UNP’s 70th convention:

Comprehensive political reforms on the cards

By Maneshka Borham

President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the 70th convention of the United National Party (UNP), pledged that the two main parties will work together to rebuild the country while introducing comprehensive political reforms, including the proposed new Constitution.

¨Let us forget our differences and ideologies to move forward as a country by adopting newer ideologies to fit the modern world,” Prime Minister Wickremesinghe told cheering crowds who attended the party’s anniversary event at the Campbell Park, Colombo, last morning.

Together we can overcome all challenges to create a far superior democracy for our future generations so that they may achieve all their personal ambitions,” he said.

President Maithipala Sirisena was the chief guest at the convention, while former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga attended the anniversary event as a special guest representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

In his speech, the Prime Minister apologized to the public for any possible failures on their part while emphasizing the need to focus on the future.¨

“We have already initiated various development projects to achieve this goal and uplift the economy,” he said, while promising to significantly reduce the debts of the country by 2020.

The Prime Minister also promised better education facilities and career training for youth.

¨Land and houses will be given to all those in need, around the island, starting from January 2017,” he said adding that 500,000 houses will be built for those in need while three banks will be consolidated to create one bank to provide concessionary housing loans to the public.

He also assured that the government is moving towards a political solution and taken the initial steps to formulate a new Constitution. ¨This is the best opportunity for all communities to come together to create national unity in the country,” he said, adding that if national unity is achieved the country will progress as a much faster pace.

Wickremesinghe also went on to stress that the UNP is in fact a patriotic political party despite attempts by various individuals to paint a different picture.

President Maithripala Sirisena, speaking at the anniversary event, said the government was dedicated to fulfill the ruling alliance’s election manifesto.

“Ït is my responsibility and we will see it through,” he said, expressing confidence that the two parties can in fact build the country together. He also thanked the UNP membership for their efforts in electing him as the President.

The President also requested media outlets to refrain from disseminating false information about the proposed political and Constitutional reforms. A Convention Proposal was made and adopted by unanimous vote at the event.

A book compiled on the UNP’s 70 year journey was also presented to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, at the event.