Image courtesy of Daily FT.
The ‘Alternative/Practical Path’ program of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was presented by its leader MP Sajith Premadasa today.
The 20-point program was presented during the Adjournment Debate on the Statement of Government Policy. It was presented by the President yesterday.
The 20-point ‘Alternative/Practical Path’ program:
- Shifting towards expanding the economy by departing from the government’s contraction program, emphasizing private sector-led economic growth for rapid economic development. The goal is to enhance living standards and achieve inclusive economic growth centered on equality and justice.
- Signing a more humane and developmental agreement with the International Monetary Fund by revising the existing agreement for improved micro and macroeconomic management.
- Drafting a national plan to elevate foreign direct investment (FDI) by attaining high rankings in the Ease of Doing Business Index and the Corruption Index.
- Launching a comprehensive anti-corruption campaign, not confined to legislation but embedded in the constitution. The constitutional article for eliminating corruption should only be amendable by a special majority in Parliament.
- Focusing on export-oriented economic growth to revive the export sector.
- Promoting small, micro, and medium-scale industries that contribute significantly to the economy, constituting 50% of GDP and 52% of total employment.
- Establishing a fair tax structure through substantial changes to the current regressive tax policy.
- Launching a ‘National Poverty Alleviation Campaign’ to strengthen the economy and eradicate poverty for the genuinely impoverished.
- Initiating a stolen assets recovery program to reclaim national assets unlawfully taken, reinvesting them in public development.
- Introducing a smart education system by leveraging modern technology, replacing traditional rote learning methods.
- Incorporating social, economic, cultural, educational, and health rights as fundamental rights, not limiting them to civic and political rights.
- Implementing an eco-friendly, green sustainable development pattern inspired by global sustainable growth concepts.
- Establishing an information technology-led intelligence center and promoting information technology-related exports.
- Empowering farmers with technology, including agro-technology and post-harvest technology, to optimize land and marine resources.
- Accelerating the promotion of renewable energy.
- Launching an integrated national household development program focused on land and housing rights.
- Cultivating a skilled and talented workforce by introducing modern education concepts from institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology and Management.
- Strengthening democracy by enhancing checks and balances among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Addressing challenges to media freedom through positive revisions to the Online Security Act.
- Establishing a Presidential Task Force and national development operations to support vulnerable groups such as women, youth, children, retirees, disabled individuals, and women-led households.
- Taking measures to eliminate extremism by fostering national unity, harmony, fraternity, and friendship.