Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system.

Clement Voule, an envoy of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-recommendations-to-be-taken-seriously-maduro-229391">United Nations</a> Human Rights Council, travelled to the South Asian nation to discuss civil rights protections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-need-patriotism-like-india-and-a-leader-who-is-trusted-by-all-sri-lankan-buddhist-monk-galagoda-aththe-gnanasara-thero-to-wion-236978">Sri Lanka</a>.

But opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse told parliament on Tuesday that Voule's plans to meet with senior judges overseeing cases concerning military excesses during the former strongman's tenure amounted to foreign interference.

On Wednesday parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he had "intervened and stopped the meeting".

"I thank the opposition for bringing this to my notice, I have taken timely action," Jayasuriya added.

Sri Lanka faced international censure for its human rights record under Rajapakse, who was toppled in January 2015 elections.

Forces under his command were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year war against Tamil separatists that ended in May 2009.

Rajapakse's administration resisted global pressure to examine allegations of major human rights violations during his tenure. His successor President Maithripala Sirisena came to power on a pledge to investigate wartime atrocities but has refused calls for an international probe.

UN expert Voule has so far met Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in the presence of foreign ministry officials. He is due to leave Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system.

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system. Clement Voule, an envoy of the United Nations Human Rights Council, travelled to the South Asian nation to discuss civil rights protections in Sri Lanka. But opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse told parliament on Tuesday that Voule's plans to meet with senior judges overseeing cases concerning military excesses during the former strongman's tenure amounted to foreign interference. On Wednesday parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he had "intervened and stopped the meeting". "I thank the opposition for bringing this to my notice, I have taken timely action," Jayasuriya added. Sri Lanka faced international censure for its human rights record under Rajapakse, who was toppled in January 2015 elections. Forces under his command were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year war against Tamil separatists that ended in May 2009. Rajapakse's administration resisted global pressure to examine allegations of major human rights violations during his tenure. His successor President Maithripala Sirisena came to power on a pledge to investigate wartime atrocities but has refused calls for an international probe. UN expert Voule has so far met Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in the presence of foreign ministry officials. He is due to leave Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sri Lanka blocks United Nations meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases

Sri Lanka's parliament warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/post-easter-attacks-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-bans-face-covering-214265">President Maithripala Sirisena</a> not to scuttle a controversial investigation into security lapses before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-catholics-hold-first-sunday-mass-after-easter-attacks-217979">Easter suicide bombings</a>, the Speaker's office said Sunday.

The warning came after Sirisena said he would not cooperate with the parliamentary probe and would not allow defence or police officials to testify before the select committee (PSC).

The president called an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose the legislature's investigation into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500.

"Any public servant summoned by the PSC is obliged to give evidence," Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a hard-hitting two-page response to Sirisena.

"Officials are fully aware of the serious consequences if they fail to respond."

Officials at the Speaker's office said Jayasuriya made it clear to Sirisena that he will not call off the PSC and it will continue its public hearings.

Evidence before the parliamentary select committee, which began its publicly televised sittings since late last month, has placed the president in a poor light, suggesting that he failed to act on advance warning of the attacks.

On Saturday, Sirisena's office said he sacked his national intelligence chief Sisira Mendis who testified that the devastating attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels could have been avoided.

Mendis also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings.

Sirisena's office did not give a reason for abruptly sacking Mendis. Halfway through his testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the president's orders, official sources said.

&nbsp;Indian warning&nbsp;

Sirisena told his police top brass on Friday that he would not allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify.

However, a senior defence ministry sources said that in view of the Speaker's latest warning, they will have to cooperate with the committee.

Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with a specific warning from an Indian intelligence agency.

New Delhi had shared detailed information about the targets and the method of attack as early as April 4, two and a half weeks before the bombings, following information from a jihadist in Indian custody.

A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks. The country has been under a state of emergency since the bombings.

Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India. His own officials have denied it.

The latest crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

Modi arrived in Colombo for a brief stopover on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday.

Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's parliament warned President Maithripala Sirisena not to scuttle a controversial investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, the Speaker's office said Sunday.

Sri Lanka's parliament warned President Maithripala Sirisena not to scuttle a controversial investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, the Speaker's office said Sunday. The warning came after Sirisena said he would not cooperate with the parliamentary probe and would not allow defence or police officials to testify before the select committee (PSC). The president called an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose the legislature's investigation into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500. "Any public servant summoned by the PSC is obliged to give evidence," Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a hard-hitting two-page response to Sirisena. "Officials are fully aware of the serious consequences if they fail to respond." Officials at the Speaker's office said Jayasuriya made it clear to Sirisena that he will not call off the PSC and it will continue its public hearings. Evidence before the parliamentary select committee, which began its publicly televised sittings since late last month, has placed the president in a poor light, suggesting that he failed to act on advance warning of the attacks. On Saturday, Sirisena's office said he sacked his national intelligence chief Sisira Mendis who testified that the devastating attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels could have been avoided. Mendis also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings. Sirisena's office did not give a reason for abruptly sacking Mendis. Halfway through his testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the president's orders, official sources said. Indian warning Sirisena told his police top brass on Friday that he would not allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify. However, a senior defence ministry sources said that in view of the Speaker's latest warning, they will have to cooperate with the committee. Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with a specific warning from an Indian intelligence agency. New Delhi had shared detailed information about the targets and the method of attack as early as April 4, two and a half weeks before the bombings, following information from a jihadist in Indian custody. A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks. The country has been under a state of emergency since the bombings. Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India. His own officials have denied it. The latest crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. Modi arrived in Colombo for a brief stopover on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday. Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.

Sri Lanka MPs clash with President Sirisena over Easter attacks probe

Sri Lanka's Parliament is set to convene on Tuesday for the first time after the reinstatement of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-to-work-with-sirisena-again-wickremesinghes-united-national-party-184455">Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister </a>that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country, but he and President Maithripala Sirisena are yet to agree on Cabinet positions.

Sirisena, whose controversial actions plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political turmoil for nearly two months, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/victory-for-democracy-says-reinstated-sri-lankan-pm-wickremesinghe-184636">reinstated Wickremesinghe </a>as Prime Minister on Sunday, after sacking him on October 26 and appointing ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and also dissolving Parliament, some 20 months early.&nbsp;

Sirisena was left with no other option following two separate decisions by the Supreme Court, which nullified his illegal moves.&nbsp;

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is scheduled to chair a meeting on Tuesday to decide on the business of Parliament this week.

As Cabinet ministers are yet to take oaths, only the Prime Minister will be assigned a seat in the Chamber, Parliament Deputy Secretary-General Neil Iddawela said.

"We are hopeful that the list can be finalised soon. We are also looking at some of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Sirisena's party) members to join," Nalin Bandara, a parliamentarian from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), said.&nbsp;

The UNP sources said Sirisena is demanding the ministries of law and order and mass media.&nbsp;It has been reported that the UNP has been assigned seats in the government side and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs have been assigned seats of the Opposition.

A final decision has not been taken on the opposition leader's position. State newspaper Daily News reported that about 10 UPFA MPs are expected to join the UNP side.&nbsp;

"The SLFP members decided last night that none would join the government," Nishantha Muthuhettigama, a Sirisena loyalist said.&nbsp;

The Sirisena camp now is divided between the SLFP and Rajapaksa's SLPP.&nbsp;They are to join together to form a united alliance at the next election.

Parliamentary officials said that seats would be allocated based on the seniority this afternoon when parliament meets for the first time since the crisis ended.&nbsp;

Sirisena and Rajapaksa loyalists, who have been boycotting parliament since mid last month, are set to return to Parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Parliament is set to convene on Tuesday for the first time after the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country, but he and President Maithripala Sirisena are yet to agree on Cabinet positions.

