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| Mahinda Rajapaksa |
SRI LANKA NEWS - In a grand ceremony amidst thousands of Sri Lankans and dignitaries who had witnessed the president sworn-in ceremony where Mahinda Rajapaksa, the second time elected president pledged to wipe out underworld crimes, illicit drugs and corruption.
The ceremony was held in the capital Colombo from a special dais outside the former parliament building.
A heavy security was set up at the ceremony where 10,000 troops and police officers protected the capital and its surroundings. It was a national holiday and public communication was almost nil in several city roads.
Rajapaksa had gained immense popularity when under his leadership Sri Lanka defeated Tamil Tiger last year. Now, the elected president in his speech vowed to wipe out underworld crimes, illicit drugs and corruption from the country. Moreover, He also vowed to ensure all Sri Lankans were provided with electricity by 2012.
The streets of capital and other cities were adorned with portraits and huge banners of Mr. Rajapaksa. The government has issued notice that no other hoardings or cutout be displayed in public until week-long nationwide celebrations are over.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Prime Minister Jigme Thinley of Bhutan, President Mohamed Nasheed of Maldives, and Farooq Naik, chairman of the Pakistan senate.
The opposition parties boycotted today's ceremonies.
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