THE Group of Five Left Parties (Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, Desha Vimukthi Janatha Party and Democratic Left Front) consider that the Manifesto of Presidential Candidate - Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa titled "Mahinda Chinthana" a pro-people manifesto, although these parties have certain reservations in regard to some of its contents, the parties said in a statement at daraniyagala rally yesterday.

The statement said: "The Five Left Parties are especially appreciative of the pledges contained in the "Mahinda Chinthana" in respect of strengthening democracy. The commitment to abolish the executive presidential system and to draft a new constitution is one of its important aspects.

The proposal to introduce a new parliamentary electoral system which reflects the will of the people while ensuring the stability of future governments is laudable.

Another important statement in "Mahinda Chinthana" is the undertaking to pursue a non-aligned and progressive foreign policy under which he seeks to further strengthen the friendly relations with Asian countries including India and China in the spheres of political, defense and economic cooperation.

The Manifesto states that steps will be taken to adopt a modern and balanced economic policy which combines the positive features of the open economy with the realities of our country.

Whilst increasing economic growth rate to 8% per annum measures are to be taken to ensure that its benefits seep through to the common people and particularly the low-income groups.

It is pledged that natural resources and state ventures in the strategically important financial, energy and transport sectors will remain in the hands of the state and no national resources, nor such state organizations will be privatized.

We consider this outlook in regard to the economy as a positive approach.

The measures mentioned in the manifesto to eliminate poverty, to enhance the living conditions of the Samurdhi recipients, to increase the incomes of wage earners, to restore the pension scheme that was taken away by the previous government and to alleviate the burden of the cost of living will certainly be welcomed by the common people.

The manifesto also promises to ensure the provision of irrigation to paddy fields, to provide land for cultivation, to supply fertilizer at a reasonable price and to fulfil other requirements of those engaged in food production.

A comprehensive plan is to be implemented to produce seeds locally. Whilst developing the agricultural sector through these measures reasonable prices will be assured for agri-products. The Paddy Purchasing Board is also to be re-established. In our view these proposals are highly commendable.

People living in the plantations are to be provided with blocks of land and separate housing units, the infrastructure of the plantations as well as the human resources in those areas will be developed.

These measures will help elevate them to a social level on par with the people of the rest of the country, thus bringing about an epochal change in their pattern of living inherited from colonial times.