Sri Lanka plunged deeper into crisis Saturday after President Maithripala Sirisena called a snap election, leaving the country facing a further two months of damaging political paralysis with a pair of bitter rivals claiming to run his government.

In what opponents condemned as an illegal move, Sirisena dissolved parliament on Friday and announced a January election after it became clear his designated prime minister -- former president Mahinda Rajapakse -- would not be able to command a majority in the current legislature.

Rakapakse and ousted premier Ranil Wikremesinghe, who has refused to leave his post,&nbsp;have been battling for power for two weeks as international concern grows over the mounting turmoil in the strategically important island nation.

Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the island's 225-member assembly and scheduled parliamentary elections for January 5, nearly two years ahead of schedule.

In a bid to head off any revolt against his action he also suspended parliament.

There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe, but his United National Party (UNP) said it will challenge Sirisena's sacking of the legislature.

"This dissolution by the President is illegal and goes against the constitution," the UNP said on Twitter. "We will be fighting this to ensure that democracy reigns supreme in the country."

"He has robbed the people of their rights and the democracy that we have enjoyed," the UNP said.

Sirisena had come under increased international pressure from the United States, the United Nations and the European Union to allow parliament to vote on which prime minister should form a government.

Washington swiftly criticised Sirisena's latest move.&nbsp;

"The US is deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis," the US State Department said in a statement on Twitter.

"As a committed partner of Sri Lanka, we believe democratic institutions and processes need to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity," it said.

Sri Lanka plunged deeper into crisis Saturday after President Maithripala Sirisena called a snap election, leaving the country facing a further two months of damaging political paralysis with a pair of bitter rivals claiming to run his government.

Sri Lanka plunged deeper into crisis Saturday after President Maithripala Sirisena called a snap election, leaving the country facing a further two months of damaging political paralysis with a pair of bitter rivals claiming to run his government. In what opponents condemned as an illegal move, Sirisena dissolved parliament on Friday and announced a January election after it became clear his designated prime minister -- former president Mahinda Rajapakse -- would not be able to command a majority in the current legislature. Rakapakse and ousted premier Ranil Wikremesinghe, who has refused to leave his post, have been battling for power for two weeks as international concern grows over the mounting turmoil in the strategically important island nation. Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the island's 225-member assembly and scheduled parliamentary elections for January 5, nearly two years ahead of schedule. In a bid to head off any revolt against his action he also suspended parliament. There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe, but his United National Party (UNP) said it will challenge Sirisena's sacking of the legislature. "This dissolution by the President is illegal and goes against the constitution," the UNP said on Twitter. "We will be fighting this to ensure that democracy reigns supreme in the country." "He has robbed the people of their rights and the democracy that we have enjoyed," the UNP said. Sirisena had come under increased international pressure from the United States, the United Nations and the European Union to allow parliament to vote on which prime minister should form a government. Washington swiftly criticised Sirisena's latest move. "The US is deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis," the US State Department said in a statement on Twitter. "As a committed partner of Sri Lanka, we believe democratic institutions and processes need to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity," it said.

Sri Lanka crisis deepens as president calls snap election

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday dissolved parliament in a gamble that a new election will get backing for his preferred candidate as prime minister over an ousted premier who has refused to give up, a minister told AFP.

Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the island's 225-member assembly just hours after his party admitted it did not have enough votes to get support for former president Mahinda Rajapakse against rival claimant Ranil Wickremesinghe.&nbsp;

The two have been battling for the prime minister's post for two weeks as international concern grows over the mounting turmoil.

The minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the official notification would take effect from midnight Friday. Before signing the order, Sirisena inducted more ministers into the cabinet headed by Rajapakse.

"The election is likely to be held in early January," the minister said. Normally an election should not be held until 2020.

Sirisena sparked the crisis on October 26 by naming Rajapakse, the country's authoritarian president from 2005 until 2015, as prime minister after sacking Wickremesinghe.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence while the president also suspended parliament to head off any revolt against his action.

In the latest twist in the crisis, Sirisena's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) said ahead of the president's stunning announcement they were at least eight legislators short of getting a majority for Rajapakse in the assembly.

"At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," UPFA spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters, adding that the Sirisena-Rajapakse group hoped to secure support from "crossover" legislators.

Sirisena had said on Monday that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe. But the admission of a lack of a majority had fuelled speculation that Sirisena may sack the legislature and go for a snap election.

The leftist People's Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab.

"Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution," JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters.

Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance and at least eight have already jumped to the president's side.

Wickremesinghe, who has not left the Temple Trees residence since his sacking, maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, and insists his group can muster a majority.

According to an AFP count, he and his allies have 120 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 104. The speaker, the 225th member, is neutral.

Image damaged&nbsp;

Under pressure from the United Nations, United States and the European Union to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed three times to lift the suspension but changed his mind each time.

The EU said Friday, before the dissolution, that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean island's international reputation.

The EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, called for parliament to reconvene and hold an immediate vote.

"Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said.

Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown.

"In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook.

"You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice."

The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday dissolved parliament in a gamble that a new election will get backing for his preferred candidate as prime minister over an ousted premier who has refused to give up, a minister told AFP.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday dissolved parliament in a gamble that a new election will get backing for his preferred candidate as prime minister over an ousted premier who has refused to give up, a minister told AFP. Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the island's 225-member assembly just hours after his party admitted it did not have enough votes to get support for former president Mahinda Rajapakse against rival claimant Ranil Wickremesinghe. The two have been battling for the prime minister's post for two weeks as international concern grows over the mounting turmoil. The minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the official notification would take effect from midnight Friday. Before signing the order, Sirisena inducted more ministers into the cabinet headed by Rajapakse. "The election is likely to be held in early January," the minister said. Normally an election should not be held until 2020. Sirisena sparked the crisis on October 26 by naming Rajapakse, the country's authoritarian president from 2005 until 2015, as prime minister after sacking Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence while the president also suspended parliament to head off any revolt against his action. In the latest twist in the crisis, Sirisena's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) said ahead of the president's stunning announcement they were at least eight legislators short of getting a majority for Rajapakse in the assembly. "At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," UPFA spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters, adding that the Sirisena-Rajapakse group hoped to secure support from "crossover" legislators. Sirisena had said on Monday that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe. But the admission of a lack of a majority had fuelled speculation that Sirisena may sack the legislature and go for a snap election. The leftist People's Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab. "Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution," JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters. Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance and at least eight have already jumped to the president's side. Wickremesinghe, who has not left the Temple Trees residence since his sacking, maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, and insists his group can muster a majority. According to an AFP count, he and his allies have 120 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 104. The speaker, the 225th member, is neutral. Image damaged Under pressure from the United Nations, United States and the European Union to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed three times to lift the suspension but changed his mind each time. The EU said Friday, before the dissolution, that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean island's international reputation. The EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, called for parliament to reconvene and hold an immediate vote. "Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown. "In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook. "You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice." The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Sri Lanka president Sirisena dissolves parliament after power struggle: Reports

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena`s decision to dissolve parliament, worsening an already major political crisis, has drawn criticism from Western powers, including the United States and Britain.

Sirisena dissolved parliament on Friday night, only five days before it was due to reconvene and he was in danger of losing a vote of no confidence. He has also called a general election for Jan. 5.&nbsp;

The president triggered an intense power struggle when he sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe late last month and appointed the island`s former leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa, a pro-China strongman ousted by Sirisena in 2015, in his place.

Sirisena`s rivals are set to challenge his decision, which they describe as illegal and unconstitutional, in the Supreme Court on Monday.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a tweet that the United States was "deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka Parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis". It said democracy needed to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity.

Mark Field, the British minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, tweeted his concern about the dissolution of parliament days before it was due to be reconvened.

"As a friend of Sri Lanka, the UK calls on all parties to uphold the constitution and respect democratic institutions and processes," Field said.

Canada`s Foreign Policy twitter feed said that it was "deeply concerned" about the decision and referred to the risks to reconciliation work after the nation`s civil war.

"This further political uncertainty is corrosive to Sri Lanka’s democratic future and its commitments on reconciliation and accountability," it said.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne expressed both concern and disappointment in a statement, saying the move "undermines Sri Lanka`s long democratic tradition and poses a risk to its stability and prosperity".

Sirisena has said he fired Wickremesinghe because the prime minister was trying to implement "a new, extreme liberal political concept by giving more priority for foreign policies and neglecting the local people`s sentiment".

India and the West have raised concerns over Rajapaksa`s close ties with China. Beijing loaned Sri Lanka billions of dollars for infrastructure projects when Rajapaksa was president between 2005-2015, putting the country deep into debt.

Wickremesinghe refused to vacate the official prime minister`s residence saying he was the prime minister and had a parliamentary majority.

Before he signed the papers dissolving parliament and calling the election, Sirisena appointed allies of his and of Rajapaksa to cabinet positions.&nbsp;

Independent legal experts have told Reuters that parliament could be dissolved only in early 2020, which would be four-and-half-years from the first sitting of the current parliament. The only other legal way would be through a referendum, or with the consent of two thirds of lawmakers.&nbsp;

Given those views, it was not immediately clear how Sirisena is on legal safe ground by dissolving parliament, though his legal experts have said there are provisions for him to do so.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena`s decision to dissolve parliament, worsening an already major political crisis, has drawn criticism from Western powers, including the United States and Britain.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena`s decision to dissolve parliament, worsening an already major political crisis, has drawn criticism from Western powers, including the United States and Britain. Sirisena dissolved parliament on Friday night, only five days before it was due to reconvene and he was in danger of losing a vote of no confidence. He has also called a general election for Jan. 5. The president triggered an intense power struggle when he sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe late last month and appointed the island`s former leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa, a pro-China strongman ousted by Sirisena in 2015, in his place. Sirisena`s rivals are set to challenge his decision, which they describe as illegal and unconstitutional, in the Supreme Court on Monday. The US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a tweet that the United States was "deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka Parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis". It said democracy needed to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity. Mark Field, the British minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, tweeted his concern about the dissolution of parliament days before it was due to be reconvened. "As a friend of Sri Lanka, the UK calls on all parties to uphold the constitution and respect democratic institutions and processes," Field said. Canada`s Foreign Policy twitter feed said that it was "deeply concerned" about the decision and referred to the risks to reconciliation work after the nation`s civil war. "This further political uncertainty is corrosive to Sri Lanka’s democratic future and its commitments on reconciliation and accountability," it said. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne expressed both concern and disappointment in a statement, saying the move "undermines Sri Lanka`s long democratic tradition and poses a risk to its stability and prosperity". Sirisena has said he fired Wickremesinghe because the prime minister was trying to implement "a new, extreme liberal political concept by giving more priority for foreign policies and neglecting the local people`s sentiment". India and the West have raised concerns over Rajapaksa`s close ties with China. Beijing loaned Sri Lanka billions of dollars for infrastructure projects when Rajapaksa was president between 2005-2015, putting the country deep into debt. Wickremesinghe refused to vacate the official prime minister`s residence saying he was the prime minister and had a parliamentary majority. Before he signed the papers dissolving parliament and calling the election, Sirisena appointed allies of his and of Rajapaksa to cabinet positions. Independent legal experts have told Reuters that parliament could be dissolved only in early 2020, which would be four-and-half-years from the first sitting of the current parliament. The only other legal way would be through a referendum, or with the consent of two thirds of lawmakers. Given those views, it was not immediately clear how Sirisena is on legal safe ground by dissolving parliament, though his legal experts have said there are provisions for him to do so.

