Devolution of power in North and East is a lie: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with the heads of media institutions today (December 16). During the meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, the President expressed his views on the future course of action on the MCC agreement. President stated that the MCC agreement hasn't been presented to the Cabinet and they have already appointed a committee to analyze it. Member of the media asked the President regarding his views on the reassessment of the Hambantota port agreement. He said, when considering national security, he is of the stance that all ports should remain under government control. The President also expressed his views on the alleged abduction of the Swiss embassy staffer. President added that he met the Swiss ambassador today, and according to the anecdotal evidence, and the technical evidence, suggests that no such incident had occurred. President further added that the Embassy has fulfilled their responsibility and they acted on a complaint by a member of their staff. President stated that the embassy responded to the incident with the correct procedure, however, the alleged victim does not comply well for the ongoing investigations. The media also questioned the President on possible solutions to the issues in the North and the East. President responded that devolution of power is a lie and most are opposed to it, he added that reconciliation can be achieved through broad development. The media also questioned whether future elections will be faced together with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. "First it is the general election and then the Provincial Council election. I am from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. Election campaigns will be led by Mahinda Rajapaksa. Basil will put the systems in place. The target is two-third. We didn't come to an agreement on a symbol when we had discussions with the SLFP. That decision will be made following further discussions" the President added.