Ranil Wickremesinghe's New Year pledge

In January last year, the people of Sri Lanka elected President Maithripala Sirisena as their President. With his election, we embarked on a new journey filled with hope and possibilities. As the vision of good governance completes a year, we look back with a sense of achievement and pride, having secured freedom for all Sri Lankans.

For the first time in history, a President in power has chosen to curtail some of the powers vested in the office of the President.

The Elections Commissioner has been assured full authority and power within his sphere, which enabled the country to enjoy a free and fair election.

Upon the conclusion of the parliamentary election, the two main parties have come together to form a National Government, successfully overcoming the challenges posed by accusations of human rights violations.

We have joined hands with the international community in taking the initial steps towards ensuring human rights and freedom for all Sri Lankans.

We have commenced the process of giving land back to the civilians of the North. While resettling them, we will ensure the rights of people living in other areas as well.

We have embarked upon a new journey that continues this year - our goal is to ensure economic and social prosperity for Sri Lanka; enhance income levels, provide employment for youth, introduce new and innovative economic measures, pave the way for Sri Lanka to become poverty-free and economically empowered, establish a system of education on par with the highest global standards and safeguarde the rule of law in a land that is socially forward-looking. These will be the milestones of that journey.

This is the journey I am inviting all of you to join us on.

It is a journey that has been endorsed by the people of Sri Lanka. We have the backing of the international community as well.

Under President Sirisena's guidance, we plan to have in place a mechanism that will guarantee economic and social development, within the next three years.

This journey seeks prosperity for all Sri Lankans - the journey that assures every Sri Lankan of a better tomorrow. There will be criticism and pointing of fingers but this journey cannot be held back.

We pledge to bring prosperity never seen before, to Sri Lanka. The critical voices will soon join us to see it through - undoubtedly. That prosperity is for Colombo, as it is for Trincomalee. It is for Hambantota as well as for Jaffna.

Let us unite as one to see that vision come to pass.

Let me wish all Sri Lankans a happy new year.