US and others denounce dissolution of Sri Lanka parliament by President Sirisena as undemocratic

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence.

President Maithripala Sirisena named authoritarian former president Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26.

Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence amid a deepening power struggle. The president also suspended parliament meaning neither of the rivals has been able to pass a vote of confidence.

United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Rajapakse needs at least eight more votes in the 225 member assembly to reach the required 113 to win a vote.

"At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," Rambukwella told reporters. He said the Sirisena-Rajapakse group needed "crossover" legislators and expressed hope enough would be secured by the time the assembly meets next week.

Rambukwella's comments contradicted Sirisena's announcement on Monday that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe and his government.

"Do not doubt the 113 MPs. We have completed getting 113 MPs," Sirisena told a public rally. The Sirisena-Rajapakse camp has insisted since the start of the dispute that it has enough parliament votes.

Wickremesinghe, who maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, insists his group can muster a majority.

According to an AFP count, Wickremesinghe and his allies have 120 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 104. The speaker, the 225th member, is neutral.

Wickremesinghe remains holed up in his official residence, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapakse is running a parallel administration from the prime minister's office.

Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to defect and at least eight have jumped to Sirisena's side.

Under pressure from the United Nations, the United States and European Union states to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed twice to lift the suspension but changed his mind. &nbsp;His latest order calls for parliament to meet on November 14.

The EU said Friday that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean island's international reputation.

Image damaged&nbsp;

Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said parliament should vote "immediately when reconvened".

"Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said.

Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown.

"In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook.

"You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," he said.

His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday.

The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect.

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence.

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence. President Maithripala Sirisena named authoritarian former president Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26. Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence amid a deepening power struggle. The president also suspended parliament meaning neither of the rivals has been able to pass a vote of confidence. United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Rajapakse needs at least eight more votes in the 225 member assembly to reach the required 113 to win a vote. "At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," Rambukwella told reporters. He said the Sirisena-Rajapakse group needed "crossover" legislators and expressed hope enough would be secured by the time the assembly meets next week. Rambukwella's comments contradicted Sirisena's announcement on Monday that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe and his government. "Do not doubt the 113 MPs. We have completed getting 113 MPs," Sirisena told a public rally. The Sirisena-Rajapakse camp has insisted since the start of the dispute that it has enough parliament votes. Wickremesinghe, who maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, insists his group can muster a majority. According to an AFP count, Wickremesinghe and his allies have 120 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 104. The speaker, the 225th member, is neutral. Wickremesinghe remains holed up in his official residence, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapakse is running a parallel administration from the prime minister's office. Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to defect and at least eight have jumped to Sirisena's side. Under pressure from the United Nations, the United States and European Union states to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed twice to lift the suspension but changed his mind. His latest order calls for parliament to meet on November 14. The EU said Friday that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean island's international reputation. Image damaged Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said parliament should vote "immediately when reconvened". "Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown. "In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook. "You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," he said. His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect.

Sri Lanka president Sirisena short of votes in crisis campaign

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence.

President Maithripala Sirisena named authoritarian former president Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence however amid a simmering constitutional struggle.

The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Rajapakse still needed at least eight more votes in the 225 member assembly to reach the required 113 to win a vote.

"At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," Rambukwella told reporters. He said the Sirisena-Rajapakse group needed "crossover" legislators.

Sirisena's party has never previously acknowledged opposition claims it does not have the necessary votes to back the sacking of Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena has suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to defect and at least eight have jumped to Sirisena's side.

Under international pressure to allow a vote on the rival premiers, Sirisena agreed twice to lift the suspension. His latest order calls for parliament to meet on November 14.

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence. President Maithripala Sirisena named authoritarian former president Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26. Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence however amid a simmering constitutional struggle. The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Rajapakse still needed at least eight more votes in the 225 member assembly to reach the required 113 to win a vote. "At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," Rambukwella told reporters. He said the Sirisena-Rajapakse group needed "crossover" legislators. Sirisena's party has never previously acknowledged opposition claims it does not have the necessary votes to back the sacking of Wickremesinghe. Sirisena has suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to defect and at least eight have jumped to Sirisena's side. Under international pressure to allow a vote on the rival premiers, Sirisena agreed twice to lift the suspension. His latest order calls for parliament to meet on November 14.

Sri Lanka's disputed government admits it lacks majority

The European Union joined a chorus of international voices demanding an end to Sri Lanka's two-week-old political crisis Friday, saying the island nation's international reputation and investments were at risk.

President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe, prime minister, replacing him with the divisive Mahinda Rajapakse.

Wickremesinghe is holed up in his official residence refusing to go, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapakse is running a parallel administration from the prime minister's office.

President Sirisena has suspended parliament until next Wednesday as he and Rajapakse try to gather enough support among lawmakers to vote Wickremesinghe out, an effort that looks to be failing. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said that parliament should vote "immediately when reconvened".

"Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said.

The United States, the United Nations and several other countries including Australia have also urged Colombo to end the unprecedented power struggle and restore confidence.

Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up.

"In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook.

"You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," he said.

His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday.

The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect to Rajapakse's side.

According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs after gaining a defector on Tuesday, while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101.&nbsp;

Most of the remaining 21 MPs are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers say.

The European Union joined a chorus of international voices demanding an end to Sri Lanka's two-week-old political crisis Friday, saying the island nation's international reputation and investments were at risk.

The European Union joined a chorus of international voices demanding an end to Sri Lanka's two-week-old political crisis Friday, saying the island nation's international reputation and investments were at risk. President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe, prime minister, replacing him with the divisive Mahinda Rajapakse. Wickremesinghe is holed up in his official residence refusing to go, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapakse is running a parallel administration from the prime minister's office. President Sirisena has suspended parliament until next Wednesday as he and Rajapakse try to gather enough support among lawmakers to vote Wickremesinghe out, an effort that looks to be failing. Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said that parliament should vote "immediately when reconvened". "Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said. The United States, the United Nations and several other countries including Australia have also urged Colombo to end the unprecedented power struggle and restore confidence. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up. "In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook. "You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," he said. His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect to Rajapakse's side. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs after gaining a defector on Tuesday, while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101. Most of the remaining 21 MPs are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers say.

European Union demands end to Sri Lanka crisis

A rally of hundreds of cars carrying supporters of Sri Lanka's deposed prime minister brought chaos to Colombo streets on Thursday as they demanded that parliament be reopened.

A noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans took loyalists of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to a rally to hear speeches slamming the president for sacking the head of government last month.

President Maithripala Sirisena named former president Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister in a shock move on October 26, and suspended parliament so neither has won a vote of confidence.

The rival prime ministers have now spent nearly two weeks at loggerheads, and the move -- which has been described as illegal by opponents -- has triggered a constitutional crisis.

Protestors had initially planned to drive to the residence of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya to urge him to defy the president and lift the assembly suspension.

But amid traffic chaos, the route was shortened and the rally was staged at Independence Square.&nbsp;

The motorists displayed posters of Wickremesinghe and carried banners which read "People Power".

The US embassy in Colombo issued a security alert warning of traffic hold ups.

"The embassy reminds citizens that even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence," it said.

One man was killed and two others wounded in a shooting linked to the constitutional crisis last month.

The power struggle has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Rajapakse is reportedly trying to engineer defections to ensure he has a majority in the 225 member assembly which Sirisena has said can only reopen on November 14.

Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect to Rajapakse's side.

According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs after gaining a defector on Tuesday, while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101.

Most of the remaining 21 MPs are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers say.

A rally of hundreds of cars carrying supporters of Sri Lanka's deposed prime minister brought chaos to Colombo streets on Thursday as they demanded that parliament be reopened.

A rally of hundreds of cars carrying supporters of Sri Lanka's deposed prime minister brought chaos to Colombo streets on Thursday as they demanded that parliament be reopened. A noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans took loyalists of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to a rally to hear speeches slamming the president for sacking the head of government last month. President Maithripala Sirisena named former president Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister in a shock move on October 26, and suspended parliament so neither has won a vote of confidence. The rival prime ministers have now spent nearly two weeks at loggerheads, and the move -- which has been described as illegal by opponents -- has triggered a constitutional crisis. Protestors had initially planned to drive to the residence of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya to urge him to defy the president and lift the assembly suspension. But amid traffic chaos, the route was shortened and the rally was staged at Independence Square. The motorists displayed posters of Wickremesinghe and carried banners which read "People Power". The US embassy in Colombo issued a security alert warning of traffic hold ups. "The embassy reminds citizens that even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence," it said. One man was killed and two others wounded in a shooting linked to the constitutional crisis last month. The power struggle has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Rajapakse is reportedly trying to engineer defections to ensure he has a majority in the 225 member assembly which Sirisena has said can only reopen on November 14. Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect to Rajapakse's side. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs after gaining a defector on Tuesday, while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101. Most of the remaining 21 MPs are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers say.

Sri Lanka political rally brings chaos to Colombo streets

In a setback to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, a deputy minister of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis.

President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, a controversial former president, and suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16.

Manusha Nanayakkara, who was in Sirisena/Rajapaksa original list of 96 MPs, said in a letter to Sirisena Tuesday that in his opinion Wickremesinghe was still the legitimate prime minister as accepted by the parliamentary speaker Karu Jayasuriya.

He resigned as the deputy minister of Labour and Foreign Employment to leave the Sirisena camp and join Wickremesinghe. He was sworn in as the deputy minister only on November 1.

In a video message, Nanayakkara said that he does not approve of the arbitrary political appointments that have taken place and will support the struggle to protect and uphold democracy.&nbsp;

Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature.

Legislators have been switching sides ever since the island nation was plunged into a political and constitutional crisis with Sirisena's move to sack Wickremesinghe last month.

Rajapaksa had been bolstered by at least 9 defections from Wickremesinghe's United National Party and Tamil National Alliance.

Since the crisis broke out there have been media reports that MPs were offered up to 500 million rupees to switch sides.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test.

He asked the president to reconvene the parliament for a floor test and end the ongoing political crisis.

Sirisena's side charged that Jayasuriya, a UNP senior, was backing his party leader Wickremesinghe by compromising the neutral position of speaker of parliament.&nbsp;

In a setback to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, a deputy minister of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis.

