This is the year to form a new Government - President

Colombo (News1st): The Polonnaruwa District summit of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was held today (Feb 9). The summit was held under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena. Speaking at the summit President Sirisena noted that the UNP has been requesting for a presidential election. He added that the election will be held when the right time comes and nobody will be able to stop it. The President noted that no one can forcefully hold presidential election except for him. The Head of State noted that Mahinda Rajapaksa had warned him not to repeat the mistake he made. President Maithripala Sirisena noted that the Presidential election will be held at the end of the year but before that, they are to resolve the issues in the legal system and in the constitution and hold the provincial council elections. He noted that the restructuring process is being carried out targeting the provincial council elections. The Head of State also commented about the current political situation in the country. He noted that the economic growth rate for this year has not even reached 4% and he said this shows the capabilities of the economic experts in the government. However, President Maithripala Sirisena said there is no end to their boasting. The President noted that Sri Lanka is in its current situation because of corruption. He added one might question as to why he has not been able to provide a solution to these issues, even after serving as the president for 4 years. He explained that he has provided the possible solutions to certain issues and the implementation is with those who take over from him. He noted that some of the politicians had wanted him to do what they want stating that they had elected me as the president. The President noted that this is how the biggest financial fraud in the country, the Bond scam took place. He explained that he is like the bird who fell into a group of thieves. He stressed that he had never stolen anything and nor will he. President Sirisena noted that a commission was appointed recently to look into the irregularities that took place in State institutions from 2015 to 31st of December 2018. He pointed out that this is during his tenure and under his government and right now several individuals are panicking. He said there is no need to panic if they have not committed any wrongdoing. He stated that this is the year to form a new government, therefore he requested everyone to understand the prevailing political situation. He pointed out that they have to strengthen the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He asked them not to forget that it is the strength of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party which will be the main factor in forming a new government.