• Pledges a comprehensive prog. to combat corruption, streamline fiscal regulations
• Says will introduce a smart tax system, foster entrepreneur-friendly economy and upgrade agri. sector

The leader of the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera called on all citizens to rally around the 'Sarvajana Balaya' alliance to transform Sri Lanka into a happy nation through the concept of an entrepreneurial state where every citizen enjoys a respectful life.

Jayaweera was declared the candidate for the Sravajana Balaya alliance following a unanimous decision by its Executive Council. 

Speaking at a special convention held yesterday (4) at the Sugathadasa Stadium, where he was announced as the presidential candidate of the Sarvajana Balaya alliance, Jayaweera laid out his vision for the country, promising  to introduce a comprehensive and practical programme to combat corruption, highlighting the alliance's aim to create a 'happy nation'.

He outlined his plan to introduce a programme that would issue a 'unique identity' number at birth to combat corruption and streamline administrative and fiscal regulations including accounts. He noted that similar programmes have been successfully implemented in other countries, including neighbouring India, to address various issues, especially corruption. "Six-month period is enough to introduce the system to Sri Lanka," he said, expressing confidence in the feasibility of the initiative. He also pointed out that this programme is often hindered by politicians, bureaucracy, and the business elite who do not want corruption to be uprooted.

In his address, Jayaweera pledged to introduce a smart tax system that would be favourable to all, including entrepreneurs of all scales. He promised to foster an entrepreneur-friendly economy, stating: "We will create an entrepreneur-friendly economy that benefits everyone." He also emphasised the importance of upgrading public services to make them more efficient and to ensure that public servants lead respectful lives. "We will upgrade the public services to a very efficient level and ensure that public servants' lives are respectful," he said.

Jayaweera also called upon security service employees and retired personnel to support him, urging them not to rally around parties that have not treated them well in the past. "I urge all security service employees and retired personnel to gather around us, rather than supporting parties that did not treat you well in the past," he stated. He further elaborated on his vision for the agricultural sector, aiming to transform farmers into entrepreneurs to increase their wealth and ensure the country's food security. "My vision is to convert farmers into entrepreneurs, make them richer and to ensure the country's food security," he said.

Jayaweera pointed out the importance of family as the most critical unit of society, asserting that only the Sarvajana Balaya alliance has the vision to create happy families. "Only Sarvajana Balaya has the vision to make happy families, which are the most important units of society," he noted.

He also stated that the second stage of the alliance's policy framework is scheduled to launch in the days to come and invited all citizens to study it before deciding their stance.

The convention saw the attendance of several key members of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, including former Governor Anuradha Yahampath, Opposition Parliamentarian (MP) Wimal Weerawansa, MP Udaya Gammanpila, MP Gevindu Cumaratunga, and others.