COLOMBO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called on all political parties including the opposition to unite to forge ahead with the development agenda in the island country, state media reported Saturday.

Sirisena, in discussion with journalists, said all parties must now give priority to development work which had suffered a set back with recent obstacles such communal riots in the central hills, the government's defeat at the local government polls and a no confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He said these obstacles had created certain uncertainty in the country but it was now time for all to unite to expedite with development work.

"I extend an invitation to all the 225 Members of Parliament to join the efforts of the government, irrespective of party differences," Sirisena said.

"Priority now, should be given to development strategies for the benefit of the country," he added.

Sri Lanka has been facing political uncertainty since the government was defeated in a local government poll held in early February.