The inaugural ceremony of the programme to award gold land deeds to 100,000 Mahaweli recipients got underway in Embilipitiya this morning.
Speaking at the event, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said his government will rule the country democratically and ensure people’s rights to freedom are secured.
The Head of State said people will be given the freedom to exercise their rights, keeping in line with the culture of Sri Lanka.
However, the President said many exploit this freedom for personal benefit.
President Rajapaksa said today’s youth do not know the struggles of the past, including times when rocks were hurled at judges, when the electoral map was scrapped, and when elections were rigged.
He also recalled the era where journalists were hunted, and families of those in the forces were killed.