In a setback to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, a deputy minister of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis. President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, a controversial former president, and suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Manusha Nanayakkara, who was in Sirisena/Rajapaksa original list of 96 MPs, said in a letter to Sirisena Tuesday that in his opinion Wickremesinghe was still the legitimate prime minister as accepted by the parliamentary speaker Karu Jayasuriya. He resigned as the deputy minister of Labour and Foreign Employment to leave the Sirisena camp and join Wickremesinghe. He was sworn in as the deputy minister only on November 1. In a video message, Nanayakkara said that he does not approve of the arbitrary political appointments that have taken place and will support the struggle to protect and uphold democracy. Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature. Legislators have been switching sides ever since the island nation was plunged into a political and constitutional crisis with Sirisena's move to sack Wickremesinghe last month. Rajapaksa had been bolstered by at least 9 defections from Wickremesinghe's United National Party and Tamil National Alliance. Since the crisis broke out there have been media reports that MPs were offered up to 500 million rupees to switch sides. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. He asked the president to reconvene the parliament for a floor test and end the ongoing political crisis. Sirisena's side charged that Jayasuriya, a UNP senior, was backing his party leader Wickremesinghe by compromising the neutral position of speaker of parliament.

Lanka political crisis: Deputy minister Nanayakkara resigns Sirisena govt, joins Ranil Wickremsinghe

Sri Lankan police chief Pujith Jayasundera said on Wednesday that he was taking orders from President Maithripala Sirisena and he was not in a position to take orders from the law and order minister of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayasundera was responding to a letter sent to him by Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the Wickremesinghe government's law and order minister, who had directed that all ministers who were in office before October 26 be provided police security.

Jayasundera said that the Ministerial Security could only be provided on the recommendations of President Sirisena. He added that it could not be provided based on requests made by Ministers or other officials.

President Sirisena on October 26 sacked Wickremesinghe as the prime minister and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, triggering a constitutional crisis in the island.

Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test.

Madduma Bandara had written to Jayasundera following Jayasuriya's recognition of the Wickremesinghe government.

Several MPs of Wickremesinghe's camp have also requested the police chief to provide them with Ministerial Security, saying they were still ministers of the government. 
Rajapaksa needs 113 seats in the 225-member assembly to prove simple majority.

In a setback to President Sirisena, deputy minister Manusha Nanayakkara of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis.

Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature.

Meanwhile, the main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - said Sirisena met the party leaders this morning to urge them to change their stance of opposing the Rajapaksa appointment.

The TNA leader MA Sumanthiran said they told Sirisena that their stance stood and there will be no reversal.

The party also urged Sirisena to reconvene parliament at an earlier date than the scheduled November 14. Sirisena said their request would be considered.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan police chief Pujith Jayasundera said on Wednesday that he was taking orders from President Maithripala Sirisena and he was not in a position to take orders from the law and order minister of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan police chief Pujith Jayasundera said on Wednesday that he was taking orders from President Maithripala Sirisena and he was not in a position to take orders from the law and order minister of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayasundera was responding to a letter sent to him by Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the Wickremesinghe government's law and order minister, who had directed that all ministers who were in office before October 26 be provided police security. Jayasundera said that the Ministerial Security could only be provided on the recommendations of President Sirisena. He added that it could not be provided based on requests made by Ministers or other officials. President Sirisena on October 26 sacked Wickremesinghe as the prime minister and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, triggering a constitutional crisis in the island. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. Madduma Bandara had written to Jayasundera following Jayasuriya's recognition of the Wickremesinghe government. Several MPs of Wickremesinghe's camp have also requested the police chief to provide them with Ministerial Security, saying they were still ministers of the government. Rajapaksa needs 113 seats in the 225-member assembly to prove simple majority. In a setback to President Sirisena, deputy minister Manusha Nanayakkara of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis. Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature. Meanwhile, the main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - said Sirisena met the party leaders this morning to urge them to change their stance of opposing the Rajapaksa appointment. The TNA leader MA Sumanthiran said they told Sirisena that their stance stood and there will be no reversal. The party also urged Sirisena to reconvene parliament at an earlier date than the scheduled November 14. Sirisena said their request would be considered.

Sri Lanka police chief says he's taking orders from President

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the suspended parliament to reconvene on Nov. 14, clearing the way for a vote on his decision to sack the elected prime minister and replace him with wartime nationalist Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sirisena abruptly fired Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sacked-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-supporters-make-last-stand-at-his-home-175385">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> on Oct. 26 and appointed former president Rajapaksa to lead the ruling coalition instead, raising fears at home and abroad that this could derail Sri Lanka's halting national reconciliation process.

Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is unconstitutional. His United National Party submitted a motion to that effect to parliament but Sirisena suspended its session until Nov. 16, citing a need for Rajapaksa to make arrangements for the new government prevented the vote.

Sirisena's decree for the house to reconvene on Nov. 14 was published in the official gazette on Sunday.

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 told Reuters 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.

This follows a warning from the EU that it could withdraw duty-free concessions for Sri Lankan exports if it didn't stick to commitments on national reconciliation.

Sirisena's summons comes 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 Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the suspended parliament to reconvene on Nov. 14, clearing the way for a vote on his decision to sack the elected prime minister and replace him with wartime nationalist Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the suspended parliament to reconvene on Nov. 14, clearing the way for a vote on his decision to sack the elected prime minister and replace him with wartime nationalist Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena abruptly fired Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Oct. 26 and appointed former president Rajapaksa to lead the ruling coalition instead, raising fears at home and abroad that this could derail Sri Lanka's halting national reconciliation process. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is unconstitutional. His United National Party submitted a motion to that effect to parliament but Sirisena suspended its session until Nov. 16, citing a need for Rajapaksa to make arrangements for the new government prevented the vote. Sirisena's decree for the house to reconvene on Nov. 14 was published in the official gazette on Sunday. 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 told Reuters 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. This follows a warning from the EU that it could withdraw duty-free concessions for Sri Lankan exports if it didn't stick to commitments on national reconciliation. Sirisena's summons comes 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.

As pressure grows, Sri Lanka President Sirisena summons parliament on November 14

The banquet hall at Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister's official residence is packed with supporters — many sleeping on chairs and the floor — who have come to stand guard as he tussles for power with an old rival.

Thousands of loyalists from across the country are camped out at the Temple Trees residence in Colombo, a colonial-era bungalow where Ranil Wickremesinghe has been holed up since his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-under-increasing-global-pressure-to-end-political-crisis-174157">shock dismissal</a> more than a week ago.

Day and night they top up coconut oil lamps and keep jasmine-perfumed incense sticks burning in the 5,000-capacity banquet hall -- usually reserved for state dinners and VIP weddings -- while the 69-year-old plots his next move.

President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26 but he has refused to accept the decision or to leave the residence so former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse — who was named in his place — can move in.

SM Faheed, a 73-year-old diehard supporter of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), vowed to stay there until the constitutional crisis is resolved.

"I will not leave until Ranil is given the PM's chair," Faheed said. "We are here to support him and make sure no one tries to throw him out of Temple Trees."

"If I have to, I will stay here till I die."

Wickremesinghe has asked lawmakers to vote to decide between him and Rajapakse and end the crisis, but parliament has been suspended since his sacking.

"If I win... (Rajapakse) must stand down. If he wins, I will leave Temple Trees and move away," Wickremesinghe told AFP on Friday.

But he will have trouble convincing his followers to give way.

Prayers for victory 
Shakuntala Devi travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Tamil city of Jaffna in the north of the country to join the crowd that grows each day.

Volunteers bring meals to Devi and others while Buddhist monks chant prayers that are broadcast on a public address system within the premises.

Devi said she wanted to show solidarity after Wickremesinghe's government built 5,000 homes for people like her who were displaced by the civil war that ended in 2009.

"I came to show my gratitude to the prime minister," she said.

Another protester who gave her name as Sandya said: "We want to tell Sirisena: If you have any shame, call parliament and let our leader take back his seat."&nbsp;

Others in the huge crowd echoed her views, with one person saying Sri Lanka had "become the laughing stock of the world".

"Sirisena is the most ungrateful man. May he be cursed and be struck by lightning," said Jayanthi Jayewardena, an elderly supporter.

Sirisena won the presidency from Rajapakse in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe and his UNP. The two formed a coalition, but have since fallen out badly.&nbsp;

Matters came to a head with the sacking, which Wickremesinghe acknowledged had surprised him.

'Desperate people' 
Sirisena has cut Wickremesinghe's official bodyguard retinue and pool of limousines. A depleted plain clothes contingent now keeps watch over the residence while a private cleaning company has also been hired.

A few police commandos in camouflage uniform can also be seen.&nbsp;

Legislators loyal to Wickremesinghe keep up back-to-back press conferences at the residence which has become the centre of media attention, with crowds mobbing visiting politicians and asking for selfies.

In comparison Rajapakse has remained low-key, quietly organising a campaign to win over MPs to support him when parliament eventually meets.&nbsp;

Huge sums have allegedly been offered to potential defectors and some lawmakers have already left the UNP.

Wickremesinghe, who has been speaking to local and foreign journalists while conducting talks with allies, said he was concerned that the power struggle could degenerate into street violence.

"There can be trouble in the country if this goes on," he said.&nbsp;

"We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence... but you don't know what arises in a situation like this. A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath."

The banquet hall at Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister's official residence is packed with supporters — many sleeping on chairs and the floor — who have come to stand guard as he tussles for power with an old rival.

