Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesteday that he wishes well the national government formed by the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

He said he was laughed at when he spoke about a national government during the war and that he was not going to criticise this national government because he was politically resting now.

Following a prefects’ investiture ceremony held at the Samarasinharama Dhamma school in Thelijjawila, Matara, Mr. Rajapaksa, in answer to  a question by a media person as to whether the present government was good for the country, said that it remained be seen.

He said, “I have nowhere to go these days,  except temples. I accept invitations from Dhamma schools. The children who come from the distant areas speak of the success of Dhamma schools. A Dhamma school is a good place for producing a disciplined set of people.”

He added that his government began to develop the country as a result of which people could travel to distant places in a few minutes, whereas it had formerly taken hours.

“According to Buddhist doctrine we are able to face victory and defeat in the same manner. Children should be able to face victory and defeat alike. Do not betray the country. Respect the country in the same way you respect your parents, he said.

The former president distributed medals to 108 prefects.

Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, MPs Dallas Alahapperuma and Chandrasiri Gajadeera, and several other persons also participated in the event.(Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)