A free-market economy operates differently than other types of economies, in that it promotes the efficiency of doing business. In a free market, the government has limited power to regulate transactions, and most of the rules it enacts are aimed at protecting consumers, the environment, market participants, and national security. This limited government intervention creates an environment that promotes increased efficiency and competition.

In a free market, businesses are incentivized to lower their costs and improve their quality in order to increase their market share. This competition leads to more choice and better access to products and services at lower prices for consumers. However, it is important to note that free and competitive markets in the modern world require checks and balances from all three branches of the government, judicial independence, respect for human rights, and transparency in national policy making to ensure their existence. These values strengthen the core values of true democracy.

Therefore, while a free market economy can create economic growth and promote competition, it must be accompanied by a strong and effective government that ensures fairness, transparency, and accountability for all market participants. By maintaining a balance between government regulation and free market principles, we can create an economy that benefits everyone and fosters long-term sustainable growth.

The global GDP has experienced an unprecedented threefold growth from $33 trillion in the year 2000 to $95 trillion in 2021. Experts predict that this remarkable trend will continue and reach $200 trillion by the year 2035. This growth has been fueled by the emergence of technology-driven economies in the past two decades, including digital, mobile, shared, decentralized, content creation, virtual, and space economies, among others.

Research and development (R&D) is a crucial element in creating new knowledge, leading to innovations and entrepreneurship, which are the foundational pillars of a thriving economy. Facilitating and promoting technology and R&D driven market activities is, therefore, the most practical and smartest approach to building a strong and resilient economy for Sri Lanka.

Capital market reforms and expansions, such as equity and debt capital markets, play a vital role in driving economic growth and wealth creation in a country. They offer better pricing and longer maturities, as well as access to a wider investor base. They also provide funding for riskier activities that may not traditionally be served by the banking sector and, in doing so, contribute significantly to innovation and growth in an economy.

Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, access to capital markets, especially equity capital markets, is almost non-existent. Urgent financial and monetary reforms are needed at the national level to bridge the gap between the creation and growth of new businesses and markets. By implementing adequate reforms and expanding access to capital markets, Sri Lanka can promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth, and ultimately build a stronger and more resilient economy for the future.

Deregulation can stimulate economic activities by removing barriers that prevent new businesses from entering the market. This increase in competition, coupled with innovation and entrepreneurship, can help to improve and increase market growth as businesses compete with each other.

However, doing business in Sri Lanka can be challenging, with excessive regulations at local and state levels making it difficult for new businesses to thrive. As such, responsible deregulation will be a primary focus of a small government. By streamlining regulations and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, new businesses will have a better chance of succeeding, creating more competition and driving economic growth.

It is important to note that responsible deregulation does not mean a complete removal of regulations. Certain regulations are necessary to protect consumers, workers, and the environment. A small government must strike a balance between eliminating unnecessary regulations and ensuring that essential regulations are in place to safeguard the public interest.

Ultimately, a market-driven economy that encourages competition and innovation is key to promoting economic growth and prosperity. By implementing responsible deregulation, a small government can help create a more dynamic and thriving business environment in Sri Lanka, ultimately driving the country’s economic growth and development.

We firmly believe that a small government is crucial for promoting efficient and flexible systems, which are vital for an emerging economy like Sri Lanka. Large governments, on the other hand, often lead to excessive red-tape and bureaucracy, which can create incentives and opportunities for bribery and corruption.

Moreover, evidence shows that most of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) operating for-profit do not contribute meaningfully to the national GDP. Instead, due to high inefficiencies and mismanagement, they drain money from the system, resulting in further economic burdens. Sri Lanka has an alarming 500+ state-owned enterprises, which is an unusually large number when compared globally. Unfortunately, the majority of these SOEs are loss-making, primarily due to mismanagement, inefficiencies, corruption, and excessive employment driven by political ambitions of past and present governments. This has put a tremendous burden on the hard-working taxpayers of the country.

Some examples of such loss-making SOEs include Sri Lankan Airlines, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Ceylon Electricity Board, Sri Lanka Post, Sri Lanka Railways, and Port Authority, to name a few. Given the current state of the nation on the verge of bankruptcy, coupled with a balance of payments crisis and potential government insolvency, we believe it is imperative to take immediate action to halt the internal cash bleeding by disposing of the majority of these loss-making entities.

