A party leader meeting chaired by me was held today at 2.00 p.m. in Parliament. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the immediate steps to be taken and the formation of an all-party government as it has been announced to me that the current president will resign on July 13th.

The party leaders emphasized that this should be done in a very short period of time in accordance with Article 40 of the Constitution and the Presidential Elections (Special Provisions) Act (No. 2 of 1981)

Accordingly, on Friday, July 15th, the Parliament shall convene and following the announcement of the occurrence of the vacancy in the office of the President according to the provisions of the stipulated Act, it was then decided that nominations should be called on Tuesday, the 19th, and a vote should be held on Wednesday, the 20th according to the legal provisions, and the next President should be elected with immediate effect.

The party leaders expressed their views during the meeting stating those arrangements should be made for the formation of an all-party government under the new president and for the future constitutional framework to be carried out and for the continuation of the existing essential services in the country.

Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga, the Chief Government Whip, stated that the Cabinet including the Prime Minister is ready to leave immediately if an all-party government is to be formed.

I have also stated that I expect the support of all party leaders to make this process successful.

Yours Sincerely,

Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana,
Speaker of Parliament