In the event UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa refuses to accept the party conditions for presidential candidacy, Prime Minister and Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is ready to retire from politics, reliable sources told Sri Lanka Mirror.
Accordingly, Wickremesinghe has decided to step down from his premiership as well.
It is reported that Sajith Premadasa has opposed the request made to abolish the Executive Presidency prior to 2024 based on UNP policies.
However, the Sajith faction had telephoned the Prime Minister and expressed their willingness to accept presidential nomination based on the party conditions. But, until Sajith gives his consent in writing, the Prime Minister has refused to nominate his name to the Working Committee.
In the event Wickremesinghe steps down from his premiership, the TNA will withdraw its support for the government, which will increase the majority for Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa in parliament and he could become the Prime Minister, it is reported.
(Mirror)