Sri Lanka has the courage to take on challenges - President

*‘We are capable of solving our issues’

*‘Join hands to meet challenges’

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday stressed that Sri Lanka has the courage to face challenges posed by external forces.

He reiterated that Sri Lanka does not require an imported solution to solve the country’s internal issues. He stressed that Sri Lanka is capable of solving its issues through peaceful dialogue with all parties concerned.

The President said that the time has come for Sri Lanka to shed petty differences and join hands for the sake of the country.

He was of the view that any problems in the country can be solved through peaceful negotiations.

The President was speaking at a ceremony at Temple Trees to present land deeds to over 2,000 beneficiaries under the one million housing project of the Janasevana programme. Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Ministry is implementing the project.

He said that Sri Lanka has arrived at a stage where the country’s problems can be solved by the people itself through negotiation without external assistance.

“Sri Lanka does not need any imported solution for the country’s issues. The people should join hands to meet the challenges of theexternal forces,” he said.

“In order to provide shelter for homeless, the government launched the ‘Janasevana’ housing programme, which aims to construct one million houses within six years. The Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Ministry was assigned for this task which is in full swing now” the President added.