Gotabaya Rajapakasa will be sworn-in as new President of Sri Lanka at Anuradhapura today. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and several MPs will be present on the occasion as Anuradhapura holds significance as sacred city for Buddhism. The swearing-in will take place at 11 AM. Before the ceremony, Mr Rajapaksa will visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple to seek blessings. It follows Gotabaya victory at the Presidential elections held on Saturday in which he received over 52 percent of votes defeating his nearest rival Sajith Premadasa.
Meanwhile, at least half a dozen ministers of current government have resigned in wake of Presidential election results. These ministers had been close to Sajith Premadasa, who also resigned as deputy leader of the United national party.
A decision on the fate of government is expected after new President takes over. Sri Lanka People’s party (SLPP) has already projected its leader Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime minister in event of their victory at the elections. In a message, former President said in face of unequivocal people’s mandate, they believe the government will abide by parliamentary traditions as appropriate in such circumstances.
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