The president of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, announced yesterday that the new president of the country will be elected on July 20 by the legislature. “During the meeting of the party leaders held today (yesterday), it was agreed that this was essential to guarantee that a new government of all parties is established in accordance with the Constitution and to carry out essential services,” said Abeywardena. it's a statement. Presidential candidates may present themselves until July 19, the day before the election.
With the country plunged into the worst economic crisis in recent decades and protesters entrenched in the presidential palace and in the prime minister's residence, the president of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, yesterday confirmed his resignation as of tomorrow, as the Saturday after the intense protests that ended in the assault on his official residence.
Rajapaksa, 73, has become the main target of criticism from the protesters, who for months have reproached him for poor management that has caused shortages of food, fuel and other essential goods. Rajapaksa, a member of the powerful clan that has dominated Sri Lankan politics in recent times, was transferred on a military ship to an airbase near the international airport, from where he could try to travel abroad, according to AFP sources.
His resignation joins that of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose house was set on fire by protesters on Saturday, and the rest of the government, who promised to step aside as soon as a government agreement is reached between all parties.