Sri Lanka's Parliament is set to convene on Tuesday for the first time after the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country, but he and President Maithripala Sirisena are yet to agree on Cabinet positions. Sirisena, whose controversial actions plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political turmoil for nearly two months, reinstated Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister on Sunday, after sacking him on October 26 and appointing ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and also dissolving Parliament, some 20 months early. Sirisena was left with no other option following two separate decisions by the Supreme Court, which nullified his illegal moves. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is scheduled to chair a meeting on Tuesday to decide on the business of Parliament this week. As Cabinet ministers are yet to take oaths, only the Prime Minister will be assigned a seat in the Chamber, Parliament Deputy Secretary-General Neil Iddawela said. "We are hopeful that the list can be finalised soon. We are also looking at some of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Sirisena's party) members to join," Nalin Bandara, a parliamentarian from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), said. The UNP sources said Sirisena is demanding the ministries of law and order and mass media. It has been reported that the UNP has been assigned seats in the government side and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs have been assigned seats of the Opposition. A final decision has not been taken on the opposition leader's position. State newspaper Daily News reported that about 10 UPFA MPs are expected to join the UNP side. "The SLFP members decided last night that none would join the government," Nishantha Muthuhettigama, a Sirisena loyalist said. The Sirisena camp now is divided between the SLFP and Rajapaksa's SLPP. They are to join together to form a united alliance at the next election. Parliamentary officials said that seats would be allocated based on the seniority this afternoon when parliament meets for the first time since the crisis ended. Sirisena and Rajapaksa loyalists, who have been boycotting parliament since mid last month, are set to return to Parliament on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka parliament to convene for first time after reinstatement of PM Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Thursday met President Maithripala Sirisena and apprised him about the negative impact of ongoing policy crisis on the country's currency, foreign investments and arrival of tourists.

Jayasuriya's meeting with the President is being seen as an attempt to end the impasse that the island nation is facing since the sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by Sirisena and appointment of strongman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-bars-rajapaksa-from-using-state-funds-after-cutting-budget-180216">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> as the country's premier over a month ago.

The island nation is witnessing a political crisis since Sirisena's controversial move to sack Wickeremesinghe and install Rajapaksa as the prime minister in his place on October 26.

Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls.

Jayasuriya, in a statement released after his meeting with Sirisena, said that he pointed out the adverse economic impact from the impasse on the Sri Lankan rupee, foreign investments and the slump in tourist arrivals.&nbsp;

"He promised to take appropriate action tomorrow in consultation with the Leader Of the Opposition and the leaders of UNF," the statement said.

Sirisena and Jayasuriya are said to be not on the same page.

Jayasuriya's decision not to recognise Rajapaksa until he proved his majority had led to a clash with the executive. He is accused of being biased against Rajapaksa and Sirisena, further escalating the impasse.&nbsp;

Also, Sirisena's UPFA has continued to boycott parliamentary sessions in protest against the speaker.

Earlier in the day, a Sirisena loyalist Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who was the only legislature from Sirisena's party who took part in a debate on the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, invited Jayasuriya to hold talks with the President to end the crisis.

Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a motion to suspend the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, dealing a major blow to Rajapaksa.

Wickremesinghe has held on to the post despite his sacking as he maintained that his removal was illegal in terms of the 19th amendment to the constitution.

Sirisena has said he would never appoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister as he found it personally hard to work with him.

Wickremesinghe claims that the Constitution does not allow for personal prejudices and the president would be duty bound to accept the person who commands a majority in Parliament.

Sri Lanka's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Thursday met President Maithripala Sirisena and apprised him about the negative impact of ongoing policy crisis on the country's currency, foreign investments and arrival of tourists.