While this may be a challenging task, it is critical to the long-term health and success of the economy. By disposing of the SOEs that are draining the economy, we can reduce the burden on taxpayers, encourage competition, and promote efficiency and growth. We are committed to taking bold action to address this issue and to promote a thriving, market-driven economy in Sri Lanka.

Entrepreneurship is a critical driver of economic growth and development. Entrepreneurial activities can lead to innovation, creativity, and the creation of new products, services, markets, jobs, and wealth. To create an entrepreneurial DNA at every level of society, we have developed several key strategies:

• Establish heavily deregulated Entrepreneurship Zones throughout the country, which will be fully equipped with essential infrastructure such as co-working spaces, fast internet, and power supply, and will be accessible to both local and foreign entrepreneurs.
  
  
• Implement the concept of Economic Gardening, which aims to promote an entrepreneurial culture within our society; by introducing new market concepts into the curriculums of schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
  
  
• Introduce a National Entrepreneurship Program to our national education system, which will help to develop the entrepreneurial mindset and skills of our students from a young age.
  
  
• Improve entrepreneurs’ access to local capital markets by introducing new capital market reforms. This will enable our startups to gain access to the funding they need to grow and develop.
  
  
• Promote startups among the international angel and venture capital investment communities, via a newly-built Startup Gateway, which will help our entrepreneurs gain access to global capital.
  
  
• Establish global-scale accelerator and incubator programs in Sri Lanka, which will provide startups with access to markets, capital, knowledge, and technology.
  
  
• Organize annual international trade shows locally, to expose our youth to new markets and inspire them to pursue entrepreneurship.

Through these efforts, we aim to build an entrepreneurial culture that permeates every level of society and creates a thriving economy for Sri Lanka.

To improve the performance and efficiency of government portfolios, we propose a new system in which subject matter experts (SMEs) are appointed to manage ministerial portfolios based on meritocracy rather than being elected MPs. Currently, the president appointed cabinet and state ministers who are elected MPs tend to perform poorly due to their lack of expertise. Additionally, investigations into corruption allegations in these portfolios are often hindered by MP privileges. Our proposed solution involves the following changes:

1. President-appointed cabinet or state ministers will play a nominal role in observing portfolio performance, without decision-making authority.
   
   
2. Credible civil servants or SMEs will be appointed as secretaries or chairpersons of portfolios based on meritocracy.
   
   
3. These SMEs will have full decision-making power and report only to the prime minister and/or the president.
   
   
4. The performance of SMEs will be reviewed bi-annually by a special parliament committee, based on pre-defined key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with the 10-year National Policy Plan.
   
   
5. SMEs will be fully accountable to the judiciary and parliament.
   
   
6. MPs will focus primarily on introducing and implementing bills, legislation, and national policies in line with the 10-year National Policy Plan.

These changes will ensure that ministerial portfolios are managed by subject matter experts who have the necessary skills and knowledge to make effective decisions. It will also allow for greater accountability and transparency in portfolio management, as SMEs will be accountable to the judiciary and parliament. This will help to prevent corruption and improve overall portfolio performance, benefiting Sri Lanka as a whole.

The rapid growth of data and digital technologies is transforming economies and societies, and has significant implications for government operations. Data-driven policy making not only leads to better policies but also builds trust and legitimacy. Unfortunately, the current government has made a major mistake by not implementing data-driven decision making in national policy formulation, which has contributed to the country’s ongoing economic crisis. Our approach is to adopt a whole-of-government strategy to establish a coherent and comprehensive data governance model that allows the government to provide better services while ensuring efficiency, transparency, and trustworthiness in data use. This will include measures such as setting data standards, promoting data sharing among agencies, building analytical capacity, ensuring data security, and creating a data-driven culture across all government sectors. By adopting this approach, we aim to improve the quality of decision-making, enhance government efficiency, and create a more prosperous and sustainable economy for all Sri Lankans.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education equips students with the necessary skills to meet the current labor demand in technology-based economies, making them more employable. This comprehensive education program encompasses a broad range of experiences and skills, including research, critical thinking, innovation, problem-solving, analytical abilities, and conscious decision-making. We firmly believe that STEAM education is essential for producing professionals who can transform our society with innovative and sustainable solutions. Moreover, STEAM will serve as the foundation of our technology-based economy for years to come.

