<p>US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has called for a peaceful transfer of power within the boundaries of the country’s constitution and stated that the US condemns all forms of violence and urges that the rule of law be followed, she said in a tweet. Additionally, the US ambassador urged the political parties to cooperate in order to provide long-term political and economic stability to the country. "We urge all parties to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation and to work quickly to implement solutions that will bring long-term economic &amp; political stability,” Chung said in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">(2/2) We condemn all violence &amp; call for the rule of law to be upheld. A peaceful transfer of power within SL’s democratic &amp; constitutional framework is essential so the people’s demands for accountability, transparency, democratic governance &amp; a better future can be realized.</p>
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<p>Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives on Wednesday (July 13), after an uprising sparked by the island nation’s economic collapse, and is currently waiting to fly further to Singapore amid the crisis. The Speaker of the House announced Rajapaksa’s resignation. The president was forced to evacuate with the navy and tender his resignation after Sri Lankan protesters stormed his house and wouldn’t leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-state-broadcaster-stops-live-telecast-as-protests-intensify-497154">Sri Lanka state broadcaster stops live telecast as protests intensify</a></strong></p>

<p>Ranil Wickremesinghe, the former prime minister of the country and current acting president, has announced a state of emergency and enforced it in the Western province. However, in the midst of Sri Lanka’s continuous unrest and crises, Wickremesinghe also declared his intention to resign from his position.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India denies helping Gotabaya escape</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-denies-helping-gotabaya-escape-497128/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has announced that he intends to run for the presidency after Rajapaksa’s resignation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-during-protests-a-picture-of-a-couple-kissing-goes-viral-497109">Sri Lanka crisis: During protests, a picture of a couple kissing goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>Numerous stories of clashes between the Sri Lankans and police and armed forces at petrol stations have been reported, where thousands of desperate people lined up for hours and often for days, have surfaced as a result of the country’s deteriorating economic situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has called for a peaceful transfer of power within the boundaries of the country’s constitution and stated that the US condemns all forms of violence and urges that the rule of law be followed, she said in a tweet.

US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has called for a peaceful transfer of power within the boundaries of the country’s constitution and stated that the US condemns all forms of violence and urges that the rule of law be followed, she said in a tweet. Additionally, the US ambassador urged the political parties to cooperate in order to provide long-term political and economic stability to the country. "We urge all parties to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation and to work quickly to implement solutions that will bring long-term economic & political stability,” Chung said in a tweet. (2/2) We condemn all violence & call for the rule of law to be upheld. A peaceful transfer of power within SL’s democratic & constitutional framework is essential so the people’s demands for accountability, transparency, democratic governance & a better future can be realized. — Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) July 13, 2022 × Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives on Wednesday (July 13), after an uprising sparked by the island nation’s economic collapse, and is currently waiting to fly further to Singapore amid the crisis. The Speaker of the House announced Rajapaksa’s resignation. The president was forced to evacuate with the navy and tender his resignation after Sri Lankan protesters stormed his house and wouldn’t leave. Also read | Sri Lanka state broadcaster stops live telecast as protests intensify Ranil Wickremesinghe, the former prime minister of the country and current acting president, has announced a state of emergency and enforced it in the Western province. However, in the midst of Sri Lanka’s continuous unrest and crises, Wickremesinghe also declared his intention to resign from his position. Watch | Gravitas: India denies helping Gotabaya escape Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has announced that he intends to run for the presidency after Rajapaksa’s resignation. Also read | Sri Lanka crisis: During protests, a picture of a couple kissing goes viral Numerous stories of clashes between the Sri Lankans and police and armed forces at petrol stations have been reported, where thousands of desperate people lined up for hours and often for days, have surfaced as a result of the country’s deteriorating economic situation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka crisis: US demands peaceful transfer of power as per constitution

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lankan opposition leader, said he plans to run for president after Gotabaya Rajapaksa stands down. This comes after his Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party undertook consultations with its allies to secure support for this action. During an interview with the BBC, Premadasa stated that his party and allies concurred that he should "submit my nomination for the position of the leadership." The speaker of parliament declared that legislators would elect the country’s new leader in place of Rajapaksa on July 20, BBC reported.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">Premadasa lost the 2019 presidential race and would require the backing of MPs to win. Earlier, the leader of SJB was offered the position of prime minister in April, but he declined, drawing criticism. Ranil Wickremesinghe, his rival, was appointed but said he will also step down to create room for a unity administration.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/long-queues-in-sri-lanka-as-fuel-supplies-resume-after-weekend-of-tumultuous-anti-government-protests-496577">Long queues in Sri Lanka, as fuel supplies resume after weekend of tumultuous anti-government protests</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">The SJB leader described the current situation&nbsp;in Sri Lanka as "confused, uncertainty and total anarchy", saying it needs "consensus, consultation, compromise, and coming togetherness."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka economic crunch: Citizens try to flee country amid crisis</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-economic-crunch-citizens-try-to-flee-country-amid-crisis-496584/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">Premadasa acknowledged the situation, saying there are no easy solutions to this. He added that his party has an economic strategy to get the nation out of this situation and that it would take four to five years to get the economy back on track like in 2019.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-a-band-of-activists-helped-bring-down-sri-lankas-government-496522">How a band of activists helped bring down Sri Lanka's government</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">Premadasa said, "We are not going to hoodwink the people. We are going, to be frank and present a plan to get rid of Sri Lanka's economic ills."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">However, the protesters in Colombo’s Galle Face claim that all the 255 members of the parliament are equally responsible for the current state of the country and demand a new beginning with young and dynamic politicians taking over.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lankan opposition leader, said he plans to run for president after Gotabaya Rajapaksa stands down. This comes after his Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party undertook consultations with its allies to secure support for this action.

Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lankan opposition leader, said he plans to run for president after Gotabaya Rajapaksa stands down. This comes after his Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party undertook consultations with its allies to secure support for this action. During an interview with the BBC, Premadasa stated that his party and allies concurred that he should "submit my nomination for the position of the leadership." The speaker of parliament declared that legislators would elect the country’s new leader in place of Rajapaksa on July 20, BBC reported. Premadasa lost the 2019 presidential race and would require the backing of MPs to win. Earlier, the leader of SJB was offered the position of prime minister in April, but he declined, drawing criticism. Ranil Wickremesinghe, his rival, was appointed but said he will also step down to create room for a unity administration. Also read | Long queues in Sri Lanka, as fuel supplies resume after weekend of tumultuous anti-government protests The SJB leader described the current situation in Sri Lanka as "confused, uncertainty and total anarchy", saying it needs "consensus, consultation, compromise, and coming togetherness." Watch | Sri Lanka economic crunch: Citizens try to flee country amid crisis Premadasa acknowledged the situation, saying there are no easy solutions to this. He added that his party has an economic strategy to get the nation out of this situation and that it would take four to five years to get the economy back on track like in 2019. Also read | How a band of activists helped bring down Sri Lanka's government Premadasa said, "We are not going to hoodwink the people. We are going, to be frank and present a plan to get rid of Sri Lanka's economic ills." However, the protesters in Colombo’s Galle Face claim that all the 255 members of the parliament are equally responsible for the current state of the country and demand a new beginning with young and dynamic politicians taking over. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka in crisis: Sajith Premadasa ready to run for president when Rajapaksa steps down

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa endorsed the idea that Sri Lanka should join the B3W - an initiative by the G7 to challenge China's Belt and Road.

Straight Talk: Sri Lanka opposition leader Sajith Premadasa on WION