MP Wimal Weerawansa accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of conspiring to remain in office through political manoeuvring, warning that it could lead to violence similar to the events of May 9, 2022.
The MP addressing a media briefing said that the United States along with its Ambassador in Sri Lanka was constantly engaged in efforts to unite President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
“For some reason, Sajith Premadasa did not agree to this. But Ranil Wickremesinghe is exposing Sajith. Thalatha was removed, and I’m hearing that there will be at least five or six more defections. So who will be weakened by this?,” Weerawansa questioned, referring to the recent departure of Samagi Jana Balawagaya MP Thalatha Athukorala from Parliament.
The MP said that defections will leave Premadasa in a weaker position, which will help a third party.
The MP charged that this particular third party is colluding to unleash violence prior to the election, which will eventually help President Ranil Wickremesinghe to stay in office under certain provisions of the Constitution.
The Constitution provides that the current president will remain in office until the next president takes office, Weerawansa said. “Who is the President who remains in office? Ranil,” the MP said. (Newswire)