Sri Lanka's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Thursday met President Maithripala Sirisena and apprised him about the negative impact of ongoing policy crisis on the country's currency, foreign investments and arrival of tourists. Jayasuriya's meeting with the President is being seen as an attempt to end the impasse that the island nation is facing since the sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by Sirisena and appointment of strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country's premier over a month ago. The island nation is witnessing a political crisis since Sirisena's controversial move to sack Wickeremesinghe and install Rajapaksa as the prime minister in his place on October 26. Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. Jayasuriya, in a statement released after his meeting with Sirisena, said that he pointed out the adverse economic impact from the impasse on the Sri Lankan rupee, foreign investments and the slump in tourist arrivals. "He promised to take appropriate action tomorrow in consultation with the Leader Of the Opposition and the leaders of UNF," the statement said. Sirisena and Jayasuriya are said to be not on the same page. Jayasuriya's decision not to recognise Rajapaksa until he proved his majority had led to a clash with the executive. He is accused of being biased against Rajapaksa and Sirisena, further escalating the impasse. Also, Sirisena's UPFA has continued to boycott parliamentary sessions in protest against the speaker. Earlier in the day, a Sirisena loyalist Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who was the only legislature from Sirisena's party who took part in a debate on the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, invited Jayasuriya to hold talks with the President to end the crisis. Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a motion to suspend the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, dealing a major blow to Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe has held on to the post despite his sacking as he maintained that his removal was illegal in terms of the 19th amendment to the constitution. Sirisena has said he would never appoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister as he found it personally hard to work with him. Wickremesinghe claims that the Constitution does not allow for personal prejudices and the president would be duty bound to accept the person who commands a majority in Parliament.

Sri Lanka Speaker Jayasuriya meets President Sirisena in a bid to end impasse

The Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-sirisena-rejects-lankan-parliaments-no-confidence-motion-against-rajapaksa-177417">Karu Jayasuriya, on Thursday</a> said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote.

The parliament passed the no-confidence motion against recently appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government, with the backing of 122 lawmakers from the 225-member legislature.

However, President Maithripala Sirisena in a letter to the Speaker said he cannot accept the no-confidence vote as the speaker appeared to have ignored the constitution, parliamentary procedure and traditions.

The Lankan president said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ignored and violated the Constitutional provisions, standing orders and the Parliamentary traditions by passing the no-confidence motion.

Sirisena added that Rajapaksa was appointed as per the provisions a president is given under the Constitution, asserting that it was not necessary for the prime minister to show a majority in the Parliament according to Parliamentary traditions.

The Parliament had on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspended the Parliament plunging the island nation into a crisis.

The Speaker had calculated the votes based on the voices he heard as Rajapaksa supporters disrupted the proceedings in the House. The Supreme Court had on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5.

 
"President has the full power to appoint the prime minister," Sirisena said.

The Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, on Thursday said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote.

The Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, on Thursday said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote. The parliament passed the no-confidence motion against recently appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government, with the backing of 122 lawmakers from the 225-member legislature. However, President Maithripala Sirisena in a letter to the Speaker said he cannot accept the no-confidence vote as the speaker appeared to have ignored the constitution, parliamentary procedure and traditions. The Lankan president said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ignored and violated the Constitutional provisions, standing orders and the Parliamentary traditions by passing the no-confidence motion. Sirisena added that Rajapaksa was appointed as per the provisions a president is given under the Constitution, asserting that it was not necessary for the prime minister to show a majority in the Parliament according to Parliamentary traditions. The Parliament had on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspended the Parliament plunging the island nation into a crisis. The Speaker had calculated the votes based on the voices he heard as Rajapaksa supporters disrupted the proceedings in the House. The Supreme Court had on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5. "President has the full power to appoint the prime minister," Sirisena said.

Sri Lanka does not have a PM or cabinet after no-confidence vote, says Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament said on Monday he would not accept a former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister until he proves he commands a majority in parliament.

President Maithripala Sirisena fired the sitting prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sacked-sri-lankan-pms-residence-becomes-symbol-of-power-struggle-175415">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> on October&nbsp;26 and appointed Rajapaksa in his place, drawing criticism from political parties and the international community.

"The majority of the members are of the view that the changes done in the parliament are unconstitutional and against the traditions," the speaker of parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, said in a statement.

"Therefore, I am requested by the majority of the parliament to accept the position which was prior to these changes. Until the new group shows the majority, I will have to accept the status quo prior to the changes."

