May 13, Colombo: The independent political parties which withdrew from the ruling coalition and now function independently in parliament today expressed doubts that the new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be able to provide any positive solutions to current political and economic crises.

The group of 10 independent parties in parliament have decided not to be part of the new government formed under Prime Minister Wickremesinghe who was appointed by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Thursday when no one else came forward to form a government.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the NM Perera Center in Borella Friday (13), National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa said that the 10-party alliance as an independent group will be in the opposition but will support the government's positive steps.

Mr. Weerawansa said his group does not believe that giving Ranil Wickremesinghe PM's post is a solution and that he could to control the situation in the country, adding that he was also responsible for the current crisis.

Although Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed the Prime Minister due to the delay of the Opposition party to respond to the President’s invitation to form a government, the independent group will take steps to provide the necessary support to the new government in Parliament to resolve the current economic crisis, Weerawansa said.

He said his group does not intend to sabotage the new regime, obstruct it from doing good or engage in hate politics, but it would not allow any proposals to betray the country.

Mr. Weerawansa also said that the main opposition party that waited until Ranil to take the opportunity to become the Prime Minister, should also take the responsibility.

However, Weerawansa said that the country was not asking to make Ranil Wickremesinghe the Prime Minister, adding that despite being invited, he could not be a part of that regime.

If it is found that Ranil Wickremesinghe does not have a simple majority in Parliament, there will be uncertainty again and therefore their group will not raise any issues, Weerawansa said adding that the Prime Minister should know how to show majority in parliament.