living abroad into investments in Sri Lanka.
• A special loan scheme will be introduced to enable those
who return to Sri Lanka after foreign employment to
commence tax-exempt enterprises.
• A duty free vehicle permit will be provided for migrant
workers and Sri Lankans abroad who have remitted US
dollars 50,000 annually continuously for a period of 10 years.
• A contributory pension scheme will be introduced for migrant
workers who have been in employment abroad for a period
of over 6 years.
• A programme will be introduced to send skilled workers
instead of unskilled female workers to the Middle East.
• Our embassies in the Middle East will be made to bear
greater responsibilities in protecting Sri Lankan housemaids
working in those countries.
• Legal reforms will be introduced to strengthen the process
of obtaining compensation for victims of accidents in
workplaces abroad.
• A system will be introduced through the Foreign Employment
Bureau to provide housing free of charge or a similar benefit
for workers who become permanently disabled due to an
accident in their workplace abroad.
• Easy payment schemes will be introduced for migrant
workers and Sri Lankans resident abroad to purchase
houses in new housing complexes in Sri Lanka.
Private Security Services
• A mechanism will be introduced to pay a maximum certified
payment for a shift and a special allowance for night shifts in
relation to private security services.
• An insurance scheme will be introduced for all private
security personnel.
• Training will be provided to engage in private security
services abroad.
• A Unit will be established within the Ministry of Defence to
oversee matters related to private security services.
A Comfortable Home for Each Family
While adequate housing is a basic need, the reality is that most
families cannot afford housing. During our tenure in government
we recognized this as a pressing issue for low income urban
communities and took steps to provide them with permanent
housing. We thereby changed the living conditions and
lifestyles of the urban poor. Once in office we will continue the
urban regeneration programme and also extend it to the rural
communities.
• Houses will be provided to those in need through easy
payment plans based on the income of the purchaser in
housing complexes, built under public-private partnership
arrangements.
• Land will be provided at reasonable prices for housing
construction companies so as to encourage investors to
build reasonably priced apartments for middle-income
earners.
• Special housing projects under public private partnership
Arrangements will be implemented island wide to enable
young couples to purchase a house from an urban area on
long-term easy payment plans.
Chapter - 4
A Productive Citizen and a Happy Family
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
31
• A multi-storey housing complex scheme will be introduced
under a public private partnership for those who require
temporary accommodation at a reasonable rent.
• New multi-storey housing complexes will be built island-wide
to replace old blocks of flats that are beyond repair.
• A programme will be implemented island wide, to provide
houses from housing schemes for displaced persons and
those living in shanties.
• The interest paid on loans obtained to build the first house
of public and private sector employees will be considered an
expense in paying income taxes.
• Housing schemes with all facilities will be constructed in rural
agricultural areas where the land to build houses is limited,
thereby protecting the land available for agriculture while
creating an environment for comfortable living.
• Banks and other public institutions providing loans
exclusively to the housing sector will be merged into one
Housing Bank and a mechanism will be put in place to
provide low interest loans through this bank.
People-centric
Economy
34
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Agriculture to be Developed
Through Advanced Technology
Our agricultural policy would be to promote an
agricultural sector in which small producers using small
extents of land producing high quality outputs using
modern technological methods.
Chapter - 5
People-centric Economy
Our aim is to develop a national economic policy for the benefit
of the present and future generations whereby the people will be
the owners of the country’s economic resources, local enterprise
will be strengthened and vital national assets would not be sold to
foreigners.
2020-2025: Macroeconomic Targets
Having carefully examined the global conditions and
the present state of different socio-economic sectors,
we have been able to identify the essential structural
changes to be carried out in each of these sectors. The
following are a few macroeconomic targets we plan to
reach during 2020-25:
• To achieve an average rate of economic growth of 6.5
percent or higher.
• Per capita income exceeding USD 6500.
• The rate of unemployment at less than 4 percent.
• The rate of annual inflation not exceeding 5 percent.
• Budget deficit at less than 4% percent of GDP
• A single digit rate of interest
• To maintain the exchange value of the rupee at a
stable level.
New Tax Policy
The prevailing tax system
has contributed to the
collapse of the domestic
economy by entirely
discouraging domestic
entrepreneur. We would,
instead, introduce a tax
system that would help
promote production in the
country.
Cost of Living
What has to be done
about the cost of living is to
cease giving false promises
to people and to try to
understand the prevailing
reality in this regard. Speedy
implementation of our
economic policies and
the immediate impacts of
proposed tax reductions will
help reduce the cost of living.
Export Crops
It is the export crops
dominated by tea, rubber
and coconut which kept Sri
Lanka known in international
markets over an extended
period of time. The country
ought to keep its international
export business going in the
future through various value
added products backed up
by new technologies.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
35
Beyond Industrialisation
It was to make Sri Lanka a major
supply hub in South Asia that our
2005-15 government focussed
heavily on the development of the
country’s ports and airports. The
industrial development drive this
has generated has died down in
the last few years as there was
little attention on the subject by the
incumbent government.
Tourism Industry
Tourism industry is one of the most
important sectors in our economy to
generate foreign exchange earnings.
It is also an area that could be easily
developed. Our aim is to annually add a
foreign exchange inflow of USD 10 billion
to the domestic economy from tourism.
Construction Industry
We identify the construction
industry as a key industry that
can contribute immensely to
our development plans. Our
intention is to prepare the
background for this industry
to expand to overseas as an
environment friendly industry
with typical Sri Lankan
characteristics.
Apparel Industry
The Apparel Industry is still Sri
Lanka’s principal manufacturing
industry. Bringing in 43 percent of
the country’s total export earnings, it
annually adds a sum of USD 5 billion
to our export income. We consider it
the responsibility of the government
to provide facilities for further
development of this sector.
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
A People-centric Economy
Our aim is to develop a national economic policy and to pass
it on to present and future generations. The incumbent regime
has failed to do this for the country. In this national economic
policy, people of the country will be made the owners of the
country’s economic resources. The economic practice under
that policy will be people-centred. There will be no transfer of
key resources and strategic economic centres of the country to
foreign ownership. Domestic entrepreneurs will be strengthened
under our national economic policy.
2020-2025: Macroeconomic Targets
Having carefully examined the global conditions and the present
state of different socio-economic sectors, we have been able
to identify the essential structural changes to be carried out in
each of these sectors. The following are a few macroeconomic
targets we plan to reach during 2020-25:
• To achieve an average rate of economic growth of 6.5
percent or higher.
• Per capita income exceeding USD 6500.
• The rate of unemployment at less than 4 percent.
• The rate of annual inflation not exceeding 5 percent.
• Budget deficit at less than 4% percent of GDP
• A single digit rate of interest
• To maintain the exchange value of the rupee at a stable level.
Macroeconomic Policy Framework
• Total volume of foreign loans the present government has
raised to achieve various political objectives, to advance
personal agendas, and for day-to-day expenses is equal
to the total foreign loans Sri Lanka has raised from 1948,
the year of independence, to 2014. The debt trap we will
thus inherit from the present regime may compel us to raise
foreign loans to an extent just sufficient for developmental
tasks. We will take steps to manage the problems of
foreign indebtedness through measures such as promoting
domestic investments, reducing import expenditures and
raising export incomes.
• Government budget deficit today has reached 7 percent of
GDP. In order to reduce it systematically to 4 percent, we will
eliminate all unnecessary government expenditures, while
continuing to finance essential expenditures and prioritised
state investments.
• Trade deficit today exceeds USD 10 Billion. This will be
reduced to a level the country can afford to maintain. We
would abandon the economy based on foreign loans, and
will instead develop the economy by promoting on domestic
resource based exports and efficient import substitution
activities.
•
Intermediate goods imported for use in domestic production
processes are today taxed at rates higher than the rates
charged for the imports of relevant finished goods. In order
to promote domestic production therefore, we will take steps
to reduce import taxes on raw materials and intermediate
goods.
•
In order to facilitate development of internationally
competitive industries, both for import substitution and
exportation, imports of necessary machinery and technical
equipment will be allowed into the country free of import
tariff.
• Procurements, construction activities and investments of the
government will be open to the domestic entrepreneurs on
prioritised basis, thereby making state sector expenditures
sources of income for domestic industry and other
businesses.
• A programme of action will be implemented to provide
maximum possible relief to those who have deposits with
failed private financial companies. Action will be taken to
stabilise the high risk financial institutions using the liquidity
fund with the Central Bank.
• Steps will be taken during the next decade to shift the
country’s export economy to valued-added industries.
• Food security of the country will be ensured so that no food
shortage will ever rise in the future.
• A social enterprise development centre will be established
to promote the expansion of social enterprise in the country.
Social enterprises are modernised enterprises which
resolve various socio-economic problems through the very
processes of their goods and services production activities.
Emergency Relief Plan
The people and local ventures who are suffering from current
government's economic policies will receive a relief as soon as
our government comes to rule. A new people oriented strategy
on economy will be established focusing on reducing the cost
of living and taxes imposed.
New Tax Policy
The prevailing tax system has contributed to the collapse of
the domestic economy by entirely discouraging domestic
entrepreneur. We would, instead, introduce a tax system that
would help promote production in the country.
The current Inland Revenue Act will be replaced by a new
tax law. A new tax payer friendly simple tax system will be
Chapter - 5
People-centric Economy
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
37
introduced so that it will remain active for several years, without
changing haphazardly and frequently. Under this new tax
system:
•
Income tax on productive enterprises will be reduced from
28 to 18 percent.
• The Economic Service Charge (ESC) and Withholding Tax
(WHT) will be scrapped.
• A simple value added tax of 8 percent will be introduced
replacing both the current VAT of 15 percent and the Nation
Building Tax (NBT) of 2 per cent.
• PAYE tax will be scrapped and personal income tax will be
subject to a ceiling of 15 percent.
• A five year moratorium will be granted on taxes payable by
agriculturists and small and medium enterprises.
• Various taxes that contribute to the inefficiency, irregularities,
corruption and lack of transparency of the tax system will
be abandoned. Instead a special tax will be introduced for
different categories of goods and services.
•
Import tariff on goods competing with domestically produced
substitutes will be raised.
• A simple taxation system will be introduced to cover
annual vehicle registrations and charges for relevant annual
services, replacing the cumbersome systems that prevail
now.
• Various taxes imposed on religious institutions will be
scrapped.
• A zero VAT scheme will be adopted in the case of
businesses providing services to Tourist hotels and tourists,
if they purchase over 60% of the food raw materials, cloths
and other consumer items locally.
• Service charges levied on telephones and Internet will be
reduced by 50%.
• Special promotional schemes will be implemented to
encourage foreign investments.
• A tax free package will be introduced to promote investment
in identified subject areas.
• A clear and uncomplicated system of taxing will be in place
with the use of internet facilities, special software and other
technological services.
•
Information Technology (IT) services will be totally free from
taxes (Zero Tax), considering said industry as a major force in
the national manufacturing process.
• All the Sri Lankans and Foreigners, who bring Foreign
exchange to Sri Lanka through consultancy services are
excepted from income tax.
Cost of Living
What has to be done about the cost of living is to cease giving
false promises to people and to try to understand the prevailing
reality in this regard. Speedy implementation of our economic
policies and the immediate impacts of proposed tax reductions
will help reduce the cost of living.
• Action will be taken to stabilise the reduction of prices of
essential commodities resulting from the reduction in taxes;
• Steps will be taken to abolish agreements entered into by
the present government to purchase electricity at exorbitant
costs and the advantages accrued out of such action will be
passed on to the consumer through a reduced electricity bill
as well as a reduced water bill;
• Elimination of the fuel price formula currently in operation;
• Withholding taxes on savings deposits held by the retired
and/or senior citizens and children will be scrapped;
• A system to help people celebrate the festivals related
to their religion and /or ethnicity will be introduced by
introducing a system of non-deduction of loan instalments
in any one of festival months per family – month of Sinhala-
Tamil Aluth Awurudda, Christmas or Ramzan months. This
will be worked out in such a way as not to change the total
number of loan instalments.
• A programme of action will be introduced to help the poor
people out of distress due to any natural and other disasters
caused by – unemployment, loss of income sources,
sickness and other disasters, crop losses due to wild
animals, drought and floods, climatic change, addiction to
alcohol and other substances, losses of life, houses, and
property due to natural disasters and other reasons.
