NAMAL VISION 2025-2035 Policy Targets and Innovation Strategies
NAMAL VISION 2025-2035 Policy Targets and Innovation Strategies
FOR YOU
A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
He did not stop there and launched the Mahinda Chinthana programme which
would lift Sri Lanka towards a developed state. All Sri Lankans, united by equality in
diversity worked hand in hand to make Sri Lanka the fastest-growing country in the
world.
We built modern strategic national assets such as the Colombo Port City, Hambantota
Port and Mattala Airport based on a long-term plan with clear economic growth
targets. The transportation system covering the entire country, including highways
and miles-long bridges, was built to connect the North and the South and distribute
the opportunities and benefits of development to the entire nation. New power
plants and irrigation systems were built to meet all that development needs. Marvels
such as the Lotus Tower were built to provide modern technological facilities to the
youth. None of them were isolated constructs. They are all interrelated sustainable
national resources.
But Sri Lanka was dragged back into a dark age by the government that was
elected in 2015. The hard-won freedom by the heroes who sacrificed their lives was
completely stalled in just four failed years. The amount of public debt increased and
by 2019, the country's economy was about to collapse. State security weakened
and eventually, terrorism rose its ugly head. Mother Lanka again succumbed to a
miserable fate.
It is with great hope that you elected the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna in 2020
to rebuild our broken motherland. But just as we started to raise our head again,
disaster struck. The deadly COVID-19 virus ravaged our country and the entire
world for two long years. After being shut down for months, the country's economy
deteriorated further. But with the help of the armed forces, health professionals and
public service as well as all those who volunteered, we managed to save the lives
of hundreds of thousands of people who otherwise would have succumbed to the
plague. Even during that very difficult period, we were able to pay salaries to all
government employees, subsidise the low-income residents, vaccinate all people,
and even pay instalments for the loans taken by the previous governments.
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NAMAL VISION
But the economic crisis, which was already severe, worsened. I admit that more
suitable decisions could have been taken regarding certain matters. The people
who suffered due to all these issues took to the streets to release their pressure. But
the people's struggle was soon turned to violence by some local and foreign forces
to achieve their heinous political agendas. At that critical moment, we stepped
down without harming any of the protesters, because our state is worth a million
times more to us than political position power. It was a valuable lesson for the whole
world about non-violence in governance.
By integrating sustainable solutions for the challenges of the 21st century, and the
modern technological revolution with Mahinda Chinthana, let us start again from
where the development of this country was stopped. I am ready to shoulder that
challenge. I only expect your blessings. I respectfully present to you my policy
programme titled Namal Vision to Build a Developed Country For You.
I pledge to you that the country that was broken by the economic crisis will be
freed from it and developed safely, just as Mahinda Rajapaksa liberated and united
the country that was torn apart by war. I pledge to protect the unity of our country,
protect the democratic values of the republic, protect the state assets, protect the
Sambuddha Sasana, and protect the freedom of all citizens while achieving the
development you expect.
