President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa invited all political parties to join hands in developing the country.

In his inaugural address to Parliament, Rajapaksa said the result of the last Presidential election had left no space for racism and communal disharmony.

"No one will now be able to racist sentiments and consolidate their positions as 'king-makers' in Sri Lankan politics."

Rajapaksa said a powerful executive and a legislature is needed to represent the aspirations of the public and this could only be achieved through a constitutional amendment.

The President also added that he would pursue reforms to modernise the country's education.