Will find a solution of our own - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa made a request to Tamil leaders to join with the government to find a national solution and achieve reconciliation.

Delivering the reply speech at the final budget debate in parliament yesterday (20), President Rajapaksa emphasized the need for all parties to act together to resolve the ethnic issue and achieve national reconciliation.

He noted that the government's budget is being passed in parliament in parallel to the passing of the budget of the newly established Northern Provincial Council.

The President requested the leader of the Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan and Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran to joint hands with the government to create national harmony.

He asked the opposition to correct the government's path by presenting constructive criticism. Sri Lanka can set an example to all the other countries affected by internal conflicts, the President added.

However, the President asserted that there will be no room for terrorism to resurface.

Speaking of the budget, the President said the government is aiming at strengthening state services, broadening the trilingual programme and development of housing and livelihoods.