The Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS), led by presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, launched its “Win for all” election manifesto, laying out his vision for Sri Lanka’s future. The manifesto, rooted in Social Democratic principles, promises a Social Market Economy that balances market efficiency with social justice.
Key highlights include a commitment to eradicating corruption, fostering a green economy, and implementing a rapid modernisation of agriculture. The manifesto also outlines plans to amend the IMF-guided economic program to better support the poor, reform State enterprises, and improve the transport sector.
The SJS aims to bolster tourism, promote eco-tourism, and introduce a visa-free entry program for 100 countries. The manifesto emphasises support for MSMEs, technological innovation, and industrial development, pledging to create a “Green Tech Innovation Hub” network and expedite infrastructure projects across the country.
Premadasa’s vision also includes establishing a State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Holding Company modeled after Singapore’s Temasek, aimed at better managing public assets. The manifesto proposes major reforms in the construction sector, including the “Build Sri Lanka Fair” initiative and enhanced support for small and medium enterprises.
Key Highlights of the Manifesto:
· Building a Resilient Economy The manifesto emphasises a Social Market Economy model, stating, “We will foster equitable and inclusive growth, harnessing the power of markets while ensuring social justice and protection for all.”
* Eradicating Corruption
A strong commitment to tackling corruption is highlighted, with promises to introduce “strong anti-corruption laws” and establish “an independent Public Prosecutor’s Office free of political interference.” All Government procurement processes will be moved to a digital platform to enhance transparency.
* Amending the IMF-Guided Program
Addressing the current economic challenges, the manifesto states, “We will strengthen fiscal discipline as per the IMF agreement… [But] amend the program to guarantee relief to the poverty-stricken and improve quality of life for all Sri Lankans.” The plan also includes controlling Government expenditure, reducing waste, and reforming state enterprises.
In the case of agreeing to a solution that allows for ‘claw back’ clauses for foreign creditors to benefit from more than expected GDP growth, we will insist that‘comparability of treatment’ be extended to the EPF that bore the brunt of the domestic debt restructure.
Although the IMF program has focused on increasing revenue, it has not adequately addressed Government expenditure control. Therefore, our economic vision aims to control wasteful Government spending and corruption. This includes reforming state enterprises.
Funds so saved will be utilised to implement a social safety net for the distressed population and to strengthen education and health sectors.
* Port City
We will amend the law to make the Port City the Asian Regional Centre for technology services including Fintech, Biotech and Nanotech.
* Agricultural Modernisation
The manifesto outlines a “rapid, smart technology-driven agricultural modernisation program to reduce rural poverty, increase productivity, and promote sector growth.” This includes initiatives like protected agriculture, AI-assisted hydroponic farming, and the establishment of a National Land Bank to optimise land utilisation.
* Enhancing Government Services
Promising reforms across various sectors, the manifesto highlights the need for efficient and modernised infrastructure. This includes the speedy completion of key transport projects, such as the Central Expressway and railway modernisation, alongside improvements in airport and seaport facilities.
* Tourism and Eco-Tourism
The manifesto pledges to implement a visa-free entry program for citizens of 100 countries, allowing them to visit Sri Lanka for up to one month without the need for a pre-arrival visa. It also focuses on promoting eco-tourism, positioning Sri Lanka as a premier wildlife destination while ensuring sustainable practices.
* Industrial and Entrepreneurial Growth
SJS Government will “expedite the work at Millawa, Millaniya, and Bingiriya export processing zones and establish 25 new state-of-the-art industrial zones.” The manifesto also promises to “facilitate One Million Start-ups and launch the ‘18+ Startup Project’ to empower young entrepreneurs.”
* National Land Bank and Agricultural Development
An SJS-led Government will establish a National Land Bank to optimise land use and streamline market operations. To stabilise rice prices, SJS plans to reintroduce the nationwide ‘Shakthi’ rice miller cooperative program and establish ‘Prabhashwara’—a network of climate-controlled agricultural warehouses to reduce post-harvest losses and lower food prices.
The manifesto also promises to waive farmer loans, offers a 50kg fertiliser bag for Rs. 5,000 with continuous availability, and ensure access to high-yield seeds, planting materials, pesticides, tools, and technology at fair prices. The SJS also envisions creating a “Farmer Intelligence Service” to help farmers obtain fair prices for their products. The manifesto vows to curb the large-scale rice mill mafia that exploits paddy farmers and sells rice at excessive prices.
