Prime Minister (PM) Harini Amarasuriya has dismissed claims that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe or Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa will become President within this year.

Speaking at a political rally, she ridiculed the rumours, saying such scenarios must exist "in another universe" and not in Sri Lanka.

She emphasised that the President has made it clear that those wishing to defeat the Government must prove themselves to be better and more capable.

PM Amarasuriya assured the public that the Government remains strong and will not be defeated.

She also criticised opposition figures for making baseless claims that serve no benefit to the people.