The new constitution aims to unite the country and ensure communal harmony, not to divide the country, he said at a public meeting on the sidelines of the opening of a German-aided vocational training centre in Kilinochchi yesterday (18).

He went onto say that all Sri Lankans should recognize the fact that the northern province masses were having a problem of their own.

In the bid to create communal harmony, the existing problems should be understood and resolved, he stressed.

He questioned the motive of the persons involved in creating a so-called new political force and urged them to learn the lesson of national reconciliation.

Expressing regret over the clash at Jaffna University, he said universities should be made into places that built national reconciliation.

Also, reconciliation should be included as a school subject, the president said.

He blamed the existing education system for the protests by youths demanding employment, and said the matter would be addressed.

Mr. Sirisena added that he would fulfill the promise given to abolish the executive presidency.