Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed as the Acting President of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. (AFP / Ishara S. KODIKARA)
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Acting President of Sri Lanka in accordance with the Article 37.1 of the Constitution, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane said today (July 13).
According to Speaker of House Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Acting President, since he is currently not in the country.
Earlier today, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Sri Lanka Air Force confirmed President Rajapaksa left the island for the Maldives.
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was scheduled to hand in his letter of resignation today (July 13).
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- IFC announces $166 million financing package to support Sri Lankan businesses January 25, 2026
- Rs. 133.94 Million worth of Kush and Hashish smuggling attempt foiled at BIA January 25, 2026
- India hands over Red Notice suspect to Sri Lanka January 25, 2026
- Sri Lanka Parliament Deputy Secretary General suspended January 24, 2026
- Doctors’ 48-hour strike disrupts hospitals across Sri Lanka for second day January 24, 2026

