President Maithripala Sirisena invited all political parties represented in the parliament to join him to form a national unity government.

Addressing the nation in Kandy Sunday, the President said he intends to obtain the support of all political parties to establish a country with good governance, democracy and rule of law for the future of the people and the country.

The President, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and other political leaders on the way to Kandy stopped at the Bandaranaike monument in Horagolla to pay respects to the late Prime Minister and founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike.

The President along with other leaders and supporters paid homage to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and met with the Chief Prelates of Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters before addressing the nation.

Addressing the nation the new President pledged to implement the 100-day plan as presented in his policy manifesto and transfer the power of the executive presidency to the parliament, cabinet and independent commissions. He requested all parties to join him to form a National Government to ensure good governance, democracy, development and to eradicate poverty.

President Sirisena said the first task of the new government is to take measures to rebuild the economy for a debt-free prosperous country. He pledged to work to ease the high cost of living to provide relief to the people and alleviate poverty.

He stressed that it is essential to secure national identity of the people and to build a wider reconciliation among the communities. Relations with the international community will be enhanced. The relations with the international organizations will also be strengthened.

President Sirisena pledged to build a disciplined and developed nation enhancing religious and ethnic reconciliation. He said his government is committed to ensure the wellbeing of the Buddha Sasana and protect the freedom and rights of other religious communities as well.

The President said he will take steps to uplift agricultural sector and empower farming community. The public service eroded with corruption will be transformed into an efficient service and an environment conducive for the public servants to do their duty with satisfaction will be created. Bribery, corruption and malpractices in the process of development will be eliminated and the police will be made an unbiased and independent service.

Reiterating that he will not contest for another term for presidency as promised in his speech after winning the election, Sirisena said at this time the country needs an authentic leader not a king.

He said he will make the supreme sacrifice to fulfil the aspirations of the people and the country and urged all Sri Lankans to live peacefully without taking revenge from the opponents.

Source: www.priu.gov.lk