Presidential candidates on one platform for the first time in SL history

COLOMBO (News 1st):- For the first time in the political history of Sri Lanka, all candidates of the presidential election stood on the same stage and addressed the nation. This was jointly organized by the PAFFREL organization responsible for the March 12th movement and Efril youth network. One of the main objectives of this is to create a platform for the Presidential candidates to popularize their policies and programs. Presidential Candidates Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Sajith Premadasa, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake were invited to engage in a policy dialogue from the same platform on the basis of their representation by the parties which received more than 200,000 votes in the last election. However, Gotabaya Rajapaksa did not participate in the dialogue. Speaking at the event, UNP's Presidential candidate, Sajith Premadasa said;

In order to protect law and order, human rights, national security in the country, there are several steps that must be initiated. Firstly, all institutions that comes under the purview of these three sectors, must adhere to an approved governance structure.

Presidential candidate of the National People's Power Movement, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said;

When strengthening and establishing law and order, there are many issues in the existing structure in our country. There is one law for the rich and powerful, and another law for the poor and weak. Our main task is to ensure the law will be enforced equally, regardless of their wealth, power, and title.

Moderator:- What plans do you propose to manage the government debt and the trade deficit to achieve sustainable growth? Both Anura Kumara and Sajith Premadasa related their promises separately;

Anura K.: Obtaining debt is not a crime. However, how did debt become a crime? One reason is, obtaining debt did not result in the creation of assets. We've generally heard that the commission is 10 percent of the total bill. However, in this case, the commission was nearly 90 percent. We will have to obtain further debt to develop this country. However, this debt will be obtained based on two factors: They are capital financing and technology development. Sajith Premadasa: In order to manage government debt and the trade deficit efficiently, I believe we must first have a proper understanding of the variables that influences the economic system. We must analyze and evaluate positive and productive projects for this country, and while protecting state rights, initiate joint ventures. Proper economic policies must be in place to create a suitable environment that will nourish and facilitate development in the country.

Other presidential candidates who were present at the event also expressed their views. Meanwhile, Gotabaya Rajapaksa's absence to this dialogue was explained by the media spokesperson of Gotabaya, Dallas Alahapperuma,

Our party's presidential candidate was invited for a public dialogue organized by PAFFREL. This morning, I called and informed Rohana Hettiarachchi that nominations are due to be handed over by Monday. The candidate will only be named after nominations are submitted. Therefore, I believe it's futile to organize such discussions before nominations are handed over. I say this with much respect, and with no intention to disrespect their endeavors. We will consider such discussions after our candidates are confirmed.