President Maithripala Sirisena today launched an indirect attack on Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith who said yesterday that the leaders of this country do not have a "backbone".

Cardinal Ranjith also told the leaders of the current government to "go home" as they have failed to ensure national security. Cardinal Ranjith made these remarks as the country commemorated the third month of the Easter Sunday attacks while claimed the lives of over 260.

"I have a backbone. I have shown my backbone when I became the President on January 08, 2015 and when I appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister last year. I have shown my backbone when I appointed commissions to probe corruption of both the previous government ad this government," he said addressing an event at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo this evening.

"There is no reason to attack me while hiding behind various curtains. I invite those who have problems to come for an open discussion with me. I am open to any such dialogue."

"They asked us to go home. We are not here to stay. At the end of the term, I will hold an election. If I want, I will also contest the election. No one has to tell us how to do it," Sirisena said.

"Those who ask me to go home are driven by their personal political agendas," the President said while adding that he had immense respect for all religious leaders including Pope Francis.