Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe becomes Sri Lanka’s interim president. Photo: AFP/VNA

Wickremesinghe on Wednesday was appointed acting president by Rajapaksa, who left the country following massive protests demanding his resignation.

Sri Lanka's interim president Wickremesinghe has asked lawmakers to work towards a consensus to form a multi-party government. He said he will follow the constitutional process, establish law and order in Sri Lanka.

Earlier, former President Rajapaksa submitted his resignation after arriving in Singapore.