He was addressing the nation from the 'Paththirippuwa' of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy earlier today.

He also said that the country needs a genuine human being and not a king.

Speaking further, the President pledged to remove unlimited powers vested to the Executive Presidency and to appoint independent commissions.

He also promised to bring about ethnic and religious harmony as well as to strengthen the local economy.