Former President Maithripala Sirisena said the new President had already demonstrated his need to embark on a positive journey.

Addressing a public gathering in Polonnaruwa, the former President said everyone's responsibility is to support the new President and his plans to develop the country.

"Party politics should be set aside and the country's interests should be given the top-most priority," Sirisena said.

The former President said they were ready to form a new government after the next Presidential election and strengthen the President's hands.

Sirisena is expected to contest the Parliamentary election under the alliance formed by the SLPP and the UPFA.