Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena today marked his hundredth day in office, claiming much was done since he was elected, including gaining the friendship and trust of the international community and restoring media freedom.
In a statement, delivered only in Sinhalese, the president said his government took "many important steps with regard to the country’s economy, politics, development and international relation".
Mr Sirisena reminded of the "international situation" the country was facing under the previous government, but said that he was now trusted by the international community to protect democracy and human rights.
"You will remember what took place at the United Nations, the Human Rights Commission and the Security Council. However, after January 9th, because of the faith you placed in me and elected this government, the international community that was divided over us, now place their trust in this government, and me just as you did, and believe that as Head of State I would protect the freedom of this country and its Democracy, Human Rights and Fundamental Rights," he said.
The president said through his visit to India, China, the UK and Pakistan he achieved "much towards winning over the entire world", adding that he believed he had the support of the British government and the European Union.
"Through the close friendship displayed by British Prime Minister David Cameron, Indian Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jingping have confirmed their trust placed in us for the protection and growth of freedom and democracy."
"I wish to emphasize to those who question what we have done in the past 100 days that we have regained the international friendship and trust that had considerably declined under the previous government, and that my government and I were able to win over and strengthen this friendship for the benefit of the people of this country."
Mr Sirisena further claimed media on the island was now free from threats and pressure, but expressed dismay at the use of the media by some political opponents to spread "false information that the armed forces are to be reduced or removed from the North".
On the same day the president delivered his statement, a journalist and two university students were arrested in the North-East.
Read his full address in English here.
For an analysis of the president's 100 day programme see here.
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