COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) – Sri Lanka’s parliament on Tuesday ready to simply accept nominations to elect a successor to its ousted president amid political turmoil that threatens to worsen instability because the nation grapples with its worst financial disaster in current reminiscence.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the nation final week after protesters outraged by the disaster stormed his official residence and occupied different key public buildings. He later submitted his resignation to the Speaker of Parliament by way of e-mail.
Three lawmakers — the chief of the principle opposition Sajith Premadasa, former authorities minister Dallas Alahapperuma and Marxist Occasion chief Anura Dissanayake — have introduced they’ll contest Wednesday’s parliamentary vote.
Performing President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has not stated he’ll run, however statements from Rajapaksa’s occasion, which nonetheless holds a majority in Parliament, expressed their assist for him. This has angered many, who see his potential election as an extension of Rajapaksa rule and a potential comeback for the ailing political household.
Individually, the Supreme Court docket was due on Tuesday to rule on whether or not Wickremesinghe’s appointment as appearing president final week by the Speaker of Parliament was lawful. Whether it is declared unlawful, Wickremesinghe will not have the ability to run for president.
College students and political activists stated they deliberate protests Tuesday. Some intimidating posts circulating on social media warned lawmakers to not return to their constituencies in the event that they vote for Wickremesinghe.
Parliament was closely guarded by lots of of troopers, and its entrances have been barricaded. Parliament workers and reporters have been completely searched earlier than being admitted.
Sri Lanka’s economic system has collapsed, its overseas alternate reserves have been depleted and it has suspended repayments on overseas loans. The inhabitants is combating the dearth of important items akin to drugs, gas and meals.
The federal government is negotiating a rescue bundle with the Worldwide Financial Fund and is getting ready a credit score restructuring plan as a prelude to this.
Rajapaksa’s departure final week marked at the very least a brief dismantling of the Rajapaksa dynasty that had dominated Sri Lanka for many of the previous 20 years.
Earlier than the current upheaval, six family members held excessive positions, together with president, prime minister and finance minister. All misplaced their positions after public protests started in late March.
