Today (18) marks two years since President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected to office.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the 7th Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka following the Presidential Election held on 16th November 2019.
President Rajapaksa took his oath of office within the sacred precincts of the historic Ruvanvaliseya Stupa in Anuradhapura on 18th November 2019.
“I am well aware that I am not only the President of those who voted for me but also the President of those who used their vote against me. I know well that I am bound to serve all Sri Lankan citizens irrespective of their ethnicity or religion,” the President pledged in his inaugural speech two years ago.
“Though I was aware that I could win the presidential election with only the support of the Sinhalese community, I requested the Tamil and Muslim communities to be a part of my victory. However, their response did not meet my expectations. As the new president of this country, I request everyone to unite as Sri Lankans. Now, we all have the responsibility of taking our country forward as one nation. Your mandate has elected me as the president of this country, to implement the proposals we presented through the people-centered policy manifesto, ” he said.
” We will follow a neutral foreign policy with every country. We have no reason to get involved in the battles between other countries. We request all nations to respect our nation’s sovereignty. the government should always set an example for society. Professionalism and efficiency should be the cornerstone of government administration. Meritocracy and technocracy should be promoted at all times. Corruption will never be tolerated under my administration. I am the executive president of this country. I am not going to hesitate to exercise my executive powers to ensure prosperity in Sri Lanka. I love my country, and I am proud of my country. I have a vision for my country. I request all patriots to join hands to make this country a prosperous nation for our future generations.” he further stated.
Incidentally, today also marks the birthday of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to whom the President wished on social media.