Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena is under increasing pressure to uphold the island nation's constitution and reconvene parliament after his decision to replace the prime minister triggered political turmoil.

Sri Lanka was plunged into the crisis on Friday when Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island.

Wickremesinghe said his sacking was illegal and he maintained that he was still prime minister, leading to a standoff between his party and labour unions loyal to Sirisena.

On Sunday, Arjuna Ranatunga, petroleum minister in the ousted cabinet, tried to re-enter his office, leading to clashes in which one person was killed and two were injured.

The crisis has important ramifications in a battle for influence in south Asia between Sri Lanka's traditional ally India and China, a country that is playing an increasing role in the region.

China, long seen as a supporter of Rajapaksa, has already congratulated him on becoming prime minister.

But India, the European Union and the United States have all urged Sirisena to abide by the constitution.

"We call on the president, in consultation with the speaker, to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfil their responsibilities to affirm who will lead their government," U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Sources in diplomatic missions said most foreign envoys had yet to send congratulatory messages to Rajapaksa as it could be interpreted as legitimising the new government while there were still complaints his appointment was unconstitutional.

Rajapaksa was not immediately reachable for comment on Monday.

A 2015 constitutional amendment diluted the powers of the president, making Sirisena's action unconstitutional, said Kalana Senaratne, a senior lecturer at the University of Peradeniya.

CRITICAL TIME FOR ECONOMY

Despite Wickremesinghe's insistence he was still prime minister, his police security detail had been drastically reduced, media reported.

Early on Monday, guards were seen leaving his official residence in lorries with their bags, a Reuters witness said.

Sirisena also replaced the heads of three state media organisations on Sunday, to complaints from Wickremesinghe's party.

The political turmoil comes at a critical time for a Sri Lankan economy struggling with slow growth and a weakening currency.

If tensions continue, Sri Lanka could struggle to refinance government debt that comes due in early 2019 at an affordable rate, credit rating agency Moody's said.

The country's bonds sold off on Monday, while the Sri Lankan rupee fell 0.58 percent to an all-time low.

"The president’s sudden appointment of Mr Rajapaksa as prime minister significantly heightens policy uncertainty," said Matthew Circosta, an analyst at Moody's Sovereign Risk Group

"Additionally, the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks would have a negative impact on the economy, which is already growing slowly."

India and western countries have previously expressed concern about Rajapaksa's ties to China, after he ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year war against ethnic Tamil separatists in 2009.

That investment has since put Sri Lanka deep in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic port to China.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena is under increasing pressure to uphold the island nation's constitution and reconvene parliament after his decision to replace the prime minister triggered political turmoil.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena is under increasing pressure to uphold the island nation's constitution and reconvene parliament after his decision to replace the prime minister triggered political turmoil. Sri Lanka was plunged into the crisis on Friday when Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe said his sacking was illegal and he maintained that he was still prime minister, leading to a standoff between his party and labour unions loyal to Sirisena. On Sunday, Arjuna Ranatunga, petroleum minister in the ousted cabinet, tried to re-enter his office, leading to clashes in which one person was killed and two were injured. The crisis has important ramifications in a battle for influence in south Asia between Sri Lanka's traditional ally India and China, a country that is playing an increasing role in the region. China, long seen as a supporter of Rajapaksa, has already congratulated him on becoming prime minister. But India, the European Union and the United States have all urged Sirisena to abide by the constitution. "We call on the president, in consultation with the speaker, to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfil their responsibilities to affirm who will lead their government," U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. Sources in diplomatic missions said most foreign envoys had yet to send congratulatory messages to Rajapaksa as it could be interpreted as legitimising the new government while there were still complaints his appointment was unconstitutional. Rajapaksa was not immediately reachable for comment on Monday. A 2015 constitutional amendment diluted the powers of the president, making Sirisena's action unconstitutional, said Kalana Senaratne, a senior lecturer at the University of Peradeniya. CRITICAL TIME FOR ECONOMY Despite Wickremesinghe's insistence he was still prime minister, his police security detail had been drastically reduced, media reported. Early on Monday, guards were seen leaving his official residence in lorries with their bags, a Reuters witness said. Sirisena also replaced the heads of three state media organisations on Sunday, to complaints from Wickremesinghe's party. The political turmoil comes at a critical time for a Sri Lankan economy struggling with slow growth and a weakening currency. If tensions continue, Sri Lanka could struggle to refinance government debt that comes due in early 2019 at an affordable rate, credit rating agency Moody's said. The country's bonds sold off on Monday, while the Sri Lankan rupee fell 0.58 percent to an all-time low. "The president’s sudden appointment of Mr Rajapaksa as prime minister significantly heightens policy uncertainty," said Matthew Circosta, an analyst at Moody's Sovereign Risk Group "Additionally, the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks would have a negative impact on the economy, which is already growing slowly." India and western countries have previously expressed concern about Rajapaksa's ties to China, after he ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year war against ethnic Tamil separatists in 2009. That investment has since put Sri Lanka deep in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic port to China.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena under increasing global pressure to end political crisis

