After swearing-in as the seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa stressed that Sri Lanka wants to stay out of conflicts among the world powers and would remain neutral in its foreign policy.
“We will maintain friendly and cordial relationship with all the nations and we don’t want to be caught between power struggles of international politics among different nations,” Rajapaksa said after he took oath at the historic Sinahala Buddhist city of Anuradhapura.
“In maintaining relationships with us, we urge all nations to respect our sovereignty,” he added.
Rajapaksa announced he would soon form a new Government to implement his policies.
Former Defence Secretary-turned President had selected Ruwanveli Mahaseya, a massive temple built by valiant king Dutugemunu in north-central city of Anuradhapura, situated 200 km from capital Colombo. He was sworn in besides the statue of King Dutugemunu (161 BC-137 BC). According to historical chronicle Mahawamsa, the King unified the country overthrowing Tamil prince Ellalan from Chola Kingdom.
“I was able to address the nation as the President in front of the statue of one of the greatest kings of Sri Lankan kingdom Dutugemunu because of the historical mandate given by the people,” said Rajapaksa.