Sajith reiterates opposition to interim govt.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Samagi Jana Balavegaya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, MP, has rejected the Maha Sanga’s call for his backing for an all-party interim administration.

Premadasa has emphasised that he will not, under any circumstances, be part of the corrupt system.

The former UNP Deputy Leader said so at a commemoration event held at the statue of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa yesterday (01).

Premadasa was responding to a warning issued by Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera, on Saturday (29), on behalf of the Maha Sanga, at a meeting called at the Independence Square with the blessings of the Mahanayaka Theras, to pressure the entire Cabinet of Ministers, including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to quit forthwith.

Opposition Leader Premadasa declared his support for those engaged in the three-week long protest campaign at Galle Face, demanding the resignation of both the President and the entire Cabinet of Ministers, including Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, interested parties have suggested that the Catholic Church-backed Maha Sanga initiative and civil society grouping Direction Sri Lanka, comprising professionals, explore ways and means of reaching a consensus among themselves. They agreed on a set of proposals to dilute executive powers to pave the way for an interim administration pending general election. However, they differ on the fate of incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with Direction Sri Lanka demanding the immediate resignation of both the President and the Premier, whereas the Maha Sanga accepted Gotabaya Rajapaksa continuing, but with a much-diminished role.

The Island learns that interested parties have approached the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) spearheading the Galle Face protest campaign to explore ways and means of bringing the situation under control. Sources revealed that efforts were being made to establish contact with the organizers of the high-profile protest campaign at the beginning of its fourth week.

Sources said that consensus was sought on the basis of the Maha Sanga’s proposals that have received the backing of a large segment of the civil society. Sources emphasised the need to finalise a common agenda as quickly as possible, also taking into consideration the separate proposals submitted by the SJB and the SLPP dissident group. Sources said that there was no point in discussing Premier Rajapaksa’s proposal, based on the restoration of the provisions in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution as he envisaged himself as the Prime Minister in an interim administration.