Sajith Premadasa Announces New Program to Eradicate Poverty – (Video)

Sajith Premadasa, the presidential candidate for Samagi Jana Balawega, has introduced an ambitious plan to tackle poverty in Sri Lanka by harnessing the potential of the country’s cooperative movement. The announcement was made during a cooperative industry and trade meeting held at the Nelum Pokuna Theater in Colombo on August 20, 2024.

Premadasa emphasized the need for a new approach to address poverty, which he believes has been exacerbated by systemic issues beyond the control of ordinary people. He proposed that involving the cooperative sector, which operates across various industries and communities, could provide a robust solution. His vision includes empowering cooperatives to play a more significant role in economic development and poverty alleviation.

During the event, Premadasa signed an agreement with cooperative leaders from all nine provinces of Sri Lanka. This agreement outlines a collaborative framework for implementing the new poverty eradication program. The initiative aims to leverage the extensive network and grassroots presence of cooperatives to deliver support and resources directly to those in need.

Premadasa’s proposal reflects a strategic shift towards utilizing existing local structures to address economic disparities. He believes that by strengthening and expanding the cooperative movement, the program will provide sustainable and effective solutions to poverty. The program is expected to include measures such as improved access to financial services, better infrastructure support, and enhanced training for cooperative members.

The event was attended by key figures from the cooperative sector, government officials, and members of the public, all of whom expressed support for Premadasa’s initiative. The cooperative leaders who signed the agreement have committed to working closely with Premadasa to ensure the successful implementation of the program.

This move comes at a crucial time as Sri Lanka faces ongoing economic challenges, and Premadasa’s proposal aims to offer a new pathway for addressing these issues through collective effort and cooperative principles.