I will dedicate myself to strengthen national economy in 2016: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said that he will commit himself to strengthening the national economy and to eliminating poverty in the country with the dawn of the New Year.

He made these remarks while addressing the media after paying homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and receiving the blessings for the New Year on Thursday.

The President further said that the Government will commit in the next year to bring essential political reforms and to formulate a new constitution taking into consideration suggestions and ideas of political leaders, scholars and intellectuals as well as the general public.

The President recalled that the Government was committed in the last year to secure the democratic rights of people and to build a peaceful society, adding that the Government was able to win the confidence of the international community.

 “The Government has planned to provide much relief to the public in the year 2016,” he said.

The President took the opportunity to wish all the citizens of Sri Lanka a prosperous and happy New Year.

Subsequent to paying homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic he received the blessings of the Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters.

First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena, Minister Lakshman Kiriella, Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayaka and others also participated in the occasion.