Colombo: Sri Lankamain opposition leader sajith premadasa has told a UK media channel that he intends to run for the presidency once Gotabaya Rajapakse Get down
According to the BBC report, his Samagi Jan Balvegaya (SJB) party has taken this step after talks with allies to get support for the move.
Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented economic crisis that has brought thousands of people to the streets since March.
The BBC reported that the country has run out of cash and is struggling to import basic items such as food, fuel and medicine.
President Rajapaksa announced he plans to resign this week, and the speaker of parliament has said lawmakers will choose the next president on July 20.
Premadasa told the BBC that his party and allies agreed that “they should nominate me for the presidency if there is a vacancy”.
He lost the presidential election in 2019, and will need the support of the governing coalition’s lawmakers to win.
As the BBC reports, he is banking on getting it because of popular discontent against Rajapaksa and his family, who have dominated Sri Lankan politics for more than two decades.
The country’s inflation rate reached 55 percent in June and millions are struggling to make a living.
Premadasa said he was ready to take part in the all-party interim government.
The SJB leader was criticized for refusing to take up the post when he was offered the prime minister’s post in April. his rival Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed – but also indicated that he would resign to make way for a unity government.
Premadasa described the current situation in Sri Lanka as “confused, uncertain and total chaos”, adding that there is a need for “consensus, consultation, compromise and coming together”.
According to local media reports, the country’s usable reserves have fallen to around $250m (£210m).
A severe fuel shortage has ravaged public transport. Rolling power cuts are occurring because power plants lack sufficient fuel to function. Schools are also closed this week due to the fuel crisis. Many people are trying to leave the country.
Premadasa has acknowledged that there are no quick solutions.
It will take around four to five years to bring the economy back to 2019 levels, he said, adding that his party has an economic plan to tide over the crisis.
“We are not going to deceive the people. We are going to talk openly and present a plan to get rid of Sri Lanka’s economic ills,” Premadasa said.
But protesters at the Galle Face site in Colombo say all 225 members of parliament are responsible for the current situation, and they want a fresh start with new and energetic people in politics.
According to the BBC report, his Samagi Jan Balvegaya (SJB) party has taken this step after talks with allies to get support for the move.
Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented economic crisis that has brought thousands of people to the streets since March.
The BBC reported that the country has run out of cash and is struggling to import basic items such as food, fuel and medicine.
President Rajapaksa announced he plans to resign this week, and the speaker of parliament has said lawmakers will choose the next president on July 20.
Premadasa told the BBC that his party and allies agreed that “they should nominate me for the presidency if there is a vacancy”.
He lost the presidential election in 2019, and will need the support of the governing coalition’s lawmakers to win.
As the BBC reports, he is banking on getting it because of popular discontent against Rajapaksa and his family, who have dominated Sri Lankan politics for more than two decades.
The country’s inflation rate reached 55 percent in June and millions are struggling to make a living.
Premadasa said he was ready to take part in the all-party interim government.
The SJB leader was criticized for refusing to take up the post when he was offered the prime minister’s post in April. his rival Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed – but also indicated that he would resign to make way for a unity government.
Premadasa described the current situation in Sri Lanka as “confused, uncertain and total chaos”, adding that there is a need for “consensus, consultation, compromise and coming together”.
According to local media reports, the country’s usable reserves have fallen to around $250m (£210m).
A severe fuel shortage has ravaged public transport. Rolling power cuts are occurring because power plants lack sufficient fuel to function. Schools are also closed this week due to the fuel crisis. Many people are trying to leave the country.
Premadasa has acknowledged that there are no quick solutions.
It will take around four to five years to bring the economy back to 2019 levels, he said, adding that his party has an economic plan to tide over the crisis.
“We are not going to deceive the people. We are going to talk openly and present a plan to get rid of Sri Lanka’s economic ills,” Premadasa said.
But protesters at the Galle Face site in Colombo say all 225 members of parliament are responsible for the current situation, and they want a fresh start with new and energetic people in politics.