" we are aware that the developed countries in the world have many
other cities of fame apart from their capital cities. When development
spreads and the revolution of roadways expands we will have several
cities that are not second in anyway to Colombo. This will inevitably
lead to a completely different image of Sri Lanka that the world will
see tomorrow"Says President Mahinda Rajapaksha after sworn in his second term in office
this morning.
President Rajapaksha has sworn in out side the Presidential Secretariat facing Galle Face green in Colombo today in front of Local , foreign delegates and the public.
He further said that he massive power projects now under construction will ensure that by
2012 every home and family in our country will have electricity.
"Therefore, the land that was freed from terrorism will by 2012 be a land
that is freed of darkness. You will soon hear the hum of industry that
is powered by this energy.
In keeping with the exhortation of our former kings that not a drop of
water should flow to the sea without first serving the people, we are
today harnessing the water in all our great reservoirs for the task of
development. All reservoirs must be used without letting them idle. This
will lead to the filling up of our barns, providing drinking water to
the people. When we have enough food for our bodies, our minds will be
filled with the comfort of freedom the president stressed.
Here are some important points in the speech delivered by President today.
What lies ahead is a period when all of us will have to work hard for
our country. Our expectation is to modernize all areas of employment as
to make them more productive and provide more revenue. The work of our
people should be regarded as an asset and not the result of hiring or
slavery. Our labour is an asset of dignity. It is by increasing the
quality of work that my country can be made the Wonder of Asia.
We must move towards a future generation that is trilingual. It is my
hope to raise the level of computer literacy to 75% in the near future
and make our future generation true heroes of technology in the modern
world. The name of Sri Lankan youth must top the list of those employed
in the fields of science and technology. Our generation can achieve this
victory by making our country the knowledge hub we intend it to be.
What I seek is a country where we can travel from one end to another in a
few hours; an era which provides a good income for our people. We must
rise by making this country the hub of development in the five-fold
areas of naval, aviation, commerce and trade, power and energy, and
knowledge. We must make this a country one among those with the best
quality of life.
There is no room for hatred on politics, community, caste or religion
when our children are brought up in a life that is replete with all
facilities, has shelter and security, and is rich in love and
friendship.
We have carried out development work in the North and East as never
before in the history of these regions. All development processes
carried out in the North and East, are a closure of the highways to
terrorism. I strongly believe that this infrastructure to banish poverty
is a major part of a political solution.
The people of the North were able to use their franchise in freedom at
the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. In the forthcoming
elections too, we will ensure their right to vote freely and elect their
representatives.
Never in any of my speeches have I referred to my motherland as a small
country. I have never called the land of my birth, ‘small Sri Lanka’ or
‘small Island’. This is a land with a great history of many centuries,
where the Kalawewa, Ruwanweliseya, Sigiriya, Yoda Ela, Lovamahapaya
stand; where the Buddha has trod thrice on this land. A land that won
our freedom from the world’s most powerful imperialism from struggles
that lasted nearly four centuries; has defeated the most ruthless and
savage terrorist of the world. It is where people who follow four
different faiths live in harmony and where today many communities live
in brotherhood; and where the world’s largest habour and five other
ports are being built, and the strides of development are proceeding to
build airports, expressways and massive power stations. With such an
abundance of greatness who would dare to say that this is a small
island?
Therefore, never ever call this a small country. You too must develop
your body, mind and word to match the dignity of this land of your birth
and take this country to the greatness it deserves.
The Government is planning to print and publish a code for the use of National Anthem which will give pride and respect to the National Anthem.
