Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was recently sworn in as Acting President.
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Acting President in the presence of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.
I hundred percent accept the peaceful democratic struggle. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was newly sworn in as the acting president, said that there is no room for subverting parliamentary democracy.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was newly sworn in as the Acting President today, delivered a special speech to the people of the country. At the same time he said the above.
The new response President further stated,
I have taken the necessary steps to fully implement the 19th Constitutional Amendment to pave the way for the political system change that the people expect within a short period of time as Acting President.
I will make it possible for the new President who will be elected next week to submit the 19th Amendment to the Parliament as soon as possible within this week.
I accept hundred percent peaceful democratic struggle. There is a right to struggle. Violence cannot be tolerated. Parliamentary democracy cannot be allowed to be undermined for that. There is a difference between protestors and insurgents. The protestors are acting according to the law. Not ready to go beyond the constitution.
To maintain peace in the country, I have appointed a special team comprising the Acting Chief of Defense, the Inspector General of Police and the Commanders of the three armed forces. They have been given full powers to take action against the perpetrators of violence without political interference.
I prohibit the use of the word ‘Athimethaku’ when referring to ‘Janadhipati’ in the form of ‘President’.
I cancel the ‘Presidential Flag’ as only the national flag is enough in the country.
Country is necessary for us to live and do politics. Therefore, I request the parties to think about the country and the people. Let’s save the country first. Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said that we will do politics after that.