Mahinda's economic policies will lead to prosperity - Mangala
 

by Rajmi Manatunga

The Rata Perata programme to be implemented by a future Mahinda Rajapakse Government will drive the country towards further prosperity and economic stability, Minister and SLFP Chief Campaign Coordinator for the Presidential election Mangala Samaraweera assured yesterday.

Addressing the media at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) the Minister said that the economic policies of Prime Minister Rajapakse have been formulated by top economists of the country as opposed to those of the United National Party (UNP) which have failed time and again.

Samaraweera said that the economic policies of Prime Minister Rajapakse and his party were clearly reflected in last year's successful budget which would be further enhanced in the 2005 budget proposals.

"The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in 2004 categorically stated that it will not follow a neo-liberal economic policy or privatise central points of the economy like banks, ports and electricity.

Our Presidential candidate has pledged to stand by the same policies," he said.

The Minister questioned as to how UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who could not even manage the affairs of his Ministry would manage the country's economy.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa told the media that Prime Minister Rajapakse has launched his election campaign with a mandate of 51 per cent.

He said that the UNP's version of 'Parakramabahu' policies were based on weakening the government sector by removing it from all commercial activities, retiring Government employees and cancelling welfare measures like the fertiliser subsidy.