11 July 2022 08:50 am Views - 15484
In the aftermath of the struggle, the political parties - the ten-party alliance, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the independent group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)- met yesterday and decided to push for the nomination of MP Dullas Alahapperuma and Opposition Leader as the president and the prime minister of the proposed all-party government, Daily Mirror learns.
The representatives of these parties met at the residence of SJB MP Thalata Athukorale in Colombo. The SJB, as the main opposition, was represented by its General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Dr. Rajitha Senaratne. Representing the ten-party alliance, MPS Udaya Gammanpila, Wimal Weerawansa and Gevindu Cumaratunga attended it. The SLFP was represented by MPS Dayasiri Jayasekara and Duminda Dissanayake. The SLPP independent group sent MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa for it.
They reportedly discussed that Mr. Alahapperuma and Mr. Premadasa who is also the SJB leader should take over the leadership positions to steer the country out of the current mess.
A faction of the ruling SLPP called for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on July 9. Besides, the leaders of the political parties represented in Parliament also requested him to do so. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said later that the president would step down on July 13.
In the event of both the president and the prime minister resigning, the Speaker is appointed acting president for a temporary period till Parliament appoints one of its members to serve presidency for the rest of the term. In this instance,
Mr. Alahapperuma is proposed to the post by one faction of the ruling party whereas the others promote newly appointed MP Dhammika Perera to it.
A Cabinet comprising MPS from all the parties is proposed to be formed.the representatives of the struggle are to be included in the advisory council to instruct the Cabinet in governance. However, no final decision has been taken.(KELUM BANDARA)