The banquet hall at Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister's official residence is packed with supporters — many sleeping on chairs and the floor — who have come to stand guard as he tussles for power with an old rival. Thousands of loyalists from across the country are camped out at the Temple Trees residence in Colombo, a colonial-era bungalow where Ranil Wickremesinghe has been holed up since his shock dismissal more than a week ago. Day and night they top up coconut oil lamps and keep jasmine-perfumed incense sticks burning in the 5,000-capacity banquet hall -- usually reserved for state dinners and VIP weddings -- while the 69-year-old plots his next move. President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26 but he has refused to accept the decision or to leave the residence so former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse — who was named in his place — can move in. SM Faheed, a 73-year-old diehard supporter of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), vowed to stay there until the constitutional crisis is resolved. "I will not leave until Ranil is given the PM's chair," Faheed said. "We are here to support him and make sure no one tries to throw him out of Temple Trees." "If I have to, I will stay here till I die." Wickremesinghe has asked lawmakers to vote to decide between him and Rajapakse and end the crisis, but parliament has been suspended since his sacking. "If I win... (Rajapakse) must stand down. If he wins, I will leave Temple Trees and move away," Wickremesinghe told AFP on Friday. But he will have trouble convincing his followers to give way. Prayers for victory Shakuntala Devi travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Tamil city of Jaffna in the north of the country to join the crowd that grows each day. Volunteers bring meals to Devi and others while Buddhist monks chant prayers that are broadcast on a public address system within the premises. Devi said she wanted to show solidarity after Wickremesinghe's government built 5,000 homes for people like her who were displaced by the civil war that ended in 2009. "I came to show my gratitude to the prime minister," she said. Another protester who gave her name as Sandya said: "We want to tell Sirisena: If you have any shame, call parliament and let our leader take back his seat." Others in the huge crowd echoed her views, with one person saying Sri Lanka had "become the laughing stock of the world". "Sirisena is the most ungrateful man. May he be cursed and be struck by lightning," said Jayanthi Jayewardena, an elderly supporter. Sirisena won the presidency from Rajapakse in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe and his UNP. The two formed a coalition, but have since fallen out badly. Matters came to a head with the sacking, which Wickremesinghe acknowledged had surprised him. 'Desperate people' Sirisena has cut Wickremesinghe's official bodyguard retinue and pool of limousines. A depleted plain clothes contingent now keeps watch over the residence while a private cleaning company has also been hired. A few police commandos in camouflage uniform can also be seen. Legislators loyal to Wickremesinghe keep up back-to-back press conferences at the residence which has become the centre of media attention, with crowds mobbing visiting politicians and asking for selfies. In comparison Rajapakse has remained low-key, quietly organising a campaign to win over MPs to support him when parliament eventually meets. Huge sums have allegedly been offered to potential defectors and some lawmakers have already left the UNP. Wickremesinghe, who has been speaking to local and foreign journalists while conducting talks with allies, said he was concerned that the power struggle could degenerate into street violence. "There can be trouble in the country if this goes on," he said. "We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence... but you don't know what arises in a situation like this. A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath."

Sacked Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe, supporters make last stand at his home

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, urging President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote "as soon as possible".

The political turmoil began after Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place in a dramatic turn of events last week.

The UN chief spoke to Sirisena over phone on November 1 and informed him that he was following the latest developments in the island country with concern, his office here said on Friday.

Guterres "offered assistance in facilitating a dialogue with all the parties to resolve the situation," it said.

He highlighted the Sri Lankan government's responsibility to ensure peace, security and respect for the rule of law.

"The Secretary-General urged the President to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote as soon as possible.

"He encouraged the government to uphold its earlier commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation, in line with Human Rights Council resolutions," the readout said.

Amid the ongoing political tension, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer has met Sirisena and Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, delivering Guterres' message for the need to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions.

On Friday, Jayasuriya said Sirisena has agreed to summon Parliament on November 7.

There was confusion since Thursday on the date when the parliamentary deadlock would end as Sirisena had suspended the sittings until November 16.

Sirisena, after replacing Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, had suspended Parliament after the sacked premier sought an emergency session to prove his majority.

Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament.

Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghe's UNP had the backing of 106 parliamentarians while Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine had 95 seats.

A lawmaker from the main Tamil party defected to the Rajapaksa side and was made a minister on Friday.

Rajapaksa claims he now has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least five of Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, urging President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote "as soon as possible".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, urging President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote "as soon as possible". The political turmoil began after Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place in a dramatic turn of events last week. The UN chief spoke to Sirisena over phone on November 1 and informed him that he was following the latest developments in the island country with concern, his office here said on Friday. Guterres "offered assistance in facilitating a dialogue with all the parties to resolve the situation," it said. He highlighted the Sri Lankan government's responsibility to ensure peace, security and respect for the rule of law. "The Secretary-General urged the President to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote as soon as possible. "He encouraged the government to uphold its earlier commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation, in line with Human Rights Council resolutions," the readout said. Amid the ongoing political tension, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer has met Sirisena and Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, delivering Guterres' message for the need to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions. On Friday, Jayasuriya said Sirisena has agreed to summon Parliament on November 7. There was confusion since Thursday on the date when the parliamentary deadlock would end as Sirisena had suspended the sittings until November 16. Sirisena, after replacing Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, had suspended Parliament after the sacked premier sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament. Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghe's UNP had the backing of 106 parliamentarians while Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine had 95 seats. A lawmaker from the main Tamil party defected to the Rajapaksa side and was made a minister on Friday. Rajapaksa claims he now has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least five of Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side.

UN chief urges Lankan president to allow vote in Parliament 'as soon as possible'

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - Saturday said it will support a no-trust motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, amid mounting pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to let the suspended parliament hold a vote to end the political crisis.

Rajapaksa claims he has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least six of ousted premier Ranil Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side.

The current suspension of parliament by the president is seen as a key to Rajapaksa negotiating for enough defections.

Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Sirisena on October 26. His United National Party claims that Wickremesinghe's sacking was "unconstitutional and illegal". The president's move has plunged the country into a constitutional crisis with Wickremesinghe claiming he is still the prime minister.

In a statement, the Tamil National Alliance said Rajapaksa's appointment was a violation of the Constitution's 19th amendment.

The alliance had "decided to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa," the statement added.

S Vilenthiriyan, one of the TNA legislators from the eastern province, has extended his support to Rajapaksa. He was made a deputy minister. At least 4 more of the TNA's 16 MPs are believed to be to joining Rajapaksa.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party said they have handed over a motion of no-confidence against Rajapaksa. His call for a floor test in parliament has been ignored by Sirisena who has suspended parliament until November 16.

Sirisena has been sending conflicting signals about his willingness to end the parliamentary suspension.

Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has come under pressure from a majority of legislators to reconvene parliament. But Sirisena's suspension order leaves him with no option but to seek the consent of the president to recall the assembly.

The suspension is aimed at helping Rajapaksa gain parliamentary majority by engineering defections from Wickremesinghe's party and other allied parties to build the 113 seats required for the majority, experts said.

Some of the legislators have claimed that huge amounts are being offered to them to defect.

Palitha Range Bandara, a legislator of Wickremesinghe's party, has said he was offered $2.8 million to extend support to Rajapaksa's bid to prove his majority.

"I was asked to make a step forward to become a cabinet minister," Bandara told reporters as he played a voice recording of a conversation he allegedly had with a Sirisena loyalist, who told him that he would be rewarded with a Cabinet position.

Bandara also said that he was possessing a telephone recording of a conversation with "a very powerful person".

"I have a recording of a conversation with a VVIP which I will play very soon," Bandara said.

So far Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapaksa has 100 in the 225-member assembly. Most of the 22 remaining MPs, including the TNA, are likely to oppose Rajapaksa, experts said.

The UNP said that Sirisena's people were "shamelessly trying to buy our MPs over to secure this unconstitutional and illegal seizure of power. The police must take action immediately".

Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament and called for a floor test to prove his majority.

On Tuesday, angry protests rocked Sri Lanka's capital as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a rally organised by Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Sirisena.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - Saturday said it will support a no-trust motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, amid mounting pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to let the suspended parliament hold a vote to end the political crisis.

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - Saturday said it will support a no-trust motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, amid mounting pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to let the suspended parliament hold a vote to end the political crisis. Rajapaksa claims he has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least six of ousted premier Ranil Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side. The current suspension of parliament by the president is seen as a key to Rajapaksa negotiating for enough defections. Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Sirisena on October 26. His United National Party claims that Wickremesinghe's sacking was "unconstitutional and illegal". The president's move has plunged the country into a constitutional crisis with Wickremesinghe claiming he is still the prime minister. In a statement, the Tamil National Alliance said Rajapaksa's appointment was a violation of the Constitution's 19th amendment. The alliance had "decided to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa," the statement added. S Vilenthiriyan, one of the TNA legislators from the eastern province, has extended his support to Rajapaksa. He was made a deputy minister. At least 4 more of the TNA's 16 MPs are believed to be to joining Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe's United National Party said they have handed over a motion of no-confidence against Rajapaksa. His call for a floor test in parliament has been ignored by Sirisena who has suspended parliament until November 16. Sirisena has been sending conflicting signals about his willingness to end the parliamentary suspension. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has come under pressure from a majority of legislators to reconvene parliament. But Sirisena's suspension order leaves him with no option but to seek the consent of the president to recall the assembly. The suspension is aimed at helping Rajapaksa gain parliamentary majority by engineering defections from Wickremesinghe's party and other allied parties to build the 113 seats required for the majority, experts said. Some of the legislators have claimed that huge amounts are being offered to them to defect. Palitha Range Bandara, a legislator of Wickremesinghe's party, has said he was offered $2.8 million to extend support to Rajapaksa's bid to prove his majority. "I was asked to make a step forward to become a cabinet minister," Bandara told reporters as he played a voice recording of a conversation he allegedly had with a Sirisena loyalist, who told him that he would be rewarded with a Cabinet position. Bandara also said that he was possessing a telephone recording of a conversation with "a very powerful person". "I have a recording of a conversation with a VVIP which I will play very soon," Bandara said. So far Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapaksa has 100 in the 225-member assembly. Most of the 22 remaining MPs, including the TNA, are likely to oppose Rajapaksa, experts said. The UNP said that Sirisena's people were "shamelessly trying to buy our MPs over to secure this unconstitutional and illegal seizure of power. The police must take action immediately". Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament and called for a floor test to prove his majority. On Tuesday, angry protests rocked Sri Lanka's capital as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a rally organised by Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Sirisena.

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party to support no-trust motion against Rajapaksa

By Andreas Johansson

A constitutional crisis has erupted in Sri Lanka, prompting fears of a “bloodbath”. The crisis was triggered when the country’s president, Maithripala Sirisena, sacked the prime minister, Ranil Wickramasinghe, and appointed the former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as his replacement.

Wickramasinghe and his supporters claim that Sirisena’s move is unconstitutional. Indeed, Wickramasinghe still considers himself to be prime minister and refuses to step down, leaving Sri Lanka with two prime ministers.&nbsp;

Wickramasinghe also has prominent supporters, including finance and media minister, Mangala Samaraweera, who wrote on Facebook that Sirisena’s action amounted to a coup.

Sirisena initially claimed that he had the constitutional right to fire Wickramasinghe. But he subsequently admitted that Sri Lanka was in a political crisis and suspended parliament.

On October 28, there were reports of gunshots fired against an angry mob following an attack on another of Wickramasinghe’s supporters, the former petroleum minister, Arjuna Ranatunga. One member of the mob was killed and two were injured.

Sirisena has been strongly criticised over the last few days. The speaker of parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, questioned Sirisena’s action in a statement issued on October 28. He then reportedly told journalists the next day, "We should settle this through parliament, but if we take it out to the streets, there will be a huge bloodbath."

Meanwhile, Rajapaksa, the new prime minister, has called for fresh parliamentary elections, and “a new democratic beginning and the rejection of the politics of hate”.

Chaos reigns

This political chaos has a long backstory. Rajapaksa’s appointment by Sirisena came as a surprise to many as the two former allies had become rivals during the 2015 presidential election. Rajapaksa had been president since 2005, but was narrowly defeated by Sirisena in 2015. Rajapaksa was also accused of corruption and nepotism during his time as president.

