Sri Lanka’s Speaker accepts Gotabaya’s resignation; Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Acting President

Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to political sources, has set his sights on the country’s top office

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has officially resigned as Sri Lanka's President, the Parliamentary Speaker announced on July 15, ending days of uncertainty since the deposed leader fled the island amid monumental public protests over an economic crisis gripping the country. “I have accepted the resignation,” Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana told reporters.

Hours later, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Acting President as per the Constitution, even as members of Parliament prepare to elect a new President from among themselves through a secret ballot. “I hope to complete the process of electing a new President within seven days,” Mr. Abeywardana said.

Parliament is scheduled to convene on July 16 to initiate the process.

Sri Lanka urgently needs a new President and a government in place to address the worsening economic crisis that has severely disrupted supply of essentials, including fuel, food and medicines.

According to the Sri Lankan Constitution, if the office of the President falls vacant, a new President must be elected through Parliament within one month. Acting President Mr. Wickremesinghe, according to political sources, has set his sights on the country’s top office that has eluded him in his nearly-half century career in national politics, with six stints as Premier.

Significantly, the Rajapaksas’ ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP or People’s Front) has a majority in the legislature, while Mr. Wickremesinghe is the sole member of his United National Party (UNP) in Parliament. Mr. Wickremesinghe is yet to make an official announcement on his plans, but MPs from different parties told The Hindu that frantic discussions were on to garner support for him.

In his first statement as Acting President, Mr. Wickremesinghe vowed to “re-implement” the 19th Amendment, referring to a 2015 legislation that clipped the Executive’s powers, in turn empowering Parliament. Urging political parties to agree on an all-party government, he said: “Put aside your personal ambitions. Put the needs of the country first.” He emphasised the need for law and order, days after empowering the military to keep them under check. “There are groups that are trying to set the country on fire through fascist methods by suppressing democracy,” he said.