Sri Lanka's new president to be elected on July 20: Speaker

Colombo: Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament said political party leaders have decided to elect a new president on July 20 through a vote in parliament, as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa plans to resign on Wednesday amid a devastating economic crisis.

In a statement, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that following a meeting with all political party leaders, it has been decided to convene parliament sessions on July 15 and inform the parliament that there was a vacancy for the presidency.

"Nominations for the next president will be presented to parliament on 19 July. On 20 July parliament will vote to elect a new president," Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said in a statement.

Party leaders also decided to form an all-party government under the new president and take steps to continue the supply of essential services.