• Action to expand livelihoods in economic activity areas in
rural and urban environments where programmes aimed at
poverty alleviation are widely operative.
• Subsidised price vouchers to be distributed among needy
school children to buy school uniforms, footwear, and school
bags. A programme will be implemented also to improve
children’s nutrition by providing a nutritious food ration in
school.
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
A New System of Banking
In order to make a rapid leap forward in economic terms, Sri
Lanka ought to develop a strong production economy. We will
introduce and develop a banking system that will encourage
economic fields such as import-export trade, construction
industry, small and medium scale enterprises, and agriculture
through long-term loans at concessionary interest rates. This
initiative will be implemented through a newly established
‘National Development Bank.’
Capital Market Reforms
The key critical action needed to rejuvenate the Colombo stock
market is to regenerate investor confidence in it. Investors
are ensured that we have a practical programme of action to
achieve this. A few steps that will be undertaken towards this
objective are briefly listed below:
• Demutualisation of the Colombo stock market;
• Adoption of new systems in matters such as the conditions
to be fulfilled in listing of companies in the stock exchange;
•
In order to eliminate the negative attitudes, the investors and
general public have about the stock market, its operational
culture ought to be made more ethical. For this, we will make
the regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission
more effective. We will also take effective legal action against
corrupt practices in relation to stock market operations;
• We will review and reform the rules and regulations
governing the market in government bonds and securities
and will also reconsider the desirability of the 10 per cent
limit imposed on foreign buying of such bonds;
• The primary market activities in treasury bills and bonds will
be further expanded and regulated.
Inclusive Development Indicator Approach
Although we have achieved extensive results from outdated
approaches and strategies of national economic development,
considering the time we have taken to achieve these results,
we cannot be totally satisfied with those results. The majority
of our population has failed to stabilise their family economies.
Family incomes have failed to grow relative to required family
expenditures. Excessive income inequality has persisted. We
have to change these conditions and bring about prosperity for
all. As a progressive approach to development, we therefore
propose an Inclusive Development Indicator Approach to be
implemented under our future government.
Agriculture to be Developed
through Advanced Technology
We will adopt an agricultural policy in which not only people will
be dissuaded from abandoning agriculture, but also promote
and encourage those in other employment pursuits to come
into agriculture. Agriculture will thus be made an attractive
profession. Our agricultural policy would be to promote an
agricultural sector in which small producers using small
extents of land producing high quality outputs using modern
technological methods. Overall production costs involved in
this production processes would be low and competitive.
Instead of a policy that changes from one season to another,
a new national agricultural policy would be introduced after
an in-depth review of the present policies. The contribution
of agriculture to GDP could easily improve under such an
agricultural policy package. The opportunity of increasing the
consumption of organic agri-products will be thus opened
up for the people at large. Some of our policies within the
agriculture domain are briefly listed below:
• Reestablishment of the pension scheme for farmers.
•
Introduction of a system of agricultural insurance in which
the methods of joining will be simple and benefits passing on
to the farming community will be quick and attractive.
• To finish within six months, the disbursement of
compensation payments due to the farming community on
account of cultivation losses they have undergone in the
past.
• A methodology to be developed speedily to bring into
productive use the lands that could be cultivated profitably
but are not being done so now, for a variety of reasons.
• An integrated soil fertility management system will be
introduced and it will be disseminated to farmers within
a year via the agrarian officers operating throughout the
country.
• The farming community is compelled to suffer huge losses
during the harvesting season because of the seasonal glut
in supply. This aggravates their indebtedness. In order to
prevent this, an agricultural crop management system will be
introduced and implemented.
• Our objective is to go beyond traditional agricultural
practices and to develop high technology agriculture.
Environment friendly green house agriculture, hydroponics
agriculture, and aquaponics agriculture will be popularised
and a community of youthful agricultural entrepreneurs will
be built up. In order to promote the youth to take up these
agri-business activities, the government will help them using
import tariff benefits and low interest loan schemes.
People-centric Economy
Chapter - 5
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
39
• Systems to economise the use of water – e.g. drip irrigation
and sprinkler systems – will be spread among the farming
community through the Agrarian Services department.
•
In order to save on fuel usage for above type of activities,
tax free importation of solar powered water pumps and solar
cells will be allowed.
• The average farmer has fallen into a debt trap due to
informal lenders and high interest micro-credit systems.
In order to free farmers from this debt trap, a simple low
interest agricultural credit scheme will be established with all
banks, both state-owned and private, compelled to join the
scheme.
• A new crop insurance scheme will be introduced to insure
crops easily and also to be compensated without any delay.
• To build up a youthful class of agricultural entrepreneurs
during the next ten years, the following will be made
available to the target youth - modern agro-technological
knowledge, knowledge in methods of farming, methods of
stabilising agricultural incomes, marketing strategies, easy
credit facilities and tax benefits.
• To gain the most from high technology agriculture we need
large-scale farming systems. To promote this, a cooperative
farm produce methodology will be developed at the regional
level, providing for the purpose, technical assistance,
infrastructure and investment facilities.
• We will develop systems to promote cultivation and
production of dried chillies, maize, soya, green grams and
cowpea, onions and potatoes. By enabling the substitution
of their imports with domestic production, we will achieve a
foreign exchange saving of about USD 500 million.
• The farming community in the Northern Province, with
conducive geographical and cultural environment, enjoy
special advantage in the production of consumer goods
such as milk, eggs, animal and fish products, vegetables
and fruits. By promoting the production of these consumer
goods we would convert millions of dollars now spent on
imports of these products into incomes of these farmers.
• By increasing domestic animal feed production, we will save
millions of foreign exchange presently used to import these
items into the country.
A Revolution in the Use of Fertilizer
Building up a community of citizens who are healthy and
productive, we need to develop the habit of consuming food
with no contamination with harmful chemicals. In order to
guarantee the people’s right to such safe food, the entire Sri
Lankan agriculture will be promoted to use organic fertilizers
during the next ten years. For this, production of organic
fertilizer will be accelerated.
• To resuscitate the farming community, we need to replace
the existing fertilizer subsidy scheme with an alternative
system. In the new system, the inorganic and organic
fertilizer both will be provided free of charge to farmers. They
will be promoted to shift gradually into a complete system
using entirely carbonic fertilizer.
• A system of assistance will be introduced to convert
traditional farming villages into users of only organic fertilizer.
• A programme to develop 2 million home gardens using
organic fertilizer will be initiated in order to promote, at the
household level, consumption of organic vegetables and
fruits in the country.
• A programme will be initiated to produce all essential
fertilizers domestically.
• Using the forests and wetlands in the country, production
of bio-fertilizer and organic fertilizer of high standard will be
promoted.
• We will initiate a proper waste management system in the
country. Waste would thus be used to produce organic
fertilizer to international standard.
Production of Seeds and Planting Material
For the anticipated expansion of agricultural production in
the next few years steps must be initiated by adequate seed
and planting material production. Energies and capacities of
all agricultural faculties of our universities, state agricultural
research institutes and private sector facilities will be garnered
to achieve this outcome.
• A new methodology to produce quality seeds of international
standards will be introduced. This ‘domestic seeds policy’
will enable small and medium scale farmers in the country to
contribute towards quality seed production.
• A standards certificate from the Sri Lanka Standards Institute
will be made compulsory for seed to be imported into the
country.
40
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
• Private sector will be promoted to produce quality planting
material on a large scale using technologies of tissue culture
and grafting.
• A seeds bank under the Ministry of Agriculture will be
established to ensure seed safety.
Packaging and Storage
• Small and medium enterprises will be promoted to move
into areas of adding value to and processing agricultural
produce. For this purpose, tax free importation of necessary
machinery and equipment will be allowed.
• Necessary facilities to store surplus production will be
created through government intervention.
• The government will identify locations to build up large scale
storage facilities for agricultural produce and intervene to
build up those facilities. This will enable the domestic farmers
and producers to export value-added products instead of
exporting commodities in raw form.
Marketing and Transport
• Systems of pre-contracts among direct producer, export
companies, packaging firms and wholesalers will be
promoted.
• A new strategic plan for product marketing will be set up
facilitating branding of agricultural products for export and
packaging and geographical location certification systems.
• There will be controls exercised over importation of
agricultural products so that reasonable stability in prices
of relevant product categories could be maintained. Our
intention will be to make the country self-sufficient in the
relevant products.
• An internationally accepted organic product certification
system will be introduced and agricultural imports will be
subject to securing necessary certification. The responsibility
for these actions will be placed on Sri Lanka Standards
Institute. The technical standards of this institute will be
improved to be able to undertake this expanded role.
• A programme of action combining the state and private
sector institutions will be introduced to minimise wastage of
products in harvesting, transport and delivery.
• New secure railway coaches will be introduced to expand
the role of the railways in goods transport. Corresponding
improvements to railway infrastructure will be carried out.
Research for Agricultural Innovation
• A specific proportion of the annual Agricultural Ministry
vote will be made available to universities and other
relevant institutions to provide research facilities required
by agricultural scientists and researchers to develop
high yielding seeds, that are disease resistant and retain
traditional product quality, and to develop new cultivation
methods and to innovate in technological machinery and
instruments.
• Domestic or foreign investors will be introduced to produce
innovative products under trade names.
• State assistance will be provided to develop innovative
bio-pesticides and a low cost integrated pest management
system in order to minimise the use of chemical pesticides.
• A patent system will be established so that the researchers
could patent their innovations.
• The agricultural colleges in operation today, established
to expand and promote agricultural education, will be
strengthened with expanded technological facilities and
facilities available in those colleges would be developed for
the benefit of those who study there.
• Diplomatic relations will be developed to facilitate domestic
institutions involved in agricultural research to collaborate
with international research bodies.
• Tax relief will be provided to private enterprises contributing
to agricultural research in order to compensate for the
research expenses they incur.
Immediate Action to Help Paddy Farmers
Paddy farming in rural Sri Lanka is not just a livelihood. It is
also part of their culture. It is a symbol of their dignity. Our
agricultural policy package will help the paddy farmers to
achieve prosperous living by the time of next year’s paddy
harvesting times.
•
In order to protect domestic farmer, different guaranteed
prices will be set up for a kilogram of different varieties of
paddy: Rs. 52/- for nadu, Rs. 57/- for samba, and Rs. 63/-
for keeri samba.
• Farmers should get a reasonable and stable price for their
paddy output. For this the role of the Paddy Marketing
Board will be expanded; paddy will be purchase without
delay; transport facilities will be improved; and modern
measurement techniques will be adopted.
People-centric Economy
Chapter - 5
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
41
Export Crops
It is the export crops dominated by tea, rubber and coconut
which kept Sri Lanka known in international markets over
an extended period of time. The country ought to keep its
international export business going in the future through various
value added products backed up by new technologies. Our
plan to achieve this would involve the following:
• Subsidies and guaranteed price schemes.
• Subsidised fertilizer to small and medium enterprises
engaged in export crop production
• Subsidised loan schemes to promote replanting of old
plantations.
•
Introduction of an internationally accepted product quality
inspection system and a system of geographical information
certificates.
• Prohibition of the break-up of tea, rubber and coconut
plantations to permit human settlements.
Tea
•
Introduction of methods to maintain and improve the quality
of Sri Lankan tea.
• Promotion of our tea in international markets as pure Ceylon
Tea.
• Discourage export of tea in bulk and encourage tea export in
value added form. This is expected to double the revenues
from tea in the next decade.
• A collaborative effort by both public and private sectors will
be made to re-capture Sri Lanka’s lost tea markets.
• State encouragement to promote cultivation of organic tea.
• Tea Research Institute will be restructured and developed
to provide solutions to the problems of productivity and
crop quality in tea plantations and to help introduce new
technology there.
Rubber
• New rubber varieties capable of yielding at shorter time
periods from planting will be introduced (e.g. high yielding
varieties developed through cloning) will be introduced,
gradually replacing the existing trees. A new programme will
be introduced to safeguard producers and to increase the
rubber crop.
• Rubber will be sold more in value added forms. Required
technological knowledge and practices will be expanded.
Researchers, scientists and producers will be encouraged to
undertake the research needed in the implementation of the
above.
• State patronage will be provided to strengthen the
associations of small and medium scale planters.
Coconut
• Bio technical solutions will be developed through
government support to control the various pests affecting
the coconut plantations.
• Machines for plucking coconuts will be produced and their
use expanded.
• Facilities will be provided to Coconut Research Institute and
private laboratories to develop high yielding plants.