Sri Lanka heavily relies on non-renewable energy sources to meet its energy demands, which leaves the country vulnerable to global fossil fuel supply and demand shocks and foreign exchange fluctuations. To build a strong economy, we believe that achieving national energy security and independence is crucial. To achieve this goal, we have developed a multi-fold approach, as outlined below:

–          Urgently implement the Crude Intermediation Model to address the current crude and refined product supply crisis. We plan to finance this process through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managed by a reputable international Investment Bank or a Commodities Brokerage Firm. Refineries (CPC), pipelines, and distributors will receive a market-rate fee only for the services they provide. The SPV will not assume any operational burdens of CPC under any circumstances.

–          Mitigate the price risk of crude/natural gas purchases by entering into long-term forwards and options contracts, and mitigate FX risk by swaps and futures contracts.

–          Mitigate supply chain, liquidity, and operational risks of crude/natural gas purchase, refining, and distribution by entering into long-term intermediation and physical contracts.

–          Accelerate the addition of renewable energy sources to the national energy supply system, such as solar, wind, and Green Hydrogen.

–          Work closely with Norway, Japan, and Australia, the pioneers of Green Hydrogen production and logistics, to introduce Green Hydrogen for local consumption.

–          Consider introducing a decentralized Independent System Operator mechanism to the national electricity/power supply to make it price competitive, highly reliable, and fully compatible with the country’s expected economic boom.

If implemented, the national power supply will be treated and protected as a matter of national security by the law of Sri Lanka, and any disruptions or unhealthy competition will be heavily regulated and penalized financially and under criminal law. Our goal is to achieve energy security and independence while promoting sustainable development and a thriving economy.

Banking the unbanked is a crucial measure towards achieving inclusive economic growth. It not only uplifts the economic conditions of underprivileged communities but also drives overall economic development. Financial inclusion leads to higher income, increased savings, and the ability to invest in essential needs such as healthcare, education, food, business growth, and financial risk management. Connecting all citizens to the financial system also benefits the government by increasing the velocity of money and economic activity, and ensuring efficient execution of monetary policy.

The rapid urbanization of Sri Lanka has brought about serious traffic congestion, safety concerns, and growing inequality in urban areas. Moreover, the transport sector accounts for more than 36% of the country’s total energy consumption, leading to a rise in CO2 emissions. Outdated and inefficient public transportation systems only worsen the traffic situation, with the average one-way commute time in Sri Lanka being approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes compared to just 25 minutes in developed countries. With every aspect of the current mobility system being dysfunctional, it is becoming a significant hindrance to the growth of the economy. The best way to address this is to introduce and promote smart mobility functions such as LRT systems, electric and hydrogen buses, e-bikes, ride-sharing, carpooling, and congestion charging zones for private vehicles. When designing the national smart mobility plan, factors such as reliability, availability, connectivity, comfort, and public safety will also be considered. By doing so, we can create a functional and thriving mobility system that supports the growth of our economy while reducing traffic congestion and CO2 emissions.

We firmly believe that a system of checks and balances can effectively limit the power of each branch of government, preventing any one branch from abusing its power and threatening the democratic values and basic human rights of society. A well-functioning system of checks and balances fosters citizen trust in the government to protect their rights, ensures fair and competitive markets, and ultimately restores investor confidence and healthy capital inflows.

Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion in the workplace is crucial for boosting productivity. When people from different cultural and social backgrounds come together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that lead to richer idea generation, innovation, and creativity. Leaders who come from diverse backgrounds are more likely to develop creative insights and offer comprehensive solutions, which ultimately benefits citizens, especially in multi-ethnic, multireligious, and multicultural countries. By fostering an environment that values diversity and inclusivity, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and create a more harmonious and prosperous society.

We firmly uphold that freedom of expression is an intrinsic human right that supports and reinforces all other human rights, ultimately facilitating the development and advancement of society. The capability to express our thoughts and opinions freely is crucial to catalyzing change within our communities. Freedom of speech is not just about having the ability to speak out but also the willingness to listen to and consider others perspectives. This principle serves as one of the essential foundations of a genuine democracy.

