President Maithripala Sirisena stated that he is committed to fulfilling the promise of establishing good governance, democracy and a just society in the country.

 

Addressing the nation a short while ago, the president said that he was criticized for his behaviour by certain people. Some argued that he was not strong and not a leader, he said. However, they are not realizing that he was elected not to use the dictatorial powers, but to relinquish it, Sirisena said. Pointing out that all major parties are against the executive presidency, he said that he was prepared to do it.

 

Sirisena expressed his belief that all MPs will vote for the 19th Amendment which will reduce the powers of executive presidency.

 

Meanwhile, Sirisena assured that the electoral reforms will also be carried out as soon as possible.

 

Sirisena said that on January 8, a revolution took place in the country. However, he added that actions by certain individuals reminded him of a counter-revolution. Sirisena said that a revolution can expect a counter-revolution.

 

Sirisena added that drastic changes are not smooth and not all people are favorable to change. He cited the fall of Communist countries in 1989-91 and added it took several years to stabilize.

 

Not all achievements in 100 Days Program were material gains, he said. For example, the achievements in foreign policy were substantial, Sirisena added.

 

The international community was divided because of us, he said, adding that his government changed the international community's opinion on Sri Lanka. Adding that he felt welcome in all the countries he visited, he said that this was an achievement of the non-aligned policy of the government.

 

He also said that people lived in fear before the change of the government on January 8. People were afraid to speak out, he added. Media freedom was curtailed. The former regime did not assure the rule of law, Sirisena said. Instead, the government made judiciary a tool. In contrast, he has never telephoned any official of the Bribery Commission or the Judiciary, Sirisena said.

 

Furthermore, Sirisena added that the government has promoted reconciliation among different communities. He asked if it was wrong to hand over the lands appropriated by security forces to the original owners if it does not jeopardize national security. Sirisena added that he regrets false allegations of racist elements against his government.

 

Sirisena stressed that the government was in a process to establish good governance. It was the duty of all citizens to enjoy the benefits without undermining democracy, he pointed out.