• Research will be promoted to develop coconut varieties that
are suitable for the northern, eastern and southern regions
where coconut is not widely grown.
• Small and medium coconut growers will be encouraged to
develop nurseries to produce planting material.
• Subsidiary crops (e.g. pepper, ginger, turmeric and aloe-
vera) in coconut plantations will be promoted to enable
coconut growers to increase their incomes.
• High yielding hybrid coconut varieties will be distributed
among people to expand coconut growing in home gardens.
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Other Export Crops
The principal challenge the domestic planters of minor export
crops have faced over the recent past was the importation
of the relevant crops into the country for re-export purposes,
thereby leading to collapse of prices received by domestic
producers. We will take prompt action to ban the import and
re-export of these commodities.
Cinnamon
• Sri Lankan cinnamon has a high reputation in the
international market for its high quality. Sri Lanka can
expand the export of cinnamon using the reputation the
local product has in the market. Facilities will be provided to
cultivators to undertake cinnamon growing for export.
• The attention of the Innovative Products Authority will be
drawn for the need to develop new technological methods
for extraction and packaging of cinnamon. Imports of such
high technology equipment will be made free of import tariff.
•
In order to make cinnamon extraction and preparation a
respectable job, a technical training course will be developed
at a suitable NVQ level.
• A cinnamon extraction and preparation centre for the use
of owners of plantations of less than five acres will be
established.
• Assistance schemes will be initiated to support cinnamon-
related value added industries.
Pepper
• A programme to provide technical support to pepper
producers will be speedily commenced.
• High tariffs will be imposed on pepper imports in order to
restrict the importation of pepper from other countries for
re-export purposes.
• Low interest subsidised loan scheme will be initiated to help
pepper growers obtain the required equipment and technical
instructions to improve pepper preparation.
• A series of export villages will be established in Kilinochchi,
Mullaitivu Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee,
Batticaloa, Puttalam, Monaragala and Hambantota for
growing pepper both for domestic use and export.
• Financial support and required assistance will be provided to
cultivate products like aloe vera and ginger aiming at foreign
markets.
• State sponsorship will be available for all export crop
development and market expansion work.

Strengthening the Fisheries Sector
Sri Lanka enjoys rights over 500,000 Sq. Kilometres of sea
area. Its coast extends up to 1,700 km. Internally, there are
many rivers and water bodies. We have the resources to soon
be able to achieve self-sufficiency in fishery products. We have
developed a fisheries development plan that should enable us
to achieve multiple objectives: nutrition for the people, food
security, foreign exchange earnings, employment and livelihood
opportunities, poverty alleviation, and large contribution to the
national and the rural economy.
•
Introduction of scientific methods to increase fish population
in our coastal areas, and to improve the environmental
conditions in our lagoons.
• Modernisation of all existing fishery harbours and
construction of new fishery harbours if needed, to enable
entry for large-scale and multi-day fishing craft.
• Development of the fishery harbour in Oluvil into one with
facilities for operation of large-scale boats.
• Action to be taken to develop refrigeration systems using
sea water for multi-day fishing craft and to encourage the
use of solar power in such equipment.
• The acquisition of a number of advanced multi-day
fishing boats equipped with modern technical and
operational facilities to identify areas in deep sea with large
concentrations of fish to enable domestic fishing companies
to expand fishing in international seas.
• Development of facilities to construct large multi-day fishing
craft and for maintenance of such craft in an area close to
the Trincomalee harbour.
• Build-up of all fishery harbours, jetties and places where
caught fish is unloaded into centres equipped with modern
communication facilities, and refrigeration, fuel supply and
sanitation facilities.
• Commencement of an interest free loan scheme through
the Ministry of Fisheries to enable fishing industry workers to
bring their catch safely to the coast, and for safe unloading,
transport and refrigerated storage of the fish brought to land.
• Provision of low interest loans, tax benefits and insurance
cover facilities, and consultancy and market coordination
assistance to promote expansion and development of
fish population in internal water bodies, and cultivation
of shellfish like prawns and oyster, sea urchins and sea
cucumber, and aquarium fish, etc.
People-centric Economy
Chapter - 5
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
43
• Provision of facilities in terms of land, investment funds, and
technical assistance to private companies and entrepreneurs
to expand production of canned fish.
• Development of a programme to involve women in fishery-
related household industry through fishery cooperatives.
• Strengthening of the navy and coastal patrol units and
development of a conflict settlement agreements with India,
in order to eliminate unauthorised fishing in northern and
eastern seas.
• A broad based programme to be commenced jointly by
the fisheries community associations and the National
Aquaculture Development Authority for the expanded
breeding of both sea and fresh water fish.
•
Introduction of a productive insurance scheme for the fishing
community.
•
Implementation of a programme of technical and managerial
training in fishery activities for the youth using facilities in the
Ocean University with the intention of development of a class
of entrepreneurs in fishing industry.
• Development of systems of pricing of fish products so that
both producer and consumer achieve a fair deal, using
the Fisheries Corporation together with community based
organisations among the fishing community.
Milk Production
Sri Lanka still produces domestically only 40 percent of the
country’s annual milk requirements. The people have therefore
lost the opportunity to consume milk in the nutritious liquid
form. Steps will be taken in the next decade to increase
domestic production of liquid milk.
• Research will be undertaken to select and introduce varieties
of cattle to suit different geographical regions. A “vertical
cattle shed system” will be introduced to maintain a larger
number of cattle on smaller areas.
• Action to promote milk production in the Northern
Province as household and small scale industry will include
development of a milk production facility, refrigerators for
milk storage, and effective milk collection systems.
• A new milk pricing system based on milk quality to provide
higher prices for milk farmers.
• Facilities to introduce high quality grass will be developed
through National Livestock Development Board. Import
tariffs on quality cattle feed will be reduced.
• Land and investment facilities needed to build up medium
and large scale cattle farms will be developed.
•
In order to increase the milk storage facilities experiments
will be undertaken to introduce small-scale solar-powered
refrigeration facilities.
• Mechanised milking equipment will be provided to milk
farmers and cooperatives in milk farming at subsidised
prices and easy payment conditions.
Meat and Eggs for Export
• Production of chicken and eggs will be expanded and large-
scale producers will be encouraged to export their products.
• Domestic production will be expanded by promoting small
and medium scale producers.
•
International standards will be introduced and effective
monitoring systems will be commenced in respect of animal
farms and production facilities.
• Financial and technical support will be provided to
commence organic meat production at the household level.
Beyond Industrialisation
It was to make Sri Lanka a major supply hub in South Asia
that our 2005-15 government focussed heavily on the
development of the country’s ports and airports. The industrial
development drive this has generated has died down in the
last few years as there was little attention on the subject by the
incumbent government. On one side, projects have ceased to
operate. On the other side, payments for completed work are
being delayed. Thousands of enterprises have closed down
during this period for these and other reasons. Newspaper
advertisements are abundant these days informing that the
assets of these failed producers are being auctioned.
Businessmen are suffering from debt burdens. Interest rates
have gone up to unbearable extents. The government has also
imposed heavy tax burdens on the business community. Money
circulation in the country has weakened. People have come to
lose faith in cheque payments. Names of many businessmen
are in the Central Bank’s CRIB list. They are therefore unable
to raise loans even at high rates of interest. We have already
completed the preparation of a business revival programme
to change this situation. Under this programme, a large role
will be placed in the hands of private industrialists and other
entrepreneurs in the country’s development. We are convinced
that the industrial sector has to be the pioneers and trail blazers
of the economy.
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa
There are many things which businessmen ought to do for
the country’s development – meeting consumer needs,
commencement of new industry, generation of employment
opportunities, and introduction of new technology in the
country. We believe that industrialists must work in accordance
with accepted international standards so that they will maintain
high quality of every good and service they produce and supply.
We will create the conducive business environment that is
required for the business community to build up domestic
industry utilising the country’s location specificities and
recognising the local and global tendencies.
• Discussions will commence with banks to develop systems
to provide relief to businesses in the form of measures such
as providing more time to repay their debts.
• Central Bank will be advised to take out from the CRIB those
who have been in that list only for a short period of time.
• Assistance to re-commence enterprises in bankruptcy
through provision of finance at reduced interest rates.
•
In industrial cities/ free trade zones, free ports will be
set up covering all Provinces in economic corridors and
surrounding ports and airports in areas such as Colombo
and Hambantota.
•
In industrial cities/ free trade zones, free ports will be
set up covering all Provinces in economic corridors and
surrounding ports and airports in areas such as Colombo
and Hambantota.
• An Act of Parliamentary will be brought in to clearly specify
what should and should not happen in free trade zones and
industrial towns.
• A single unified machinery will be set up to facilitate export-
import processes and to eliminate the waste of time in this
process.
• Facilities will be provided for international business giants to
set up their offices in Colombo and in the Port City.
• An international publicity campaign will be commenced to
publicise our new economic plan with the assistance of also
the private sector to attract foreign private investments into
the country.
• Export of the currently identified natural resources – mineral
sands, dolomite, phosphate and gems – in raw form
without adding value will be restricted and programmes will
be developed to get higher prices for these through value
addition before export.
•
Import of modern high-tech instruments used in jewellery
industry will be made duty free in order to promote export of
gems embedded in jewellery.
•
Investigations for discovery of resources, believed available
in the earth and in the sea bed will be undertaken using
high-tech methods.
• Facilities will be provided to large-scale businesses to
commence production of various high technology products.
• Special focus in our plans would be to protect, safeguard
and strengthen domestic entrepreneurs.
• Entry of foreign enterprises will be restricted into industrial
areas that are easily handled by domestic businesses.
• Facilities will be provided to new entrepreneurs to secure
needed land, credit facilities, business consultancy,
technological and infrastructure facilities in a hassle-free
manner.
• A programme will be commenced to develop
entrepreneurship tendencies in people from school days.
Tourism Industry
Tourism industry is one of the most important sectors in our
economy to generate foreign exchange earnings. It is also an
area that could be easily developed. We will be developing,
therefore, a tourism development programme with the intention
of increasing annual tourist arrivals to 7 million people. Our
aim is to annually add a foreign exchange inflow of USD 10
billion to the domestic economy from tourism. The benefits
from this growth of the tourist industry must be shared by large
enterprises as well as small self-employed persons working in
the subject area. The objective of our people-centred economy
is to attract tourists in the entire range of groups staying in
five-star hotels to those staying in people’s houses. This way,
it should develop as an environment- and domestic-culture-
friendly industry with extensive people’s participation.
• Foreigners are attracted to Sri Lanka by its natural beauty.
In addition, we will identify new attractions of the country
for foreign tourists. Theme parks, religious, cultural and
national heritage sites, opportunities for adventure, attractive
agricultural and forest sites, domestic Ayurvedic treatment
centres will thus be developed to attract tourists. Priority
will be given to provide investment and other facilities to the
private sector to develop tourism on these lines.
People-centric Economy
Chapter - 5
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
45
• Possibilities to attract tourists to hold business conferences,
festivals, exhibitions, seminars and conferences in Sri Lanka
will be utilised, using the facilities available particularly in
Colombo and Hambantota. Private sector will be facilitated
to attract tourists for these purposes.
•
Immigration and emigration process in Colombo and
Hambantota airports will be made more efficient. Two
terminals for domestic travel will be created. Internal airports
will be modernised to develop domestic air services making
it easier for tourists to move from place to place within the
country.
• Tourist service centres will be set up at the road junctions
connecting main tourist cities. These centres will be
equipped with clean sanitary facilities, restaurants, money
exchanges, and such other facilities the tourists need.
• The processes of approval of tourist facilities will be
streamlined. Regional offices set up for this purpose will
eliminate the need to travel to Colombo for the purpose.
•
In main tourism cities, tourism training schools will be
established. In addition to the currently available tourism
courses, a preliminary diploma course will be initiated to train
the youth – currently engaged in tour services and those
interested in joining the field – who do not have the O-level
qualifications demanded by existing diplomas.
•
In order to facilitate reservation of hotels, transport, guides,
domestic air tickets and admission card to tourist sites
through Internet, a single booking software system will be
installed. Electronic gate systems will be installed in places
providing tourist accommodation.
• Action will be taken to increase the numbers, with and
without training, serving in the tourism industry up to million
workers.
• A strategic marketing and advertising programme will be
initiated to promote Sri Lanka in foreign countries.
