Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe says since people are expecting changes in the political sphere, he has already commenced the process to re-enact the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took oaths as the Acting President of Sri Lanka earlier today before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya to fill the post left vacant following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa officially resigned as Sri Lanka’s President yesterday.
Making a special statement to the country, Acting President Wickremesinghe assured to work within Constitutional provisions and requested the support of all political parties and the general public to maintain law and order and to address the economic issues.
The Acting President also requested political parties and leaders to set-aside their personal and political aspirations and work to rebuild the country.
Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe also made two significant announcements after his new appointment.
Acting President Wickremesinghe noted that the practice of addressing the Head of State as “His Excellency” will be banned while Presidents will no longer be able to use individual flags during their tenures.
Meanwhile, Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe added that he continues to accept the right of people to protest peacefully.
The Acting President said however no one will be allowed to destroy the Parliamentary democracy or burn the country down.
The Acting President assures to take steps to maintain law and order in the country.
According to the Acting President 24 military personnel have sustained injuries in recent clashes while two of them are in critical condition.
Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe said necessary directives have been given to Sri Lanka Police and the Tri-Forces to maintain law and order in the country.
Acting President Wickremesinghe noted that without peace in the country, the current economic issues cannot be resolved.
The Acting President therefore requested all factions to corporate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace in the country.
