President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled and fled the country after protesters stormed the presidential palace and several public buildings this week.
He formally resigned on Friday and it is expected that Sri Lanka will have a new president next week. It could be opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. He says he will hold the former president accountable for the economic mismanagement that has brought Sri Lanka to the brink of collapse.
– That’s what we’re going to do. It is our function, to capture those who plundered Sri Lanka. This must be done through correct constitutional, legal and democratic procedures, says Premadasa.
– Sri Lankas opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Photo: Eranga Jayawardena / AP / NTB
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He says Sri Lanka’s economy needs to be strengthened and that the authorities become transparent and accountable. The National Assembly will elect a president on Wednesday. Rajapaksa’s party still has a majority.
“It is a very difficult situation to come to a temporary political marriage or agreement with those who have created an economic, social and political crisis for the people,” says Premadasa.
He says a new government must work with everyone, including international partners. His political plan includes reviving the tourism industry, increasing exports and attracting foreign investment.
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