President says some are trying to tarnish achievement of regaining GSP+ facility

President Maithripala Sirisena has said some sections of society were acting in an uncivilised manner to prevent the prestige and respect gained by the Government, with the decision of the EU to restore the GSP+ facility to Sri Lanka.

The President expressed his disappointment over a newspaper article stating that the EU offered the GSP + facility to Sri Lanka based on a promise of establishing a federal system in the country. The President also said that he repeatedly requested media institutions not to use the given media freedom in an incorrect manner. He requested them to fulfill their respective responsibilities to provide accurate information to the public. 

He made these remarks while participating in a program launched with the aim of ensuring religious reconciliation, after the closing ceremony of the Nila Mehewara national mobile service program held at Labuduwa Siridhamma College in Galle.

President Sirisena further said that the Government’s motive was not to establish a federal system in the country or to divide it but to make it great, while preventing the recurrence of a war and to build a just society ensuring national unity.

He said that when the people of the country selected him as the President, there were numerous challenges confronting the country. The present Government headed by him took the responsibility to face those challenges and move forward finding solutions to all those issues while building friendship with all countries.

The President added that the Government was always committed to protecting and strengthening the country. 

Offering 1,000 robes to Bhikkus, the distribution of title deeds and fixed deposit certificates for the development of religious places were held under this program.

Ministers Vajira Abeywardena, Gayantha Karunathilaka, Chandima Weerakkody and Chief Minister of the Southern Province Shan Wijayalal De Silva participated in this event.