President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday urged the public to refrain from using the term “His Excellency” (athigaru) when referring to the President.

He also requested the people not to refer to his wife as the “First Lady”. “She is President’s wife Mrs. Maithripala Sirisena and that is enough,” President Sirisena said in his first television interview after he elected as the President. The interview, which was aired on several television channels, was hosted by artiste Upul Shantha Sannasgala.

“I am the President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and I am happy with that title”, the President said, while stating that he never wanted to stay above the rest of the population.

He also added that he would never forget his ‘humble beginning’ although he has been elected by the people as the President of the country.

During the interview, President Sirisena said he would stick to the promises that have been mentioned in his election manifesto. He reiterated that the Executive Presidency would be abolished before dissolution of Parliament on April 23