For you,
Namal Rajapaksa
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
CONTENTS
IMMEDIATE RELIEF, FOR YOU 6 INFLATION AT LOWER SINGLE DIGIT 17
FULFILMENT FOR ALL POLICY RATES AT SINGLE DIGIT
IMMEDIATE TAX RELIEF 1.3 AMONG THE TOP 50 IN SOCIAL 18
SAMURDHI STRENGTHENED 7 PROGRESSION
RELIEF FOR YOUR UTILITY BILLS HEALTHY AND SAFE LIVES
AFFORDABLE FERTILISER NEW AGE EDUCATION
ENERGISING ECONOMIC ACTIVITY DECENT LIVING STANDARD 19
NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES 1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 20
EMPOWERING YOUTH FINANCIALLY 8 OPTIMISING NATURAL RESOURCES
TOURISM BOOSTER MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE 21
PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SERVICES ANIMAL WELFARE
UNINTERRUPTED MEDICINE SUPPLY APPROVALS FOR DEVELOPMENT
FAST-TRACKING INVESTMENTS 9 CARBON CREDIT
PERFORMANCE MONITORING SYSTEM 2. INNOVATION 22
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT MODEL 10 2.1 PUBLIC SECTOR OPTIMISATION 23
1. STATE PRIORITIES 11 E-GOVERNANCE
1.1 NATIONAL INTERESTS 12
NO SALE OF STATE ENTERPRISES
PROTECTION OF THE UNITARY STATE
END OF FRAUD AND CORRUPTION 24
A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR SLOGAN
EQUALLY FRIENDLY YET NON-ALIGNED FORENSIC AUDIT OF ALL LOANS
FOREIGN POLICY
STATE BALANCE SHEET
PROTECTING REPRESENTATIVE 13
HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC 25
DEMOCRACY
ADMINISTRATION
PROTECTING THE CONSTITUTIONAL
UNINTERRUPTED FREE HEALTHCARE
RIGHTS
CLEAN DRINKING WATER FOR ALL 26
PROTECTING AND NURTURING THE
BUDDHA SASANA STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN
EDUCATION
1.2 NEW ECONOMIC LEAP 15
GDP TARGET INNOCENT CHILDREN 27
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NAMAL VISION
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
With the easing of the tax burden, the cost of living will fall to a bearable level.
The current inefficient and costly method of tax collection will be replaced
with an effective ICT system thereby allowing citizens to pay their taxes easily.
The additional income that comes to the people’s hands as a result of the tax
revision will be spent on buying more goods and services which will in turn
boost the country’s production and increase the market revenue.
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NAMAL VISION
SAMURDHI STRENGTHENED
Low-income citizens who are without a steady source of income will be given
the Samurdhi financial aid package sufficient to consume three healthy meals
per day.
AFFORDABLE FERTILISER
Going by the earlier Mahinda Chinthana policy, paddy, vegetable and fruit
farmers will receive a permanent fertiliser subsidy scheme. A reasonable price
scheme will be extended to other crop plantations including tea. This will allow
higher yields so that the food prices can be brought down within the first two
seasons.
A special Market Integration Unit will be set up to export the extra yield with
value addition.
The Market Integration Unit will work with local farmers to grow fast-yielding
economic crops and with local manufacturers to produce high-quality goods,
while also connecting them to the international markets.
A new personal loan scheme will be introduced to cover the initial cost of
recruitment and travel for those who are selected for foreign employment.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
A personal loan scheme will be introduced for the youth to buy computers and
other essential hardware.
TOURISM BOOSTER
A Special Tourism Promotion Project will be launched with the priority of
increasing the foreign revenue earned through tourism, which is essential for
economic stabilisation.
Katunayake and Mattala airports will facilitate the above through essential
management changes.
Both airports will provide additional facilities to attract the popular Budget
Airlines.
Low-interest loans will be introduced specially for people working in the travel,
tourism and leisure sectors to develop their businesses.
Migrant workers will be able to renew their passports within a week after
introducing printing facilities at key Sri Lankan embassies.
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NAMAL VISION
FAST-TRACKING INVESTMENTS
A special investment facilitation scheme will be implemented to secure quick
investments exceeding US$ 250,000. A special Golden Visa scheme will be
offered to such investors.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
NAMAL VISION
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT MODEL
Investment Freedoms
Entrepreneurship Economic Freedom
Human Resources Political Freedom
Research and Development Cultural Freedom
Infrastructure Religious Freedom
Whether you are a Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, Burgher, or Vedi, every
citizen of the republic shares equal ownership and right to rule this state.
All state intelligence and security forces will undergo a complete review, and
any weaknesses identified will be promptly resolved. Suitable personnel
will be appointed to relevant positions and the safety of the citizens as well
as the foreigners in Sri Lanka will be assured.
