Following his address, Gotabaya had held talks with Wickremesinghe which hinted that the latter would become the new Prime Minister. 

Former President Sirisena said, "He (Mahinda) must be arrested for encouraging violence. There was no reason to attack the peaceful protesters." 

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara had blamed Mahinda for the violence. He said, "The only violence was perpetrated by your supporters."