"Mahinda Chintana" manifesto launched :

Thrust on peace, economy

by Rohan Mathes

UPFA Presidential hopeful and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse's 'Mahinda Chintana' Manifesto, launched yesterday, focused on four main challenges : peace, economy, discipline and future of the young.

Addressing the colourful unveiling ceremony, Rajapakse said he wanted to achieve peace while keeping the country undivided.

"I am confident we could achieve peace without returning to war. I intend to begin peace talks with all the stakeholders in the conflict to realise this goal. I hope to build a national consensus in order to achieve an honourable peace for our Motherland," he stressed.

"I strongly believe," he said, "in upholding the civil and human rights of all communities, the nation's sovereignty, security and the unitary character of the state. I love my country above all and do not wish to jeopardise its territorial integrity."

Referring to the creation of a national economy, while fulfiling the basic needs of the public, he said that the economy needs reformation, where every citizen reaps its benefits.

The reforms should be compatible with our culture, generate new employment opportunities and increase production to usher in a prosperous Sri Lanka.

The Premier expressed the view that the society should be disciplined and virtuous. He summarised his entire political career and his policy statement to a single theme, based on children's future. The 'New Sri Lanka', he echoed, which all will create together, will be exclusively for the future of the young.

"I have faced many challenges, which I have met successfully, with courage and confidence instilled in me by the people of this country. I believe its time for me to put all my efforts in building a better future for our people," Rajapakse added.