Sajith calls for snap presidential polls as thousands attend SJB protest

• Premadasa said holding snap presidential elections with the consent of all parties was the only way out for the country
• Premadasa also claimed that three Middle Eastern nations had already  promised to provide oil at concessionary rates to a future SJB  government 

By Yohan Perera  

Stating that the only way the country could be taken out of the present crisis is a change of government, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa yesterday called for a snap presidential election.  Addressing the SJB protest march in front of the Presidential Secretariat, Premadasa said holding snap presidential elections with the consent of all parties was the only way out for the country.  “There is only one option left for this government to pull the nation through the present crisis. 

That is to give up power and hand over the government to the SJB which comprises of able people who could deal with the present economic crisis. Some may ask as to how it is going to be done. This could be done by holding snap presidential elections. A snap presidential election could be held with the consent of all political parties,” Premadasa said.  

Premadasa also claimed that three Middle Eastern nations had already promised to provide oil at concessionary rates to a future SJB government.  

The SJB began their protest march in two groups yesterday with one group gathering near the Public Library Junction while the other emerged from the P. D. Sirisena Grounds in Maligawatte. The first crowd marched towards the Presidential Secretariat along Pittala Junction and reached the Liberty junction. They then marched towards Kollupitiya junction and proceeded towards the Presidential Secretariat.   

“Gota go home” the protesters shouted. Some were seen dressed like Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers Basil Rajapaksa and Chamal Rajapaksa. The other group reached the Presidential Secretariat along Maradana through the Hilton junction. There were thousands of people in both groups and the party said it was going to bring 80,000 people to Colombo for the protest.  

A tense situation was witnessed near the gates of the Presidential Secretariat when some protesters threw a coffin inside the premises. Another was thrown onto the lawn. The third coffin was burnt. Few burning logs were thrown inside the premises. A group of protesters who tried to storm inside were seen confronting the STF personnel. 

• A group of protesters who tried to storm inside were seen confronting the STF personnel