President must send letter to Speaker:
Law & Order
Shavini Madhara
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Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Saliya Peiris (PC) said that it is important to implement the decisions taken during the party leaders’ meeting to maintain stability in the country.
He was speaking at a press conference held at BASL yesterday (10).
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) also condemned the shooting at protestors on Saturday (9) morning, the attacks on journalists later in the day, and the torching of the Prime Minister’s residence on Saturday (9) night.
The BASL President stated that this sort of conduct will cause untold damage to the country and will seriously affect its economy and the people. He pointed out that disciplinary action must be taken against all police officers who attacked journalists following an impartial and immediate investigation.
He further highlighted that all Sri Lankans must step back from violence and understand that violence does not benefit anyone.
“In terms of the Constitution, the President must address a letter in writing which is signed by him to the Speaker regarding his resignation. If the President resigns, then immediately whoever becomes Prime Minister would take over, with the Speaker as next in line. Then parliament has one month to elect his replacement by an absolute majority through a secret ballot, according to the Constitution. The successor will hold office for the rest of the period of the term of the office of the resigning President. Such a process must be initiated as soon as possible after the President’s resignation”, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris added. “It has been decided at the party leaders’ meeting that the President and the Prime Minister should resign immediately. Accordingly, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena is to be appointed as Acting President,” he pointed out. He requested Sri Lankans who are occupying the President’s House, Temple Trees and the Presidential Secretariat to refrain from causing any damage to the property, especially those items of historical importance.
He asked all the parties to understand the aspirations of the people and work unitedly at this time. He further requested to protect the rule of law and democracy in this country.
Monday, July 11, 2022 – 01:18
