I will not bow to violence, says Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe

Colombo: After he was elected as the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he will take tough action against those who resort to "undemocratic" means. He added that he will not bow to violence.

The six-time prime minister was speaking after winning the parliamentary vote. He said trying to topple the government and occupying the president's office is not democracy. "It is against the law," reported AFP.

He was speaking in reference to the events and protests that led to former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country and resigned last week.

The new President said the government will deal with violent parties "firmly according to the law". He met with top police officials and army units shortly after the election. Wickremesinghe thanked them for defending key state symbols.

Wickremesinghe declared that the new government will not allow a minority of protesters to suppress the aspirations of the silent majority wanting a change in the political system. He also clarified that he is not a friend of Rajapaksas but a friend of the people.

Many in Sri Lanka see Wickremesinghe as a proxy of the Rajapaksa family who is accused of mishandling the funds of the country and leading the nation to the current economic crisis. The island nation is still dealing with a shortage of food, fuel, and essential supplies. The new president met with all political parties in the parliament to address the ongoing crisis.