President Ranil Wickramesinghe stated that his objective is to form an all-party government by bringing together all political parties and to commence a new journey in order to overcome the social, economic and political challenges facing the country.
President speaking at the ceremony held at the Malwathu Maha Viharaiya Uposathagarya, said:
After assuming the Office of President, there were two duties that I had to perform according to tradition. Make a statement to the Parliament. Before that, as a tradition, starting from the Malwathu-Asgiri Maha Viharas, visiting the Maha Nayaka Theros in other temples and receiving blessings.
I am especially thankful for the blessings and strength received from you. During this time, the support of the Maha Nayake Theros gave me the strength to fulfil my respective duties.
I first assumed the duties as the Prime Minister because the country and the country's economy were on the brink of destruction. As a country, at present, we are in a very difficult situation. This year, the country's economy will decline further.
With the support of international organizations, I am working to re-stabilize this economy and build the economy in such a way that the country can be developed by 2023, 2024. It is a difficult task. But if you don't do it now, it will be more difficult. We should think about whether we should try to cure the patient by giving medicine or let the patient die without giving medicine.
Today, these problems presented demands for a number of reforms in the constitution. Politicians should accept it. Various forces came through those reforms. Good, strong, virtuous forces. As well, forces that can destroy a country.
After all that, I have assumed the presidency.
As Maha Nayake Theros stated, we are in a very difficult place. There are economic issues. There are political issues. I read the series of instructions sent by Maha Nayake Theros. There are a number of righteous points. As the President, I wish to start a new journey. I would like to get all the parties together and go on that journey as well as to form an all-party government. There are two ways to do it. The first one is that we should reinstate the 19th amendment. It should be revised according to everyone's desires.
From there we can take the national government forward. Secondly, the Oversight Committee of the parliament can be appointed and given the opportunity to participate from there. Accordingly, the National Assembly concept policy proposed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has been acknowledged.
At the same time, how do scholars organize this, get those ideas about reforms, and all that is done.
These are important things for us. Therefore, I informed all the party leaders that if there is no all-party government, all the parties should come together and make the parliament a government.
I will act according to your advice and adhere to the policies, and I hope that the assistance of the Maha Nayake Theros and the people will receive in this regard.
This is the last time we all need to face these problems together. At least a common minimum programme should be established. Doing that work is our primary task. While doing those tasks, we should not forget the task of protecting our Buddhism. If we follow the advice given by Licchavi Kings today, we can make this country a developed country. Our future depends on that. I particularly express my gratitude for the Maha Sangha.