Will leave office after punishing corrupt politicians: President

• Insists on setting up national movement against corruption
• Extends invitation to all citizens who love motherland to join him in this initiative

President Maithripala Sirisena said he will leave the presidency after giving appropriate punishments to corrupt politicians insisting that he is ready to walk down the streets with the people on a journey against fraud and corruption.

“Some people ask questions as to when I will resign from the office of President; I will leave the presidency after giving appropriate punishments to corrupt politicians,” President Maithripala Sirisena said addressing a public rally in Kosgama on Thursday. 

After the local government elections on 10 February, a national movement against corruption will be established, joining hands with all politicians who love motherland irrespective of their political differences, he said, while extending an invitation to all citizens who care for the country, including all the religious leaders and intellectuals, to join him in this initiative.

The President further said the work that has to be done for the betterment of the nation should by no means be neglected, and journey must be continued by building exemplary politicians in the country.

Recalling the request made by former leaders to rectify the mistake that happened on 8 January 2015, the President questioned whether they are asking to re-create an era where disappearances, killings, murders of journalists and media houses being set fire on are commonplace, an era that once tarnished the country’s image in the international arena.

Sirisena went on to say that the people of this country are not ready to reverse their agenda, harming the international reputation of Sri Lanka.

The rally, held in Seethawaka, at Danny Ground Kosgama, was organised to ensure the victory of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidates contesting in the forthcoming provincial election under the patronage of President Sirisena. A large crowd attended the arlly.

The Maha Sangha of the area, other religious leaders, Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Mahinda Amaraweera, State Minister A. H. M. Fowzie, Chief Minister of the Western Province Isura Devapriya, SLFP Chief Organiser of Avissawella Sumith Vijayamuni Soysa, Anuruddha Polgampola, Sunil Wijerathna, Ajith Vijayamuni Soysa, people’s representatives and many others participated in this meeting.