Nov 19, Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeals to all parties to support the nation building programme and establishment of lasting peace in the country.

President Rajapaksa addressing the nation after taking his oaths said he will not be confined to a leader of a particular political party or any group hereafter and will work without political biases.

The President assured that he is committed to establish peace in the country to ensure that the aspirations of all ethnic groups are fulfilled. He said he is prepared to negotiate with all parties concerned including the LTTE with this objective in mind.

The stalled peace talks will be resumed soon after the LTTE agrees to return to the negotiating table. The government will scrutinize the ceasefire agreement and take immediate action to stop child conscription, abduction, killings and violation of human rights.

The President also said a special institution will be set up under his personal supervision to construct tsunami devastated areas including the north and east.

A new economic policy will be adopted to ensure that Sri Lanka could compete in the global economy. Economic development will be accelerated, opening up avenues for foreign and local investment. The economic benefits will trickle down to all sectors of the community. Law will be strictly enforced. All citizens should abide by the law.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa assured that law will be upheld under all circumstances without political favoritism. A streamlined public sector will be established. The Prime Minister, Cabinet, security forces and all the rest should be law abiding. Action will be taken to wipe out bribery and corruption.

The President emphasized that his aspiration is to build a law abiding, disciplined country, giving priority to moral values and culture. The President said he will not require the assistance of consultants to identify the problems of the people since he sprang up from the common masses.

He said that he is prepared to face any challenge for the benefit of the country and the people. He appealed to the media to uphold democratic and moral values for the benefit of the country. He added that an appropriate foreign policy will be followed and a close relationship will be established with friendly Asian countries. The country will be diverted to a new path based on accumulated experiences.

The President said that a new budget for the 2006 fiscal year will be presented to the Parliament based on the Mahinda Chinthana. Democracy will be upheld in all circumstances. There will be no procrastination.