Sri Lanka Crisis: Oppn Parties To Hold Discussion Today On Transition Of Power To Form New Govt

The opposition parties in Sri Lanka held talks on Sunday to seek ways to steer the country forward in the current unprecedented economic crisis after Rajapaksa's resignation.

New Delhi: While the island country witnessed a massive protest by the locals after the months of a huge economic crisis driving out the ruling government from power, Sri Lanka's main opposition parties on Sunday agreed to form an all-party interim government and they will be holding a discussion today over convening of the House for transfer of power. This comes following unprecedented political turmoil forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to offer their resignations over the mishandling of the nation's crippling economic crisis.

According to a PTI report, opposition parties held talks to seek ways to steer the country forward in the current unprecedented economic crisis after Rajapaksa's resignation.

"We agreed in principle to form a government of unity with all parties participation for an interim period," Wimal Weerawansa of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party's breakaway group said.

"This will be a government where all parties are represented," he said.

Vasudeva Nanayakkara, another leader of the SLPP breakaway group said they need not wait for Rajapaksa's resignation on July 13.

President Rajapaksa informed Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Saturday that he will resign on Wednesday after the country's opposition parties demanded his resignation. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has also offered to resign.

Opposition parties agree to form interim government

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya party said they held extensive internal discussions. "We aim for an interim government of all parties for a limited period and then go for a parliamentary election," Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the SJB general secretary said.

The leaders of political parties represented in Parliament are to meet on Monday afternoon to discuss the convening of the House for the transition of power for a new government after Rajapaksa said he will resign.

Speaker Abeywardena conveyed to Rajapaksa on Saturday that Opposition party leaders want him to resign after anti-government protesters broke police barricades and entered his offices and the official residence.

Under the Constitution, the incumbent prime minister would automatically get appointed as the acting president for a short time until Parliament votes and appoint a successor to the president.