The President said that the people of Sri Lanka handed over the country to him on January 08, giving him the responsibility to bring in the required transformations for the country.

"Whatever insults, slander and criticisms I have to face, I will fulfill that responsibility bestowed on me," he said.

President Sirisena speaking at the opening ceremony of the newly built 'Vahalkada' at Sri Sankagiri Temple in Welimada Monday (April 4) pointed out that everybody including the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi who endowed a great service to the world, faced with allegations and accusations.

"Our country today is faced with the common conditions faced by every developing country in the world. I am committed to bring about a higher living standard for the people of the country, by facing all those challenges," he said.

A top priority will be given to create a moral and disciplined society under the initiatives of the new government, the President said, adding that religious centers should be strengthened to build a moral society.

The government intends to establish a special fund to develop the facilities at the temples located in rural areas, he said. He said the Government is also committed to develop religious places of other faiths as well.

Following religious observances at the Welimada Sri Sankagiri temple the President met with the Chief incumbent of the temple, Ven Bibile Gunananda Thero and inquired into the well-being of him and offered Ata Pirikara.

The Maha Sangha including Ven. Nuwaraeliye Chandrajothi Thero, Ven. Medawala Sugathasoma Thero, Minister Navin Dissanayake, State Minister Ravindra Samaraweera, Governor of Uva Province, M. P. Jayasinghe, Chief Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayaka and many others participated in the event.