"This looks like an election to select the best Santa Claus" - Anura Kumara

COLOMBO (News 1st):- The convention of the Progressive Women's Collective was held in Colombo today (October 20). The event was held under the auspices of Presidential Candidate of the National People's Power Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The event was held at the auditorium of the Colombo library. The women's charter prepared by the progressive women's collective was handed over to the Presidential candidate of the National People's Power. Addressing the people, Anura Kumara Dissanayake says;

"There are two main reasons for the issues faced by women in the country. One is the issues we face as a society. The effects of these issues are felt by the women in general. There is another series of issues faced by women specifically. Our political stage is based on these issues and there are many issues that are faced specifically by women in Sri Lanka. When formulating laws for society, her voice, her representation, and her opinion has been disregarded. I would like to state that we are ready to change this situation and bring about cultural, and social, reforms. The main victims of this economic hardship and social crimes are women. We believe that none of us should live subservient to anyone. We have been labeled as a country that sends their women as housemaids to the Middle East. We assure you that we will take steps to stop this. We will stop this form of modern-day slavery. The women in our country should be empowered and given the right position in society. We will work hard to accomplish this."

Meanwhile, the National People's Power held a public meeting at the bus station in Malabe last evening (October 19). The meeting was chaired by the presidential candidate of the party Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Artists, members of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and supporters of the Kaduwela Municipal Council joined the rally. Speaking to those gathered, Politburo member of the JVP, K. D. Lalkantha said;

"The people of this country were able to defeat the king when he was vested with the President's powers, the 2/3rd majority of the parliament, the power of chief ministers, provincial councilors and Pradeshiya sabha members. So defeating the doorman of the king will not be an issue to the people of this country."

Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking to the public said;

"When we see what happens in election campaigns, it doesn't look like they are preparing for a presidential election. It looks like an election to select the best Santa Claus. One candidate goes to Anuradhapura and promises farmers that he will provide free fertilizer. The other candidate says he will provide everything free of charge while another candidate says that he will reduce the Value Added Tax and several other taxes. What's happening now? Who is giving away more aid? Who is willing to give more to the people? It has become a competition to answer these questions. Their economic policies have become policies drafted for beggars. But we who represent the National People's Power are presenting a developing economic policy to this country."