Sirisena in final address promises to strengthen democracy

Monday, 18 November 2019 01:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Outgoing President Maithripala Sirisena addressing the nation for the last time as head of State pledged his support in the future to build a democratic society and build a prosperous economy.

In his speech made after the conclusion of the polls, the President, thanking the 6.2 million voters who elected him to lead the country on 8 January 2015, said as promised to the nation the next day he did not run for a second term.

The President said he vested his unlimited powers as an Executive President in Parliament and that power was given to the Cabinet, the Independent Commissions and the Judiciary.

“Although I was appointed by the people for six years, it was reduced by one year and five years. Often, the leaders of our country have used the Constitution as a custom, sometimes as a tradition, to strengthen their own power. But I am happy to say that I abolished that unlimited executive power, I have reduced the President's term of six years to five years and also reduced the term of office of the people mandated for me.”

The President underscored that during his five-year tenure he was able to establish full democracy in the country. “I believe that I have done my utmost to strengthen the freedom of the press and democracy.”

President Sirisena also pointed out that during his tenure he accomplished a pledge other political leaders from 1947 till 2015 were not able to fulfil. “That is, no State-sponsored killings, no political assassinations, no political reprisals, no physical violence, no damage to one's property during my tenure. In other words, the guns of the government did not fire at citizens for political vengeance or other hatred.”

President Maithripala Sirisena concluded his message to the nation extending his blessings and best wishes to the new President elected for the country and for the children of tomorrow.

“I offer my blessings and best wishes for the new President of the country to have determination and courage to serve the country honestly. Best of luck.”