Updated: Sirisena says President agreed to form interim Govt.

(UPDATED) - President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form an interim government with representation from all political parties in Parliament, former President Maithripala Sirisena said today.

He told a press conference that the Interim government will have a new Prime Minister and a new Cabinet as nominated by a National Council.

The National Council will be made up of representatives from all parties in Parliament.

President Sirisena made the announcement after President Rajapaksa met with representatives of 11 political parties currently sitting as independent Mps in Parliament.

He said that agreement was reached to have a cabinet of 15 to 20 members as agreed by the National Council.

Mr Sirisena quoted the President saying that if all parties in Parliament were agreeable he was willing to form the Interim government.

The National Council will also have the responsibility of advising the President as well as nominating persons for key positions including Ministry Secretary and other top positions such as the Inspector General of Police.

Mr Sirisena said he believe that the Interim government will be required to function for period between six months to a year, before parliamentary elections will be held.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has already declared that it will not play a role in the proposed Interim government.

The President met with Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party MPs at the President’s House on Thursday night, but the meeting had ended without a conclusion amid heated arguments, party sources said. 

However, the President’s office in a statement issued last night said that the President had only invited all parties represented in Parliament to form an All Party Government.

The statement said that if all parties agree to the proposals by the party representatives he was agreeable to form an interim-government.

However, the statement made no mention about the replacement of the Prime Minister.

It had been decided to appoint a five member team to continue the discussions.

Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara

Photo released by the President's Media Division (PMD) of the meeting between the President and leaders of independent MPs: