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Religious leaders ready to nominate civil activists for Presidency; if no consensus by political parties: Ven. Sobitha Thera
In his comments, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said that if the political parties were not able to reach a consensus on appointing a new President, the clergy are ready to nominate five civil society activists suitable for the position and requested the party leaders to allow them to be appointed through the national list to Parliament.
The senior prelate told a news conference that civil society organisations have already spoken about five civil activists who have the exposure to relevant sectors, aware of the issues faced by the country, have future vision, have international relationships and devoid of political objectives to be appointed as the new President.
The prelate said the names of the individuals could not be disclosed now, as it could embarrass them and therefore the details would be disclosed at the right time.
"The future President should be chosen with a common agreement from all political parties and based on the national needs. We request all political party leaders to come to a consensus, leaving behind political power struggle. If they cannot do so, we are ready to nominate five civil activists suitable for the position. In such case, we request party leaders to allow them to be nominated through the national list in place of five MPs," he said.
"The people who had taken over the President's House, Presidential Secretariat and Temple Trees, must vacate the premises after the resignation of the President is announced officially today. “There could be a security threat to these national property as malicious elements may destroy or vandalize them. We request the protesters to hand back the premises to be taken care of by the security forces,” the intellectual Buddhist priest said. (Ajith Siriwardana)
Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
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