RADICAL STATEMENT ENDORSED BY THE WORKING COMMITTEE AT THE MEETING HELD ON 30 OCTOBER 2012 AT “SIRIKOTHA

The UNP believes that every person deserves a chance and the government needs to help everyone to secure that chance.  The Rajapaksa economy based on drug money, hot money and black money has instead deprived the people of that opportunity to get ahead in life.  Power and wealth are today concentrated in the hands of 1% of the country.  This has been achieved through Government control, both direct and indirect, of the economy.  An economy based on the primacy of markets where those who manipulate the market also control the capital.


A system under which Government losses are socialized; ie.  all of us have to bear the burden, while the profits are privatized. ie.  benefits only 1%.

The UNP’s Radical Statement specifically rejects the Colombo Stock Market capitalism based on the primacy of markets.  We have again reiterated our belief in a highly competitive social market economy.  This is in keeping with Chapter VI of the 1978 Constitution.   ie. Directive Principles of State Policy as well as Economic Objectives of the European Union.   Therefore, the Radical Statement upholds the primacy of politics where the principles relating to the Market Economy is determined by the political process which is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all.

The Radical Statement also emphasizes a UNP commitment for the empowerment of women who constitute more than half its population and do not enjoy equal rights to their self determination and self fulfillment by ensuring economic and political empowerment for women.


The other highlights of the Radical Statement are:    
Firstly, a political system that will ensure to every person
a.    the full benefits education including, 13 years of compulsory school education, health care, social protection and housing;
b.    equal opportunities for upward social mobility and success
c.    an adequate income  enabling every person to exercise the freedom to select from a wide range of goods and services  which fashions his/her lifestyle.
d.    Promote social equality by identifying and eliminating where  necessary through affirmative action, the barriers  establishing social exclusion.

Secondly, a system of Government based on
a.    a new constitution which will achieve the stability necessary for a Sri Lankan identity, national unity, strengthening the democratic institutions and rights, upholding equality, rule of law, re-establishing the independent Commissions, a representative Government based on a Cabinet of Ministers responsible to Parliament, provision for devolution of power and term limits for the President and other key office holders.
b.  A legal framework to promote  national reconciliation by implementing the LLRC Report and the undertakings given by the Government of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Organisation.
c.    The “Universal Access to Education” as a fundamental right and a Right to Education Law.
d.    New laws  to combat bribery and corruption including
(i)    enforcing the UN Convention on Corruption with an effective and independent anti corruption mechanism;
(ii)    protecting public property and archeological treasures from politicians and their supporters;
(iii)    implementing the Right to Information Act and
(iv)    providing transparent and accountable public funding of political parties  to eliminate the pressure from interest groups  thereby enabling citizens to participate in government.

Thirdly, safeguarding the environment by taking effective measures to safeguard the environment through sustainable development including a low carbon economy.

This is a radical programme which Invest in people - Invest in values - Invest in the environment - Invest in social welfare - Invest in infrastructure - Invest in enterprises - Invest in jobs.

A radical programme for you, your children and for Sri Lanka.