President presents policy statement in Parliament

Colombo (News 1st): Presenting today's policy statement, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emphasized that a constitutional change must be made for a powerful executive, legislature and independent judiciary that ensures people's mandate. The first session of the 8th parliament convened today (January 3) under the auspices of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The head of state directed Parliament authorities not to hold the guard of honour at today's ceremonial opening and the president was welcomed in a simple setting. Upon the arrival of the President, the Presidential Flag was hoisted at the Parliamentary Complex and after the Speaker's reception, a group of girls sang the Jayamangala Gatha. Thereafter, President Rajapaksa presented the policy statement. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa noted:

"If we want to ensure security, sovereignty, stability, and uniqueness, changes must be made for the existing constitution. While safeguarding key characteristics of the proportionate electoral system, changes must be made for the electoral system of the country to ensure the stability of parliament and direct representation of the people of this country. Although elections are won with higher numbers, an unstable parliament that falls prey to extremism is of no use. Changes must be made to the constitution in order to establish a strong executive, legislature and independent judiciary that ensures people's mandate. We will establish governance that will not bow down before diplomatic relations, international agreements and foreign nations. Will establish governance that will always protect the sovereignty of the country and treat our country with equal dignity. Our policy is to not sell resources and lands with economic importance to other countries. My objective is to make Sri Lanka a glorious nation with international recognition. By working together as one nationality, we can overcome all challenges. My objective is to create a Sri Lanka that is recognized by the international community. If we move forward together as one, we will be able to overcome all the challenges."

Tabling his policy manifesto in parliament, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa presented key points including the following:

• Strengthening the national security mechanism.
• Strengthening coordination between the tri-forces and Police and restructuring and strengthening the national intelligence network.
• All measures to eradicate terrorism, extremism, underworld activities, drug trafficking in the country.
• The introduction of a new system to identify the welfare and happiness of the general public.
• Taking forward the projects planned during the government of Mahinda Rajapaksa, to establish Sri Lanka as the hub and commercial centre of Asia.
• Promoting investments of businesses that provide products and services to regional nations.
• Developing the road network in the country.
• Provision of jobs to thousands of youth belonging to low-income families.
• Enforcement of law against those engaged in corrupt activities.
• Develop technology in the agriculture, plantation and fisheries industries.
• Provide higher education opportunities for youth.
• Strengthening the technical college system, to train students who fail GCE Ordinary level and Advance level examinations.
• Develop facilities in all schools to improve English language skills.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also expressed the following views about his past political experiences.

"Though I was not very active in politics, I am well versed in public service. From the day the late D.M.Rajapaksa, who was known as the lion of the Ruhuna, entered parliament he wore a red Satakaya. All though I do not wear this, I will follow the same vision embedded within the symbol of this red Satakaya."