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a six-year term on Sunday in a vote condemned by foes as the "coronation" of a dictator and likely to bring fresh foreign sanctions.

With the mainstream opposition boycotting the election, two of his most popular rivals barred from standing and state institutions in loyalists' hands, the 55-year-old former bus driver is expected to win despite his unpopularity.

That could trigger oil sanctions from the U.S. government, and more censure from the European Union and Latin America.

The self-described "son" of Hugo Chavez says he is battling an "imperialist" plot to crush socialism and take over the OPEC nation's oil wealth. But opponents say the leftist leader has destroyed Venezuela's once-wealthy economy and ruthlessly crushed dissent.

Maduro's main challenger is former state governor Henri Falcon, who predicts an upset on the back of some polls showing him ahead and widespread fury among Venezuela's 30 million people at the collapse of their economy.

"I will free Venezuela from dictatorship!" Falcon, 56, vowed at his last rally. "Venezuelans want you to disappear, Maduro, you've done too much damage," he added, scattering fake $100 bills to symbolize his proposal for replacing the collapsed bolivar currency.

Most analysts believe, however, that Falcon has only a slim chance given anticipated abstention, the opposition split over his break with the boycott, the vote-winning power of state handouts, and Maduro's allies on the election board.

"These are not elections. They are a farce intended to keep Maduro in power without popular support," said Juan Pablo Guanipa, of the main opposition coalition, which is boycotting the vote.

Further hurting Falcon's chances by splitting the anti-Maduro vote is a third candidate, evangelical pastor Javier Bertucci, who has picked up quite a following on the campaign trail, not least thanks to his free soup handouts.

On the streets, many Venezuelans are disillusioned and angry over the election: They criticize Maduro for economic hardships and the opposition for its dysfunctional splits.

Reeling from a fifth year of recession, falling oil production and U.S. sanctions blocking new debt issues, Venezuela is seeing growing levels of malnutrition and hunger, hyperinflation, and mass emigration.

"If you give me victory, I will defeat the economic war," Maduro roared at his final campaign event, blaming opponents for the country's mess but giving no specifics of possible reforms to nearly two decades of state-led economic policies.

Given Venezuelans' despondency over the crisis, campaign rallies have been poorly attended compared with previous votes and the atmosphere has been the most lackluster in memory.

Pro-boycott activists were planning some scattered protests on Sunday, but authorities deployed 300,000 soldiers and policemen around the nation to protect voting stations.

Results are expected by late evening.

"I'm not voting. No one trusts the politicians. Both sides are useless, government and opposition," said bank worker Jhonny Castro, 36, in central Barquisimeto city.

"People are resigned, you hardly see any election publicity. I ask around at work and among my friends, and for every five people, three or four won't vote."

