Security forces directed to bring situation in Sri Lanka to normalcy - Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe

COLOMBO (News 1st); Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he was advised by the security forces to impose a State of Emergency and a Curfew.

"I am now imposing the State of Emergency and a Curfew," said the Prime Minister in a special televised statement adding that that threats by fascists must be countered.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said he instructed the security forces to enforce the State of Emergency and Curfew to bring the situation to normalcy, adding that a committee comprising of the heads of armed forces have been given the responsibility in doing so with zero political intervention.

"On Monday, the Party Leaders met to discuss the situation surrounding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. We decided to call for an election next week and to provide security to the Members of Parliament. I also pledged that I would step down as Prime Minister when an all-party government is formed. We decided to meet again on Friday. Thereafter, individuals who wanted to become candidates started talks with other parties for their support. Such was the democratic status in the country. Yesterday, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the country and informed the Speaker that he would send him a letter of resignation. I was also informed that he would be leaving the country," said Wickremesinghe.

He said he was alarmed by the intel received by intelligence services. "Despite the President leaving, and measures taken to elect a new President, some groups in the struggle have organized to take over the Prime Minister's Office, and surround the Air Force Commander's residence for providing an Air Force plane for the President to fly to the Maldives. They had also decided to surround the Navy Commander's residence and Army Commander's residence. These groups tried to obtain control of the country," he added.

"At the same time, they had planned to surround the Parliament. The Speaker had spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff about the matter, and today there was no reason to each Parliament. The groups are now protesting around the Prime Minister's Office. There is no reason for them to come here. They want to stop me from being Acting President and stop me from working with the Speaker to elect a new President. They want to appoint their own candidate," he noted.

Acting President Ranil Wickremsinghe said the constitution will be followed in making all decisions.