• The number of hotel rooms currently available will have to
be doubled. Incentives will be provided also to set up high
quality tourist hotels.
• A programme will be initiated to enable domestic dancers
and dramatists, painters and sculptors to display and sell
their talents and creations in tourist hotels and in places of
tourist attraction.
• Labour laws governing tourist sector workers will be revised
to create security of employment to them and ensure them
the trade rights.
• Special programmes will be created to develop household-
related and community-based tourism.
• All tourist guides and drivers will be registered, trained
and certified in order to prevent unnecessary harassment
of tourists and to ensure security and protection for the
tourists.
• The tourist police service will be developed near tourist
centres.

Apparel Industry
The Apparel Industry is still Sri Lanka’s principal manufacturing
industry. Bringing in 43 percent of the country’s total export
earnings, it annually adds a sum of USD 5 billion to our export
income. It makes a significant contribution to the country’s GDP,
total employment and regional development. We consider it the
responsibility of the government to provide facilities for further
development of this sector.

• Already there are plans made by the BOI and the Land
Reforms Commission to allocate 200 acres of land belonging
to the Commission in Eravur area for the development of a
garments town. We will take action to implement these plans
speedily.
• Unjustifiable taxes currently being imposed on this and other
foreign exchange earning industries will be examined and
speedy revisions will be made to such tax systems.
Construction Industry
We identify the construction industry as a key industry that can
contribute immensely to our development plans. It has acquired
maturity in terms of knowledge, experience and technology
use. Sri Lankan companies have therefore operations overseas.
Our intention is to prepare the background for this industry to
expand to overseas as an environment friendly industry with
typical Sri Lankan characteristics.
•
In order to facilitate relevant approval processes, we plan
to establish a system in which all required approvals can be
obtained by construction firms in one place or through the
Internet.
• The time taken for approval of any building to be constructed
will be reduced to a total of 3 weeks. A system will be put
in place to make all urban construction agree with prevailing
urban development plans.
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
• Vehicle parks will be made mandatory for all urban
constructions.
• There has been a serious collapse in the construction
industry, with construction firms facing a debt crisis. These
companies will be provided opportunity to pay past loans
subject to grace periods that could be negotiated.
• The direct and indirect taxes exceeding 300 percent the
incumbent government has imposed on the industry will be
changed, by replacing the present system with the 2014 tax
system.
• The 15 percent VAT on apartments will be scrapped.
• All state construction work will be reserved for the domestic
construction firms.
• Currently the banks demand bid bonds, performance
guarantees, advance payment guarantees from companies
seeking a line of credit in respect of large constructions. In
order to minimise the difficulties caused by these, we will
institute via the Central Bank, a new system in the handling
of relations between construction firms and banks.
• The licensing system that operates today to regulate
construction firms in their procurement of raw material will be
revised.
• Labour shortage is one of the major issues facing this
industry. The investment assistance required for them to
move to technical solutions to address labour shortage will
be provided. The government will also create facilities to
train workers for the machinery to be increasingly used in the
industry.
• The youth will be trained to take up jobs in technical grades
and there will also be training of required technologists.
• An advisory committee consisting of professional engineers
and high-level technologists will be set up to help
construction firms obtain required consultancy assistance.
• Sri Lankan construction industry ought to be able to
establish its mark at the international level. In order to
achieve this, collaboration will be facilitated among the
industry, architects’ association, Institute of Engineers and
universities.
• The security of domestic small and medium sub-contracting
firms will be ensured through legislation.
Sugar Manufacturing
Our policy position is that the country’s sugar needs must be
met with domestically produced sugar. This would enable us
to save the substantial outflow of foreign exchange to import
sugar.
• The extent of land earmarked for cultivation of sugar cane
will be expanded and high yielding sugar cane varieties will
be introduced.
•
Immediate action will be taken to reopen Kanthale and other
sugar factories and private sector will be given incentives to
commence new sugar factories.
• Needs of sugar cane cultivation firms, in terms of water and
technical knowledge will be provided and action taken to
fulfil capital needs.
Small and Medium Industries
• The present system is for many institutions serving SMI
sector needs with a lot of overlap. A method will be
developed for one organization to serve all needs.
• Priority in this sector would be to undertake value added
activities. Necessary encouragements will be provided for
this purpose.
• There is a significant raw material problem faced by
carpentry industry, cane industry and reed industry. To
resolve the problem, the underutilised state lands will
be leased out under a cooperative system to cultivate
necessary crops to supply these raw material needs.
• To ease the raw material scarcity faced by timber and
furniture industry duty free importation of logs will be
allowed.
People-centric Economy
Chapter - 5
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
47
An Active Cooperative Movement
In socialist countries the principal operational institution is the
cooperative. It is a valuable discovery of mankind. In Sri Lanka
the cooperative movement was strong under all people friendly
regimes. In our people centred development plans too the
domestic cooperative movement can play a significant role in
production processes as well as providing the economic needs
of the village.
• A developed and expanded system of production
cooperatives will be established in the fields of agriculture,
milk production, fisheries and minor crop production.
• The young and female entrepreneurs will be encouraged
through production cooperatives to develop export- oriented
value added industries.
• Production cooperatives will also be made responsible for
raw material supply, raising capital and marketing in respect
of traditional industries.
• A cooperative development bank will be set up by all
cooperative societies working together.
• The cooperative sales outlets that operate everywhere in
the country will be modernised and they will be made to
compete with large retail chains to provide high quality
goods at reasonable prices.
• Cooperatives will be equipped with modern computer
facilities.
• Wage of cooperative workers will be revised upwards.
• The cooperative law to be changed in collaboration with
Provincial governments to provide business freedom to
cooperatives.
• Cooperatives will be de-politicised.
A Technology
Based Society
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Chapter - 6
A Technology Based Society
A Technology Based Society (Smart Nation)
The 21st Century is known as the knowledge-centric century.
In order to remain competitive globally, it is imperative that
technology be integrated with every sector of the economy,
be it agriculture, industry or the service sector. It is imperative
that we invest strategically in new technologies and integrate
such innovations with our education system, and economy.
In order to enhance the quality of life of our people, we must
launch a massive social transformation and create a Culture of
Technological Innovation.
Global Innovation Hub
We must maximize the use of the Internet of Things (IoT),
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, Robotics, Augmented
Reality, Cloud Computing, Nanotechnology, and 3D Printing
and through these innovative measures establish Sri Lanka as a
Global Innovation Hub.
The 21st Century is known as the knowledge-centric century.
In order to remain competitive globally, it is imperative that
technology be integrated with every sector of the economy,
be it agriculture, industry or the service sector. It is imperative
that we invest strategically in new technologies and integrate
such innovations with our education system, and economy.
In order to enhance the quality of life of our people, we must
launch a massive social transformation and create a Culture of
Technological Innovation
• Global Innovation Hub
• Citizen Centric Digital Government
• Digitally Inclusive Sri Lanka
•
IT Entrepreneurship
Citizen Centric Digital Government
• The convenience of our citizens would be the foremost
consideration in setting up a Citizen Centric Digital
Government. We will ensure that we put in place a process
where people would not have to be inconvenienced as at
present, due to inefficiency, delays, and having to commute
to many points of service delivery to obtain public services,
when such services could be obtained via the internet.
• Using new methodologies and adopting new Internet
based technologies, public services such as obtaining
National Identity Cards, Passports, Birth Certificates, Death
Certificates, Driving Licenses, copies of deeds etc., could
be speedily and efficiently handled through nine (09) Citizen
Service Centers to be established, one in each Province.
• A Digital and Electronic Payment System will be established
for citizens to pay traffic fines with ease and without any
hassle.
• A new e-Procurement system would be introduced, thereby
ensuring that bribery and corruption would be eliminated.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
51
Digitally Inclusive Sri Lanka
• We will establish a country wide High Speed Optical
Transmission System and a high speed 5G Mobile
Broadband System to facilitate data transmission.
• Digital Cities with digital monitoring and administrative
centres will be established to address water and electricity
usage, traffic congestion, and disaster situations.
• We will also introduce a mobile and digital payment system
along with the necessary physical infrastructure and legal
provisions to handle all local and international financial
transactions.
• A Cross border e-Commerce and International e-Payment
system will be put in place to handle all international trade
and financial transactions electronically, along with the
required legal provisions.
• New legislation will be introduced to ensure Data Protection,
Cyber security, and Intellectual Property Rights.
IT Entrepreneurship
• The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and the
Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) industry would
be developed to make export earnings of USD 3 billion by
2025. To realize this, we will set up IT centres and BPO
centres in our connecting cities.
• We will take steps to increase the number of software
engineers and programmers to reach 300,000 by 2025.
•
Instead of importing the software needed to run local
industries, we will encourage local software engineers and
IT designers to develop such software locally with the full
backing of the government.
• Maximum support will be given to local entrepreneurs to
develop software for the international market
New Approach
in National
Spatial System
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Chapter - 7
New Approach in National Spatial System
The C shaped Economic corridor is undoubtedly a vital link
in our economic planning process, as it entails creating vital
market access points for our local and foreign investors. These
economic corridors will be developed integrating Colombo port
and Katunayake Airport, Hambantota port and Mattala airport,
Kankasanthurai port and airport, as these are fundamental and
core to making the “agro industrialization” growth strategy a reality
as envisioned by our government.
Water
Water resource management has become
an important discussion point, and is vital
for economic development. Only 45% of the
population has access to the water supply.
Water ways have also been polluted thereby
compounding the problem of providing safe
drinking water to all. It is our intention to meet
this challenge and thereby ensure 100% of the
population is provided with clean, safe pipe
borne water.
Four Multi-
dimensional
Commercial
Cities
We will develop
the main
commercial
cities of
Colombo,
Hambantota,
Jaffna, and
Trincomalee
and link them
with the airports
and ports as
an economic
corridor that
will establish
an internal and
international
network.
New Colombo - Commercial and Financial Hub
It is gratifying to see that the Colombo Commercial and Financial
Hub which was criticized and vilified is in progress and is now a
pride for the country. The new land mass added by this project has
given new hope and is now the “New Colombo” of the 21st century.
It is now a centre for global commerce, trade finance, and banking.
We will expedite the stalled development of this new city and fast
track the introduction of legal and financial provisions to make it a
commercial and financial centre.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy has now
become a widely discussed subject
and is needed as part of the overall
energy mix of a country, which
consists of Hydro, Thermal, Coal
and alternative renewable energies.
It will ensure that the country has
access to low cost energy needed
for rapid economic acceleration.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
55
Developing
Airports
Mattala airport
facilities will be
upgraded further,
including adding
a new taxi way;
we will also hold
discussion with
international airlines
and commence
commercial
operations.
Disaster Management
It is important that privative
measures and early
warning systems are in
place to minimize the
loss of lives to property
and economic damage.
The internal system must
function in a synchronized
manner in such times
of disaster to ease the
suffering of the people
affected by such events.
Train Transport Services
We will repair existing
rail tracks in line with the
programme of adding value
to train services; the Sri
Lanka Railway Authority will
be given adequate powers
to ensure that they provide
an efficient, clean and
reliable train service to the
general public and tourists.
Integrated Road Network
During our government we assigned high
priority to the road network and we will
continue to build on our development
plans to ensure that all road networks that
remain unfinished will be completed and
would be connected to the respective
economic corridors.
Hambantota Port
We will develop the port making it an
international Industrial and Services
Port port for technical services, ship
maintenance and repair, ship chandling
etc., thereby catering to all vessels.
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New Approach in National Spatial System
The urban and rural divide has to be bridged by providing
services and infrastructure facilities equally across the sectors
of living. To this end, we must embark on a de-urbanization
strategy. The integration of all major cities, townships and
business zones would lead to a local “agro industrialization”
outcome and ensure value-added production processes, which
could be used to improve our global market share. Additionally,
the links will create better value for the tourism sector and would
improve the overall earning of this sector. In this context, we plan
to introduce “C shaped Economic Corridor System”, connecting
two main ports and airports and integrating all business zones.
A9 with C9: Nine ‘C’ shaped Economic Corridors
The C shaped Economic corridor is undoubtedly a vital link
in our economic planning process, as it entails creating vital
market access points for our local and foreign investors. These
economic corridors will be developed integrating Colombo port
and Katunayake Airport, Hambantota port and Mattala airport,
Kankasanthurai port and airport, as these are fundamental and
core to making the “agro industrialization” growth strategy a
reality as envisioned by our government.
Re-engineering Townships
The urbanization process in Sri Lanka is uneven with distinct
disparities between districts in the same province and between
cities in the same district. We have been mindful of these
disparities and their implications on overall development.
Therefore, we propose an integrated physical spatial system
to address these disparities in urbanization and change the
structural pattern of our cities.
Four Multi-dimensional Commercial Cities
We will develop the main commercial cities of Colombo,
Hambantota, Jaffna, and Trincomalee, and establish them to be
connecting centers of the national and international network, as
they consist of ports and airports.
National Cities
Kandy, Anuradhapura, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Galle, Badulla,
Mannar, Batticaloa, and Kurunegala have been identified as
cities that will be developed as national cities in the master plan
mainly because of their historical, social and economic value
and their interconnectedness with the C zone.

Connecting Cities
Cities such as Puttalam, Negambo, Pothuvil, Dambulla, Matara,
Nuwara Eliya and Buttala will be developed as connecting cities
to the four multi-dimensional commercial cities and national
cities.

Cluster Cities
The development of the four multi-dimensional commercial
cities and the national cities will be accompanied by a
programme to develop cluster cities with information
technology, knowledge and tourism services that will also serve
as conducive locations for urban living.
New Colombo-Commercial and Financial Hub
It is gratifying to see that the Colombo Commercial and
Financial Hub, which was criticized and vilified is in progress
and is now a pride for the country. The new land mass added
by this project has given new hope and is now the “New
Colombo” of the 21st century. It is now a centre for global
commerce, trade finance, and banking. We will expedite
the stalled development of this new city and fast track the
introduction of legal and financial provisions to make it an
international commercial and financial hub.
• We will develop a Metro Rail system to link the satellite cities
in the Colombo district including the Port City. Our intention
is to develop a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, thereby
enabling a mixed choice of transport which would ease
congestion in transport and commuting.
• We will reduce the traffic congestion in Colombo by 50% by
introducing a Radial and Circular road system while adding
sky bridges, vertical parking lots and flyovers in key areas,
thus improving the overall infrastructure and maximizing the
available space in the Colombo city limits.
• The New Colombo beautification project would be
undertaken by introducing beautiful urban forests, water
gardens, and green belts on either side of the highways,
thereby eliminating the visible concrete facades. We
will also ensure that New Colombo will have an efficient
garbage management system, a sewage and liquid waste
management system as well as a water purification system.
Comfortable Travel - Nature-Friendly
Transportation Network
Our government had assigned a high priority to the transport
network in the country. The objective was to facilitate commuting
and establish a road network that supported economic growth.
However, public transport remains neglected and much remains
to be done to upgrade and develop the road network as well as
the railway network. Our government will assign high priority to
develop the transport network and to provide an efficient and
environmentally friendly system to the public.

Integrated Road Network
During our government, we have given high priority to the road
network, and we will continue to build on our development
plans to ensure that all road networks that remain unfinished
will be completed and would be connected to the respective
economic corridors.
Chapter - 7
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
57
• Colombo-Kandy Expressway and the Port city elevated
highway project will be extended and finished without further
delays. The network will also connect Kottawa, Battaramulla,
and Peliyagoda.
• The Northern and Ratnapura expressway will also be
completed, while feasibility studies will be conducted to
explore the possibility of having an elevated highway at 1000
feet connecting Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
• We will also incorporate an overtaking lane at intervals of
3-5KM to ease the traffic congestion in areas identified as
bottlenecks.
• The island wide network of roads amounting to 120,000 KM
which includes all rural roads have neither been developed
nor maintained. Therefore, the entire road network that has
fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect will be resurfaced
and modernized to conform to international standards.
• We will develop 100,000 KM alternative road system
to facilitate higher level of access to main roads and
expressways, while all internal and rural access roads will be
improved to facilitate access to the alternative road system.
Transport Services
• We will modernize the Ceylon Transport Board (CTB) and
make it a world class transport service on par with any
other developed country. The bus stands which are located
on prime land will be developed alongside servicing and
maintenance depots of such bus routes and networks, for
commercial purposes of generating revenue to the CTB.
• We also intend to re-fleet the current bus stock and
introduce environmentally friendly buses (electric and hybrid
buses) to ply within the city limits of the New Colombo.
This ‘Green Transport’ concept will be adopted across
all public and private transport providers. Additionally, the
trains too will be developed to link the bus routes, thereby
ensuring commuters receive a reliable, high quality public
transport service and in turn will not rely on private transport.
A “Park and Ride” system too will be introduced. We are
also developing the existing canals for transportation, the
Puttalam-Negombo Hamilton canal that was developed in
2013 and Wellawatte to Battaramulla network of canals will
be added into our multi-modal transport action plan.
• The current privately-operated buses will be also supported,
and we will ensure that public transport co-exists as they
work to a common timetable, thereby ensuring they too
are profitable and can operate within the established public
transport framework. Private bus owners would be given
all needed bank loans, tax relief and assistance to re-fleet
their bus portfolios and comply with the “Green Transport”
concept.
• A single transport e-ticket system (i.e. multi-modal ticket,
day tickets etc) and a process will be introduced, and
e-ticketing mechanism would be implemented for all public
and private transport services.
• We will provide training and skills development to all private
and public bus operators in order to make them understand
the importance and to comply with the minimum customer
standards that are required to make public transport a
disciplined, reliable and clean transport service.
• We will revisit and revise the current traffic fines imposed on
the public, thereby ensuring that bus operators are not overly
taxed. While doing this, we will also establish a mechanism
that would make private bus operators disciplined, strictly
obey traffic rules, and comply fully with other public safety
standards.

Train Transport Services
• As an interim measure, we will develop and upgrade all train
compartments, carriages, and clean and repair them and
make them available to the public. We will also repair existing
rail tracks in line with the programme of adding value to train
services; the Sri Lanka Railway Department will be given
adequate powers to ensure that they provide an efficient,
clean and reliable train service to the general public and
tourists.
• Colombo-Panadura-Veyangoda, Ragama-Katunayake-
Negombo, and Maradana -Homagama rail lines will be
converted into electric train routes and thereby ensure the
public is provided with a luxury transport service similar to
that planned for the buses.
• E-ticketing system will be provided and introduced for all
train transportation.
• The railway will also be used to transport goods since it will
help to minimize the traffic situation aggravated by container
transportation via roads. We will provide assistance to import
required locomotives and will establish a method to build
trailers locally, that are needed for cargo transportation. We
will expand facilities required to transport cargo via trains to
Colombo, Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kankasanthurai
ports.
• We will develop all key train stations, converting them into
functional, recreational, meeting, greeting and eating places,
with malls and shops needed to provide consumers with a
total travel experience

Ports and Air Services
We will develop Colombo-Katunayake and Hambantota-
Mattala air and sea ports as commercial and passenger
ports. We will also convert these locations into free ports in
order to encourage local entrepreneurs and channel overseas
investments into these areas.
Colombo Port
• The Port of Colombo is a national asset, and it must be
upgraded to handle transhipment business volumes, thereby
doubling the TEU capacity. Priority will be given to the East
58
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Terminal development project by our government. We will
conduct a feasibility study to construct a new cross berth
terminal between East Container Terminal and SAGT. The
West Container Terminal too would be developed with
private sector participation.
• We will also use rail transportation to its full potential for the
transporting of containers, as this is important given that
it would reduce the congestion around the city limits. A
network of three Container Depots would be developed in
Peliyagoda, Veyangoda and Ratmalana immediately with the
participation of the private sector.

Hambantota Port
• Hambantota port is a national asset and was defined as a
strategic asset by us previously, and the intention was never
to sell or lease the port for 99 years. We will make it a priority
to revisit the already signed agreement with the Chinese
government and explore ways as to how best we could
bring about a win-win for the two countries.
• We will develop Hambantota port as an International,
Industrial and Services Port, and establish facilities for local
businesses to provide services such as Ship maintenance
and repair, ship chandeling, etc., to cater all vessels.
•
All physical infrastructure requirement of the Hambantota
Free Trade Zone will be provided by the government to
facilitate the commencement of operations.
• Galle, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee ports will be
developed according to the requirements of each region and
to facilitate the needs of national economic corridors.
Developing Airports
• The second runway and passenger terminal will be
developed without any further delay. New Domestic
passenger terminal will be developed to facilitate internal/
domestic flights.
• Mattala airport facilities will be upgraded while adding a new
Taxiway and Cargo Terminal. We will also hold discussions
with international airlines to commence commercial
operations.
• We will develop all other domestic airports and passenger
terminals enabling internal transportation, tourism and
movement of people. Nuwara Eliya would also be included in
this coverage.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy has now become a widely discussed
subject and is needed as part of the overall energy mix of a
country, which consists of Hydro, Thermal, Coal and alternative
renewable energies. It will ensure that the country has access
to low cost energy needed for rapid economic acceleration.
By 2030, we expect the country’s renewable energy mix to
be 40% of the total portfolio. We also anticipate that hydro
and renewable energy together would account for 80% of the
overall energy mix by 2030.
• Achieving Energy Security and self-sufficiency will be one
of our primary policy and strategic objectives and we will
put our best effort to ensure that the country has adequate
capacity to meet the future demand.
• We will also expedite the exploration of natural gas identified
in the three zones of the geological survey, to ensure that
the people of this country would reap the benefits in the next
three years.
• The oil refinery located in Kolonnawa, which is 40 years old
will be modernized while the oil storage tanks in Trincomalee
will also be re-constructed and developed so that they can
be used for the economic development of the country.
• According to the current plan, we will take actions to add
230MW of power to the national grid by installing the
Broadland hydropower station by 2020, Uma Oya by 2021,
Moragolla by 2023, Talapitigala and Seethwaka by 2024.
•
Immediate actions will be taken to convert the Kelanitissa
plant to a natural gas turbine plant, where similar two plants
will be implemented in Kerawalapitiya and Hambantota before
2023. As part of the environmental-friendly policy, we will
convert the fuel-powered plants located around the Colombo
area to natural gas turbine plants within the next year.
• We will develop a Smart Grid to ensure maximum efficiency
and utilization is obtained from all power plants.

Transformation Toward Renewable energy
• We will add 100MW of wind energy in Mannar by 2021.
Additionally, we expect to add 800MW of solar energy to the
national grid by executing a wind and solar power project
with a public-private partnership in potential locations around
the country including Mannar, Poonareyn and Monaragala.
• Roof top solar systems will be encouraged so that
households and small businesses would have access to low
cost energy, which will be done in the course of the next five
years. The total cost of such investments would be made
available through bank loans with low/concessional interest
rates. The government will also introduce a new method
to release excess power generation to the national grid in
improving solar energy utilization.
• We will remove all impediments and incentivize the private
sector and entrepreneurs interested in setting up renewable
energy projects i.e. solar and wind, and to this end, the
government will provide assistance.
• We will also introduce an efficient energy generation
programme using industrial waste in each city.
• We will introduce new policies and legislation to ensure the
efficient use of energy in construction sector.
Chapter - 7
New Approach in National Spatial System
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
59
Water
Water resource management has become an important
discussion point and is vital for economic development.
Only 45% of the population has access to the pipe-borne
water supply. Waterways have also been polluted, thereby
compounding the problem of providing safe drinking water to
all. It is our intention to meet this challenge and ensure 100%
of the population is provided with clean and safe drinking and
pipe-borne water.

• We will embark on a campaign to educate people of the
importance of keeping rivers, lakes and reservoir/tanks
free from contamination and pollution. We will encourage
the participation of university students, school children
and youngsters and conduct this campaign for a year. The
further continuation of this campaign will be handed over to
local police and the communities of the respective areas.
• The storage and collection of rain water are paramount if
we are to make use of the gift of this natural water source.
We will ensure that all water resources are managed and
utilized in an efficient manner for agriculture by adopting
drip irrigation and other modern techniques. To facilitate this
process, we will introduce low cost interest rate loans and
tax relief.
• We will take necessary actions to create an environment
where rivers, lakes, and reservoirs/tanks are free from
chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals.
• We will introduce a water storage mechanism for all new
houses located in water-scarce areas in order to ensure
ground water is not misused.
