SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa said he is never scared of challenges and that he loves challenges.

Speaking at the maiden Presidential election rally in Anuradhapura, he said he is engaged in politics based on policies and said he was ready to move foward with an action plan.

“We are not afraid of challenges. I love challenges. That is what I learnt from my father. I never hate anyone. So, it is useless sliging mud at us,” he said.

Namal Rajapaksa said he will implement the agricultural policy which was in effect during 2005 and 2015 and added that he will provide a fertiliser subsidy for the farmers.

He said an SLPP government will not give police and land powers to Provincial Councils and stressed that the Northern and Eastern Provinces will not be amalgamated.

“We will protect the language and culture. We will say only what we can do. We will not hoodwink the people in the North by giving false promises,” he said.