* Improved deep-sea fishing
The Government aims to enhance deep-sea fish harvest forecasting using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), developing methods to instantly communicate this information to the fishing community.
* State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) holding company
Plans to overhaul the public service through digitalisation and introducing key performance indicators to enhance productivity. This will improve management, transparency and efficiency while minimising corruption.
* Establishing a SOE Holding Company is central to State-owned enterprise reform. This company will provide a centralised framework for managing SOEs, modeled after Singapore’s ‘Temasek.’ The level of state shareholding in each SOE will be determined by balancing national security interests with international competitiveness and efficiency.
* Transport infrastructure
The manifesto commits to the rapid completion of the Central Expressway and railway modernisation projects, including the Kelani Valley railway line, and the introduction of a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system for expressways. Priority will also be given to completing the second terminal at Katunayake International Airport and converting domestic airports into civil airports. The government will also invite private sector participation in seaport development.
* Tourism
The SJS Government will implement recommendations from the “Tourism Policy for Sri Lanka, a Blueprint for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth” and annul the corrupt “VFS visa agreement” signed by the current Government. A new system will allow foreign tourists to obtain visas easily and at a lower cost. The manifesto also proposes a visa-free entry program for citizens of 100 countries, enabling them to visit Sri Lanka for up to one month without a pre-arrival visa.
The SJS will promote eco-tourism, positioning Sri Lanka as a premier wildlife destination, especially for leopard watching, while ensuring sustainable practices that protect natural habitats.
* Industry and innovation
The SJS Government pledges to expedite work on the Millawa, Millaniya, and Bingiriya export processing zones and establish 25 new industrial zones across Sri Lanka. The manifesto proposes creating a nationwide ‘Green Tech Innovation Hub’ network, leveraging natural resources and tech talent to position Sri Lanka as a leader in sustainable technology. TThe SJS will also establish a streamlined ‘One-Stop Shop’ for industry registrations, consolidating necessary Government approvals into a single location. The manifesto emphasises depoliticising cooperatives and strengthening cooperative banks to protect savings. It also plans to spark innovation by facilitating One Million Start-ups and launching the ‘18+ Startup Project’ to empower young entrepreneurs.
* Construction sector
The SJS will launch the ‘Build Sri Lanka Fair’ initiative, reintroducing contractor grade clustering to ensure fair competition among small, medium, and large firms. This initiative will also promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM). The ‘Swift Build, Smart Resolve’ program will streamline dispute resolution and enhance regulatory compliance in the construction sector.
* Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
The manifesto mandates all State and commercial banks to establish dedicated MSME loan departments that will assess loan situations on a case-by-case basis. Through Central Bank directives, banks will convert existing loans into long-term loans with concessionary interest rates for genuinely affected businesses, ensuring sustainable support for the MSME sector.
The SJS will provide an interest subsidy for converting three-wheelers with combustion engines to electric engines, reducing daily petrol costs for drivers.
In response to pressure from the SJB, the Government suspended the enforcement of the Parate Law until December 15,2024, providing relief to the MSME sector. Under future governance, we commit to granting a reasonable extension to this suspension. We will mandate all State and commercial banks to establish dedicated MSME loan departments.
* Digital health infrastructure Efficiency in the public sector health sector will be transformed with high-tech solutions from drug procurement to all health services. Lessons learnt in using digital technology in ‘1990 Suwa Seriya’ being classified one of the world’s most advanced and fastest ambulance services, will be incorporated into enhancing quality and efficiency.
Energy and utility reforms Our approach in power and energy will focus on implementing transparent, automated systems that minimise individual discretion, close loopholes for manipulation, and eliminate the incentives for ‘dealmakers’ to push unsolicited proposals.
* Science, technology, and research
To promote Artificial Intelligence in Sri Lanka, the SJS Government will establish a “State Research Fund” of 5 billion rupees per year, available to both State and non-State universities for research and development, including curriculum development.
An Incubator centre will be created near the Homagama Technology City to support university and external young research teams engaged in commercially important research.
Chamikara Weerasinghe