<img alt="Lanka Speaker statement" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="135f3d4b-a676-4532-a2fc-38ecb77f2036" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lanka-Speaker.jpg" />

(Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's statement in Tamil)

President Sirisena, who also suspended the country's parliament, has meanwhile <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-pressure-grows-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-summons-parliament-on-november-14-175551">ordered it to be reconvened</a> on November 14, clearing the way for a vote on his October 26 decision.

Wickremesinghe has called his dismissal "unconstitutional". His United National Party submitted a motion to that effect to parliament but Sirisena suspended its session until November 16, citing a need for Rajapaksa to make arrangements for the new government prevented the vote.

It was not clear if and when the 225-member parliament would vote on the UNP's motion that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-tamils-push-parliament-to-end-crisis-175433">Wickremesinghe's dismissal was illegal</a>.

Rajapaksa led Sri Lanka to a military defeat of Tamil separatist guerrillas in 2009 but has since faced widespread allegations of human rights abuse and targeting of Tamil civilians.

Wickremesinghe said earlier on Sunday that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-ousted-pm-says-us-japan-freeze-aid-over-political-crisis-175408">United States and Japan</a> had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island.

Sirisena's summons came after Wickremesinghe's UNP said on Friday that 118 lawmakers had met the Speaker to demand parliament be allowed to convene.

Before Wickremesinghe's dismissal, the UNP held 107 seats. Of those, eight have defected to support Rajapaksa. One out of 16 Tamil MPs also joined Rajapaksa.

Among the causes for the animosity between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena is Wickremesinghe's refusal to back the president's bid to stand in the next election in late 2019. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe's government of not taking seriously an alleged assassination plot against him.

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament said on Monday he would not accept a former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister until he proves he commands a majority in parliament.

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament said on Monday he would not accept a former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister until he proves he commands a majority in parliament. President Maithripala Sirisena fired the sitting prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and appointed Rajapaksa in his place, drawing criticism from political parties and the international community. "The majority of the members are of the view that the changes done in the parliament are unconstitutional and against the traditions," the speaker of parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, said in a statement. "Therefore, I am requested by the majority of the parliament to accept the position which was prior to these changes. Until the new group shows the majority, I will have to accept the status quo prior to the changes." (Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's statement in Tamil) President Sirisena, who also suspended the country's parliament, has meanwhile ordered it to be reconvened on November 14, clearing the way for a vote on his October 26 decision. Wickremesinghe has called his dismissal "unconstitutional". His United National Party submitted a motion to that effect to parliament but Sirisena suspended its session until November 16, citing a need for Rajapaksa to make arrangements for the new government prevented the vote. It was not clear if and when the 225-member parliament would vote on the UNP's motion that Wickremesinghe's dismissal was illegal. Rajapaksa led Sri Lanka to a military defeat of Tamil separatist guerrillas in 2009 but has since faced widespread allegations of human rights abuse and targeting of Tamil civilians. Wickremesinghe said earlier on Sunday that the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island. Sirisena's summons came after Wickremesinghe's UNP said on Friday that 118 lawmakers had met the Speaker to demand parliament be allowed to convene. Before Wickremesinghe's dismissal, the UNP held 107 seats. Of those, eight have defected to support Rajapaksa. One out of 16 Tamil MPs also joined Rajapaksa. Among the causes for the animosity between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena is Wickremesinghe's refusal to back the president's bid to stand in the next election in late 2019. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe's government of not taking seriously an alleged assassination plot against him.

Sri Lanka Speaker recognises Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament Sunday recognised Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country's lawful prime minister, three days after his sacking by the president threw the island into constitutional chaos.

Wickremesinghe says his shock dismissal on Friday was illegal, and ignored a deadline to vacate the official residence Sunday -- instead holding crisis meetings with allies to gather support.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said Wickremesinghe's request to retain the security and privileges of prime minister was fair until another candidate could prove a majority in parliament.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sacked-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-stays-put-political-crisis-worsens-173975">Sacked Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe stays put, political crisis worsens</a>

"I consider the said request to be a democratic and fair request," Jayasuriya said in a letter addressed to President Maithripala Sirisena, who dismissed Wickremesinghe on Friday.