We strongly believe in the principle of individualism, which emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and autonomy. People should be able to make their own decisions and take independent actions without feeling compelled to conform to societal norms and expectations that do not align with their individuality. In individualist cultures, there is a strong link between social status rewards and personal achievements, which provides both monetary incentives for innovation and social recognition for outstanding performance. This dynamic fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to overall economic growth and development.

Sri Lanka is blessed with abundant natural resources for agriculture, including favorable soil conditions, a well-established island-wide irrigation system, and plentiful sunlight, among other things. However, due to the absence of national food security policies and short-sighted actions by politicians, the country is facing a significant food insecurity crisis. Inefficient transportation and storage methods lead to 40% of crops being wasted before reaching consumers, and a lack of utilization of climate and weather data can cause unexpected slumps in crop availability.

To address these challenges, we propose a four-fold approach to improving food security: improving availability, access, utilization, and stability using new technologies such as IoT (sensors, drones, etc.), artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain. We also plan to partner with countries such as Israel and India, who are leaders in the food security and agro-tech industries. For example, Israel’s drip irrigation system is one of the best water management systems in the world, while India’s mobile weather forecast apps are widely used by farmers.

By utilizing IoT monitoring sensors supported by communication technologies, we can monitor farmland and crop metrics throughout the full planting, production, and delivery lifecycle, collecting data on soil, temperature, humidity, light, crop growth, pesticide residue, production device, equipment conditions, transportation, storage status, and more. Scaling up the use of these smart technologies could boost crop yields by 20%-30% and reduce waste by 50-60%.

We recognize that bribery and corruption pose significant threats to the integrity, development, and well-being of our nation. As such, we are committed to implementing robust reforms to prevent and combat bribery and corruption at all levels of society.

Strengthening Anti-Corruption Institutions: We will strengthen anti-corruption institutions, such as the Bribery Commission, by providing them with adequate resources, personnel, and authority to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of bribery and corruption. Additionally, we will ensure the independence and impartiality of these institutions to instill public trust and confidence in their work.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: We will promote transparency and accountability in government institutions and public services to reduce opportunities for bribery and corruption. This includes implementing measures such as asset disclosure requirements for public officials, open procurement processes, and whistleblower protection mechanisms to expose and deter corrupt practices.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks: We will review and strengthen existing laws and regulations related to bribery and corruption to close loopholes and enhance enforcement mechanisms. This includes introducing stricter penalties for offenders, expanding the scope of anti-corruption laws to cover new forms of corruption, and facilitating international cooperation to combat cross-border corruption.

Promoting Ethical Leadership: We will promote ethical leadership and integrity in both the public and private sectors through education, training, and awareness campaigns. We will work to instill a culture of zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of governance and business.

Empowering Civil Society and Media: We will empower civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders to play an active role in monitoring, reporting, and advocating against bribery and corruption. We will support initiatives that promote citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability, enabling them to hold public officials and institutions accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the National People’s Party is committed to implementing comprehensive reforms to prevent and combat bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka. By strengthening anti-corruption institutions, enhancing transparency and accountability, strengthening legal frameworks, promoting ethical leadership, and empowering civil society and the media, we will create a more just, equitable, and corruption-free society for all Sri Lankans.

We recognize that a fair and impartial judiciary, coupled with effective law enforcement, is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens. As such, we are committed to implementing comprehensive reforms to strengthen the judiciary and enhance law and order across Sri Lanka.

Judicial Independence: We pledge to uphold the principle of judicial independence and ensure that the judiciary remains free from political interference or influence. We will safeguard the autonomy of the judiciary and uphold the separation of powers to ensure that justice is administered impartially and without bias.

Judicial Accountability: We advocate for greater accountability within the judiciary to enhance public trust and confidence in the legal system. This includes establishing mechanisms for transparent judicial appointments, promotions, and disciplinary proceedings, as well as ensuring that judges are held accountable for any misconduct or malpractice.

