"Mahinda Chintana" a 'Vision Statement' - Mangala

by Rohan Mathes

"Mahinda Chintana" is not a conventional manifesto, but a 'Vision Statement' for long-lasting peace, UPFA Presidential Campaign Spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said yesterday.

Economic development, law and order and a just society for the next six years and beyond are among the other topics addressed by Mahinda Chintana, Samaraweera told a press conference following the launch of the UPFA Presidential Campaign Manifesto at the BMICH yesterday.

Samaraweera said the policy statement descended not from the sky, but by deliberations of a 35-year-long political career of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse. It incorporated the time-tested and successful policies of the 'Rata Perata' programme and the administration of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, with certain revisions.

"Mahinda Rajapakse has added new dimensions and a pragmatic approach to solve the burning issues plaguing the country. It is a new and fresh approach and truly a peoples' vision which the majority of Sri Lankans will vouch for," he said.

He pointed out that unlike the UNP manifesto, which in essence was a disguised presentation of the failed 'Regaining Sri Lanka' in a 'Rata Perata' icing, a reflection of political plagiarism and cynicism of its worst kind, this is a serious, genuine and consistent elaboration of Rajapakse's vision.

It had been created with close consultation with the people of the country. The private and public sectors, the businessmen, interest groups and the rural sector among others had been consulted for their inputs.

Priority has been given in the 'vision statement' for achieving long-lasting and honourable peace, bringing-about economic development, the creation of a law-abiding, humane and a just society where all communities could live sans fear and suspicion.

This 'Mahinda era' will see an 'Economic Take-off', Samaraweera added.

JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa said "the vision statement contains no ambiguous statements or political rhetoric, but reflects the needs of the society and the means to achieve them".

UPFA Economic Advisor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said manifesto has focused on achieving a balanced growth rate around 8 per cent, with around 5.9 per cent growth this year.

A salient feature of the policy statement, he said was that it seeks to give benefits to people from grassroots level.