By Rathindra Kuruwita

People were demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation, which was a prerequisite for restoring political stability, leader of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Kumar Gunarathnam, said yesterday, addressing the media.

He said that the people were also demanding the abolition of the Executive Presidency.

“The protests have now become a systematic struggle of the working people. During the past weeks, factory workers, farmers, fishermen and others have joined the anti-Gotabaya Rajapaksa campaign. The support of the people is visible in the success of the hartal on 06 May. The Rajapaksas are scared and with their associates in the Cabinet, they have imposed a State of Emergency,” he said.

 Gunarathnam said it was ludicrous to imagine that people would stop protesting because the government had declared a State of Emergency.

The recent vote in Parliament for the post of Deputy Speaker had shown the true nature of those who call themselves independent, Gunaratnam said.

“The so-called independent MPs have realised the strength of the public and are afraid of an election. They don’t want to lose perks, so they want Gotabaya to continue as President. They want to establish a so-called interim government and to keep going for a few years more,” he said.

Gunarathnam said that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has now become amenable to the idea of an interim government.

“Initially, they said they respected the people’s wishes. They said that they would not be a part of a government of crooks. Now, they are planning to join a government, headed by Gotabaya, against the wishes of the people,” he said.