Responding to a question as to whether the probes into these allegations were progressing slowly, he said such investigations could not be completed within 24 hours.
He rejected claims that there were attempts to cover up fraud, corruption allegations.
He also denied a lack of support by the military in investigations into the killings and enforced disappearances of journalists.
About SLFP
Responding to another question as to whether he was getting the SLFP’s grassroots support, the president said the party should first be reorganized.
All in the party should work alike to face the local government polls, he said.
The BBC asked him as to whether the common programme for which a majority had given him a mandate had become jeopardized after he accepted the SLFP’s chairmanship despite giving a promise upon election to remain unbiased.
Without the party’s chairmanship, the 100 day programme or the adoption of the 19th amendment to the constitution would not have been possible, he noted in response.
President Sirisena justified the appointment of defeated candidates on the national list by saying that they had been defeated not by the UNP, but by a certain group within the SLFP itself as they were loyal to him.
He said he would not have anything to do with the political future of Mahinda Rajapaksa, adding that his task was to look after the country and the people, as he had no personal political agenda.
President Sirisena said it was neither relevant to him that there were reports of his predecessor’s going to form a new party by dividing the SLFP.
He said he was not worried by his political future once the executive presidency is abolished, as he is concerned about the tomorrow of the country only and has to fulfill his obligations in that regard.
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