Mahinda Rajapaksa steps down as Sri Lankan Prime Minister; ruling celebration MP killed in clashes

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stepped down from his submit on Monday — a step that might allow his youthful brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to go for a authorities of nationwide unity because the nation continues to face the worst financial disaster in its historical past, information company PTI reported.

The transfer got here hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters exterior President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s workplace, injuring at the least 78 individuals and prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew.

Taking to twitter, Mahinda wrote, “Effective immediately I have tendered my resignation as Prime Minister to the President.” In his resignation letter, Mahinda mentioned “I write to inform (you) that I have decided to resign from the post of prime minister with immediate effect. This is in line with your request made at the special cabinet meeting held on May 6, wherein you said that you intend to set up an all party interim government.”

He mentioned that he can be “ready to make any sacrifice even in the future in order to help the people and the government overcome the present crisis.”

Apart from the PM, at the least two Cabinet ministers have additionally resigned, PTI reported.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, main the embattled authorities within the crisis-hit nation, wished Mahinda’s resignation to kind an interim administration to unravel the current political deadlock.

The President agreed to interchange his older brother because the prime minister and maintained {that a} nationwide council can be appointed to call a brand new prime minister and Cabinet comprising all events within the Parliament, lawmaker Maithripala Sirisena had mentioned after assembly with the president final month.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, was beneath stress from inside his personal Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) ranks to resign. However, he was gathering his supporters to use counter-pressure to not stand down.

Ruling celebration MP killed amid clashes

Amid clashes between Sri Lankas’s ruling celebration and anti-government protesters a senior MP has died, information company AFP reported quoting police officers. MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala opened hearth and critically injured two individuals who have been making an attempt to dam his automobile. Later, Athukorala was discovered useless making an attempt to flee and take refuge in a close-by constructing.

Sri Lanka is witnessing an unprecedented financial turmoil with its authorities operating out of cash for important imports like staple meals and gasoline. Protesting in opposition to the federal government, 1000’s of individuals have taken to the streets throughout the nation since April 9 demanding resignation of each the President and the Prime Minister.