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NAMAL VISION
Any attempt by any foreign state to intervene in our internal affairs will be
promptly prevented thereby preserving our independence.
Any person or group that has been found guilty of violating constitutional
rights will be brought to justice by upholding the rule of law.
The historical heritage that marvels the visitors and the philosophical
knowledge base of the Theravada tradition was gifted to the world through
the Buddha Sasana.
We shall respect the freedom to hold any religious belief by any citizen not
just as a constitutional clause but also by the Bauddha principle. We are
bound to protect the religious freedom of all citizens.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
To protect and nurture the Buddha Sasana, we plan to enrich the young
monks with Bauddha Philosophy and proficiency in English, French, German,
Korean, and Italian languages in addition to the oriental languages as well
as with Information and Communications Technology. We believe that this
is the way to take the Buddha Dharma to the future world. We plan to train
5,000 monks in the first phase.
Every temple will be completed with the essential facilities while a special
medical insurance scheme has been planned for the elderly monks who
have dedicated their lives to the Sasana. There will also be a special
programme to support the parents of the monks.
Efforts will be made to control the threats to the Tripitaka Dharma and
protect the scripture of Sri Saddharma for future generations.
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NAMAL VISION
GDP TARGET
Our target for the next decade is to raise Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Product
to over US$ 180 billion. Accordingly, the Per Capita GDP is expected to
cross the US$ 8,000 boundary.
While meeting state revenue targets we will gradually revise the indirect
taxes on consumer goods and taxes on wages to provide relief to the
people.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
DEBT-SERVICING ECONOMY
Our policy target is to gradually reduce public debt to 80% of GDP by
building an economy capable of repaying all types of loans as quickly as
possible.
STABLE RUPEE
Our policy is to maintain the rupee at a stable value against the dollar
through the growth of GDP, remittances, and tourism earnings along with
effective management of the trade balance and foreign debt.
SOLUTION TO UNEMPLOYMENT
The sustainable solution to the economic crisis is to provide high-paying
job opportunities to our workforce. The lowest unemployment rate in our
history (4%) was recorded during the Mahinda Chinthana Decade. Job
creation and workforce training is one of our key economic policies for the
next decade.
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NAMAL VISION
Since one of our priorities is to increase the remittance income and to give
Sri Lankan workers the global experience, we will prioritise directing them to
high-level foreign jobs. Also, arrangements will be made for internationally
recognised skills certifications necessary for local jobseekers to secure jobs
abroad.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
HDI is based on three key social aspects namely, Health, Education and
Standard of Living. Sri Lanka has always been ahead in terms of social
development because of the free health and free education policies
supplemented by wide social security programmes.
Sri Lanka is currently ranked 78th out of 193 countries and belongs to the
“high” human development category in the world. The highest growth in
this regard occurred during the Mahinda Chinthana Decade.
Our policy target is to enter the “Very High” category and be among the
first 50 countries in the next decade. Our main social development policy
targets are as follows:
The main reasons for the already high life expectancy in Sri Lanka are free
health services, balanced work-life and the natural environment which is
less polluted than many other countries.
To achieve the HDI target we will work to increase the average time spent
in formal education in school as well as after leaving school.
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NAMAL VISION
This does not mean that the time spent in school will be extended. This
means increasing the total time spent in formal education even after leaving
school and while working. The more time spent in formal education, the
more successful individuals become.
The higher the per capita Gross National Income, the higher the standard
of living of the people. Therefore, in the next decade, efforts will be made
to raise the per capita gross national income to the level of a developed
country. This correlates with the above economic growth targets.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
Emissions from the burning of fossil fuels to generate energy for industry
and transportation have increased the global temperature and drastically
changed the climate. This is the reason for the irregularity of the natural
rains. It has already caused major issues for traditional farming and people's
everyday lives.
The soil is becoming barren in some areas due to over-cultivation for a long
time. It is our policy to constantly maintain soil fertility to increase agricultural
output essential for the above economic and social development goals.
