We will resurrect the fishing industry : Gotabaya Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Presidential Candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, attended a number of events in Puttalam today (November 04). Leader of the SLPP Mahinda Rajapaksa was also in attendance. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Presidential Candidate of the SLPP: "When I was coming here I stopped the vehicle near a cardboard factory. They had about 120 employees. Now they only have 20 employees. They had to close the shop because they bought low-quality products from overseas. This is why we must protect our local industries. We have offered many tax relief policies to support local businesses. This area used to have batiks. Then they brought cheaper batiks from overseas. Then our businesses are put in a tough position. We must stop bringing these things from overseas. We must help our local industries introduce technology, and also provide them with interest-free financial facilities to make investments." Gotabaya Rajapaksa then proceeded to Chilaw. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Leader of the SLPP: "Why did the former President choose the former Defence Secretary to contest the Presidential Election. He has the ability to ensure the security of all. He was at the forefront of finishing the war that lasted 30 years. The whole country asked for him. That is why he was nominated. He can work for the people and protect them. It is not to hand the responsibility of security to someone else, he himself can do it. We need to ensure security to rebuild a country and its people. This is a pickpocket government. They steal and shout thief thief in our direction. They stole from the bank. We will bring all those who stole to court! We will do it!" Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Presidential Candidate of the SLPP: "You all know that it was former President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he was the Minister of Fisheries, who did a great service to the fishing community. We have plans to make fishing harbours and also to ensure the protection of the fishing community. You all know we established the Coast Guard for your safety. When they had a problem they used to have to stop foreign vessels. I know how much of a problem they had in the North back then. We got involved as much as we could. We pledge to do everything to ensure your safety, and also to grow the fisheries industry. That is why we have presented this manifesto."