• Presently, Sri Lankan government spends billions of money
every year to manage the disasters that occurs due to the
flooding in the areas of Kelani, Kalu, Ging and Nilwala rivers
and the droughts in the dry regions of the country. Therefore,
we will utilize this money to proactively manage these
situations by developing a flood control mechanism with
prevention and forewarning systems and water storage and
pumping methods to dry areas through drainage and canals
systems. We will form a committee consists of experts to
execute this project by 2025.
• We will ensure that all citizens of this country will have
access to clean drinking water around the clock within the
next three years by expanding and improving the efficiency
of the current projects carried out by Sri Lanka Water Board
and Community Water Projects. We will also introduce new
legislation to establish accurate water recycling processes
for all industrial and commercial constructions.
Disaster Management
The phenomena of natural disasters and man-made disasters
are common in any country. Therefore, it is essential that
privative measures and early warning systems are in place to
minimize the loss of lives, property and economic damage. The
internal system must function in a synchronized manner in such
times of disaster to ease the suffering of the people affected
by such events. Therefore, we need to have the necessary
laws to hold people accountable for their tasks and also to act
responsibly in the event of such cases.
• A common problem is the man-made disaster of the human-
elephant conflict which has had a toll on both man and
elephant. Therefore, a permanent solution is a must. We will
ensure that we provide a quick resolution to this problem by:
1. Erecting an electric fence with the required
specifications where the elephants cannot damage or
dislodge such a structure.
2.
Identifying water holes that elephants patronize and
ensuring such watering holes are free from other wildlife.
3. Providing financial assistance to all those who have
suffered the loss of houses, damages to property, have
been injured and those who have lost their lives due to
attacks by wild elephants.
• We will revise the Disaster Management Act and bring a
cohesive and aligned management policy to handle all forms
of disasters. We will also provide the latest equipment,
technology and knowledge needed to bring proactive
solutions to the Meteorology Department.
• All required facilities and legal power will be provided to the
National Building Research Organization while combining the
Disaster Management Centre and the Disaster Relief Centre
and institutionalizing a “Disaster Management Authority”
with powers vested to act swiftly and responsibly under the
Ministry of Disaster Management.
• We will develop a “National Disaster Database” including
disaster-affected and potential disaster-prone areas, people,
properties, businesses and agricultural lands to provide early
warnings and to take preventive measures.
• All affected people, houses, other properties, lands and
agricultural lands related to projects such as “Uma Oya”
and others during the past five years due to the neglection
and improper management of the previous government will
be revisited and corrected, and if compensations were not
adequate, we would rectify these anomalies immediately.
• We will establish a permanent “Care Centre System “to
facilitate and minimize the difficulties faced by the people,
specially the women and children, who are frequently
affected by natural disasters. We will create a procedure to
rent those places in disaster-free periods to earn expenses
required to maintain these centers.
A Sustainable
Environmental
Policy
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Chapter - 8
A Sustainable Environmental Policy
The breakdown of the balance in the environment by artificially
modifying or adversely affecting the biosphere is considered
a form of environmental pollution. Sustainable Environmental
Policy is not just about environmental conservation, but also
implementing balanced social and economic practices towards
sustainable development.
Land
Land should be used solely
for the benefit of the people
in Sri Lanka. In order to
do that it is important to
re-activate the National
Physical Plan. It is important
to introduce scientific
methods to improve
sustainable agriculture,
animal husbandry and
plantation agriculture to
achieve maximum financial
gains while reducing the
impact on the environment
Settlements and
Cities
When establishing
settlements, potential
areas will be selected
that will have minimum
environmental impact
while no large-scale
developments will be
allowed in identified
environmentally
sensitive areas.
Industries
The Linear Economy in
which manufacturers
produce goods using the
existing raw materials and
dispose of waste into the
environment will be replaced
with the Circular Economy in
which waste in one industry
can be used as raw material
in another. ( Re-use, Re-
cycle, Re-purpose). This will
create eco-industrial zones
and pave the way for a green
economy.
Biodiversity
The sustainability
of land and water
resource management
will be ensured while
taking proactive
measures to increase
national forest cover
by 30%. Appropriate
and definitive
measures will be
taken to identify
areas for reforestation
purposes.
Environmental Education
Strategic and targeted
programmes will be planned
and implemented to increase
awareness and active engagement
within communities with regard to
issues such as forest conservation,
soil conservation, coastal
conservation, waste management,
energy management and noise
pollution management.
Waste Management
The first step in the
waste management
process will be
to make people
aware that waste is
their own creation.
Necessary action will
be taken to minimize
waste generation.
Sustainable
consumption concepts
will be introduced from
a person’s childhood.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
63
A Sustainable Environmental Policy
The breakdown of the balance in the environment by artificially
modifying or adversely affecting the biosphere is considered
a form of environmental pollution. Sustainable Environmental
Policy is not just about environmental conservation, but also
implementing balanced social and economic practices towards
sustainable development.
Most human activities that take place today cause massive
damage to the natural environment. We have the responsibility
to protect the right of future generations to live in a safe
environment.
When implementing government policy and strategies, we will,
•
focus on implementing environmental regulations in order to
conserve and protect the environment.
• when developing the country, take into consideration
consider not only the financial aspects but also the
attainment of sustainable development goals.
•
take steps to integrate indigenous knowledge and
technologies with the modern knowledge and technologies
for sustainable development.
• will coordinate with local administrative structures in order to
ensure the well-being, health and economic development of
the people.
• update existing environmental policies and rules.
Policies and strategies in each of the following areas should
change as indicated below;
Land
• Land should be used solely for the benefit of the people in
Sri Lanka. In order to do that it is important to re-activate
the National Physical Plan. It is important to introduce
scientific methods to improve sustainable agriculture, animal
husbandry and plantation agriculture to achieve maximum
financial gains while reducing the impact on the environment.
• A strategy will be put in place to re-establish and enhance
the green cover on the mountains and hilly areas as a
solution to the problem of soil erosion, landslides and the
drying of the upper soil layers. Sophisticated techniques and
technologies will be introduced to control landslides.
• Action will be taken to control human impact on marshy
lands and mangrove ecosystems and to conserve them.
• A system will be put in place to identify barren and
abandoned lands and to restore them to be used as
agricultural land and forest lands.
Industries
The Linear Economy in which manufacturers produce goods
using raw materials and dispose of waste into the environment
will be replaced with the Circular Economy in which waste in
one industry can be used as raw material in another (Re-use,
Re-cycle, Re-purpose). We will create eco-industrial zones and
pave the way for a green economy.
Waste Management
• The first step in the waste management process will be
to make people aware that waste is their own creation.
Necessary action will be taken to minimize waste generation.
Sustainable consumption concepts will be introduced from a
person’s childhood.
• Plastic pollution is the most widespread problem affecting
Sri Lankan coastal areas and marine environment. An
action plan will be formulated to safeguard the oceans from
pollution including plastic pollution.
• Waste sorting and separation will be made mandatory for
households and industries. This will go hand in hand with an
extensive awareness campaign at the provincial level.
• Proper waste collection systems and designated disposal
locations will be introduced including sanitary landfills shared
by more than one Pradeshiya Sabha.
• Modern techniques and improved incinerators will be
introduced to dispose of hospital waste and industrial
(chemical) waste. Illegal and irresponsible waste disposers
will be identified and strict action will be taken against such
parties.
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Atmosphere
• Guidelines will be provided to reduce and control carbon
emissions and other forms of air pollution. Industrial
establishments will be encouraged to plant trees, establish
urban forests, green paths, green roofs and agroforestry
systems.
• The use of fossil fuels will be discouraged and de-
carbonization will be encouraged especially in transportation,
industries and building construction. Steps will be taken to
arrive at a net carbon zero country.
Biodiversity
• The protection, conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity
will be under the purview of a single institution.
• The sustainability of land and water resource management
will be ensured while taking proactive measures to increase
national forest cover by 30%. Appropriate and definitive
measures will be taken to identify suitable areas for
reforestation purposes.
• Measures will be taken to increase national forest cover
by establishing parks in urban and semi-urban areas,
developing urban vegetation by establishing tree lines along
express ways and implementing tree planting programmes in
industrial premises.
• The protection of biodiversity does not only mean
conservation. It is also a way to improve the national
economy. Biodiversity will be incorporated into tourism,
education and cultural events in a planned and systematic
manner in order to boost the economy.
• Natural ecosystems will be conserved while actively restoring
and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems.
Ocean Resources
Ocean resources will be utilized in a sustainable manner under
the concept of a blue-green economy. The Ocean University
will be upgraded to an international standard. While giving high
priority to ocean exploration, immediate action will be taken to
mitigate the coastal erosion occurring in various parts of the
island.
Settlements and Cities
• When establishing settlements, potential areas will be
selected to ensure the minimum environmental impact.
No large-scale developments will be allowed in identified
environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, Strategic
Environmental Assessments (SEA) will be carried out for
each district in the island.
• The concept of a land based economy (a parcel of land for
every individual) will have to be reconsidered. The building
of settlements should be carried out on the basis of the
Neighborhood Principle and Vertical Green Development
(high rise developments).
• Settlements that are built according to the above principles
will be turned into “Green and Smart” cities. All infrastructure
development that occurs in rural areas will be built to be
resilient to natural disasters (Disaster Resilient Villages).
• Measures will be taken to mitigate the serious environmental
damage that occurs due to illegal and irregular sand mining;
this will be achieved by introducing specific zones where
riverine and ground sand can be mined. Misconceptions
regarding the suitability of sea sand for construction will
be eliminated by operationalizing arrangements to utilize
off-shore sea sand after purification. A quality certificate in
relation to the purification process will be issued.
A Sustainable Environmental Policy
Chapter - 8
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
65
Environmental Education
• Direct and Indirect environmental education based on
classroom learning as well as experiential education will be
an integral component of the school syllabus from grade 1
onwards. Children and youth will be encouraged to pursue
eco entrepreneurship opportunities based on environmental
protection and conservation by promoting awareness and
positive attitude change.
• Targeted programmes will be planned and implemented
to increase awareness and the active engagement of
communities in areas such as forest conservation, soil
conservation, coastal conservation, waste management,
energy management and noise pollution management.
• The complexities of the present environmental regulatory
framework will be reduced and a simple , coherent and clear
structure under a centralized system will be put in place.
A Righteous,
Disciplined and
Law Abiding
Society
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa
A Righteous, Disciplined and Law Abiding Society
Real progress in a country is achieved only when economic
development goes hand in hand with spiritual development.
A really wealthy person must have good qualities and a
happy disposition. Then only a society where one treats
others with compassion, where people help each other and
where there is mutual respect can be brought about. As
such, we shall constantly dedicate ourselves to ensure that
the citizens are disciplined and righteous while making them
prosperous economically.
The Foremost Place to
Religion
Sri Lanka has continued
to be a righteous country
by virtue of giving the
foremost place to
Buddhism over the
ages while maintaining
religious co-existence
with the adherents of
Hindu, Christian, Islamic
and other faiths.
History, Archeology
and National Heritage
The historical heritage
of a country depicts its
pride and identity. It is
our bounden duty to
properly conserve them
for future generations.
For a Law Abiding and Fair Society
The legal system in a country is the foundation of a civilised
society and it should operate to ensure the well-being of its
people. The aim of the concept of rule of law is to build a
civilised society. As such, a democratic government should
never interfere with the rule of law. Our government shall
always be dedicated to protecting the rule of law and shall
not allow anyone to challenge it.
Culture, Literature and the Arts
A country and its society are held in high esteem because
of its culture. Artists who bring out creations of high
standards and people with good taste are a valuable
resource to a country. Ours is a nation with such a proud
heritage. It is our duty to preserve that culture and artistic
creations for the future.
A Transparent Mass Media Policy
A sign of any healthy democratic society is the availability
of opportunities for its people to practice freedom of
speech and publication as per international conventions.
As such, we accept that there should be unhindered
opportunities for the communication of information,
knowledge and opinions.
Social Protection and Welfare
Social inequality that will result as a consequence of development, can be considered a
social problem rather than a personal issue. A government’s responsibility, therefore, is
to protect these vulnerable people.
Chapter - 9
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
69
A Righteous, Disciplined and Just Society
Economic development brings about material progress. It
showcases outward development at individual, society and
national levels. But real progress in a country is achieved only
when economic development goes hand in hand with spiritual
development. However much money and riches a person
possesses, if his mind is filled with fear, suspicion, jealousy and
hatred, he cannot be called a wealthy person. A really wealthy
person must have good qualities and a happy disposition. Then
only a society where one treats others with compassion, where
people help each other and where there is mutual respect
can be brought about. As such, we shall constantly dedicate
ourselves to ensure that the citizens are disciplined and
righteous while making them prosperous economically.
