Opposition leader and former premier Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn-in as Sri Lanka’s 26th prime minister on Thursday to stabilise the country’s debt-ridden economy and end the political turmoil, a development welcomed by India which said it looks forward to working with the new government and reaffirmed its commitment to the Sri Lankan people.
Wickremesinghe was sworn-in as prime minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, days after his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa was forced to resign following violent protests over the worst economic crisis in the island nation.
The 73-year-old United National Party (UNP) leader took over as the prime minister as the country was without a government since Monday when Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s elder brother and prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned after violence erupted following an attack on the anti-government protesters by his supporters. The attack triggered widespread violence against Rajapaksa loyalists, leaving nine people dead and wounding over 200 others.
“My best wishes to the newly appointed PM of #LKA, @RW_UNP, who stepped up to take on the challenging task of steering our country through a very turbulent time. I look forward to working together with him to make Sri Lanka strong again,” President Gotabaya tweeted along with a picture of him and Wickremesinghe.
Mahinda was quick to congratulated Wickremesinghe, saying that he wishes him all the best as he navigates “these troubled times.” “Congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister of #lka, @RW_UNP. I wish you all the best as you navigate these troubled times,” tweeted Mahinda, who is under protection at a naval base following violent attacks on his aides.
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