"Certain sections of the media have today chosen to interpret President Chandrika Kumaratunga`EDs address at Nittambuwa Sunday (13) January wrongly with malicious intent,"a press release issued by the President`EDs Office yesterday (14) said.

"President Kumaratunga in a lengthy speech spoke about several matters including the necessity for all Sri Lankans to realise the massive potential of human and material, that we possess in Sri Lanka and to make proper use of these for the betterment of all our peoples.

"The President in her address emphasised the need for unity among all setting aside man-made distinctions such as religion, ethnicity, caste if we are to progress in a tangible manner.

"She said when government makes an attempt to arrive at a solution to this issue, there are some in the South who squabble about words or the spelling of a word and they threaten to leave the government if they do not have their way. These petty selfish attitudes are harmful to the country`EDs progress.