Mahinda insists he will not step down

• PM remains defiant as calls for him to step down intensify
• Says he can be removed but will not step down or flee in fear
• Says he has spoken to Chinese PM and other world leaders and sought help
• Confident problems will be resolved step by step

A defiant Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said he would neither resign from office nor run away in fear as calls for him to step down intensifies.

PM Mahinda Rajapaksa

“I will not step down. They can remove me but I will not resign nor will I flee in fear,” the Prime Minister told a group of Provincial Council and Local Government representatives of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

The Prime Minister’s comments came amidst calls from a dissident group within the SLPP among those calling for him to step down echoing the call of protesters who have begun to camp outside his official residence Temple Trees since Sunday asking him to quit.

Rajapaksa however appeared unfazed by the calls when he addressed the SLPP representatives.

“Step by step we are finding solutions to the economic problems faced by the country. The IMF, the World Bank, and friendly countries have come forward to help us,” he said, adding that he had spoken on the phone with the Chinese Prime Minister as well as leaders of other countries and sought their help.

Rajapaksa said he believes that the country can overcome the problems it faces and appealed to the councillors and LG representatives to ensure that they keep their supporters informed of the measures the Government is taking to overcome the crisis situation.