President Maithripala Sirisena, addressing the nation from Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, invited all political parties in Sri Lanka to join hands with him to form a national government.

The President assured the nation that he would hand over excessive and boundless powers of the Executive Presidency to Parliament, cabinet of ministers and independent commissions that will be set up under his rule.

“Sri Lanka, at the moment, needs a real man; not a king,” President Sirisena said in his speech.

“While protecting buddhism,” he said, “ we will ensure protection and independence for all religions and communities in Sri Lanka.”

Stating Sri Lanka is primarily an agricultural country, the President said his government would introduce modern technological and scientific knowledge to build the local agriculture.

Commenting on the foreign policy of the new government, the President pledged to work with all countries and all international organizations for the betterment of Sri Lanka.

“I am the main public servant and this is a victory achieved by the public. Therefore I thank all Sri Lankans for electing me as the President” he added