President Maithripala Sirisena making a strong statement yesterday said he would not allow a military ruler to take over the country. 

Addressing a public meeting in Nikaweratiya, the country was moving towards a dictators when he assumed office in January, 2015. 

"Those who have forgotten the past," Sirisena said, " will try to bring a military rule back." 

President Sirisena made this remark responding to Vendaruwe Upali Thera, an Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter said, who advised former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to establish a military rule 'like Hitler'.  The Thera made this remark while speaking at a religious ceremony to mark the birthday of the former Defence Secretary. 

He said freedom and democracy have been established in the country "not 100 per cent, but 200 per cent."

"Because of our programme,' he said, "the international community which moved away from Sri Lanka under the previous government, has been brought closer to the country."