The Foremost Place to Religion
A society becomes virtuous when a majority of the citizens
of a country are religiously and spiritually inclined. Sri Lanka
has continued to be a righteous country by virtue of giving the
foremost place to Buddhism over the ages while maintaining
religious co-existence with the adherents of Hindu, Christian,
Islamic and other faiths.
• As per Article 9 of the constitution, we shall give foremost
place to Buddhism and protect the Buddha Sasana.
• As per other Articles of the constitution, we shall fulfill all
the duties and obligations of the government to protect the
rights of every religion. We shall fearlessly take steps against
religious extremism and thereby ensure the right of all
citizens to practice their religion without fear.
• We shall establish a national programme named “Sasun
Udawa” to develop all infrastructure facilities such as
access roads, electricity supply, water supply and sanitation
facilities etc., of temples in remote locations, of all temples
that are not properly managed due to the lack of a capable
Committee of Devotees and of abodes of Buddhist nuns.
Accordingly, an effective methodology will be introduced for
the maintenance and development of regular temples and
abodes of Buddhist nuns through “Buddha-Sasana” Fund
and the Central Cultural Fund.
• A programme centering around the village temple, its
resident Buddhist monks and its Committee of Devotees will
be launched to develop social, economic and moral values.
• A new educational programme will be put in place to
develop English language, computer and technical skills of
young Buddhist monks. A monthly sponsorship programme
will be introduced to reimburse the educational expenses of
these student monks.
• Throughout history, the Buddhist clergy has provided a
yeoman service for the protection and social upliftment
of this country. As a token of appreciation, a programme
named “Budu-puth Ma-piya Harasara” will be launched to
recognise and provide assistance to parents who have given
over their children to the Buddhist order.
• A special programme will be arranged for the upliftment of
“Pirivena” education under the auspices of the Ministry of
Education. Under this programme, steps will be taken to
resolve the pending issues pertaining to appointments and
salaries and wages of principals and teachers of Pirivenas as
well as the pending issues of Dhamma school teachers.
•
In order to promote authentic religious education devoid of
extremist ideologies in Sri Lankan society — where people
of all religions have peacefully co-existed throughout the
ages — a programme will be launched in collaboration
with Provincial Councils to take care of shortcomings of
registered religious schools belonging to all religious faiths.
For a Law Abiding and Fair Society
The legal system in a country is the foundation of a civilised
society and it should operate to ensure the well-being of its
people. The aim of the concept of rule of law is to build a
civilised society. As such, a democratic government should
never interfere with the rule of law. Our government shall always
be dedicated to protecting the rule of law and shall not allow
anyone to challenge it.
• Only one set of laws should be applicable to the entire
country and the ruler as well as all citizens should abide by
the rule of law. All should be equal before the law and as
long as they abide by the rule of law, citizens need not be
afraid of law enforcement agencies or of law enforcement
officers. An environment will be created where law
enforcement agencies and law enforcement officers shall
also be subjected to the rule of law.
• Obsolete legal procedures and ordinances shall be amended
and a legal system that is suitable for the future shall be
introduced. Necessary legal reforms shall be made to
ensure that the country’s legal system matches well with
international laws.
• By making use of the infrastructure facilities that will be
made available with the immediate implementation of the
plan made by our government in 2014 for infrastructure
development in the judicial sector, steps shall be taken to
eliminate delays in the dispensation of justice. Measures
would be introduced to empower the arbitration process
so that civil disputes could be settled at Mediation Boards
instead of being taken to the courts of law.
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•
In order to increase the efficiency of law enforcement
procedures and mechanisms, relevant personnel shall be
given local and overseas training. Steps shall also be taken
to restructure law enforcement agencies without any delay.
• Digital technology will be used to improve the coordination
between the judicial system and related agencies.
• A transparent mechanism will be introduced in the
appointment of judges and in filling up higher positions in the
legal sector so that candidates’ qualifications, seniority and
experience shall be properly taken into account.
•
In consultation with the Chief Justice, the Attorney General,
legal experts and the Bar Association, a transparent and
straight forward system shall be implemented to oversee
the appointment of President’s Counsels. Facilities will be
provided at all judicial premises to enable lawyers to carry
out their duties with professional dignity.
• As per best practices adopted in other parts of the
modern world, in order to maintain high standards in the
legal profession, our lawyers too will be provided with
an opportunity for continuous professional development
through the establishment of a superior legal education
system.
A Transparent Mass Media Policy
A sign of any healthy democratic society is the availability of
opportunities for its people to practice freedom of speech and
publication as per international conventions. People are able to
take correct political and economic decisions only when they
are armed with the correct news and information. As such, we
accept that there should be unhindered opportunities for the
communication of information, knowledge and opinions.
•
In order to create a society suited for the 21st century, we
wholeheartedly accept the need for the freedom of speech
and publication and shall do our outmost to protect these
rights. Accordingly, we shall consider it our bounden duty to
create the necessary free and unhindered environment for
media professionals to carry out their duties.
• Having understood the relationship between Sri Lankan
mass media and contemporary global developments in
this field, special attention will be given to national and
international regulations for upholding media standards, the
operation of national and international media institutions and
the role of media in promoting social and cultural identities.
• Guidelines for the mass media will be formulated with an
understanding that works within the framework of journalists’
associations, the culture of mass media organisations,
accepted societal norms for family and human inter-
relationship and values.
• A “Higher Education Institute for Mass-media” on par with
international standards will be set up under government
patronage in order to produce media professionals with high
professional skills.
• Having recognised the problems encountered due to
chaotic conditions prevalent in the fields of mass media
and communication, a committee of experts will be
appointed to develop mass media education conforming to
high academic standards. As per guidelines set by them,
mass media education will be completely re-structured.
Opportunities for mass media professionals to obtain training
at international levels will be enhanced.
• Government attention will be focused on how financial
investments are obtained to set up newspaper, radio and
television institutions. Direct foreign investments in this field
will be supervised by the government and will be regulated
by new rules and regulations.
•
In order to free Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sri
Lanka Broadcasting Corporation from the pressure of
financial competition so that they can function as model
institutions in the mass media field, they will be brought
under a Commission that is accountable to the Parliament.
• Press Council will be re-structured to cover electronic, print
and other new media and made to adjudicate on matters
relating to journalists and media institutions. It will also act as
a centre to promote media education.
• A housing complex for mass media professionals will be set
up in the city and a concessionary vehicle loan scheme will
be introduced for them.
• Press Clubs will be set up provincially in order to provide
extensive facilities for all journalists.
• Necessary steps will be taken to provide education to
the society on the use, handling and the adoption of
communication strategies with regard to new forms of media
including social media.
History, Archeology and National Heritage
The historical heritage of a country depicts its pride and identity.
It is our bounden duty to properly conserve them for future
generations.
• We shall not allow any party to destroy or vandalise historical
heritage sites and archeologically important sites and shall
conserve such places of worship as national heritages. We
shall amend the legal ordinances as deemed necessary in
order to provide these sites with the highest security and
launch a coordination programme to increase the efficiency
of regulatory authorities in charge of such matters.
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• A “Digital Archeological Encyclopedia” that provides
information on places of worship of archeological and
historical significance belonging to all religions will be
created. A comprehensive study will be carried out on the
Central Cultural Fund in order to completely re-structure it.
• Without endangering the archeological value of such places
in anyway, basic amenities will be provided for tourists who
visit places of national importance.
• A scheme will be set in place to provide tourist guides with
accurate knowledge and information in order to prevent
wrong information being disseminated to tourists.
Culture, Literature and the Arts
A country and its society are held in high esteem because of its
culture. Artists who bring out creations of high standards and
people with good taste are a valuable resource to a country.
Ours is a nation with such a proud heritage. It is our duty to
preserve that culture and artistic creations for the future.
Literary Field
•
In order to maintain a high standard in creative literature that
includes novels, short stories and poetry, a new scheme will
be put in place to promote the writing of such books, their
publication and marketing.
• Tax concessions will be provided for supporting book
publishing, purchasing of paper material and printing
machinery and a proper mechanism will be established
to ensure royalty payments to authors from publishing
contracts.
• Funding provision would increase to expand the Publication
Assistance Project sponsored by the National Library and
Documentation Services Board. Assistance will be provided
to develop literature of children and youth while necessary
technical assistance will be provided to expand the space to
use e-books.
• Special assistance will be provided to translate best works
of Sinhala literature to English and Tamil and vice versa while
library system across the country will be revitalized with
modern technology.
Theatre/Stage Drama
• A modern state-of-the-art theatre will be established in the
capital to facilitate to acquire necessary skills in stage script
writing/directing and production. Its space will be provided
free of charge to producers to practice stage drama under a
proper mechanism.
• Theatres will be fully equipped with the latest technology,
with theatre study halls and library facilities established in
each district.
• Steps will be taken to fully revitalize Professor Ediriiweera
Sarachchandra Drama Training School of Department of
Cultural Affairs and funding assistance will be provided to
reproduce great works of stage/theatre in the country. Tax
concessions will be given to stage drama producers to
perform stage dramas Island wide.
Cinema Industry
• A special task force will be established to study the deep-
rooted problems in the film industry and to propose the way
forward for rapid revival. The tussle over film distribution in
Sri Lanka would be fully settled and a sustainable solution
provided to fully resurrect the film distribution system with
the agreement of National Film Corporation and Distributing
Companies/Film Distributors.
• Government sponsored assistance will be provided to
produce high quality creative films while interest free loans
would be granted to cover 50% of production costs of
films of international recognition. 80% of interest free loans
would be provided to produce the first creation of Young
Cinematographers.
• A state-of-the-art film processing laboratory will be set up
with the collaboration of the private sector entrepreneurs
who will be given tax concessions.
• Local cinema halls countrywide will be converted to digital
cinemas while the government will provide assistance to set
up smaller cinema halls in urban apartment complexes and
multi-purpose trade centers.
• National Film corporation will be modernized to stand as
a strong institution and a mechanism initiated that would
make a substantial contribution towards film production and
advertisement.
Music
• A proper procedure in line with international best practices
will be introduced to resolve prevailing issues regarding
payment of royalties to the lyricist and the composer of
its music. Enforcement of royalty disbursement will be
streamlined in such a way that making royalty payments
would be compulsory on a semi-annual basis. Current
royalties to lyricists, composers or performers for their
musical works prepared for commercial use by the
telecommunication companies will be increased by 50%.
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• The effective execution of the royalty collection in the event
of used works of music industry for commercial purposes
would be duly formalized and be extended to include digital
media.
• Government assistance would be made available to
nurture the work of early-career composers and librettists
for development of their artistic practice and facilitated to
produce the highest quality artistic products in the musical
theatre performance, opera etc.
• Tax concession will be provided to the private sector for
construction of complete visual and sound laboratories with
the intention of producing high quality creations of arts. The
taxes currently being imposed on organizing musical shows
will be reduced.
Dancing Sector
• The government will provide continuous support for creation
of traditional up-country dancing, low-country dancing and
Sabaragamuwa dancing traditions. Necessary measures will
be taken to protect traditional dancing practices.
• With a view to enshrining job stability of traditional and
modern dancing specialists, opportunities will be provided
for them to market their creations in local and international
fairs and expand opportunities by linking this industry with
tourism sector.
• The opportunities will be expanded through visual media
and modern technology protecting inheritance identity of
traditional art of dancing.
Arts and Sculpture Sector
• A fully fledged art and sculpture exhibition theatre will be set
up in the capital city for specialists in art and sculpture to
showcase their creations. Also, measures will be taken to set
up similar art theatre networks in all districts.
• A practical coordination framework will be established to
link arts and sculpture sectors with the tourism sector with a
view of exhibiting and marketing their products.
• A special museum will be set up to protect and display
excellent creations of art and sculpture.
Shanthikarma or Traditional Rituals
A special regulatory body will be established under the Cultural
Ministry to resolve problems and to address issues in “bali
thovil and shanthikarma” sector and a framework will be set up
to provide raw materials for this traditional industry with legal
provisions for specialists in this sector to store raw materials.