Many farmers did not approve of the measures taken to prevent the use
of synthetic fertiliser and agrochemicals that contain toxins harmful to the
human body. We have also stated above that agricultural production will be
increased for economic growth targets. Therefore, it may not be possible to
prevent the use of synthetic chemicals at present.
One of the most valuable natural resources on the surface of Sri Lanka is our
forest cover. It is one of the reasons for the high health status of the people
as it contributes to the clean air which we all breathe. Therefore, our policy
is to optimise the already used lands more efficiently without clearing more
forests simply for the sake of economic growth.
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NAMAL VISION
Due to plastic waste, the rivers, canals, dams, and oceans around the country
have been heavily polluted. As a result, the water has become unsuitable
not only for human consumption but also for marine animals. As a result,
tourism attraction is also lost, adversely affecting the economy.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Animals also share the same Earth that humans live in. So, we recognise
their right to the natural environment and will guarantee their rights.
CARBON CREDIT
Compared to some other countries, Sri Lanka has a low carbon footprint.
We believe that Sri Lanka deserves specific benefits from the big polluters
of the world. A special mechanism will be implemented in this regard at the
diplomatic level.
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2. INNOVATION
NAMAL VISION
E-GOVERNANCE
The easiest and fastest way to implement many different interrelated sectors
is to connect them using an electronic system. It will provide facilities for
real-time information exchange between government institutions in digital
mode.
Public services will be made easier and faster by installing the Electronic
National Identity Card system that includes biometric data. There will be
no need to repeatedly provide the information of the concerned person to
each institution, thereafter.
This will avoid the waste of time and money caused by people coming to
Colombo from distant areas for every service requirement. The opportunity
will be provided to receive those services in their own area, and within
a year most of these services will be available to be received from the
convenience at home.
Also, people will be able to get accurate and real-time data and information
transparently about public affairs.
For the success of this process, public servants will be trained, and their
services will be made technologically efficient.
Facilitation will be provided to coordinate the local private sector for the
necessary capital and technical support.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
This will include the long-term development loans taken at low interest
from multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and the Asian
Development Bank, and the bilateral loans taken at low interest from
countries such as India, Japan and China.
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NAMAL VISION
Through this, information such as patient test reports and drug prescriptions
will be formally and securely filed and can be accessed by the doctors at
any time using the Electronic National Identity Card.
This will avoid queues and congestion caused by frequent visits to the
hospital.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
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NAMAL VISION
INNOCENT CHILDREN
Children are the future heirs of the nation. They shape the future of our
country. Therefore, our irrevocable responsibility today is to provide the
children with balanced nutrition, a sound mentality, a winning personality
and a virtuous character.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
For that, all military and police stations in the country will be modernised
and hostel facilities will be improved. The armed forces headquarters built
by us will be completed.
At least one female police officer will be positioned for each village and
10,000 new policewomen will be recruited for this purpose.
A Voluntary Service Pool will be established where senior citizens who can
continue serving will be entitled to a monthly stipend. Depending on the
residence of its members, the opportunity will be given to perform public
support services or similar community services in government institutions
frequented by the public.
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NAMAL VISION
The pension scheme will be enhanced to match the current inflation rates.
Higher interest than the market average interest on their fixed deposits
will be given to all senior citizens, while the current insurance schemes and
other privileges will also be increased.
All the necessary facilities will be provided in advance to the areas where a
risk of natural disaster is identified.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
AGRO-MODERNISATION
Water, seeds and fertiliser will be provided to cultivate all arable land.
Modern technical methods that can increase yields will be introduced to all
fields of cultivation including continuous training on their use.
The division between major and minor export crops used in the past is
no longer relevant today. The reason for this is that the foreign exchange
brought by crops such as cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom are closely
competing with the major export crops such as tea, coconut and rubber.
