President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will never resign as he has a mandate of the people for five years, Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando said in Parliament, a short while ago.

Fernando said so in response to a statement of Chief Government Whip Lakshman Kiriella.

Kiriella said that during Party Leaders' meeting yesterday (5), it was discussed about resignation of the President and appoint a new President through Parliament.

Fernando said,

"Why should the President resign? The President will never resign. We will face this situation without a hesitation."

There are Island wide protests demanding the President's resignation amidst the worsening economic crisis in the country.