Social Protection and Welfare
Social inequality that will result as a consequence of
development, can be considered a social problem rather than
a personal issue. If the inequality prevailing in a country even
when that county has achieved every development target, it
depicts that majority of the people in that country are vulnerable
and helpless. A government’s responsibility, therefore, is to
protect these vulnerable people.
Framework of Making Low Income Earners
as High Income Earners
Although, every country has some sections of the society
classed as poor, poverty in a developed country is not the same
as that of a developing country or a least developed country.
Inability to earn to purchase necessary food and inability to
maintain general living standards are considered as indicators
of poverty. Social inequality and poverty can be eradicated only
when new income opportunities are provided to low income
earners to earn an additional income.
• Measures will be taken to restart and revitalize the
Divineguma programme, which was abolished by the
incumbent government for political reasons. Under this
programme, 100,000 low income families will be selected
and provided with training, infrastructure facilities, equipment
and markets, in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, animal
husbandry for value addition; this will be done under a
cooperative village system.
• Professional training opportunities will be provided to youth
in Samurdhi families, aiming to create a skilled workforce and
then directing them for government and non-government
employment and foreign labour markets.
• All existing Samurdhi benefits provided for low income
families will be increased.
• All the Samurdhi Banks will be restructured using modern
technology, and facilities will be provided for customers to do
their day-to-day transactions through mobile phones.
•
Issues with regard to salaries, allowances, promotions
and pensions of employees in Samurdhi Development
Department will be resolved with immediate effect.
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Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
73
Social Protection
• New contributory pension scheme will be set up for people
who are not receiving pension at present and a social
protection fund will be established to address the issues in
health, religious and other current requirements of elderly
community.
• Monthly allowances currently provided for fatal diseases
such as cancer and kidney will be increased.
• Single parent family with kids below 12 years of age and
does not have any income sources will be provided with a
monthly allowance.
Control of Crimes
• The police will be strengthened by providing modern
technical know-how for combating all kinds of crime.
• The court system will be restructured to complete all criminal
cases in courts without delay.
• Special regulatory mechanism will be established to prevent
political support for criminals.
• New advanced equipment and processes will be established
to monitor criminals in prison.
• Two fully fledged rehabilitation centres will be established for
first-time prisoners and prisoners who have been jailed for
small offences, with the aim of bringing them back to society.
• A special programme of action will be formulated to
rehabilitate people who are returning to prisons at regular
intervals.
Control of Road Accidents
• Pedestrian paths will be constructed on all roads for
pedestrians to walk without entering main roads; a
mechanism will also be established for pedestrians to cross
roads only in designated places.
• The road accidents can be controlled only through the full
support of motorists. For this purpose, all major roads of the
country will be monitored through CCTV cameras to identify
the regularly reckless drivers.
• Existing laws will be revisited to provide reasonable
compensation for deaths and irreversible disabilities, due to
road accidents.
Love for Animals
• A strong framework will be established for the protection of
national heritage of our country such as elephants, all other
wild animals, and birds.
• Strong legal action will be instituted against those found
to be guilty of brutal killing of elephants during the last five
years.
• The government support will be provided to establish
special protection centres for protecting discarded pets on
roadsides.
• Concessionary pricing scheme will be introduced for
medicines and other needs of pets.
• Animal friendly children’s societies’ will be established to
sensitize children on the need to be kind to animals.
“Dialogue with
the Village”
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Chapter - 10
“Dialogue with the Village”
“Gama Samaga Pilisandara” “Dialogue with
the Village”
Our policy is built upon the “Gama Samaga Pilisandara”-
“Dialogue with the Village” programme that encompasses ideas
from the inhabitants of 25,000 villages. As a result, we were
able to identify the shortcomings and necessities required by
these villagers. This approach helped us to clearly understand
critical issues such as; how many houses require electricity?
How many roads need repair and maintenance? How many
homes lack access to clean drinking water? etc. Since these
issues are already identified, we will be able to allocate the
necessary funds from the national budget with ease. Through
these activities, we launch an appropriate system to ensure that
all villages encompass of all essential facilities.
People-Centric Board and People-Centric Centers
• A people-centric board at every Grama Sewa division will be
set up under the purview of each village’s religious leaders,
educated and knowledgeable seniors, youth leaders and
women representatives, who will actively get involved with
the government’s programme. They will be entrusted to
look into and bring to the attention of the shortcomings of
their village. With this process, we will encourage financial
transparency from the village level upwards.
Our policies are built upon the “Gama Samaga Pilisandara”
programme that encompasses ideas from the inhabitants
of 25,000 villages. As a result, we were able to identify the
shortcomings and necessities faced by these villagers. Since
these issues were identified we would be able to allocate the
necessary funds from the national budget with ease. All of
these efforts culminate in ensuring our villages will have the
facilities required.
“Gami Liyata Rate Saviya”
The main aim of our people centric
economic policy is to uplift the
farmers and make them into farming
entrepreneurs. Furthermore, we would
recognize the invaluable effort and
involvement of the village women in
farming.
Local Area Development
All previous efforts to develop the village as
an isolated economic centre have failed.
Our vision is to link the village development
together with the local area development.
We believe that the country will develop as
a whole when cities develop as metropolitan
areas and villages develop as local areas.
• We will establish one people-centric centre in each Grama
Sewa division. These centers will be given provisions to
accommodate the people-centric board’s meeting hall, the
offices of the Grama Sewaka, Samurdhi officers, Agricultural
research & production officer and Family health officers.
Furthermore, the centre will have internet facilities for the
youth, e-library, children’s centre, smart teaching room and
technical service centre.
• The people-centric board will be given the responsibility
of maintaining the functionality of electricity, clean drinking
water, road network, irrigation network, pre-school, maternal
and child clinics, community centre, playground and waste
management. Additionally, the people-centric board will be
responsible for monitoring and following up on necessary
technology, research and equipment required for agriculture,
fisheries and small industries, and ensuring such are
provided.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour
77
“Gami Liyata Rate Saviya”
The main aim of our people-centric economic policy is to uplift
the farmers and make them into farming entrepreneurs. Their
current predicament sees the middle man taking the lion share
of the profits and forcing these farmers to remain below the
poverty line. Efforts of the farmers to feed the nation are not
reflected in their success, and we need to stop considering
their value limiting only for their votes. Within this concept, the
invaluable effort and contribution of the village women must be
recognized.
• We will devise a state-sponsored mechanism, where
women entrepreneurs can get involved in small and medium
enterprises related to handlooms, garments, crochet, lace,
cane, clay pottery, coir, dried fish and fisheries for identified
target markets.
• We believe that having an additional income is one of
the best ways to cover the expenses of a family. We will
encourage the unemployed members of households,
specially the housewives to utilize naturally available excess
fruits and vegetables in their own gardens to produce value-
added products or to provide them as raw materials for such
value-adding production centers to earn an extra income.
We will create a separate system to collect these products
from their households and introduce a mobile application to
connect and exchange information.
• We have observed many village women falling victim to
unregulated micro finance schemes charging exorbitant
interest rates. We will identify such predatory schemes and
ensure relief to such victims.
Regional Development
All previous efforts to develop the village as an isolated
economic centre have failed, similar to the attempts made to
link the national development programme directly to the village.
Therefore, taking the village towards international markets
have merely become hope. Our vision is to connect the village
development together with regional development. We believe
that the country will develop as a whole when cities grow as
metropolitan areas and villages develop as regional areas.
• An empowered commit tee will be appointed to reassess
and allocate new provincial boundaries based on
geographical, population and administration aspects.
• Provincial councils will be given added powers to carry out
development work pertaining to its Pradeshiya Sabhas,
Urban Councils and Municipal Councils within the regional
development plan.
• Relevant ministries will be instructed to directly provide the
allocated funding without delay to the Provincial councils to
be utilized in the village and local area development work.
• Provincial councils, with the help of their people-centric
boards, will be required to complete the development
projects of their Grama Sewa division in an efficient and
transparent manner within the stipulated time frame.
• By 2025, our actions will result in isolated village’s
transitioning to fully integrated economy centres with all
facilities.
Tamil-Muslim Brotherhood
We never waged war against innocent Tamil civilians. Our sole
aim was to free all Sri Lankans from terrorists who battered our
country for 30 years. This was the prime reason for launching
the humanitarian mission. Even though the war has ended,
our responsibility and accountability will always be important
to us. We will take tangible actions to correct the mistakes that
happened during the humanitarian mission, however, what we
need in the present scenario is to develop the northern and the
eastern provinces where all citizens can live without fear and
suspicion.
Kilinochchi and Mannar districts, which were above the
poverty line prior to 2014 have now fallen below the poverty
line joining Jaffna and Mullaitivu districts. It is clearly evident
that the political promises given in 2015 have not materialized
and no action has been taken to uplift the economic status of
the people in these areas. Our policy does not discriminate Sri
Lankans based upon districts, and we will ensure the upliftment
of the economic standards and livelihoods of the people in
these areas.
• “Punarjeewana Fund” will be launched to improve the
livelihood and basic needs of people in the Northern and
Eastern provinces. Under this;
• Housing for families affected by the 30-year war will be
provided, while government-sponsored concessionary loan
schemes and agricultural loans will be granted for women
entrepreneurs trapped under various micro finance schemes.
•
Investment schemes shall be made available for rehabilitated
youth to become successful in life by way of becoming
entrepreneurs. Compensation to families affected by the
humanitarian mission will be significantly improved.
• Economic development zones started by our government
that can accommodate large and medium scale industries
to provide jobs for the youth of the north and the east will be
given adequate capital investments.
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Chapter - 10
“Dialogue with the Village”
• Loans will be provided to youth for vocational training and
vocational education that can be repaid when they find
employment in their trade.
• All private lands currently being held by the government
will be released to their respective owners. Government
lands will be leased for large and medium scale agricultural
projects and the farmers will be issued permit lands.
• Priority will be given to its inhabitants in recruiting employees
for government jobs in these areas. The ability to converse in
the Tamil language will be given prominence when recruiting
police officers to serve in the Northern and the Eastern
provinces.
• Economic zones will be created in every district in these two
provinces for agricultural entrepreneurs to add value to their
products and start-up small and medium-scale businesses.
• Universities, vocal training institutes, technical colleges,
information technology institutes and agricultural research
institutes will be created so that the youth of the northern
and the eastern provinces have more avenues to fulfil their
ambitions.
• Jaffna will get its own “Nelum Pokuna” to encourage
youth to utilize their interests in the visual arts. Regular
performances will be held at this venue to create awareness
and develop interests. An international sports stadium
and a cricket ground will be established in both these two
provinces.

Estate Population
Estate population predominantly working in the tea industry is
recognized and accepted by us as equals enjoying the same
rights. In our vision for a prosperous Sri Lanka, we will ensure
that they will enjoy a good economy, quality housing, education
and healthcare facilities to lead a comfortable life.
A programme to address their concerns and alleviate their
grievances will be put into place which includes the following;
• Daily wage will be increased to Rs. 1,000.
• To generate an additional income, we will establish a
programme to utilize unused estate land to develop
horticulture and organic products, which will have a demand
in domestic and export markets and also other crops that
complement the geographical climate.
• Every school will be given the required human resources and
infrastructure facilities to conduct lessons in science and
commerce streams which is currently lacking in these estate
areas. Furthermore, we will provide a permanent resolution
for teaching assistants who were employed in an ad-hoc
manner.
• Housing has been one of the most significant and
longstanding issues faced by the estate population. Low-
rise housing projects will be introduced that will not harm
the plantations, with the support of the government and
the estate owners. These housing schemes will have fully-
fledged health care centres, pre-schools and community
centres. We aim to provide housing for every estate family
within these schemes.
• A “New Nutrition Aid Programme” will be implemented to
provide proper nutrition need for pregnant women and
infants on the estate level. All hospitals and clinics within the
estates will receive human and infrastructure upgrades.
• An “Agricultural Institute” will be implemented to impart
agricultural research knowledge and modern technical
knowhow. A fully-fledged Tamil Medium Teacher Training
College will also be established. A branch of the Sri Lanka
Open University will be built in Hatton, enabling vocational
education and training for the youth.
• We will establish an industrial zone covering the whole estate
sector. A comprehensive study will be carried out to analyze
the viability of re-opening factories that have been closed
down.
• Capital infusion that will help in increasing productivity
and adequate fertilization will be provided together with
streamlined management processes for government-owned
estates. Abandoned properties such as old bungalows and
tea factories will be renovated and converted into attractive
tourist destinations.