I was pressured to take over the presidency, violating the constitution during Aragalaya: Speaker

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  
Both international and local forces influenced me to take over the presidency and form a new government even through violating the constitution during ‘Aragalaya’ back in 2022, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena revealed yesterday.  
“Some prominent religious leader even threatened to surround my house and harm me if I failed to take over the presidency and form a government; he said making a special statement after the no faith motion against him was defeated.  

“Some of those local politicians who inflicted undue influence on me are among the signatories of the no faith motion which was brought against me,” he added.  
“Some opposition MPs who signed the no faith motion tendered a personal apology to me. I am happy to announce that these MPs did not participate in the debate on the no faith motion and did not vote in favour of it today, “ he also said.  
“I had to see to the safety of all political party leaders in the parliamentary complex when it was surrounded by the protesters during the Aragalaya. Protesters surrounded the House during the party leaders meeting. I sent out all party leaders safely while I had to remain. It also decided to send the Mace out of the House to ensure its safety, “he further revealed.  
The Speaker said the country would have led to divisions if the forming of a new administration was delayed.” There would have been divisions as various forces would have taken over different areas of the nation, “he said in this regard.  

Also the Speaker denied the allegation that he had violated the constitution by endorsing the Online Safety Bill. He said he holds a written assurance given by the Attorney General that the Bill has been duly approved.” The statements made by the opposition that I had cast my vote in selecting the IGP was also false. I only told President that I will cast my vote if it is considered that the two members of the constitutional council who abstained had done so in order to oppose the nominee Deshabandu Tennekoon. I don’t have power to come to a conclusion on this matter,:” he said.