FACE 2021 WITH SELF-DETERMINATION & COURAGE: PRESIDENT

COLOMBO (News 1st): We have the self-determination and courage to overcome challenges that we have to face in the New Year, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his New Year wishes for 2021 said. "The Government is determined to further strengthen the steps that it had already taken to meet the expectations of the people in the New Year. The Government was formed with the objective of securing people-centric development and to protect and preserve national identity. No room should be left for the erosion of confidence the people placed in the Government that it would not go against the country and the people’s will," the Head of State said. The President further said "If each and every public servant properly performs the duties and responsibilities entrusted to them, it is not a difficult task for the Government to conquest any challenge faced by it. I expect that commitment from all public servants. Furthermore, I hope that all the citizens will continue to faithfully serve the Motherland." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message to mark the New Year extended his gratitude to the people for the support extended to the Government to create an inclusive and safe country for all Sri Lankans. "After five years of political stagnation, we were able to restart many endeavors aimed at enhancing our social and economic growth while fighting the multifaceted challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said. The Prime Minister further commended the dedication of frontline staff fighting the COVID-19 pandemic; healthcare workers, the Armed Forces, Police, and Security, Government officials, and volunteers who have helped mitigate the impact of COVID-19.