Colombo: Sri Lanka, which is completely bankrupt and embroiled in a political crisis Virtually without a leader, has decided to elect a new president from parliament on 20 July. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abhaywardene made the announcement after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa officially informed him that he would resign on July 13, as he had promised earlier.
The Speaker had summoned over 35 political party leaders from both the government and the opposition to decide the next steps to appoint an all-party government. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was also present in the meeting.
Sri Lanka: Presidential election on July 20
“It was decided to convene Parliament on 15 July and an announcement is to be made regarding the vacancy for the office of the Presidency that needs to be filled. Nominations will be called for the appointment of a new President through elections on 19 July. Parliament 20 July
The main opposition party Samagi said, “According to the Constitution when the office of the President is vacant, the Parliament must be convened within three days and the nominations for the appointment of the new President must be announced. Thereafter, elections are to be held within two days.” should.” Janwalwegaya (United People Front) general secretary Ranjit Maddumbandara said.
Sri Lanka crisis: Cabinet ministers handed over responsibility to all-party government
Cabinet ministers who met Wickremesinghe on Saturday morning announced that they had decided to hand over their responsibilities to an all-party government they plan to appoint.
Meanwhile, Central Bank Governor Dr Nandlal Veerasinghe has warned that the current political instability will worsen the current economic crisis, as it will delay talks for aid, reports said.
As the nation grapples with its worst economic crisis, the Sri Lankan president has been demanding Rajapaksa to resign from his post since March 31, the day he surrounded his private residence. Anti-Rajapaksa protesters later arrived in Colombo on April 2 and occupied the entrance to the President’s office and continued to protest until Saturday occupied the official residence of the President and the Prime Minister, amid violence with police and military using tear gas shells. Shots were fired and shots were fired. Saturday.
Over 100 protesters and policemen have been injured, while one is in critical condition.