Hinting at the possibility that he could seek reelection at the next presidential polls, President Maithripala Sirisena today said that he will not retire in 2020 as there is more work to be done in the country. 

He revealed this at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party May Day Rally, themed ‘Labour Power for National Harmony’, currently underway at Chenkalady, Mawadiwembu in Batticaloa.

President Sirisena said that some people ask him whether he is retiring in 2020 and that these days social media is awash with posts saying he is retiring in 2020.

“I won’t retire in 2020. There is a lot of work to be done,” he said. 

He questioned as to how many honest political leaders are there in the country and how many have not stolen or murdered. He stated this country needs political leaders who love the people. 

He stated that today some people are dreaming of establishing governments in 2020 and that he even saw those in his government talking about 2020. 

He also stated that the government is dedicated to strengthen national reconciliation and that certain political opponents are insulting and criticizing the many programmes carried out by the government to foster unity and reconciliation.

“We have still failed to implement a clear process that builds trust within all communities to prevent the reoccurrence of a war in this country.”  

He stated that problems cannot be solved though war or guns and that they can only be resolved through humanity. “That is the sign of a developed society.”