Nevertheless, it’s not entirely surprising that Sirisena has chosen Rajapaksa as his prime minister over Wickramasinghe. Even though they were political allies in Sri Lanka’s unity government, the relationship between Sirisena and Wickramasinghe was beset by problems. During the last few years, they had been unable to agree on economic policy or how to run the country in general. In fact, the United People’s Freedom Alliance, recently quit the unity government of Wickramasinghe as a result.

Another reason why Sirisena has turned to Rajapaksa is that the latter has proved that he still has enough power to garner votes. In February 2018, Sri Lanka held local elections – during which Rajapaksa and his newly formed political party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, won a major victory, which shook Sirisena’s presidency.

Local elections in Sri Lanka do not have the same impact as the parliamentary or presidential elections, but Rajapaksa’s win showed that he is still politically attractive to the majority Sinhala community. Even though he was defeated by Sirisena in the 2015 presidential election, Rajapaksa clearly has no intention of giving up his desire to become a key political figure.

The role of China and India

Another consideration is the role of China – or rather the proxy power struggle between India and China over Sri Lanka.

During Rajapaksa’s presidency, China invested heavily in infrastructure projects around the country and Rajapaksa continues to have strong ties with the emerging superpower. Wickramasinghe’s government, on the other hand, had set its sights on India, which promised to invest in the country’s infrastructure. Wickramasinghe’s recent visit to India was a clear indication of where his priorities lay, possibly putting at risk China’s investment in the country.

To complicate matters further, a police officer was recently arrested and charged with planning to assassinate president Sirisena. A newspaper in India also stated that Sirisena had accused the Indian intelligence services of being behind this plot. Sirisena has not confirmed this, but it could explain why he’d favour closer ties with Rajapaksa (and China) over Wickramasinghe (and India).

India made an official statement on October 28 saying that it hoped that “democratic values would be respected”. China’s ambassador in Sri Lanka, meanwhile, congratulated Rajapaksa on his new appointment.

What now?

When Sirisena was elected president in 2015 he promised to look into the war crimes that Sri Lanka was accused of by the international community following the end of the country’s bloody civil war in 2009. This was something that Rajapaksa had avoided doing during his presidency.

A UNHCR report accused both the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers of war crimes. But three years into Sirisena’s presidency and he has now clearly sided with the Sri Lankan armed forces, claiming that no war crimes were committed by the government. In this sense, Sirisena and Rajapaksa have another thing in common.

But could this spark a whole new wave of violence? Certainly, the political situation is worrying for Sri Lanka’s minority Tamil and Muslim communities. With the government in crisis, there are also now murmurs of a new wave of Sinhala nationalism – and inflammatory exchanges between the two sides will do nothing to stem it. The fire has been laid, it seems; the question now is when it will be lit. 
&nbsp;

(Andreas Johansson is Director of Swedish South Asian Studies Network (SASNET), Lund University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sri-lanka-as-constitutional-crisis-triggers-fears-of-bloodbath-concern-mounts-for-minorities-105990">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

By Andreas Johansson A constitutional crisis has erupted in Sri Lanka, prompting fears of a “bloodbath”. The crisis was triggered when the country’s president, Maithripala Sirisena, sacked the prime minister, Ranil Wickramasinghe, and appointed the former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as his replacement.

By Andreas Johansson A constitutional crisis has erupted in Sri Lanka, prompting fears of a “bloodbath”. The crisis was triggered when the country’s president, Maithripala Sirisena, sacked the prime minister, Ranil Wickramasinghe, and appointed the former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as his replacement. Wickramasinghe and his supporters claim that Sirisena’s move is unconstitutional. Indeed, Wickramasinghe still considers himself to be prime minister and refuses to step down, leaving Sri Lanka with two prime ministers. Wickramasinghe also has prominent supporters, including finance and media minister, Mangala Samaraweera, who wrote on Facebook that Sirisena’s action amounted to a coup. Sirisena initially claimed that he had the constitutional right to fire Wickramasinghe. But he subsequently admitted that Sri Lanka was in a political crisis and suspended parliament. On October 28, there were reports of gunshots fired against an angry mob following an attack on another of Wickramasinghe’s supporters, the former petroleum minister, Arjuna Ranatunga. One member of the mob was killed and two were injured. Sirisena has been strongly criticised over the last few days. The speaker of parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, questioned Sirisena’s action in a statement issued on October 28. He then reportedly told journalists the next day, "We should settle this through parliament, but if we take it out to the streets, there will be a huge bloodbath." Meanwhile, Rajapaksa, the new prime minister, has called for fresh parliamentary elections, and “a new democratic beginning and the rejection of the politics of hate”. Chaos reigns This political chaos has a long backstory. Rajapaksa’s appointment by Sirisena came as a surprise to many as the two former allies had become rivals during the 2015 presidential election. Rajapaksa had been president since 2005, but was narrowly defeated by Sirisena in 2015. Rajapaksa was also accused of corruption and nepotism during his time as president. Nevertheless, it’s not entirely surprising that Sirisena has chosen Rajapaksa as his prime minister over Wickramasinghe. Even though they were political allies in Sri Lanka’s unity government, the relationship between Sirisena and Wickramasinghe was beset by problems. During the last few years, they had been unable to agree on economic policy or how to run the country in general. In fact, the United People’s Freedom Alliance, recently quit the unity government of Wickramasinghe as a result. Another reason why Sirisena has turned to Rajapaksa is that the latter has proved that he still has enough power to garner votes. In February 2018, Sri Lanka held local elections – during which Rajapaksa and his newly formed political party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, won a major victory, which shook Sirisena’s presidency. Local elections in Sri Lanka do not have the same impact as the parliamentary or presidential elections, but Rajapaksa’s win showed that he is still politically attractive to the majority Sinhala community. Even though he was defeated by Sirisena in the 2015 presidential election, Rajapaksa clearly has no intention of giving up his desire to become a key political figure. The role of China and India Another consideration is the role of China – or rather the proxy power struggle between India and China over Sri Lanka. During Rajapaksa’s presidency, China invested heavily in infrastructure projects around the country and Rajapaksa continues to have strong ties with the emerging superpower. Wickramasinghe’s government, on the other hand, had set its sights on India, which promised to invest in the country’s infrastructure. Wickramasinghe’s recent visit to India was a clear indication of where his priorities lay, possibly putting at risk China’s investment in the country. To complicate matters further, a police officer was recently arrested and charged with planning to assassinate president Sirisena. A newspaper in India also stated that Sirisena had accused the Indian intelligence services of being behind this plot. Sirisena has not confirmed this, but it could explain why he’d favour closer ties with Rajapaksa (and China) over Wickramasinghe (and India). India made an official statement on October 28 saying that it hoped that “democratic values would be respected”. China’s ambassador in Sri Lanka, meanwhile, congratulated Rajapaksa on his new appointment. What now? When Sirisena was elected president in 2015 he promised to look into the war crimes that Sri Lanka was accused of by the international community following the end of the country’s bloody civil war in 2009. This was something that Rajapaksa had avoided doing during his presidency. A UNHCR report accused both the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers of war crimes. But three years into Sirisena’s presidency and he has now clearly sided with the Sri Lankan armed forces, claiming that no war crimes were committed by the government. In this sense, Sirisena and Rajapaksa have another thing in common. But could this spark a whole new wave of violence? Certainly, the political situation is worrying for Sri Lanka’s minority Tamil and Muslim communities. With the government in crisis, there are also now murmurs of a new wave of Sinhala nationalism – and inflammatory exchanges between the two sides will do nothing to stem it. The fire has been laid, it seems; the question now is when it will be lit. (Andreas Johansson is Director of Swedish South Asian Studies Network (SASNET), Lund University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Political chaos in Sri Lanka has a long backstory

Sri Lanka's speaker on Friday defied the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-presidents-party-u-turns-on-parliament-suspension-174961">president's order to suspend parliamen</a>t and called a meeting of lawmakers next week to discuss a worsening constitutional crisis, reported news agency AFP.

"The speaker met a majority of MPs at a committee room and promised he will open parliament on November 7," Karu Jayasuriya's spokesman told.

President Maithripala Sirisena's party has said the 225-member assembly must remain shut until November 16 amid turmoil over his <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-thousands-take-streets-to-protest-against-ranil-wickremesinghe-sacking-174423">sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> as prime minister.

The country was thrown into political turmoil after Sirisena named <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-sri-lankas-lord-of-the-rings-back-in-power-174789">Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister</a> last week after sacking the unity government of Wickremesinghe.&nbsp;

Jayasuriya told more than 118 MPs, a majority of the House, that he could not ignore their demands to call the parliament in a bid to end the impasse, the report added.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party says that the president wants to shut down parliament for as long as possible to give himself more time to engineer defections in support of Rajapakse.

"It is clear that Rajapakse does not have the numbers in parliament to justify getting the prime minister post," UNP spokesman Harsha de Silva said. "They are now trying to wriggle out of this crisis."

Sri Lanka's speaker on Friday defied the president's order to suspend parliament and called a meeting of lawmakers next week to discuss a worsening constitutional crisis, reported news agency AFP.

Sri Lanka's speaker on Friday defied the president's order to suspend parliament and called a meeting of lawmakers next week to discuss a worsening constitutional crisis, reported news agency AFP. "The speaker met a majority of MPs at a committee room and promised he will open parliament on November 7," Karu Jayasuriya's spokesman told. President Maithripala Sirisena's party has said the 225-member assembly must remain shut until November 16 amid turmoil over his sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister. The country was thrown into political turmoil after Sirisena named Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister last week after sacking the unity government of Wickremesinghe. Jayasuriya told more than 118 MPs, a majority of the House, that he could not ignore their demands to call the parliament in a bid to end the impasse, the report added. Wickremesinghe's United National Party says that the president wants to shut down parliament for as long as possible to give himself more time to engineer defections in support of Rajapakse. "It is clear that Rajapakse does not have the numbers in parliament to justify getting the prime minister post," UNP spokesman Harsha de Silva said. "They are now trying to wriggle out of this crisis."

Sri Lankan Speaker defies president, vows to convene parliament next week

Maithripala Sirisena is likely to agree to reconvene Sri Lankan Parliament next week, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's office said on Wednesday, amid indications that a compromise is being worked out to avoid a showdown between the President and ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaker Jayasuriya held emergency talks with President Sirisena on Wednesday evening to convince him on the need to reconvene Parliament to try and end the current political impasse over the sacking of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe last Friday.

The meeting came after Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya earlier on Wednesday refused to endorse the President's dismissal of Wickremesinghe for former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The attorney general refused to give an opinion to Jayasuriya over the sacking of Wickremesinghe, saying it would be "deemed inappropriate". Some political experts have opined that it is clear sign that the attorney general considers the move as unconstitutional.

Wickremesinghe's sacking was carried out by Sirisena inspite of the 19th amendment to the Constitution which had stripped president's powers to sack a prime minister.

