Stepping down as Prime Minister to honour democracy : Ranil

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a special statement,  said he has decided to step down from his position out of respect for democracy.

"We decided to honour the people’s mandate given to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and allow him to form a new government, despite having the majority in Parliament," the Prime Minister said.

He noted that he would inform his resignation to the President officially tomorrow.

Wickremesinghe said he had met with newly-elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (Nov 19) and had discussed matters concerning the future activities of the Parliament.

He observed that the government’s decision to depoliticise independent state bodies had played a hand in being able to conduct a free, independent and fair presidential election.

“The future will deliver the correct verdict for all our activities,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Wickremsinghe recalled that the government had been able to strengthen democracy, freedom of expression, right to information, equality, and unity, while guiding the country towards sustainable development.

He thanked all those who supported and criticised him during his term in office.