Prime Minister Sri LankaRanil Wickremesinghe, stated that he was ready to resign, Saturday (9/7), when the country became increasingly volatile after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled before the mob ransacked his house.
Wickremesinghe’s office said the prime minister was willing to step down on the recommendation of the opposition party to form a new joint government.
“For the safety of the population, he agreed to the recommendations of the leaders of the opposition parties,” Wickremesinghe’s office was quoted as saying AFP.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO RESUME CONTENT
–
Wickremesinghe released this statement when a mob was reported to have occupied Rajapaksa’s house. The crowd stormed the president’s residence because they could not contain their emotions.
They are fed up with the government which is considered to have failed to pull Sri Lanka out of the crisis hole until the country was declared bankrupt.
Before the masses entered the residence, Rajapaksa was reported to have fled first with the help of the guards who fired shots into the air to restrain the masses.
Shortly after the president left, the crowd stormed the gates and managed to enter the presidential palace. Several people broadcast live on social media showing the atmosphere in the palace complex.
Hundreds of people were seen walking through the palace. Some of them also seemed boisterous jumping into the complex pool. Others were seen laughing and relaxing in the magnificent bedroom of the building.
The president’s departure from the symbol of the country’s power raises questions about Rajapaksa’s desire to stay in office. One official said they were not aware of Rajapaksa’s whereabouts at this time.
“We are waiting for instructions. We still don’t know where he is, but we know he is safe with the Sri Lankan Navy,” the top-level official said.
If Rajapaksa stepped down, Wickremesinghe should automatically take over control of the country. But now, the situation is getting blurry because Wickremesinghe has stated that he is ready to step down.
(has)
–
