UNP releases election manifesto

[TamilNet, Saturday, 02 September 2000, 14:46 GMT]
The election manifesto released today by the United National Party (UNP) stated that the constitution would not be amended until a political solution to devolve powers agreeable to all political parties is reached. The clergy, civil organisations and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would also be consulted for a broad consensus, the manifesto further said.

A strategic plan would be put into operation to decrease the level of the military offensive. An interim board for the northern and eastern provinces would be set up for a short period while appointing an independent committee to probe the problems of the displaced, the UNP manifesto further stated.

The Executive Presidency would be abolished and a Prime Minister elected by the voters would be given executive powers. The Prime Minister's position would be made fully accountable to the parliament. The term of office of parliament would be reduced to five years from six, said the election manifesto of the UNP.

Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe released the manifesto at the 53rd annual convention of the United National Party held at Colombo Municipal grounds this morning.