Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the UN, called for a discussion on Tuesday in order to achieve a seamless change of power in Sri Lanka and find long-term solutions to the country’s economic difficulties. “I stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka & call for dialogue to ensure a smooth transition of government & to find sustainable solutions to the economic crisis,” Guterres tweeted. “I condemn all acts of violence and call for those responsible to be held accountable,” he added. Farhan Haq, the UN Secretary-deputy General’s spokesperson, stated on Monday that the organisation is carefully monitoring the events in Sri Lanka and is in full support of the nation.
The resignation of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was announced on Saturday. In light of the political and economic unrest, he said that he will leave his position as president on July 13. The speaker of Sri Lanka’s parliament said on Monday that political party leaders had resolved to hold a vote in parliament to pick a new president on 20 July. The decision was made to call for parliamentary sessions on 15 July and to advise the legislature that there was a vacancy for the president, according to a statement from Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.
The speaker announced that nominations for the President will be accepted on 19 July and that a vote to choose a new president would be held on 20 July. Additionally, party leaders resolved to continue providing basic services by forming an all-party government under the new president. This comes after tens of thousands of protesters tore through the barriers protecting Rajapaksa’s home on Saturday, went over the fence, and took control of the area. Dramatic footage from outside Rajapakse’s home shows a wave of protesters invading the area, destroying police-erected security barriers, swimming in the pool, and romping through his kitchen and house.
Hours after the protestors stormed his official residence, Rajapaksa agreed to step down from his post. Sri Lanka is suffering its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948, which comes on the heels of successive waves of COVID-19, threatening to undo years of development progress and severely undermining the country’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).