Sri Lanka: President Gota to adopt a "neutral foreign policy"

Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his first address after taking oaths as President today (Nov 18) said he would adopt a “neutral” foreign policy during his rule

“We want to remain neutral in foreign relations and stay out of any conflict among foreign powers,” Rajapaksa said at the swearing-in ceremony which concluded a short while ago at the Ruwanwelisaya Temple in Anuradhapura.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate said he would give national security the utmost priority under his rule.

“We will strengthen the state security apparatus to protect the country from terrorists, underworld criminals, racketeers, thieves, and those who abuse women and children,” he stressed.

Commenting on the results of the poll, in which he won 52.2 percent of votes, Rajapaksa said he was confident of registering victory only by obtaining the votes of the Sinhala Buddhist majority.

“I called on the Tamil and Muslim communities to be a part of my victory but it didn’t draw a positive response,” the President observed.

Further, Mr Rajapaksa said he called on the minority communities to join him as “true Sri Lankans” for the betterment of Sri Lanka’s future.

The President insisted that he “will not tolerate corruption” under his government and that “meritocracy” and “technocracy” will be promoted instead, to strengthen the state sector to operate in an efficient manner.

Mr. Rajapaksa expressed his gratitude to all who supported him during the election and pledged to implement his manifesto under his rule.

“As President, my duty is to serve the people of all communities, Accordingly, I will safeguard the rights of those who did and didn’t vote for me,” the President declared.

On the same lines, he said he would exercise his executive powers in a manner that is beneficial for the country.