Maithripala Prez, Ranil Premier
Ranil appointed PM of National Unity Govt.
by Zacki Jabbar-January 9, 2015
Naitonal Democratic Front (NDF) leader Maithripala Sirisena was sworn in as President and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister at Independence Square yesterday evening.
Deviating from established tradition of elected Presidents being sworn in before the Chief Justice, it was the Senior most judge of the Supreme Court K. Sripavan, who performed the task in place of the incumbent Mohan Peiris, whose position has been contested by the impeached former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.
In a brief ceremony with minimum of fanfare, a composed and modest looking Sirisena devoid of the Modi like jacket he had donned throughout his campaign spoke in a measured tone reflecting every word of his manifesto which pledged to end the culture of violent and revengeful politics, rampant corruption and crime that was a feature of the Rajapaksa government, restore democracy, good governance , rule of law and last but least, not to seek re-election.
"I will not come before you seeking a second term", he emphasised, adding that his 100-day work programme would get off the ground almost immediately and with a focus on meeting the deadline with the precision that had been promised.
Adopting a reconciliatory tone and referring to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as my "Dear Friend", Sirisena complimented Rajapaksa for ensuring a smooth transition of power within about six hours of the results being announced by Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya .
Paying tribute to the father of the nation D.S. Senanayake and S. W. R. D. Bandaranayake, the first Prime Minster produced by the SLFP, the new President pledged to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and create a peaceful and prosperous nation for the benefit of not only the living but also for generations yet to be born. He emphasised that hatred would not cease by hatred, but only through love.
Recalling the threats and attacks that he and his supporters had faced in the run-up to the presidential election which left many injured, one dead and his offices and stages set on fire, President Sirisena regretted that the state media had carried on an unprecedented mud slinging campaign of deceit and blatant lies that was nauseating and disgusting to the core.
The new President pledged to deviate from the confrontational approach that the Rajapaksa regime had adopted against the international community. "I will build bridges aimed at developing friendly relations with the world base on a non aligned agenda."
Thanking the voters and the 46 political parties and organizations that ensured his election as President, Sirisena made special mention of the contribution made by the UNP led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, Democratic Party headed by former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, the Jathika Hela Urumaya, All Ceylon Makkal Congress , Muslim Congress,the Tamil National Alliance, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and former President Chandrika Kuamratunga in that order.
