Country needs not a King but a human being as President: Maithri

• Executive presidency to be abolished and new political structure to be introduced
• Invites all political parties to form a national government

By Sarah Hannan in Kandy Maithripala Sirisena yesterday told the nation that the country needs a human being as president and not a king as he extended an open invitation to all political parties to form a national government to usher in ethnic harmony, credible prosperity and good governance for a just society. Delivering his address after receiving the blessings of the Malwatta and Asgiriya chief incumbents and other religious heads in Kandy, Sirirsena extended his gratitude to the people for believing in their manifesto and selecting him as President. He also thanked the people for being composed and helping to conduct a free and fair election. He further stated that this victory is considered as a victory of the citizens and the country which helps the government to nurture economic, social and cultural stability. “Our country does not need a king to rule. All we need is a human being who can serve the nation. As I stated while taking my oaths at the Independence Square in Colombo on Friday, this will be the first and last time I will be a presidential candidate.     Undertaking presidential duties in my capacity I will take all necessary measures to disperse the powers of the Government and build a good rapport with the citizens of this country. At the same time I will be passionate, humble and proactive in serving the nation. This victory will only be truly celebrated if each and every one of us acts in peace and harmony,” he said while speaking at the premises of the historic Dalada Maligawa. He urged all political parties and the people to work as one in maintaining democracy and imposing law and order which will secure peace and harmony within the country. During his tenure Sirisena noted that all necessary steps would be taken to eradicate poverty and fast-track the economic and financial growth of the country by empowering the agricultural sector. Honouring the statement made by the Elections Commissioner on Friday, Sirisena affirmed to abolish the executive presidency and change the political structure of Sri Lanka in order to exercise proper democracy. Reiterating the importance of proving the identity of Sri Lankans, the President stated that strong and comprehensive international relations need to be established across the world. Furthermore, Sirisena said that being a predominantly Buddhist country, religious and ethnic harmony among the various religions and ethnicities will be instituted and that every citizen in Sri Lanka will be free to practice a religion or belief of their choice. Sirisena requested the audience to respect equality, fraternity, friendship, discipline and poise to build a peaceable motherland. The deteriorated public sector will be re-instated by changing the management structure and all necessary measures will be taken to bring back the public sector to its full potential. The Government will also be responsible for making the Police force an unbiased entity that will serve the nation and its citizens when the need arises. Speaking about the economic and financial growth of the average citizen, Sirisena asserted that their financial status will be stabilised as a part of the economic growth of the country. He reiterated that the main source of foreign currency income was the 2.5 million Sri Lankans who are employed in other countries and the Government will make arrangements to ensure that their way of life will be uplifted and empowered.