“I have succeeded in uniting the territory. Now, I am entrusted with the task of uniting the hearts of all sections of our people. I willingly take over the noble task of creating peace among our communities.We do not strengthen the parties based on divisive politics, on the basis of colour or tribe, pro- LTTE or separatist,” Presidet Mahinda Rajapasha said in his independence day speech in Kandy.

“Anyone can go anywhere freely. That is very important. This is our motherland. All of us are children of one mother. All of us are kings today. We all should live together as brothers with equal rights and with dignity. Let us discuss our issues among ourselves and resolve them. Everyone will receive all facilities in an equal manner. That is called equality and equal rights. One country, one people, one law. That is our way, the only way”, the President added in the 62nd independence day speech.

In his brief comments in Tamil Mr. Rajapaksa said the people of the North and East suffered for thirty years without their democratic rights and he was able to grant them democracy. “We do not strengthen the parties based on divisive politics, on the basis of colour or tribe, pro- LTTE or separatist.”

On the foreign policy of his government, Mr. Rajapaksa said it is independent and non-aligned. “It is no secret that we have maintained close friendly relationships with our neighbours such as India, China, Japan and others. We also maintain close affinity with Africa, the West, the Middle East and the European countries.”

Mr. Rajapaksa said the new and even stronger mandate he received on January 26 gives him greater confidence to move ahead in building the new Sri Lanka, which he envisages as the hub of economic activity and a beacon of progress in the region together with a full commitment to the rights of man.