• Some key ministers to be sworn in today  
• Ranil to consult parliamentary group to select ministers   
• Ranil says ‘GotaGoGama’ protestors can continue
• New PM has majority in Parliament   
• GR vows not to interfere in Ranil’s decisions

By JAMILA HUSAIN   

Leader of the United National Party, Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the Prime Minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last evening, following days of political instability and a severe economic crisis that has left the country on the verge of collapse.   

Wickremesinghe took oaths at the President’s House following which he visited the Walukarama and Gangaramaya Temples to seek blessings as he assumes duties for the 6th time as the Prime Minister yesterday.  

Inside sources said that while SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa had at the end moment sent a letter to President Rajapaksa yesterday, saying he was ready to take up the Premiership under conditions, Rajapaksa had turned down the letter signaling it was too late for Premadasa to respond after he had been requested many times but had refused.   

Rajapaksa had also informed Premadasa that he wanted an MP who could get majority support in Parliament as achieving political stability in the country was of utmost importance to solve the economic crisis. Following closed-door discussions between Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa on Wednesday evening, the President had confirmed his decision after the UNP Leader agreed, but on the condition that Wickremesinghe is allowed to appoint a cabinet after consulting the parliamentary group supporting him.   

Another condition put was that the peaceful protestors be allowed to continue their protests against the President at the Galle Face site. With the President agreeing to these conditions, Wickremesinghe will now go ahead and form his cabinet. Inside sources said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Health, Minister of Justice and Minister of Finance will be sworn in today. The remaining ministers will be sworn in within the coming days. Wickremesinghe has already held discussions with the Central Bank Governor and has been briefed on the critical economic crisis and will now engage with countries to seek immediate economic assistance. Wickremesinghe will also take steps to restart discussions with the IMF as he had been voicing for IMF assistance even while he was in the opposition.   

• SLFP said it would meet today to decide whether to  join the government  or not

The UNP Leader emerged as the Prime Minister while holding on to only one national list seat and had now gathered the support of at least 113 MPs by last evening. He has vowed to show his numbers when Parliament convenes. The CWC was the first party yesterday to pledge support to Wickremesinghe while many SLPP MPs and even some from the SJB are confirmed to back Wickremesinghe in parliament.   

• The UNP Leader emerged as the Prime Minister while holding on to only one national list seat