United Republican Front (URF) Leader MP Patali Champika Ranawaka who is backing Presidential Candidate and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa shares his views on current political developments ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Patali Champika fears whether this will be the last democratic election that will be conducted in Sri Lanka.
Q: You were a harsh critic of Sajith Premadasa. But you sided with him at the last minute to back him at the presidential elections. How did you take such a U-turn?
It is a policy matter. We published a pragmatic action plan and handed it over to all the political leaders including the SJB Leader. He is the only credible leader who accepted it totally. We entered into a MoU with him. On the one side, we see a hardline Bolshevik, left wing party emerging on a populist wave.
Q: How much money or revenue can be generated in this manner by developing digitization according to your plan?
If you conduct government services such as issuing e -passports, e – driving licenses based on online transactions, it can be done. All transactions must be done on electronic platforms.
Q: You mean doing away with the cash economy?
Yes, that is to do away with the cash economy to opt for e-rupee. First we should introduce a digital wallet. That way, within two years’ time, we can establish this system and capture the market which is not now accounted for.
Q: Currently the target is to achieve a revenue target of 15 percent of the Gross Domestic Production (GDP). Is it possible?
Yes we will achieve it. We are planning to double the revenue level to cross the mark of eight trillion rupees.
Q: How certain are you about victory at this election?
The people must know that they have been deceived through a media campaign. They should know that these people cannot run the country.
Daily Mirror
