COLOMBO: Opposition Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe has promised a "permanent resolution" of the ethnic conflict "through a political solution based on a united Sri Lanka."

In the 13-page manifesto of the United National Party, released here on Tuesday, he vowed to "defeat separatism".

2002 Oslo accord

An English translation of the manifesto made no direct mention of the word `federalism.' It, however, referred to the agreement reached between his Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Oslo, Norway, in 2002 and a declaration made by international donors in Tokyo in 2003 as guaranteeing "the unity, democratic character and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka," and having created "the framework of a solution acceptable to all communities."

Mr. Wickremesinghe sought a popular mandate to "discuss and reach a consensus" with the UNP's main political foe, Sri Lanka Freedom Party "to proceed as above."

He promised a "separate ministry" for the war-displaced people in the north and the east. He "guaranteed the security and protection of the eastern province" and "Muslim representation in peace talks." He would ensure that "at all times, the views of the community are taken into consideration."

The UNP proposed to draw up a 10-year defence plan and build a force having all modern equipment. The island-wide election to directly elect the constitutionally powerful Executive President is scheduled for November 17.

"People's agenda"

Mr. Wickremesinghe described the manifesto as a "people's agenda" with promises of price reduction, more jobs, assistance for rural areas and doubling of incomes "in less than 10 years."

"I deliver on what I say," he told a press conference. "They were there for 18 months, problems were not solved. If you cannot solve it in 18 months, you cannot solve it in 18 years," he said, referring to the ruling SLFP and its Presidential candidate, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse. On economic affairs, Mr. Wickremesinghe promised to make Sri Lanka the "commercial hub of the Indian Ocean."

Foreign affairs

On foreign affairs, he said he would "improve" relations "with every country." In South Asia ties, his party "will implement to the letter" the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is under discussion. He would also strengthen the free trade agreement with Pakistan, enter into an economic partnership agreement with the Maldives and start talks for free trade pacts with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

Duty-free access

The party promised to "enter into discussions" with the United States and the European Union to "obtain duty-free access to our apparel in their markets."

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