Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa presented the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) Ten-Point Program to rebuild the country during a workshop held on February 13 in Colombo for party members. The discussion, centered on the 2025 budget, was attended by SJB leaders and party activists.
During the meeting, Premadasa explained the party’s ten-point plan to rescue Sri Lanka from its current economic crisis. He emphasized that these policies were developed based on grassroots and expert input and could be adjusted according to evolving needs.
The 10 Key Points of the Program:
1. Human Capitalism for National Development – Economic growth must be driven by private-sector entrepreneurship, with limited government intervention in essential sectors like energy security.
2. Limited State Intervention to Correct Imbalances – The economic divide must be addressed through a broad humanitarian capitalist approach, ensuring fair income distribution.
3. Preserving the Welfare State While Expanding Opportunities – Free education and healthcare should be strengthened with modern technologies and alternative educational pathways.
4. A Time-Bound Program to Eliminate Poverty – Rather than fostering dependency, policies should focus on empowering people to break free from poverty.
5. Balanced Economic Growth Across All Provinces – Economic growth must be decentralized, ensuring all nine provinces contribute equitably to national GDP.
6. Modernizing Agriculture with New Technology – The agriculture and plantation sectors should be upgraded with advanced technology, following global best practices.
7. Empowering All Sri Lankans Without Discrimination – Every citizen should have equal economic, social, and cultural opportunities, fostering a unified national identity.
8. Strengthening Democracy – Fundamental rights should be expanded to include economic and social rights, ensuring greater democratic participation.
9. Sustainable Development – Future development must be environmentally responsible, integrating eco-friendly policies.
10. Foreign Relations That Add Value – Diplomacy should be balanced and strategic, strengthening relationships that bring economic and geopolitical benefits.
Premadasa reiterated that SJB’s vision is to create a fair, growth-oriented, and people-centric economy while maintaining Sri Lanka’s democratic and non-aligned stance on global affairs. (SJB)