Delivering his first address to the nation, new President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said he knew that he would be able to get elected only with the Sinhala votes.

"Nevertheless, I reached out to the minorities, but I didn't receive the expected response. Now, as the President of the country, I want to make the same request to them," Rajapaksa added.

The new President also added that it was the Buddhist monks across the country who were instrumental in his victory.

"The government should always set an example in society." newly appointed President said adding that he would lay strong emphasis on meritocracy and technocracy.

"No corruption will be tolerated under my government," he added.