Mahinda Rajapaksa has not resigned, Sri Lanka PMO clarifies

Colombo, April 3 (IANS) Mahinda Rajapaksa had not resigned as the Prime Minister, the Sri Lanka Prime Minister's Office clarified on Sunday evening, media reports said.

Sources, however, said that a new cabinet will be sworn in, with opposition members in it, the Daily Mirror reported.

This follows a proposal by several parties, that a new interim government must be appointed to ensure political stability.

Earlier, reports said Prime Minister Rajapaksa is likely to step down from his position in the coming hours after both he and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa have agreed to form an all party interim government, the Daily Mirror reported.

Following a meeting with the 11 party alliance members, a proposal had been submitted by the members that an all party interim government should be formed immediately with a new Prime Minister to ensure political stability in the country.

Both the Rajapaksas had given a favourable response with sources stating that Mahinda Rajapaksa had agreed to step down for a new SLPP MP to be appointed to the Premiership to ensure immediate political stability.

Sources said that the name of Dinesh Gunwawardena had been proposed as the new Prime Minister but this was yet to be confirmed.

From the main opposition SJB's side, the name of Harsha De Silva has been proposed as the new Finance Minister to replace Basil Rajapaksa.

 

Amidst public protest to resign, SL President, PM hold crucial meeting
Amidst public protests around the country defying island-wide curfew on Sunday and government allies demanding to form a caretaker government, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa are to decide on future on after a crucial meeting.
Colombo, April 3 (IANS) Amidst public protests around the country defying island-wide curfew on Sunday and government allies demanding to form a caretaker government, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa are to decide on future on after a crucial meeting.

The two brothers on Sunday met several political allies who demanded the removal of their younger brother and Finance Minister Basil Rajapasa who is blamed for current economic crisis.

Reports in a section of media indicated a new Prime Minister is to be appointed either from the party or opposition in a bid to form a caretaker government. However, on Sunday night, Prime Minister Rajapaska denied certain media reports that he would step down from the post.

Resisting emergency law and curfew imposed to prevent Sunday's protest initiated by a social media campaign, people and university students got onto the streets demanding President Rajapaksa step down.

Despite blocking of the social media by military, people from various parts of the country gathered to streets and chanted "Gota go, give our country back".

Following violent protest near President Rajapaska's house at Mirihana in Colombo suburbs on Thursday night, powerful emergency law followed by curfew was imposed.

Dried-up dollar reserves and depreciation have denied the island nation with fuel, LP gas, electricity and some daily essential food.