Jan 01, Colombo: Sri Lanka President today urged the nation to set aside divisive feelings and stand united to safeguard the future of the country.

In his New Year Message to the nation today, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said when the nation stands united all conspiracies against the country can be defeated.

“On this occasion we invite all, irrespective of political party, colour or affiliation to set aside the divisive feelings of opposition, and act with unity to transform the victories so far achieved to those even greater, and work together for the bigger victories of that await us in the future," he added.

The full text of the President's message is as follows:

Never before has the dawn of a New Year brought welcome expectations of unity and prosperity to our nation as we see today.

We have great confidence that the determined path we have traversed so far will result in a sustainable peace to our country and people. I am aware this will bring great joy to all of you who have watched with great patience as we proceeded in the search for peace with justice and dignity to all.

It is my firm belief that when our nation crosses the threshold to victory it is the responsibility of us all to be united in safeguarding the future of our country. My government that has taken the country on the correct path to development, while facing many challenges, has also taken the necessary steps to bring prosperity to the lives of our people. We have bestowed the honour of the nation on our brave and heroic troops engaged in the task of saving the country from terrorism by declaring 2009 as the "Year of Heroic Victory". On this occasion we invite all, irrespective of political party, colour or affiliation to set aside the divisive feelings of opposition, and act with unity to transform the victories so far achieved to those even greater, and work together for the bigger victories of that await us in the future.

When the nation stands united all conspiracies against the country are defeated. It is our resolve to strengthen the determination and commitment of our people towards making this New Year the truly victorious year of the nation.

I wish you all every success in the New Year.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

January 01, 2009