Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says Mahinda Rajapaksa has stated that he will not resign from the post of Prime Minister.
Minister Gunawardena said the Prime Minister will however make a special statement in Parliament in the days ahead regarding the economic and political situation in the country.
Speaking to media after a meeting of the government faction today the Minister said the Prime Minister has no intention of stepping down.
The Minister added the special statement may take place tomorrow or the day after.
He therefore urged media to refrain from circulating reports of the Premier preparing to step down.
Commenting on the appointment of a new Deputy Speaker of Parliament tomorrow, Minister Gunawardena said Ranjith Siyambalapitiya’s resignation from the post of Deputy Speaker of Parliament was accepted by the President while the Speaker of Parliament made an announcement in this regard in Parliament today.
The Minister said the Speaker informed that a suitable individual will be picked for the position.
Minister Gunawardena noted that the appointment of a Deputy Speaker of Parliament is the first task on the Parliament agenda when such a vacant position exists.
He noted that in the event there is a contest for the post, a vote will be taken.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the government Parliamentary group will meet again tomorrow morning before the Parliament session and reach a decision.
