A majority of the party leaders have called for the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa immediately.

The party leaders’ decision was conveyed to the Speaker at the party leaders’ meeting today (09), chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene.

The Prime Minister convened the party leaders meeting at a request by the President. The President had told the Prime Minister that he would agree with any decision taken by the party leaders.

Several other parties, including JVP-backed Jathika Janbala Wegaya and Samagi Janabala Wegaya (SJB), had refused to participate in this meeting.

However, the Speaker has informed the President of the decision taken by the party leaders’ meeting today.

Accordingly, the President is likely to announce his decision to the country.

Initially, the Prime Minister, who disregarded a demand to resign, later said that he was willing to do so, following the formation of the all-party interim government. In the event of the President’s resignation, the Speaker will take over the reins bypassing the Prime minister until Parliament elects a President for the remaining period