President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that top priority will be given to development and the country’s security in line with the needs of the people when enacting amendments to the Constitution.  Addressing a public rally in Hakmana yesterday, the President said that constitutional amendments will not be implemented according to the whims and fancies of individuals or organizations, nor it will be done to please or pacify anyone.  He emphasized that the people of the country gave him a huge majority expressing their confidence and expectations and this confidence was reiterated by giving a near two-thirds majority to the government in the General Election.  He emphasized that this confidence and trust will be safeguarded at all cost. 

He added that all politicians and the government officials should stand committed to uphold the people’s wishes.  He recalled that during his Parliamentary days he had a better dialogue with his colleagues.  He said that he had cordial discussions with the Opposition Leader Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe and has indicated to him about the government’s intentions relating to amending the Constitution. 

Commenting about politicians changing parties, President Rajapaksa said he had no problem about this matter and reminded that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the strongest political party in the country today, came into existence with the change of party by the late Prime Minister Mr. S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike and assisted by the late Mr. D.A.Rajapakse.  

The President also paid a glowing tribute to both the late Mr. S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike and Mrs. Bandaranaike for their contribution to strengthen the party.  He said that it is the responsibility of the politicians to reach out to the people and resolve their burning issues. 

He said that after vanquishing terrorism which vandalized the nation for three decades it is now the responsibility of everyone, the politicians as well as the masses, and the government officials, to discard political differences and dedicate themselves to build the country, and develop all areas equally. 
Referring to the country’s economic situation, the President pointed out that the per capita income which stood around U.S.$ 1,000 since independence has now doubled as a result of government’s development activities.  He said that it is the objective of the government to increase the per capita income to U.S.$ 4,000 in the near future.

During the day the President declared open several development projects in the Hakmana area which included the Rs. 40 Million Hakmana Pradeshiya Sabha building, the  Rs.60 Million Computer Centre and Auditorium built by L.H.Piyasena and company and many other public utility facilities.  Deputy Minister of Economic Development Mr. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene also associated with the President in these functions. (niz).

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