Releasing its election manifesto, the DNA promised to focus on national reconciliation through decentralising of the administration on the basis of a scientific model and establishing equal status to all races and communities.

The main aim of the DNA manifesto was to strengthen democracy, work on national reconciliation, economic development, elimination of corruption and national security.

DNA Leader Gen. Sarath Fonseka’s wife Anoma Fonseka and the Party’s General Secretary Vijitha Herath presented the copies of the manifesto ‘Manussathwaye Sammuthiya’ to the religious dignitaries yesterday morning.

The party has also pledged to bring down the cost of living and ensure benefits for the families of soldiers who died in action. The DNA says it will scrap the executive presidency and scale down the emergency regulations to create normalcy in the country.

The DNA further said that if the party is elected to power, it would appoint only 30 Cabinet Ministers and the chairmanship of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Public Accounts Committee will be handed over to the opposition.

The government, the DNA was aspiring to form, has been named as ‘National Reconciliation Government’ in the manifesto.

The DNA also promises to implement the provisions of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution in full and to establish the independent commissions.

The manifesto says that, if elected, the DNA will bring in laws to stop MPs crossing over from one party to another, allowing for allocation to cast his or her vote according to his or her conscience.

It has also reiterated the implementation of the Rs 10,000 salary increment promised to each government sector employee made at the last presidential election. The DNA also promises to increase the daily wage of an estate sector employee to Rs 500 minimum.

The manifesto also said that all unemployed graduates would be absorbed into the state sector with immediate effect.

The DNA also pledged to ensure the franchise of the Sri Lankan expatriates.

The party had promised to continue with free education and health care, public transport service and housing schemes for the underprivileged in the society.(SI)

Courtesy: Island