Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to resign from the position of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, The PM's office announced.
Leader of the House, Lakshman Kiriella earlier said Prime Minister will resign today in order to make way for the new Government.
Wickremesinghe's full statement is reproduced below;
For the past five years we have worked to ensure Democracy, the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and information, equality and harmony in our country. It is this foundation that will pave the way for sustainable development.
The 19th Amendment freed all institutions from politicization. The ability to conduct the Presidential election in a free and fair manner is a result of the 19th Amendment.
The future will accurately depict all of our achievements these past 4 1/2years.
I met President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on the 19th of November. We discussed the future affairs of Parliament.
Although we have a majority in Parliament, the Government has decided to accept the mandate of Mr. Rajapaksa and allow him to establish a Government of his own.
I value democracy. Accordingly, I decided to resign from the post of Prime Minister, allowing the new President to form a new government. I will inform the President tomorrow (21).
During my tenure as Prime Minister, I faced both praise and insult. I thank all those who praised me and insulted me, this was a sign of the freedoms we have re-installed in the country.
I am grateful to all who assisted me in my work.