Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the United National Party (UNP) is preparing to hold discussions with political parties, excluding the political grouping based in Pelawatte, on a proposed national policy framework aimed at addressing Sri Lanka’s long-term challenges.
Speaking at a UNP Working Committee meeting at the party headquarters in Pitakotte, Wickremesinghe said a discussion paper had been prepared to facilitate talks on the country’s political and economic future.
“This has not been prepared only for the United National Party. We are talking to all parties except Pelawatte,” Wickremesinghe said.
He said the objective was to reach the broadest possible agreement among political parties on a common national programme.
The former President proposed establishing a policy framework that could be maintained for approximately 20 years, focusing on economic stability, investment promotion, job creation and improvements in living standards.
He expressed concern over the economic difficulties faced by Sri Lankans, warning that sections of the middle class were experiencing declining living standards.
Wickremesinghe also outlined proposals for electoral reform, including electing 125 Members of Parliament through constituencies and ensuring 25% female representation among candidates nominated by political parties.
He proposed that 25 of the remaining 100 parliamentary seats allocated through the list system should also be held by women.
Other proposals included establishing a separate Constitutional Court, strengthening anti-corruption measures and implementing recommendations from the IMF-supported Governance Diagnostic Assessment.
Wickremesinghe said the proposals were based on principles outlined in the UNP’s 1975 policy declaration.
He emphasized that the document was not a final policy statement and could be amended following discussions with political parties and other groups.
The former President also said he intended to entrust the initiative to the younger generation. (Newswire)
