COLOMBO, Jul 12 (NNN-XINHUA) – Sri Lanka’s speaker of parliament, yesterday said, political party leaders have decided to elect a new president on Jul 20, through a vote in parliament.
In a statement, Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, said that, following a meeting with all political party leaders, it was decided to convene parliament sessions on Jul 15, and inform parliament that, there was a vacancy for the presidency.
Nominations for the presidency will be called for, on Jul 19, and a vote will be taken on Jul 20, to elect a new president, the speaker said.
Party leaders also decided to form an all-party government under the new president, and take steps to continue the supply of essential services.
Sri Lanka’s President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on Saturday said, he will step down from the presidency on Jul 13 (tomorrow), amid economic and political instability.– NNN-XINHUA
