Nominations for President to be called on 19th

Party leaders today reached a decision to convene Parliament on the 15th of July.

The party leaders who convened for a special discussion under the patronage of Speaker of House Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena decided that, given President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns on Wednesday (13), nominations for a new President will be called on the 19th of July.

They also decided that a vote will take then place the following day (20) to appoint a new President.

Speaking to NewsRadio subsequent to the meeting today, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the discussion was held on the basis that President Rajapaksa has conveyed his decision to step down to both the Prime Minister and the Speaker.

Minister Ranatunga said they mainly discussed Parliament’s function subsequently.

He said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was of the view that with the situation that has arisen due to the people’s struggle, they should not remain any longer and called for all parties to be gathered tomorrow to form an all-party government  adding that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers are prepared to step down tomorrow when this government is formed.

Minister Ranatunga also stated that 25 individuals’ part of the people’s struggle will attend a round of talks with the party leaders at 2:30pm tomorrow in order to obtain their views as well.