COLOMBO: Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane will become the new president of Sri Lanka in a situation where civil unrest broke out in the country and President Gotabaya Rajapakse went into hiding and announced his resignation. He is taking charge as interim president. A new president will be elected after a month. The president-elect has two years left in office. There is a possibility of convening the Parliament session next Friday. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Shavendra Silva appealed to the protesters to cooperate and disband to maintain peace in the country.

Meantime, India has decided not to intervene in the Sri Lankan agitation for the time being. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that they are monitoring the situation and will ensure humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka. The Centre has instructed the states to be prepared as there is a possibility of influx of refugees.

Following the worst economic crisis, President Gotabaya fled from his official residence after spread of internal conflict. There are speculations that Gotabaya fled in an ambulance, reached military headquarters and left the country in a ship. Gotabaya fled home on Friday night itself. Later informed Speaker to resign on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Renil Wickremesinghe also announced his resignation as per the decision of the all-party meet convened by the Speaker. All parties will have a role in the all party government.