He said the necessity for forming a new party arose because today, there was little if any proper leadership in the country. The major parties have failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people. "Today, they are talking together to give over a part of our country. Did they ever join together to fight the separatist terrorists? Will Prabhakaran ever give up a single inch of territory for peace?"

'Sihala Urumaya' was launched with a flying start amidst a large gathering of people from all walks of life. The auditorium was packed to capacity. Every seat was occupied and many stood along the walls. People also thronged the lobby outside, where the proceedings were shown on television screens. The new flag of the party, with the lion in the foreground, was placed on one side of the stage along with the national flag on the other. The simple ceremony was characterised with a national flavour.

At the auspicious hour, a young girl and boy clad in white national attire brought in the sannasa bearing the official announcement of the party, accompanied by Kandyan drummers beating the magul bera. After the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the members of the party Central Committee ascended the stage. The National Anthem was sung with much fervour and the proceedings got underway.

"Only the Sihalä Urumaya can save our land from this war", pronounced Tilak Karunaratne, General Secretary of the party.

He announced his intention of resigning his seat in Parliament at the next sitting on May 9, to work full time for the success of Sihala Urumaya.

"Älthough we speak today of the Sinhalese, we will not forget the other races and religions. We accept that all citizens have an equal place in this country. However, we condemn the notion that one third of the country should be carved out as a homeland for one ethnic group alone" he said. "Our aim is to build a united Sri Lanka and safeguard its sovereignty" he said.