Ranil to be sworn in as PM on Friday

United National Party leader - Ranil Wickremesinghe is to be sworn in as the new Prime Minister on Friday (13), reports say.

It is said that he has agreed to temporarily hold the position on the invitation of the President.

Mr. Wickremesinghe and the President held a discussion earlier today (11) which lasted for nearly an hour.

It is said that another discussion is to be held tomorrow.

During today's discussion, Mr. Wickremesinghe had requested the President not to obstruct the peaceful protest near the Presidential Secretariat and the President has agreed to this, sources say.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena has said that Ranil Wickremesinghe will be able secure the backing of the Parliament majority after being sworn in as the new Prime Minister.

Political sources say a host of MPs from the SLPP, SJB and from several other parties have already expressed their assent.