Access to Justice: We are committed to improving access to justice for all citizens, particularly marginalized and vulnerable groups. We will work to reduce case backlogs, streamline legal procedures, and enhance legal aid services to ensure that justice is accessible and affordable to all, regardless of socio-economic status.

Law Enforcement Reforms: We recognize the importance of effective law enforcement in maintaining public safety and combating crime. We will invest in training, resources, and technology for law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities in crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution. Additionally, we will prioritize community policing initiatives to strengthen trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Criminal Justice Reform: We will undertake comprehensive reforms of the criminal justice system to ensure fairness, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of justice. This includes reviewing and updating existing laws, enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration programs for offenders, and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce reliance on the traditional court system.

In conclusion, we are committed to implementing bold reforms to strengthen the judiciary and improve law and order across Sri Lanka. By upholding the principles of judicial independence, accountability, and access to justice, we will work to build a legal system that serves the interests of all citizens and upholds the rule of law in our nation.

At the heart of our policy framework lies a robust foreign policy aimed at safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty, fostering peaceful coexistence, and advancing our interests on the global stage. Grounded in the principles of diplomacy, democracy, human rights, and economic cooperation, our foreign policy framework is tailored to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

1. Sovereignty and Independence: We pledge unwavering commitment to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and independence. We reject external interference and uphold the principle of non-alignment, ensuring that our nation’s interests remain paramount in all international engagements.

2. Peaceful Coexistence and Diplomacy: We advocate for peaceful coexistence and diplomacy as cornerstones of our foreign relations. Through constructive dialogue and negotiation, we seek to resolve conflicts and promote stability in the region and beyond.

3. Global Democracy and Human Rights: We stand firm in our support for global democracy and human rights. We will actively engage with international bodies to uphold fundamental freedoms and ensure the protection of human rights for all individuals, both at home and abroad.

4. Economic Cooperation and Development: We recognize the importance of economic cooperation and development in driving sustainable growth and prosperity. We will pursue mutually beneficial partnerships with nations and international organizations to promote trade, investment, and technological exchange, energy independence, fostering economic progress for our citizens.

5. Cultural Exchange and Soft Diplomacy: We embrace cultural exchange and soft diplomacy as means to enhance mutual understanding and goodwill among nations. We will promote Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage, fostering greater people-to-people connections and forging lasting friendships across borders.

In summary, we are committed to a foreign policy that serves our national interest, upholding the values of sovereignty, peace, democracy, and development. By engaging proactively with the global community, we will strive to build a brighter future for Sri Lanka and its citizens on the world stage.

The National People’s Party recognizes that a robust national security framework is essential to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the well-being of our citizens. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving threats, we are committed to embracing modern concepts and innovative strategies to ensure the security and prosperity of Sri Lanka.

Smart Army: We embrace the modernization and enhancement of our armed forces through the implementation of smart army initiatives. This includes investing in advanced weaponry, equipment, and training programs to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, we will prioritize the development of intelligence-gathering capabilities and cyber warfare expertise to counter emerging threats and protect our nation’s interests.

Cyber Security: Recognizing the growing importance of cyberspace in national security, we will prioritize the establishment of robust cyber security measures to safeguard our critical infrastructure, government systems, and digital assets. This includes enhancing cyber defense capabilities, promoting cyber hygiene practices, and fostering collaboration with international partners to combat cyber threats effectively.

Naval and Maritime Security: Given Sri Lanka’s strategic maritime location, we understand the critical importance of naval and maritime security in protecting our maritime interests and securing our maritime borders. We will invest in modernizing our naval fleet, enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities, and strengthening maritime law enforcement to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats effectively.

Modern National Security Concepts: In addition to traditional security measures, we will embrace modern national security concepts to address emerging threats and challenges effectively. This includes adopting a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses not only military defense but also intelligence, law enforcement, border security, and disaster management. We will also prioritize international cooperation and information sharing to address transnational threats such as terrorism, organized crime, and illicit trafficking.

