He went onto say that his government was able to grant more benefits in the past three years after defeating terrorism, than the achievements made during the more than 50 years of independence since 1948.
Mr. Rajapaksa said the nation today is aspiring to see a developed and unsoiled country, adding that he would consider it a challenge as well as an expectation to grant further benefits to the people.
Stressing that the economic crises in the rest of the world affect Sri Lanka as well, he said the country was self-sufficient in food today.
It is only through achieving economic independence that the country can stand firm and act like an independent and sovereign nation, said the president.
He warned that terrorists and separatists in foreign countries, being aided by certain locals, were still plotting against Sri Lanka.
The government has initiated a programme to restore lasting peace and communal harmony, which needs contributions from all, he stressed.
Noting that Sri Lanka is a country that belongs to every community, Mr. Rajapaksa said that imported solutions were unsuited for local issues, and that all parties should respect the mandate of the parliamentary select committee in that regard.
The president also said recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission are being implemented.
SLM