MR Manifesto Turns Out To Be A Flop

Despite postponing the launch that was scheduled for yesterday to re-write President Rajapaksa’s manifesto, ‘Mahinda Chintana- Lowa Dinana Maga’ that was abruptly launched this morning, has turned out to be an absolute flop.

Mahinda ElectionsSources claim the launch of ‘Mahinda Chintana- Lowa Dinana Maga’ was earlier scheduled to be held at the BMICH on Monday but was postponed for this Friday (26) instead. The preparations and drafting of the manifesto had been placed under the charge of Youth Affairs Minister and SLFP frontliner Dullas Alahapperuma. The decision to postpone the launch had been reportedly made after President Rajapaksa as well as his close allies felt agitated upon perusing through common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena’s manifesto that was released last Friday (19).

However, upon realizing that it would miss the postal voters if released this Friday, a hasty launch had been arranged for this morning.

Despite ranting about former President Chandrika Kumaratunga‘s delay to attend events, journalists who attended the event said it commenced about one and a half hours later than the scheduled time. Due to the severe disorganization, the manifesto copies had been distributed among the party members, local government officials, party leaders, senior state officials, artistes and journalists present at the occasion straight out of the printing press and only the Sinhala copies had been made available.

Even after the attempt to re-write the manifesto for it to be on par with that of the common Opposition candidate, the manifesto does not seem to promise much. However, a pledge has been made to develop Space technology in Sri Lanka.

Although no mention has been made about constitutional amendments or the abolition of the Executive Presidency, during his speech at the launch President Rajapaksa had made a mention of his intention to introduce a new Constitution.