President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says a new Prime Minister and a Cabinet of Ministers will be appointed within the week.
In a special address to the nation, the Head of State said he will work with all party leaders to ensure political stability in the country.
The President said he is working to form a new government to control the current situation and to maintain the current state of affairs in order to prevent the country from becoming anarchic.
President Rajapaksa added that after appointing a new Prime Minister and Cabinet he will work towards a new Constitutional Amendment to re-enact the contents of the 19th Amendment to grant more powers to Parliament.
The President claimed the new Prime Minister will be allowed to present a new programme and take the country forward.
Highlighting that a number of parties have requested the abolition of the Executive Presidency, the President said after ensuring stability in the country, the new government will be vested the opportunity to discuss the matter with all parties and adopt necessary measures.
The President also requested the public to support him in maintaining the state mechanism to protect public lives and properties and to provide all necessities.
President Rajapaksa urged all Sri Lankans to act peacefully and prudently at this juncture.
Commenting on the violence that took place earlier this week, President Rajapaksa condemned the incidents that led to the subsequent violence and informed that the Inspector General of Police has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation.
However, the President added the incidents, including murders, assaults, intimidation and destruction of property, cannot be justified.
