According to NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) will release its election manifesto in the third week of August, most likely on August 20 or 21.A number of sector-specific policy frameworks have already been introduced by the NPP, such as the Engineering Policy Concept Papers and the Science and Technology policy framework.In an effort to increase the size of its voter base, Dr. Amarasuriya said that the NPP has actively engaged with rural communities over the last three years. At first, most NPP voters were professionals who lived in cities, but they are trying to reach out to a wider audience. But now, she said, they have a lot of support in the villages.
“Harini criticises the way the government handles foreign agreements.”
She said that the parliamentary election that comes after the presidential election frequently serves as an opportunistic catalyst for the current formation of political alliances.This is what drives the majority of MPs. They back different presidential candidates because they think that by supporting the victor on September 21st, they will be guaranteed a seat in Parliament. But I don’t think this strategy works anymore,” she remarked.Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised that the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration’s propensity to make deals with foreign parties without giving them enough thought poses a serious risk. It becomes incredibly difficult to break free from these agreements once they are established.
We signed a bad agreement with the IMF, and it will take work to renegotiate. With the public, we have always been truthful. It is false to assert that these agreements cannot be negotiated, though. To secure the best possible deal and make the necessary amendments, the government must exercise patience and astuteness, according to her.Another agreement pertaining to the establishment of a wind farm in Mannar with Adani was mentioned by Amarasuriya. Two agreements exist: one with Adani and the other between the two countries. “The agreement we signed with India on renewable energy is still in effect, but the Supreme Court is currently reviewing the agreement with Adani.” According to two powerful Ministers, the deal with Adani was a government-to-government arrangement. This was said by Kanchana Wijesekera in Parliament and by Ali Sabry at an Indian press conference. We only know what the government has revealed, so the details of the deal are unknown,” she said.
According to the NPP, the party has to show that it is capable of running the nation and conducting diplomacy. “We have to demonstrate to the populace that we are mature enough, and I think we are doing so in the course of the election. We also need to respect people and act with integrity. Our leadership and policies are too strong for our rivals to match. They are now attempting to frighten people. Our opponents now say that we will be dangerous in power rather than that we are losing, the speaker stated.
She pointed out that during the last two years, there has been a noticeable brain drain that needs to be halted and reversed. She recommended that the way forward is to establish a workplace where individuals can work with satisfaction and dignity.
“Most professionals just don’t feel happy.” Not wages and taxes are the reason for people’s departure. Professionals are not happy. They are unable to work and uphold the honour of their profession. Whether they work in a university or a school, teachers are the ones most impacted by this problem. Most of our time is spent filling out forms, not teaching or researching. The government expects these institutions to support themselves, and those who instruct postgraduate students have not been compensated. We have turned into marketers instead of bettering the courses,” she remarked.
