"We are moving in a new direction of political understanding and consensus, as seen in India and other countries."

Oct 23, Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that Sri Lanka is setting an example in the politics of South Asia. He invited other political parties, including the JVP and JHU, to join the UNP in working with the government to better serve the country.

Addressing the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party at Temple Trees today, the President said, “With this agreement, not only are we moving to a new beginning in Sri Lanka, we are also setting an example in the politics of South Asia.”

He invited all political parties and individuals concerned for the country to help “usher in a new political culture”. “We are moving in a new direction of political understanding and consensus, as seen in India and other countries,” he said.

President Rajapaksa called on ministers and all politicians to come forward in a new spirit of understanding to serve the country, without consideration for the perks and privileges of office. He said this coming together of the SLFP and UNP was a journey to which many different interpretations will be given. There were those who had asked him to be cautious about this move, he said. Similarly, there would have been others who asked the UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe also to be careful.

“We have placed the country first,” said the President. “With this coming together it would be possible to eliminate terrorism, and build a country at peace where all people can live together without fear.”

President Rajapaksa said that at the last presidential election, many parties including the JVP and JHU supported him and helped him win the presidency. He said this understanding with the UNP was in no way a moving away from those parties and others who had supported his election.

“We invite all other parties, including the JVP and JHU, to also join the government to help better serve the country, and solve the key issues before the country and people,” the President said.

The President also called on all parties and groups to think of the duties and responsibilities towards the country, to the present and future generations. “We have a responsibility to get together for peace; to defeat terrorism and achieve peace and development. We hope we will have the strength and good fortune to achieve this, overcoming the differences of race, community, religion and politics,” the President said.