Rajapaksa government may fall as government loses majority in Parliament

The government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is facing a crisis in the midst of heavy political turmoil in Sri Lanka. The President of Sri Lanka, which is facing severe economic crisis, has refused to resign. At the same time, the opposition has also refused to join the government of Rajapaksa. Meanwhile, during the discussion about the entire crisis in the Parliament of Sri Lanka, 40 MPs announced to sit separately from the ruling party. Violent protests are taking place outside the Parliament and the opposition is insisting on holding the vote in Parliament.

Former Sri Lankan minister Vimal Veeravansa announced that 17 MPs have decided to sit in Parliament as independent groups. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has also announced that 12 MPs of the ruling party have also announced to sit separately in Parliament. Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Srisena has also said that 16 MPs will sit separately. These MPs announced their decision during the current session of Parliament. Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said he will not resign but is ready to hand over the government to any party with 113 seats in parliament.

Mr Rajapaksa's cabinet has already resigned, but both the president and his brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, have so far refused to step down.

Instead, the president called on opposition parties to help him form a national government and accept cabinet portfolios.

They have all refused and have reiterated demands for him to resign.

"What the people want is for this president and the entire government to step down," said Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sri Lanka's main opposition alliance.

On Tuesday, a freshly appointed finance minister also announced he was quitting the job, less than 24 hours after accepting the post.

Ali Sabry, a close ally of President Rajapaksa, said he would give up his parliament seat for someone outside politics who might be "suitable to handle the situation".

Meanwhile, anti-government protests continued on Tuesday in major cities across the country.