By TON Sri Lanka

On May 13, 2022, Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Wickremesinghe got and secured support of the international backing and important countries in the world such as the US, Japan, and China. He is expected to get majority support in parliament also, though he is the only representative of his party, the United National Party, in parliament.

The new Lankan PM might not head a truly “national” government composed of all parties in parliament. However, he might get the support of enough MPs to have a majority, that is, at least 113 in the House of 225 on the crucial requirements of stability.

The Indian High Commission said in its tweet, that “India desire for political constancy and looks forward to working with the Government of Sri Lanka shaped in harmony with democratic processes it is further said that India’s promise to the people of Sri Lanka will remain.

In its first reaction to the situation in Sri Lanka after resigning as Prime Minister, India on Tuesday said that it was “fully supportive” of the island nation’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery. “India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes

In keeping with our Neighborhood First policy, India has extended this year alone, support worth over USD 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties. In addition, the people of India have provided assistance in mitigating the shortages of essential items such as food and medicine.

The Indian High Commissioner followed this up with a meeting with the PM in the latter’s office on Friday. He presented the PM with a bouquet. During his previous stints as PM he had visited India four times in October 2016, April 2017, November 2017, and October 2018.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister said that I have taken on a challenge of uplifting the economy and I must fulfill it.” Setting the economy right by meeting the forex shortage and getting the population essential goods, is his single-point agenda. And for that, political stability in the form of parliament’s support is needed.

The US Ambassador also stressed the need for political stability for Sri Lanka to solve its grave economic problems. In a tweet, she said: “Look forward to working w/ @RW_ UNP the United National Party. His appointment as PM, and the quick formation of an inclusive government, are the first steps toward addressing the crisis & promoting stability, and also meeting progress at the IMF & long-term solutions that meet the needs of all Sri Lankans.

In the meantime, the Japanese Ambassador and the Chinese Ambassador also met the new PM. The annulled Japanese urban rail project is likely to be invigorated as a result of the alteration in the Sri Lankan government.

The Chinese envoy discussed financial assistance to Sri Lanka. Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman had said in Beijing that China believes “that with the combined efforts of all sectors of Sri Lanka, the country will recover harmony and firmness as soon as possible.”

The new PM has strong support from the four most important countries in its foreign relations, he is yet to measure the level of support in parliament. He has to face parliament on May 17, when the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will be bringing in a Motion of No Confidence against the government, and President also.

As of now, the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is with as per the wishes of the President and the rest of his clan. The 41 MPs from the SLPP and its allies, who had defied and are sitting are anticipated to act independently but devoid of the objective of collapsing the government.

The group’s spokesman also stated that it has no plan of damaging the management. It will not indulge in “abhorrence political affairs” and will not allow the country to become chaotic.

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader stated that as long as the PM works to “save the country from the abyss of poverty and economic mismanagement” the Independents would spread the support by remaining in the opposition. We will not make any attempt to fall over it.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), a former ally of the SLPP, has decided not to accept any portfolios or be part of a government under the new Prime Minister. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) are anti-government and are likely to vote for the No-Confidence Motion. The JVP has only three MPs and the TNA 10.

However, it is yet to see whether the new government will be able to pursue the opposition to work together at this juncture when Sri Lanka is in dire passages. As all the people’s representatives must work together for the well-being of all Sri Lankan citizens.