Immediately after Rajapaksa's appointment Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16, which experts said was meant to buy time to engineer crossovers from Wickremesinghe's side to Rajapaksa in the 225-member parliament to reach the 113 working majority mark.

Jayasuriya had insisted since the crisis broke out that it needs to be resolved in parliament with a floor test.

Sirisena has faced relentless international pressure to reconvene parliament to allow a floor test. Countries other than China and Burundi have not recognised Rajapaksa as the new prime minister.

The Speaker, seeking the AG's opinion, had asked five questions including the one on the validity of President Maithripala Sirisena dismissing Wickremesinghe as the premier.

The attorney general wrote to the speaker: "Having regard to the role of the Attorney General under the Constitution, I am of the view that expressing an opinion on the said questions would be deemed inappropriate".

Sirisena is under increasing political and diplomatic pressure to reconvene Parliament and resolve the constitutional crisis.

Wickremesinghe, who is refusing to accept his dismissal, argues that he cannot legally be dismissed until he loses the support of Parliament.

On Tuesday, angry protests rocked Sri Lanka's capital as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a rally organised by deposed prime minister Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Sirisena, even as the opposing sides were engaged in efforts to secure their numbers in Parliament to end the country's political crisis.

Amidst the political turmoil in Sri Lanka, a top UN envoy here met President Sirisena Wednesday and discussed the prevailing political crisis.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer met Sirisena days after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed "great concern" over the deepening political crisis and called on the country's government to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions and process.

Meanwhile, new prime minister Rajapaksa assumed duties on Wednesday.

Maithripala Sirisena is likely to agree to reconvene Sri Lankan Parliament next week, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's office said on Wednesday, amid indications that a compromise is being worked out to avoid a showdown between the President and ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Maithripala Sirisena is likely to agree to reconvene Sri Lankan Parliament next week, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's office said on Wednesday, amid indications that a compromise is being worked out to avoid a showdown between the President and ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe. Speaker Jayasuriya held emergency talks with President Sirisena on Wednesday evening to convince him on the need to reconvene Parliament to try and end the current political impasse over the sacking of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe last Friday. The meeting came after Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya earlier on Wednesday refused to endorse the President's dismissal of Wickremesinghe for former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. The attorney general refused to give an opinion to Jayasuriya over the sacking of Wickremesinghe, saying it would be "deemed inappropriate". Some political experts have opined that it is clear sign that the attorney general considers the move as unconstitutional. Wickremesinghe's sacking was carried out by Sirisena inspite of the 19th amendment to the Constitution which had stripped president's powers to sack a prime minister. Immediately after Rajapaksa's appointment Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16, which experts said was meant to buy time to engineer crossovers from Wickremesinghe's side to Rajapaksa in the 225-member parliament to reach the 113 working majority mark. Jayasuriya had insisted since the crisis broke out that it needs to be resolved in parliament with a floor test. Sirisena has faced relentless international pressure to reconvene parliament to allow a floor test. Countries other than China and Burundi have not recognised Rajapaksa as the new prime minister. The Speaker, seeking the AG's opinion, had asked five questions including the one on the validity of President Maithripala Sirisena dismissing Wickremesinghe as the premier. The attorney general wrote to the speaker: "Having regard to the role of the Attorney General under the Constitution, I am of the view that expressing an opinion on the said questions would be deemed inappropriate". Sirisena is under increasing political and diplomatic pressure to reconvene Parliament and resolve the constitutional crisis. Wickremesinghe, who is refusing to accept his dismissal, argues that he cannot legally be dismissed until he loses the support of Parliament. On Tuesday, angry protests rocked Sri Lanka's capital as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a rally organised by deposed prime minister Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Sirisena, even as the opposing sides were engaged in efforts to secure their numbers in Parliament to end the country's political crisis. Amidst the political turmoil in Sri Lanka, a top UN envoy here met President Sirisena Wednesday and discussed the prevailing political crisis. United Nations Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer met Sirisena days after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed "great concern" over the deepening political crisis and called on the country's government to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions and process. Meanwhile, new prime minister Rajapaksa assumed duties on Wednesday.

Sirisena may reconvene Parliament next week as AG refuses to endorse sacking of Wickremesinghe

Just three years after being voted out in a presidential election in Sri Lanka, strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is back at the centre of power, appointed prime minister by the man who defeated him.

President Maithripala Sirisena named the pro-China 72-year-old as his number two on Friday after abruptly dismissing the government of incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe has said his removal is unconstitutional and has demanded he be allowed to prove his parliamentary majority.

A mustachioed man usually dressed in a spotless white shirt, sarong and trademark maroon sash, Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by many in Sri Lanka`s Buddhist majority. He wears rings as lucky charms, sometimes as many as eight, and he has been called the "lord of the rings".

Rajapaksa has been accused by diplomats of serious human rights abuses in the war against rebels from the Tamil minority, one of Asia`s longest-running conflicts that ended during his tenure as president, in 2009. More than 100,000 people were killed in the 26-year war.

Rajapaksa said in a statement after he was sworn in he wanted to end religious and ethnic divisions in the country of 21 million people.

"We will eschew the politics of hate and set up an interim government that will protect the human rights of all citizens, that will protect the independence of the judiciary and establish law and order in the country," he said.

Almost immediately after he was sworn in, supporters of Rajapaksa invaded state media outlets in Colombo to take control of them, journalists there told Reuters.

Reporters Without Borders has called Rajapaksa "one of the world`s biggest press freedom predators" during his two terms as president from 2005 to 2015.

Mavai Senathirajah, a legislator from the main Tamil political party, said it was a shock to the community that makes up 13 percent of the population that Rajapaksa was back in power in three years.

"There are a number of accusations against him including war crimes. The president who accused Rajapaksa of corruption and rights abuses during the last election now has appointed him as his prime minister."

FAMILY AFFAIR

Born into a family of nine siblings in the southern village of Weeraketiya, Rajapaksa has spent four decades in politics, along with many of his relatives.

A lawyer by training, he followed his father into parliament in 1970, then the youngest-ever legislator, while several of his brothers and sons have held key roles in domestic and international politics.

His son Namal, a London-educated lawyer, took his record as the youngest MP in 2010.

Earlier in his career, Rajapaksa was known as a strong defender of human rights and participated in many left-wing and radical protests.

Before becoming president in 2005, he held a number of ministerial portfolios, and served as leader of the opposition from March 2002 until he was appointed prime minister in 2004.

He soon turned his attention to the civil war, boosting troop numbers and pushing into territory held by the Tamil Tiger rebels, leading to their surrender in 2009 and a landslide election win for Rajapaksa the year after.

The United Nations has said that thousands of civilians were killed in the last year of the war after heavy shelling by government forces. It has long sought a judicial investigation involving foreign judges and prosecutors to probe the alleged war crimes.

In a leaked diplomatic cable written in 2010, the United States` ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis said that responsibility for alleged crimes against civilians during the war "rests with the country`s senior civilian and military leadership, including President Rajapaksa and his brothers".

Rajapaksa's brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was Defence Secretary during the final stages of the war, has faced allegations he maintained death squads.

The brothers rejected the allegations and said the military only targeted the Tamil Tigers, one of the most violent insurgent groups in the world at the time.

SECOND TERM

After winning a two-thirds majority in his second term in 2010, Rajapaksa amended the constitution to remove checks on the presidency, including the presidential two-term limit.

Rajapaksa is also known for drawing the country closer to China, borrowing billions of dollars from Beijing to the alarm of Sri Lanka's traditional ally India.

He opened up the country's main port to Chinese submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India, while a huge new port funded by Chinese investment led to concerns Beijing's investment programme was a debt trap.

Rajapaksa blamed the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing for rallying his opponents against him, leading to his loss in the 2015 election.

His return to power has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on Sri Lanka, which is strategically placed at the head of the Indian Ocean.

Just three years after being voted out in a presidential election in Sri Lanka, strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is back at the centre of power, appointed prime minister by the man who defeated him.

Just three years after being voted out in a presidential election in Sri Lanka, strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is back at the centre of power, appointed prime minister by the man who defeated him. President Maithripala Sirisena named the pro-China 72-year-old as his number two on Friday after abruptly dismissing the government of incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe has said his removal is unconstitutional and has demanded he be allowed to prove his parliamentary majority. A mustachioed man usually dressed in a spotless white shirt, sarong and trademark maroon sash, Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by many in Sri Lanka`s Buddhist majority. He wears rings as lucky charms, sometimes as many as eight, and he has been called the "lord of the rings". Rajapaksa has been accused by diplomats of serious human rights abuses in the war against rebels from the Tamil minority, one of Asia`s longest-running conflicts that ended during his tenure as president, in 2009. More than 100,000 people were killed in the 26-year war. Rajapaksa said in a statement after he was sworn in he wanted to end religious and ethnic divisions in the country of 21 million people. "We will eschew the politics of hate and set up an interim government that will protect the human rights of all citizens, that will protect the independence of the judiciary and establish law and order in the country," he said. Almost immediately after he was sworn in, supporters of Rajapaksa invaded state media outlets in Colombo to take control of them, journalists there told Reuters. Reporters Without Borders has called Rajapaksa "one of the world`s biggest press freedom predators" during his two terms as president from 2005 to 2015. Mavai Senathirajah, a legislator from the main Tamil political party, said it was a shock to the community that makes up 13 percent of the population that Rajapaksa was back in power in three years. "There are a number of accusations against him including war crimes. The president who accused Rajapaksa of corruption and rights abuses during the last election now has appointed him as his prime minister." FAMILY AFFAIR Born into a family of nine siblings in the southern village of Weeraketiya, Rajapaksa has spent four decades in politics, along with many of his relatives. A lawyer by training, he followed his father into parliament in 1970, then the youngest-ever legislator, while several of his brothers and sons have held key roles in domestic and international politics. His son Namal, a London-educated lawyer, took his record as the youngest MP in 2010. Earlier in his career, Rajapaksa was known as a strong defender of human rights and participated in many left-wing and radical protests. Before becoming president in 2005, he held a number of ministerial portfolios, and served as leader of the opposition from March 2002 until he was appointed prime minister in 2004. He soon turned his attention to the civil war, boosting troop numbers and pushing into territory held by the Tamil Tiger rebels, leading to their surrender in 2009 and a landslide election win for Rajapaksa the year after. The United Nations has said that thousands of civilians were killed in the last year of the war after heavy shelling by government forces. It has long sought a judicial investigation involving foreign judges and prosecutors to probe the alleged war crimes. In a leaked diplomatic cable written in 2010, the United States` ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis said that responsibility for alleged crimes against civilians during the war "rests with the country`s senior civilian and military leadership, including President Rajapaksa and his brothers". Rajapaksa's brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was Defence Secretary during the final stages of the war, has faced allegations he maintained death squads. The brothers rejected the allegations and said the military only targeted the Tamil Tigers, one of the most violent insurgent groups in the world at the time. SECOND TERM After winning a two-thirds majority in his second term in 2010, Rajapaksa amended the constitution to remove checks on the presidency, including the presidential two-term limit. Rajapaksa is also known for drawing the country closer to China, borrowing billions of dollars from Beijing to the alarm of Sri Lanka's traditional ally India. He opened up the country's main port to Chinese submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India, while a huge new port funded by Chinese investment led to concerns Beijing's investment programme was a debt trap. Rajapaksa blamed the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing for rallying his opponents against him, leading to his loss in the 2015 election. His return to power has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on Sri Lanka, which is strategically placed at the head of the Indian Ocean.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's 'lord of the rings', back in power

The Sri Lankan president's party on Thursday reignited a constitutional crisis over which of two rival prime ministers heads the government by insisting that parliament will remain suspended.