Should Maduro win, he may choose to use the domestic political advantage to deepen a successful purge of critics within the ruling "Chavismo" movement.

Various high-profile figures, including former ministers under both him and Chavez, are in exile or jail.

Abroad, Maduro is likely to face an avalanche of western protests should he win, although Russia and China remain big allies and have been important financial backers.

With oil output at a 30-year low, foreign debtors looking to up the pressure, and multinationals departing or minimizing operations in Venezuela, Maduro will face a Herculean task to turn around the moribund economy.

With the mainstream opposition boycotting the election, two of his most popular rivals barred from standing and state institutions in loyalists' hands, the 55-year-old former bus driver is expected to win despite his unpopularity

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a six-year term on Sunday in a vote condemned by foes as the "coronation" of a dictator and likely to bring fresh foreign sanctions. With the mainstream opposition boycotting the election, two of his most popular rivals barred from standing and state institutions in loyalists' hands, the 55-year-old former bus driver is expected to win despite his unpopularity. That could trigger oil sanctions from the U.S. government, and more censure from the European Union and Latin America. The self-described "son" of Hugo Chavez says he is battling an "imperialist" plot to crush socialism and take over the OPEC nation's oil wealth. But opponents say the leftist leader has destroyed Venezuela's once-wealthy economy and ruthlessly crushed dissent. Maduro's main challenger is former state governor Henri Falcon, who predicts an upset on the back of some polls showing him ahead and widespread fury among Venezuela's 30 million people at the collapse of their economy. "I will free Venezuela from dictatorship!" Falcon, 56, vowed at his last rally. "Venezuelans want you to disappear, Maduro, you've done too much damage," he added, scattering fake $100 bills to symbolize his proposal for replacing the collapsed bolivar currency. Most analysts believe, however, that Falcon has only a slim chance given anticipated abstention, the opposition split over his break with the boycott, the vote-winning power of state handouts, and Maduro's allies on the election board. "These are not elections. They are a farce intended to keep Maduro in power without popular support," said Juan Pablo Guanipa, of the main opposition coalition, which is boycotting the vote. Further hurting Falcon's chances by splitting the anti-Maduro vote is a third candidate, evangelical pastor Javier Bertucci, who has picked up quite a following on the campaign trail, not least thanks to his free soup handouts. On the streets, many Venezuelans are disillusioned and angry over the election: They criticize Maduro for economic hardships and the opposition for its dysfunctional splits. Reeling from a fifth year of recession, falling oil production and U.S. sanctions blocking new debt issues, Venezuela is seeing growing levels of malnutrition and hunger, hyperinflation, and mass emigration. "If you give me victory, I will defeat the economic war," Maduro roared at his final campaign event, blaming opponents for the country's mess but giving no specifics of possible reforms to nearly two decades of state-led economic policies. Given Venezuelans' despondency over the crisis, campaign rallies have been poorly attended compared with previous votes and the atmosphere has been the most lackluster in memory. Pro-boycott activists were planning some scattered protests on Sunday, but authorities deployed 300,000 soldiers and policemen around the nation to protect voting stations. Results are expected by late evening. "I'm not voting. No one trusts the politicians. Both sides are useless, government and opposition," said bank worker Jhonny Castro, 36, in central Barquisimeto city. "People are resigned, you hardly see any election publicity. I ask around at work and among my friends, and for every five people, three or four won't vote." Should Maduro win, he may choose to use the domestic political advantage to deepen a successful purge of critics within the ruling "Chavismo" movement. Various high-profile figures, including former ministers under both him and Chavez, are in exile or jail. Abroad, Maduro is likely to face an avalanche of western protests should he win, although Russia and China remain big allies and have been important financial backers. With oil output at a 30-year low, foreign debtors looking to up the pressure, and multinationals departing or minimizing operations in Venezuela, Maduro will face a Herculean task to turn around the moribund economy.

Defying global pressure, Maduro seeks re-election in Venezuela

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