President hints of a new government being formed this year

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Maithripala Sirisena speaking at an event in Punchi Borella today hinted that this election year will be one which gives birth to a new Government. Declaring open an SLFP party office, the President stated that it is up to the people of the country to identify the forces and people opposing the country and ensure their defeat. The President started that battle to defeat corruption, which is commonly used during election seasons, has not been successful and instead corrupt forces have been strengthened. Illegal activities such as racketeering and smuggling drugs have spread to all corner of the country according to the head of state. President Maithripala Sirisena noted that he recently over the reigns of the Police and is in the process fo making internal changes in order to strengthen this battle against corruption, which he stated cannot be won overnight.  He urged the people of the country to join hands together with a group of people who truly love the nation, in order for the country to be taken forward. The head of state also spoke on the need for a broad alliance. He noted that they cannot embark on this journey with selfish and opportunistic people who have no love for the country and are only concerned about their own well being. While stating that corrupt forces need to be defeated the President stressed on the need to identify foreign agents who are working to destroy the country. He revealed that there are a large number of NGOs that have thrown their hat into the political landscape of the country in order to destroy the country's age-old values and traditions. He stressed on the need to identify these forces.