Gotabaya Defies Calls for His Resignation

Sri Lanka's beleaguered president will not be resigning, his government's whip has told parliament.

The declaration defies calls from the public and political opponents for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down amid the country's economic crisis.

Crowds have protested for weeks over lengthy power cuts and shortages of gas, food, and other basic goods.

The public anger has prompted nearly all Cabinet ministers to quit, and scores of MPs to leave his government.

Opposition MPs have also rejected his invitation to form a national unity government, saying voters want the president and entire government to resign.

But on Wednesday, Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando told lawmakers: "As a responsible Government, we state President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will not resign from his post under any circumstances."