He said he left the previous regime as he could not work with such persons.

Speaking at a SLMC anniversary function at Akkarapattu yesterday (19), he told them that the present government would remain in power for its full five year tenure.

It will protect the motherland, govern it property and develop it with assistance from the entire world.

The president stressed that the country would not be betrayed, as claimed by opponents of the government.

Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader R. Sampanthan and ministers Sarath Fonseka, Daya Gamage and Mano Ganeshan also attended.