A spokesman for President Maithripala Sirisena's party announced the new u-turn just hours after Sirisena told diplomats in Colombo that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-presidents-climbdown-offers-hope-of-end-to-political-crisis-174935">parliament would be allowed</a> to meet on Monday.

Sirisena set off the crisis last Friday by sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and bringing in former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse.

Wickremesinghe refused to accept the dismissal and the president suspended parliament.

The announcement of a Monday meeting had boosted hopes that lawmakers would be allowed to vote on which of the arch-foes they support. Rajapakse had also told a meeting of academics in Colombo that the legislature will be recalled on Monday.

But at the end of the day, Sirisena party spokesman Mahindananda Aluthgamage told reporters parliament will only reconvene on November 16 in line with the early suspension order. "On Monday we will have a mass rally near parliament."

In parallel, the Rajapakse administration announced measures to reduce personal and corporate taxes and cut the price of fuel and several commodities. Observers said this could be an attempt to win over the population.

The renewed suspension still came as a new bombshell in the dispute which will mark one week with much of the government paralysed.

Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned this week that delaying the reopening of parliament could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets. One activist has already been killed in fallout from the tensions.

Sirisena agreed to lift the suspension in a meeting late Wednesday with Jayasuriya, according to officials. But the speaker's staff said no written notification of the deal was ever sent.

The crisis has put the country on edge, threatens to polarise voters and also caused international concern.

Sirisena insists his actions were legal but Jayasuriya, who holds the third most powerful state post, has refused to defend the president's manoeuvres.

Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya has also cast doubt on the legality of Sirisena's moves, increasing pressure on the president.

Foreign pressure

Colombo-based Western diplomats have made it clear that they were unwilling to recognise the new administration, diplomatic sources said.&nbsp;

The United States, neighbouring India and Sri Lanka's key financial backer China have called on the rivals to peacefully resolve the crisis.

Wickremesinghe has remained bunkered in the prime minister's official residence in Colombo with hundreds of his followers camped outside.

He has repeatedly demanded that the legislature be recalled for him to prove his majority in the 225-member assembly.

Rajapakse, whose decade as president up to 2015 became known for corruption allegations and the brutal ending of the Tamil civil war, is working out of a separate building that is officially the prime minister's offices.

The 72-year-old has named a small ministerial team of 12 and addressed bureaucrats at the finance ministry on Wednesday. He added another 14 ministers on Thursday night.

The two rivals are also jockeying for power behind the scenes, battling to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers for when a vote is held.

Both sides have asked legislators on foreign visits to return home immediately.

Rajapakse has given five legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial positions in his cabinet after they defected.

Wickremesinghe has convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party.

According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said.

Even if the crisis is patched up, observers are worried about how the country will go into a presidential election scheduled for next year and legislative polls in 2020.

"The struggle for power jeopardises progress on reforms, ethnic reconciliation, and prospects for peaceful and fair elections in 2019," said the International Crisis Group think tank.&nbsp;

It has called on the United States, European Union and other key nations to put more pressure on Sirisena to end the battle.

"They should back these calls by making clear that Rajapakse's appointment, if it stands, threatens the future of security and economic cooperation."

The Sri Lankan president's party on Thursday reignited a constitutional crisis over which of two rival prime ministers heads the government by insisting that parliament will remain suspended.

The Sri Lankan president's party on Thursday reignited a constitutional crisis over which of two rival prime ministers heads the government by insisting that parliament will remain suspended. A spokesman for President Maithripala Sirisena's party announced the new u-turn just hours after Sirisena told diplomats in Colombo that parliament would be allowed to meet on Monday. Sirisena set off the crisis last Friday by sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and bringing in former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse. Wickremesinghe refused to accept the dismissal and the president suspended parliament. The announcement of a Monday meeting had boosted hopes that lawmakers would be allowed to vote on which of the arch-foes they support. Rajapakse had also told a meeting of academics in Colombo that the legislature will be recalled on Monday. But at the end of the day, Sirisena party spokesman Mahindananda Aluthgamage told reporters parliament will only reconvene on November 16 in line with the early suspension order. "On Monday we will have a mass rally near parliament." In parallel, the Rajapakse administration announced measures to reduce personal and corporate taxes and cut the price of fuel and several commodities. Observers said this could be an attempt to win over the population. The renewed suspension still came as a new bombshell in the dispute which will mark one week with much of the government paralysed. Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned this week that delaying the reopening of parliament could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets. One activist has already been killed in fallout from the tensions. Sirisena agreed to lift the suspension in a meeting late Wednesday with Jayasuriya, according to officials. But the speaker's staff said no written notification of the deal was ever sent. The crisis has put the country on edge, threatens to polarise voters and also caused international concern. Sirisena insists his actions were legal but Jayasuriya, who holds the third most powerful state post, has refused to defend the president's manoeuvres. Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya has also cast doubt on the legality of Sirisena's moves, increasing pressure on the president. Foreign pressure Colombo-based Western diplomats have made it clear that they were unwilling to recognise the new administration, diplomatic sources said. The United States, neighbouring India and Sri Lanka's key financial backer China have called on the rivals to peacefully resolve the crisis. Wickremesinghe has remained bunkered in the prime minister's official residence in Colombo with hundreds of his followers camped outside. He has repeatedly demanded that the legislature be recalled for him to prove his majority in the 225-member assembly. Rajapakse, whose decade as president up to 2015 became known for corruption allegations and the brutal ending of the Tamil civil war, is working out of a separate building that is officially the prime minister's offices. The 72-year-old has named a small ministerial team of 12 and addressed bureaucrats at the finance ministry on Wednesday. He added another 14 ministers on Thursday night. The two rivals are also jockeying for power behind the scenes, battling to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers for when a vote is held. Both sides have asked legislators on foreign visits to return home immediately. Rajapakse has given five legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial positions in his cabinet after they defected. Wickremesinghe has convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. Even if the crisis is patched up, observers are worried about how the country will go into a presidential election scheduled for next year and legislative polls in 2020. "The struggle for power jeopardises progress on reforms, ethnic reconciliation, and prospects for peaceful and fair elections in 2019," said the International Crisis Group think tank. It has called on the United States, European Union and other key nations to put more pressure on Sirisena to end the battle. "They should back these calls by making clear that Rajapakse's appointment, if it stands, threatens the future of security and economic cooperation."

Sri Lanka crisis: President Maithripala Sirisena's party backtracks on parliament suspension

Sri Lanka's President lifted a suspension of parliament Thursday and called a meeting of lawmakers next week that could end an increasingly bitter power struggle between two rival prime ministers, officials said.

The climbdown by Maithripala Sirisena, who sparked the crisis by sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and naming former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse in his place, could lead to a vote showing which of the two has majority backing among deputies.

"The people's voices have been heard," Wickremesinghe said in a Twitter statement announcing Monday's meeting. "Democracy will prevail."

Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16 shortly after the sacking last Friday, deepening a crisis which led the parliament speaker to warn of a "bloodbath" unless a vote is held.&nbsp;

One activist has already been killed in fallout from the tensions.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced that he will meet with leaders of political parties on Friday to discuss the next steps in the efforts to end the crisis. It remained unclear when a vote would be held.

"I had a long discussion with the president last night and I received positive responses from him," Jayasuriya said, adding that he would give details to other party leaders on Friday.

An official involved in the process told AFP that Jayasuriya had secured a "compromise" from the president. "Otherwise, the speaker was going to defy the president and summon parliament on Friday."

The crisis has put the whole country on edge and threatens to polarise voters.

Sirisena insists his actions were legal but Jayasuriya, who holds the third most powerful state post, refused to defend his manoeuvrings.

Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya also cast doubt on the legality of Sirisena's moves, increasing pressure on the president.

Foreign pressure

Colombo-based Western diplomats have made it clear that they were unwilling to recognise the new administration, diplomatic sources said.&nbsp;

The United States, neighbouring India as well Sri Lanka's key financial backer China have called on the rivals to peacefully resolve the crisis.

Wickremesinghe has remained bunkered in the prime minister's official residence in Colombo with hundreds of his followers camped outside.

He has repeatedly demanded that the legislature be recalled for him to prove his majority in the 225-member assembly.

Rajapakse, whose decade as president up to 2015 became known for corruption allegations and the brutal ending of the Tamil civil war, is working out of a separate building that is officially the prime minister's offices.

The 72-year-old has named a small ministerial team of 12 and addressed bureaucrats at the finance ministry on Wednesday. He has promised to expand his cabinet to 30 members.

The two rivals are also jockeying for power behind the scenes, battling to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers for when a vote is held.

Both sides have asked legislators on foreign visits to return home immediately.

Rajapakse has given five legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial positions in his cabinet after they defected.

Wickremesinghe has convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party.

According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said.

Even if this crisis is patched up, observers are worried about how the country will go into a presidential election scheduled for next year and legislative polls in 2020.

"The struggle for power jeopardises progress on reforms, ethnic reconciliation, and prospects for peaceful and fair elections in 2019," said the International Crisis Group think tank.&nbsp;

It has called on the United States, European Union and other key nations to put more pressure on Sirisena to end the battle.

"They should back these calls by making clear that Rajapakse's appointment, if it stands, threatens the future of security and economic cooperation."

Sri Lanka's President lifted a suspension of parliament Thursday and called a meeting of lawmakers next week that could end an increasingly bitter power struggle between two rival prime ministers, officials said.