Therefore, such crops will be reclassified as major export crops. Accordingly,
all the subsidies and other privileges given to the main export crops will be
given to those crops as well.
Surplus harvests will be identified, and supply chains will be connected for
export. Cold and dry storage facilities will be developed for this purpose.
A permanent solution to the wage dispute between the tea estate owners
and the workers will be provided with the agreement of all parties.
Facilities including land will be provided to double the coconut and king
coconut harvests in the next decade and arrangements will be made for
export after meeting the local requirement.
Cut flowers and betel leaf production will be doubled in the next decade
and export support will be provided.
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NAMAL VISION
Crops will be imported only as per the need to maintain a reasonable price
that is affordable to the people while giving priority to local production.
The canoes and boats still used by most of our fishing community for
short-distance fishing are unsafe. Therefore, in-country manufacturing of
vessels with communication and storage facilities will be supported for the
convenience of fishermen.
The Ocean University of Sri Lanka will be used to offer international standard
training courses and degrees in marine engineering technology aimed at
the shipping and logistics job market.
Natural currents and fisheries will be continuously studied, and a new map
of fish resources and seaways will be created.
ANIMAL INDUSTRIES
Large-scale industries raising animals for milk, eggs and meat will be
encouraged to be more humane in their process.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
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NAMAL VISION
Construction of highways and other roads which are currently stalled will
recommence immediately.
Loan interest will be reduced for the construction of houses, offices and
business premises.
Sri Lanka's traditional food industry will be promoted while research will be
encouraged for new food and beverage products.
Fast food products based on rice and other cereals and methods of
preserving vegetables and fruits will be encouraged.
The production of flavoured teas and local herbal drinks will be expanded.
Spices, oils and other plant extract production will be set to double in the
next decade.
Local sugar production will be doubled, and facilities will be provided for
coconut production aimed at the export market.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
The quality of work and life of the apparel sector employees will be
enhanced.
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NAMAL VISION
With the end of the war, Sri Lanka became a paradise for foreign tourists.
The Mahinda Chinthana target of 2 million passenger service per year was
achieved by 2019 but drastically fell as a result of the Easter Sunday Attack.
We will increase that number to 5 million travellers per year in the next
decade. While increasing the number of tourist arrivals we will also increase
the average time they spend in the country and increase the amount they
spend during that time.
The Mattala International Airport was built because the Katunayake Airport
would not be sufficient for the arrival of those additional tourists. Therefore,
Mattala Airport will be developed as planned by attracting more tourists.
A modern electronic system will be installed to facilitate and speed up the
entire process from airport check-in to departure, and arrival to exit.
Special investment and credit facilities will be provided for the construction
of large and small hotels and domestic accommodation facilities with the
extra rooms needed for the above tourists.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
To reduce the use of coins and notes, bank cards and mobile wallets will be
promoted.
HEALING HAVEN
Sri Lanka will be developed into one of the world's leading health and
wellness service centres. Public and private integrated investments will be
made to build the world's most advanced private hospitals in the country.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka will be set to recruit more than 10,000 foreign
students per year over the next decade.
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NAMAL VISION
Small shops and their supply chains will be supported with investment
attached to training to grow their income.
The government services required for the promotion of land, houses, flats
and vehicle trade will be formalised with the use of ICT systems.
All types of restaurants and entertainment services like movie theatres will
be supported to be upgraded. Small restaurants will be facilitated with
investments attached to training to bring them up to formal and hygienic
standards.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
Places like the Petah Market, Regional Economic Centres and Sati Pola will
be renovated to a respectful standard for traders, workers and consumers.
A simpler and transparent tax system will be introduced for goods imported
from abroad.
But the transport service has not improved compared to the roads. It has
been over 50 years since transportation was privatised, but private buses
have yet to modernise.
Private buses are often seen being driven irresponsibly putting the
passengers and the pedestrians at risk. The comfort of the passengers
travelling in them is not up to the expected standards. This is a hindrance to
a dignified standard of living.
