Party Leaders meeting heats up, PM tries to move proposal to purchase fuel

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Party Leaders have decided to convene parliament on the 15th of July, two days after the President steps down.

The Party Leaders including Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Dinesh Gunawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Kumar Welgama, Dilan Perera Tiran Alles, Dullas Alahapperuma, Mano Ganesan, Lakshaman Kiriella, Rishad Bathiudeen, Udaya Gammanpila, and several other MPs had attended the crucial meeting on Monday (11) afternoon.

MP Rauff Hakeem speaking to reporters said the nominations for the post of President will be taken up on the 19th of July, and then on the 20th of July, an election will be held.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem speaking to reporters said Ranil Wickremesinghe made another attempt at the meeting to seek the approval of party leaders to make fuel purchases.

He said the party leaders opposed the decision to move such a proposal, adding that it was a decision to be made by the Cabinet of Ministers and NOT the Party Leaders.

Rauf Hakeem said he will NOT accept Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister, adding that Wickremesinghe is attempting to pass the blame on to the Party Leaders by moving a proposal at the meeting to make fuel purchases in the absence of any valid document.

"Words were exchanged at the meeting," said Rauff Hakeem adding that the objective is to form an all-party government, with a large number of ruling party MPs.

He questioned by the President is not directing his decision to step down in writing to the speaker, rather than making phone calls.

Rauff Hakeem said both the President and the Prime Minister must submit their resignations in writing.