Gotabaya says an economic policy centered around the rural society is required

COLOMBO (News 1st):- Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Presidential candidate of SLPP, participated in several rallies in the Badulla District today (October 26). He was warmly welcomed by the masses during a public rally held in Diyatalawa. Speaking to the masses gathered he said;

"It's the government's responsibility to protect our farmers. We must use the latest technology to improve the lives of our farmers. Using technology, we can increase production in the agriculture sector, and diversify our product portfolio. We can increase the income generated by our farmers. We can increase the tourism industry in this area. The government must promote Sri Lanka in foreign markets. We must identify new markets to increase tourist arrivals. The government should advertise the country more in other countries. State intervention is required for this. The government must develop the airports, facilitate the visa process, and provide the necessary facilities. When the government initiates such steps, the private sector and businesses will automatically make investments."

He also attended another public rally in Hali- Ela town today (October 26) at which addressing the people he said;

"Nearly 70 percent of Sri Lanka's total population are villagers. If we are to go forward as a country, we must uplift the lives of our villagers. This is why we presented a people oriented manifesto. During the past four years, we observed and understood the problems of businessmen and intellectuals as well as the villagers through a "Pilisandarak" program. Therefore, we know the problems you face. I believe there are small and medium scale estate owners. Low-quality tea imported to Sri Lanka was mixed with locally produced tea. These were exported, resulting in our tea losing its place in the world market. Tea prices declined as a result. Its the government's responsibility to protect the tea industry as a whole. When tea prices decline, its the local producer who is affected. Many tea factories have closed down. So it is the government that must intervene to save the tea industry. As a government, we will uplift the tea industry."

Meanwhile, attending a public rally held in the Bandarawela town last evening (October 25), the SLPP Presidential candidate, Gotabaya Rajapaksa says;

"When we analyze the Asian economy, there are ample employment opportunities. However, we must educate our youth on such job opportunities. We can train our Arts graduates for such opportunities. At present, we generate a foreign income of nearly USD 1 billion. We can easily increase this to USD 3 billion. In order to achieve this target, we require about 300,000 educated students. We can train and educate our youth easily, we have presented a practical plan to achieve this."