Jayasuriya also warned the president that shutting parliament for nearly three weeks would exacerbate the political crisis gripping the Indian Ocean nation.&nbsp;

Shortly after firing Wickremesinghe, the president went on to appoint his former rival Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister, and suspended parliament to forestall any challenge against his appointment.

The speaker recognised &nbsp;Wickremesinghe "as the leader of the government who has obtained a mandate to secure democracy and good governance."

Jayasuriya holds a neutral position as speaker, but did originally hail from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) which until Friday ruled Sri Lanka in a coalition with Sirisena.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-democratic-values-will-be-respected-india-on-political-turmoil-in-sri-lanka-173970">Hope democratic values will be respected: India on political turmoil in Sri Lanka</a>

Sirisena has also ordered the withdrawal of security and vehicles allocated to Wickremesinghe as prime minister.

Wickremesinghe had demanded an early meeting of parliament to prove his majority, but Sirisena had instead suspended parliament.

"Continuing the prorogation (suspension) of parliament until 16th November will have serious and undesirable consequences for our country, and I kindly request you to reconsider same," Jayasuriya told the president.

He also noted that Sirisena had failed to consult him before suspending parliament.

Elsewhere, Rajapakse travelled to the central town of Kandy on Sunday to seek the blessings of the country's top Buddhist monks.

He is due to name a cabinet later Sunday or on Monday, officials in Rajapakse's office said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-rajapaksa-camp-says-will-seize-pm-home-office-if-wickremesinghe-does-not-resign-today-173930">Rajapaksa camp says will seize PM home, office if Wickremesinghe does not resign today</a>

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament Sunday recognised Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country's lawful prime minister, three days after his sacking by the president threw the island into constitutional chaos.

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament Sunday recognised Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country's lawful prime minister, three days after his sacking by the president threw the island into constitutional chaos. Wickremesinghe says his shock dismissal on Friday was illegal, and ignored a deadline to vacate the official residence Sunday -- instead holding crisis meetings with allies to gather support. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said Wickremesinghe's request to retain the security and privileges of prime minister was fair until another candidate could prove a majority in parliament. Also read: Sacked Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe stays put, political crisis worsens "I consider the said request to be a democratic and fair request," Jayasuriya said in a letter addressed to President Maithripala Sirisena, who dismissed Wickremesinghe on Friday. Jayasuriya also warned the president that shutting parliament for nearly three weeks would exacerbate the political crisis gripping the Indian Ocean nation. Shortly after firing Wickremesinghe, the president went on to appoint his former rival Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister, and suspended parliament to forestall any challenge against his appointment. The speaker recognised Wickremesinghe "as the leader of the government who has obtained a mandate to secure democracy and good governance." Jayasuriya holds a neutral position as speaker, but did originally hail from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) which until Friday ruled Sri Lanka in a coalition with Sirisena. Also read: Hope democratic values will be respected: India on political turmoil in Sri Lanka Sirisena has also ordered the withdrawal of security and vehicles allocated to Wickremesinghe as prime minister. Wickremesinghe had demanded an early meeting of parliament to prove his majority, but Sirisena had instead suspended parliament. "Continuing the prorogation (suspension) of parliament until 16th November will have serious and undesirable consequences for our country, and I kindly request you to reconsider same," Jayasuriya told the president. He also noted that Sirisena had failed to consult him before suspending parliament. Elsewhere, Rajapakse travelled to the central town of Kandy on Sunday to seek the blessings of the country's top Buddhist monks. He is due to name a cabinet later Sunday or on Monday, officials in Rajapakse's office said. Also read: Rajapaksa camp says will seize PM home, office if Wickremesinghe does not resign today

Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Jayasuriya recognises Wickremesinghe as prime minister

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