The election manifesto of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa was unveiled at an event in Colombo today. 

The SLPP Presidential candidate’s election manifesto is titled ‘Namal Dekma’. 

The election manifesto was launched in the presence of former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa, former ministers Chamal Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, and Johnston Fernando, and Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. (Newswire)

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The election manifesto of the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya Presidential candidate MP Sajith Premadasa outlines the changes it will make concerning the Pay As You Earn Tax (PAYE).

The election manifesto, titled ‘A win for all’, states that the unfair burden-sharing structure of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supported tax code revision that is forcing professionals to seek employment abroad, will be revised. 

“The solution to increase government revenue is not confined to raising taxes. One of our first acts will be to introduce digital technology to increase revenue, and minimize expenditure and corruption,” the manifestos states. 

As per the election manifesto, some highlights of the revised structure that will not disturb the overall revenue targets, but will reduce the heavy burden on the middle class, are as follows:

• Personal Income Tax: 

Personal income tax after the Tax-free slab of Rs 100,000 per month will start at just 1% and increase up to 24% income up to around half a million per month. Thereafter, current rates will apply to high-income earners. 

• Corporate Income Tax: 

We intend to reduce up to 6% from the present 30% rate for profits on exports and introduce a 15% Base Erosion and Profit Shifting  (BEPS) minimum alternate tax for multinational companies. 

• Value Added Tax (VAT) : 

We intend to reduce VAT to 15% once tax compliance improves through the use of Public Digital Infrastructure to widen the tax net. Certain identified items in addition to essential food as consumables and inputs shall be made zero-rated for VAT. 

• Excise tax on cigarettes and alcohol and taxes on casinos will be adjusted to fund tax reductions. 
• A guaranteed up to 15% savings interest rate will be provided for senior citizen savings. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader and Presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya MP Sajith Premadasa’s election manifesto was launched in Kandy today.

MP Premadasa’s election manifesto, titled ‘A win for all’, was presented to the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. 

MP Premadasa’s election manifesto is expected to be released to the business community and the public on 04 September 2024.

Meanwhile, members of the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya also provided a briefing on the election manifesto of MP Sajith Premadasa at a press conference held at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. 

MP Sajith Premadasa will contest as the Presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa’s election manifesto;

Download: English Manifesto

Download: Sinhala Manifesto

Download: Tamil Manifesto (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has outlined the priorities of a five-year plan in his election manifesto, titled ‘Five years of winning the country with Ranil’, which was launched today. 

The President will contest the 2024 Presidential Election as an independent candidate under the gas cylinder symbol.

In his policy statement, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has outlined priorities such as easing the cost of living, creating jobs, offering tax relief, promoting economic growth, and implementing the Aswesuma and Urumaya programs.

Following is a summary of the President’s election manifesto;

• Reducing The Cost Of Living

Prices on food essentials have dropped since 2022 and are continuing to reduce making it easier for families to afford food. My plan will remove taxes on essentials and make available more local produce while bringing in the things we need from overseas.

• More Jobs And Higher Wages

New employment opportunities will be created, thereby expanding the job market. Additionally, new income-generation opportunities will be developed.  

• Cutting Your Taxes

We will be taking steps to pay tax-free service incentives to professionals in the future. Many people are suffering due to indirect taxes; we will take measures to systematically abolish indirect taxes. 

These two tasks will be executed within the next two years and tax relief will be provided to taxpayers. 

• A Plan For Our Economy

Our economy is improving, but there is more to be done. My plan welcomes investment, meaning we can pay for the services we need – like better healthcare, education and more training. Our economic progress will mean a stable and productive future.

• Delivering Urumaya and Aswasuma

We guarantee that Urumaya and Aswasuma will be delivered and expanded – meaning more stability and prosperity for everyone.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s election manifesto: https://www.ranil2024.lk/manifesto (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has launched his election manifesto at an event held in Colombo today. 

The President’s election manifesto, titled ‘Five years of winning the country with Ranil’, is expected to be based on five key points. 

The President will contest the 2024 Presidential Election as an independent candidate under the gas cylinder symbol. 

The President unveiled his election manifesto in the presence of several religious leaders, and politicians, including Prime Minister Dinesh Guanwardena, Bandula Gunawardena, Ali Sabry, Manusha Nanayakkara, and Nimal Siripala de Silva. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced he will unveil his election manifesto tomorrow (29 Aug). 

The President further said that his election manifesto will outline his plan and vision for building a new Sri Lanka.

The President emphasized that it is essential to think about the country before thinking of party politics.

“I am only surrounded by people who thought of the country first. We must think of the future and move forward,” he said, responding to allegations that he had joined certain political parties.  

President Wickremesinghe further pointed out that an export-oriented economy can reduce food costs, create job opportunities, increase income and reduce taxes, which was the way forward for the country.

“This is my election policy. Once we manage our economy and strengthen it we should be able to reduce taxes. Developing the economy through a new economic plan and creating new income means will lead to a reduction in taxes. If we reduce taxes now, we will fall into another crisis,” he warned.  

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made the announcement while addressing the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally in Mawanella yesterday.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, scheduled for 21 September. (Newswire)

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National People’s Power (NPP) Presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake unveiled his election manifesto today. 

The event, held in Thalawathugoda, saw the presence of religious leaders, prominent figures from various sectors, and NPP and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party members, including Sunil Handunetti and MP Harini Amarasuriya. (Newswire)

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Two Presidential candidates are scheduled to unveil their election manifestos this week. 

National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Leader and Presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake will be the first to unveil his election manifesto, at an event in Colombo on Monday. 

According to an NPP spokesman, the election manifesto will be revealed at 10.00 am during a ceremony at the Monarch Imperial Hotel in Thalawathugoda.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Presidential candidate MP Sajith Premadasa will unveil his election manifesto on Wednesday (28 Aug).

The head of the SJB’s election operations, Sujeeva Senasinghe said the election manifesto will be unveiled in Colombo, but the time and location will be announced soon.

MP Premadasa’s election manifesto, framed within a social market economic system, focuses on various sectors, including education, agriculture, digitisation, health, entrepreneurship, and the cooperative system, Senasinghe added.

Furthermore, the United National Party (UNP) is scheduled to hold a special conference at its party headquarters in Sirikotha today (25 Aug) Chaired by party leader and Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The special conference, which will begin at 02.00 pm, has been organized to seek approval of President Wickremesinghe’s candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Election, in which he will contest as an independent candidate. (Newswire)

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