Lays down four conditions
Political
Camelia Nathaniel
Tags:
Print Edition
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday that he is ready to accept the Premiership and form a government with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and other parties under four conditions.
Premadasa said that the SJB, as the main Opposition Party, is prepared to form a short-term government with other political Parties for a short period.
In a letter directed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (May 12), the Opposition Leader laid down the following conditions:
• President Gotabaya Rajapaksa should resign from his position during a stipulated minimum period of time;
• Implementing and enacting the 19th Amendment to the Constitution within a period of two weeks, with the support of all political parties;
• Implementing the provisions in the Constitution within a minimum time period to abolish the executive presidency through the draft 21st Constitutional Amendment presented to Parliament; and
• Holding a Parliamentary election to allow the public to form a permanent government after implementing the constitutional amendments and bringing the country back to normalcy and ensuring the rule of law.
Addressing a media briefing held at the Opposition Leader’s Office yesterday, the SJB Leader noted that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya has a clear plan of action to address the country’s economic crisis and implement the necessary Constitutional amendments. “The SJB alliance has been constantly discussing the country’s crisis during the recent past. The Chief Prelates of the three Chapters and other religious leaders have urged the SJB to come to a decision fast in order to resolve the country’s crisis.
Having also considered the request by the President, the Maha Sangha and the BASL to accept the post of Prime Minister and form a government.”
He said that the SJB has a capable and energetic team that could bring the country out of this economic crisis and a clear and sustainable action plan.
He noted that after hearing the President’s address to the nation on Wednesday, it was clear that the President was ready to take steps for the betterment of the country and that is what made him and the SJB to take this decision and notify the President of their decision. Hence, he said that he and his Party were ready to commence work from today (13).
Friday, May 13, 2022 – 01:12