In conclusion, the National People’s Party is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of Sri Lanka by embracing modern national security concepts and leveraging technological advancements to effectively address evolving threats. By investing in smart army initiatives, cyber security, naval and maritime security, and other modern security frameworks, we will strengthen our nation’s defense capabilities and safeguard our interests in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Recognizing the profound impact of sports on the development of national identity and pride, the National People’s Party acknowledges the pivotal role of sports in enhancing physical well-being, fostering social cohesion, and instilling a sense of collective pride in Sri Lanka. With this understanding, we have formulated a comprehensive sports policy aimed at empowering and advancing the sporting landscape of our nation.

Central to our vision is a commitment to invest in the enhancement of sports infrastructure, the refinement of training programs, and the provision of ample resources to support athletes across all levels of competition. Our policy places a strong emphasis on grassroots initiatives, designed to identify and nurture talent from diverse backgrounds, thereby ensuring equal access to sporting opportunities for all Sri Lankans. By cultivating a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and inclusivity, we aspire to position Sri Lanka as a formidable contender in the global sporting arena.

In embracing technological advancements, our sports policy seeks to leverage innovative solutions to enhance athlete performance, optimize training methodologies, and enrich spectator engagement. Wearable technologies, such as smart sensors and fitness trackers, will be integrated into athlete training protocols to provide real-time insights into performance metrics, enabling coaches to tailor training regimes for maximum efficacy. Additionally, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies will be utilized to create immersive training environments, simulate competitive scenarios, and facilitate skill refinement. Moreover, digital platforms and mobile applications will be leveraged to promote sports participation, foster fan interaction, and facilitate talent identification, thereby nurturing a dynamic sports ecosystem accessible to enthusiasts nationwide. By harnessing technology as a catalyst for innovation and inclusivity, our sports policy aims to elevate performance standards and enhance the overall sports experience for athletes and fans alike.

Furthermore, the National People’s Party pledges to collaborate closely with local communities, sports federations, and educational institutions to promote active engagement in sports. Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, we aim to harness the transformative power of sports to address societal challenges, promote health and well-being, and instill values of discipline and teamwork among the youth. By prioritizing sports as a driver of positive change, we envision a future where every Sri Lankan has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and contribute to the nation’s sporting success on the global stage.

In light of the unprecedented challenges facing Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector, the National People’s Party is keenly aware of the urgent need to fortify and revitalize the nation’s health infrastructure. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering. We prioritize the enhancement of healthcare facilities, the optimization of medical services, and the implementation of refined public health measures to effectively confront present and future health crises.

Amidst the current health emergency, our foremost priority is the allocation of resources toward the enhancement of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers nationwide. We aim to ensure that these facilities are adequately equipped to deliver timely and top-tier care to all citizens. Additionally, we pledge to invest in the training and recruitment of healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, and public health workers—to bolster our healthcare workforce and meet the escalating demands placed upon our healthcare system. Our ultimate objective is to guarantee access to high-quality healthcare for every citizen, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. To this end, we are committed to establishing an inclusive health insurance system that facilitates access to services not only in public institutions but also in private healthcare facilities.

The integration of technology into Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector is paramount to enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care. By implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems, we can streamline patient information management, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and foster better coordination among healthcare providers. Telemedicine platforms will extend healthcare services to remote areas, enabling virtual consultations, diagnoses, and monitoring, thereby dismantling barriers to access. Furthermore, the adoption of mobile health (mHealth) applications will empower individuals to take charge of their health through regulatory support and educational resources. Embracing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) for diagnostic assistance, blockchain for secure health data management, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for remote patient monitoring holds immense potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Sri Lanka and ensure equitable access to quality care. It is imperative that these endeavors be given top priority in our health policy agenda. We aspire to establish systems where every citizen has direct access to their health information and ownership of their health data.

Moreover, the National People’s Party pledges to implement a comprehensive public health program focused on health promotion and community immunization. By adopting a strategic approach to disease prevention, we aim to instigate proactive measures such as vaccination campaigns, health education initiatives, and robust disease surveillance systems to safeguard the well-being of our populace. Through collaborative partnerships with local communities, international organizations, and the private sector, we seek to harness collective efforts in bolstering the capacity and resilience of our healthcare system. By prioritizing the empowerment of the health sector, we endeavor to ensure that every Sri Lankan enjoys access to affordable, equitable, and high-quality healthcare, thereby securing the health and prosperity of our nation.