Licenses of errant bus drivers will be suspended, and new licenses will be
issued only after proper counselling and driving training and testing.
A complete innovation will be done in the railways in the next decade. New
trains will be deployed to double the productivity of the existing railways,
and the train timetable and ticketing process will be done entirely through
an ICT system.
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NAMAL VISION
A fair and systematic process will be introduced from the school level to the
national level to produce professional and disciplined athletes and players
who can win trophies and medals.
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3. INVESTMENT
NAMAL VISION
Certain expenses are not investments. The expenses incurred for the
day-to-day operations of an organisation do not generate income.
Facilities will be provided for business creation between foreign and local
entrepreneurs.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
Due to the decrease in the population growth rate in Sri Lanka, the youth
community is decreasing rapidly compared to the aged community. This is
a hindrance to the expansion of production capacity required to achieve
the above economic goals.
Investments will be made in developing all sports and physical fitness from
the school level to the national level to produce healthy citizens of mind
and body.
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NAMAL VISION
The intellectual property rights for the new knowledge and products
generated by such research will be available to the government in
proportion to the investments which will in turn earn consistent revenue.
Priority will be given to the planning of towns and villages, the design and
construction of new towns, and the construction of offices and factories
related to the above economic targets.
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4. FREEDOM
NAMAL VISION
Freedom is to think, speak and act as one pleases. Every citizen has
equal freedom. Therefore, while enjoying one's freedom, one should
do it in such a way that it does not interfere with the freedom of another.
In the public sector as well as in the private sector, market monopolies will
be minimised, and efforts will be made to create a market in which labour,
goods and capital are exchanged fairly and competitively.
State and legal protections for individuals' physical property and intellectual
property will be strengthened in line with international standards.
Over the next decade, the tax burden will be gradually reduced to a
lower single digit. Also, to protect the local entrepreneur, tariffs and other
restrictions imposed on imports and exports will be minimised as far as
possible and the exchange of goods and services will be facilitated.
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FOR YOU A DEVELOPED COUNTRY
But as has happened from time to time in history, there are cases where some
terrorist groups suppress other people's political freedom. For example,
some organised groups operate repressively on social media to prevent
holding and expressing opposing political opinions. Also, some people
operate to destroy the political freedom of individuals by subjecting them
to verbal threats, physical violence and torture.
This uncivilised trend, which is not compatible with the modern world, will
be immediately and permanently controlled and the political freedom of
every citizen of the country will be protected.
The freedom of speech of every citizen will be protected and the rule of
law will be upheld so that no other citizen's freedom of speech or any other
freedom is impeded.
Among the various and divergent views held by the inhabitants on the
affairs of the republic, the most successful proposition will be chosen by
free and fair vote, after peaceful and rational debate. This is democracy.
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NAMAL VISION
Also, those who hold one cultural identity will not be allowed to discriminate
against another cultural identity as low or high, so that the ceremonies and
practices built on the cultural roots and beliefs of the respective communities
can be carried out peacefully without disturbing the other communities.
Linguistic and other structural barriers that may interfere with such
interconnection will be minimised as much as possible using ICT.
But there are also cases where certain religious teachings incite their
followers to act against the other faiths. Therefore, efforts will be made to
ensure that religious teachings will always be in the best interest of the
individual and society.
Moreover, a free environment will be created where every citizen can gain
a broad understanding of various religious beliefs and philosophies by
providing a basic education about various religious teachings to every
citizen as well as through peaceful and respectful conversations.
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NEXT STEP
This document contains the development We will never allow another war to break out in
targets for Sri Lanka and the strategies to our homeland again. And we will never again
achieve them. To make this a reality on the allow an economic crisis to occur under any
ground, we all must work together with the circumstances. I respectfully ask you to vote for
same determination for the betterment of our me, and have faith in our party’s ability and my
country. vision of building a developed country for you.