Sri Lanka's President lifted a suspension of parliament Thursday and called a meeting of lawmakers next week that could end an increasingly bitter power struggle between two rival prime ministers, officials said. The climbdown by Maithripala Sirisena, who sparked the crisis by sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and naming former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse in his place, could lead to a vote showing which of the two has majority backing among deputies. "The people's voices have been heard," Wickremesinghe said in a Twitter statement announcing Monday's meeting. "Democracy will prevail." Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16 shortly after the sacking last Friday, deepening a crisis which led the parliament speaker to warn of a "bloodbath" unless a vote is held. One activist has already been killed in fallout from the tensions. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced that he will meet with leaders of political parties on Friday to discuss the next steps in the efforts to end the crisis. It remained unclear when a vote would be held. "I had a long discussion with the president last night and I received positive responses from him," Jayasuriya said, adding that he would give details to other party leaders on Friday. An official involved in the process told AFP that Jayasuriya had secured a "compromise" from the president. "Otherwise, the speaker was going to defy the president and summon parliament on Friday." The crisis has put the whole country on edge and threatens to polarise voters. Sirisena insists his actions were legal but Jayasuriya, who holds the third most powerful state post, refused to defend his manoeuvrings. Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya also cast doubt on the legality of Sirisena's moves, increasing pressure on the president. Foreign pressure Colombo-based Western diplomats have made it clear that they were unwilling to recognise the new administration, diplomatic sources said. The United States, neighbouring India as well Sri Lanka's key financial backer China have called on the rivals to peacefully resolve the crisis. Wickremesinghe has remained bunkered in the prime minister's official residence in Colombo with hundreds of his followers camped outside. He has repeatedly demanded that the legislature be recalled for him to prove his majority in the 225-member assembly. Rajapakse, whose decade as president up to 2015 became known for corruption allegations and the brutal ending of the Tamil civil war, is working out of a separate building that is officially the prime minister's offices. The 72-year-old has named a small ministerial team of 12 and addressed bureaucrats at the finance ministry on Wednesday. He has promised to expand his cabinet to 30 members. The two rivals are also jockeying for power behind the scenes, battling to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers for when a vote is held. Both sides have asked legislators on foreign visits to return home immediately. Rajapakse has given five legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial positions in his cabinet after they defected. Wickremesinghe has convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. Even if this crisis is patched up, observers are worried about how the country will go into a presidential election scheduled for next year and legislative polls in 2020. "The struggle for power jeopardises progress on reforms, ethnic reconciliation, and prospects for peaceful and fair elections in 2019," said the International Crisis Group think tank. It has called on the United States, European Union and other key nations to put more pressure on Sirisena to end the battle. "They should back these calls by making clear that Rajapakse's appointment, if it stands, threatens the future of security and economic cooperation."

Sri Lanka president's climbdown offers hope of end to political crisis

Sri Lanka's president plans to call a session of parliament on Monday, the new prime minister said, a move that could help resolve a political crisis after the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor.

Maithripala Sirisena named Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister last week after sacking the unity government of Ranil Wickremesinghe, prompting protests and a demand for parliament to be called, to allow lawmakers to choose their leader.

The return of Rajapaksa, a former president who crushed a decades-old Tamil insurgency, has stoked fears of fresh political and ethnic division in the island nation of 21 million mostly Sinhalese Buddhists, with Tamil and Muslim minorities.

Wickremesinghe has called his removal unconstitutional and has demanded he be allowed to prove his parliamentary majority.

"The president has decided to reconvene parliament on the 5th," Rajapaksa said during a meeting at the prime minister's office on Thursday.

There was no immediate word from Sirisena's office on convening parliament.

Earlier, Sirisena had prorogued parliament until November 16, but political parties and foreign powers led by the United States and the EU urged an early session to resolve the crisis.

Political parties and diplomats say continuing uncertainty continues could fuel attempts by claimants to lure lawmakers with money and ministerial positions.

Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who has also warned of unrest in the streets if parliament was not called quickly, met Sirisena on Wednesday to persuade him to call an early session.

Since Sri Lanka was plunged into political crisis, its rupee currency has hit record lows, compounded by worries over a slowing economy. It stood at 173.70 to the dollar on Thursday, gaining slightly from dollar sales by the central bank, traders said.

"The political turmoil is putting downward pressure on the rupee," Capital Economics said in a note. "If the currency continues to weaken, the central bank may be forced to hike interest rates, which would further weigh on growth prospects."

Sri Lanka’s foreign currency debt, which is equivalent to about half its total debt, also makes it vulnerable to sudden currency falls, it added.

China is a top creditor, offering loans in return for control of seaports and other infrastructure it is building in the country that lies along key shipping routes, as part of its Belt and Road initiative.

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The people's voices have been heard. Parliament will be reconvened on the 5th of November. Democracy will prevail.
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Sri Lanka's president plans to call a session of parliament on Monday, the new prime minister said, a move that could help resolve a political crisis after the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor.

Sri Lanka's president plans to call a session of parliament on Monday, the new prime minister said, a move that could help resolve a political crisis after the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor. Maithripala Sirisena named Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister last week after sacking the unity government of Ranil Wickremesinghe, prompting protests and a demand for parliament to be called, to allow lawmakers to choose their leader. The return of Rajapaksa, a former president who crushed a decades-old Tamil insurgency, has stoked fears of fresh political and ethnic division in the island nation of 21 million mostly Sinhalese Buddhists, with Tamil and Muslim minorities. Wickremesinghe has called his removal unconstitutional and has demanded he be allowed to prove his parliamentary majority. "The president has decided to reconvene parliament on the 5th," Rajapaksa said during a meeting at the prime minister's office on Thursday. There was no immediate word from Sirisena's office on convening parliament. Earlier, Sirisena had prorogued parliament until November 16, but political parties and foreign powers led by the United States and the EU urged an early session to resolve the crisis. Political parties and diplomats say continuing uncertainty continues could fuel attempts by claimants to lure lawmakers with money and ministerial positions. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who has also warned of unrest in the streets if parliament was not called quickly, met Sirisena on Wednesday to persuade him to call an early session. Since Sri Lanka was plunged into political crisis, its rupee currency has hit record lows, compounded by worries over a slowing economy. It stood at 173.70 to the dollar on Thursday, gaining slightly from dollar sales by the central bank, traders said. "The political turmoil is putting downward pressure on the rupee," Capital Economics said in a note. "If the currency continues to weaken, the central bank may be forced to hike interest rates, which would further weigh on growth prospects." Sri Lanka’s foreign currency debt, which is equivalent to about half its total debt, also makes it vulnerable to sudden currency falls, it added. China is a top creditor, offering loans in return for control of seaports and other infrastructure it is building in the country that lies along key shipping routes, as part of its Belt and Road initiative. The people's voices have been heard. Parliament will be reconvened on the 5th of November. Democracy will prevail. — Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) November 1, 2018 ×

Rajapaksa says president will reconvene parliament on November 5

Sri Lanka's attorney general Wednesday refused to endorse the president's dismissal of the prime minister for a former strongman accused of rights abuses, the clearest sign yet the move may be unconstitutional.

The country has been locked in a tense standoff between two rivals claiming to head Sri Lanka's government since Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's shock sacking last Friday.

The president and parliamentary speaker held emergency talks Wednesday in a bid to work out a compromise and avoid a showdown, official sources close to both sides told AFP.

The crisis talks came after Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya cast fresh doubt on the legality of President Maithripala Sirisena's actions, declining to endorse them.

Jayasuriya's refusal bolstered Wickremesinghe's claim that the president acted outside the constitution by dumping him for Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president who ruled with an iron fist for a decade.

Wickremesinghe has refused to leave the prime minister's official residence and demanded Sirisena reconvene parliament so MPs can vote for a leader and end the constitutional crisis.

Sirisena had resisted international pressure to revoke his suspension of parliament for 20 days while his appointee Rajapakse has assumed his duties, naming a new cabinet and addressing bureaucrats at the finance ministry on Wednesday.

The two rivals are also jockeying for power behind the scenes, battling to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held.

"Having regard to the role of the Attorney General under the constitution, I am of the view that expressing an opinion on the said questions would be deemed inappropriate," said Jayasuriya, the government's top legal advisor.

Sri Lanka's parliamentary speaker had asked Jayasuriya to provide his legal opinion as pressure builds on Sirisena to resolve the nearly week-long impasse that has left one dead in clashes.

Wickremesinghe amended the constitution after winning the premiership in 2015 to remove the president's power to sack prime ministers.

Sirisena insists his actions were legal but Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has also refused to defend his manoeuvrings while warning of a "bloodbath" if the president delayed the opening of parliament.

Journalists targeted

Sri Lanka's journalists have been caught in the power struggle between the warring leaders.

Reporters without Borders (RSF) said supporters of Rajapakse, whose tenure was marred by allegations of rights violations and corruption, stormed state-owned media institutions shortly after his appointment late Friday night, roughing up ministers and journalists who then had to be rescued by police commandos.

"The violence with which Mahinda Rajapakse's bully boys took over the state media is absolutely unacceptable," RSF said, adding that the crisis recalled the "darkest hours of the Rajapakse presidency between 2005 and 2015".

"We call on all parties to act responsibly by guaranteeing journalists' safety and by respecting their editorial independence, so that impartial news coverage is available to the public."

Journalists say that state media has largely become pro-Rajapakse while private networks have kept up a low-level coverage of Wickremesinghe.

During Rajapakse's tenure, 17 journalists and media workers were killed, according to rights organisations.

In 2015, Wickremesinghe helped Sirisena to defeat Rajapakse and formed a unity government, but the two have drifted apart over policy and personality clashes.

Rajapakse has given five legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to change sides.

Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, has convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party.

Following the latest defections, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99.

A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote, observers said.

Sri Lanka's attorney general Wednesday refused to endorse the president's dismissal of the prime minister for a former strongman accused of rights abuses, the clearest sign yet the move may be unconstitutional.

Sri Lanka's attorney general Wednesday refused to endorse the president's dismissal of the prime minister for a former strongman accused of rights abuses, the clearest sign yet the move may be unconstitutional. The country has been locked in a tense standoff between two rivals claiming to head Sri Lanka's government since Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's shock sacking last Friday. The president and parliamentary speaker held emergency talks Wednesday in a bid to work out a compromise and avoid a showdown, official sources close to both sides told AFP. The crisis talks came after Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya cast fresh doubt on the legality of President Maithripala Sirisena's actions, declining to endorse them. Jayasuriya's refusal bolstered Wickremesinghe's claim that the president acted outside the constitution by dumping him for Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president who ruled with an iron fist for a decade. Wickremesinghe has refused to leave the prime minister's official residence and demanded Sirisena reconvene parliament so MPs can vote for a leader and end the constitutional crisis. Sirisena had resisted international pressure to revoke his suspension of parliament for 20 days while his appointee Rajapakse has assumed his duties, naming a new cabinet and addressing bureaucrats at the finance ministry on Wednesday. The two rivals are also jockeying for power behind the scenes, battling to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held. "Having regard to the role of the Attorney General under the constitution, I am of the view that expressing an opinion on the said questions would be deemed inappropriate," said Jayasuriya, the government's top legal advisor. Sri Lanka's parliamentary speaker had asked Jayasuriya to provide his legal opinion as pressure builds on Sirisena to resolve the nearly week-long impasse that has left one dead in clashes. Wickremesinghe amended the constitution after winning the premiership in 2015 to remove the president's power to sack prime ministers. Sirisena insists his actions were legal but Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has also refused to defend his manoeuvrings while warning of a "bloodbath" if the president delayed the opening of parliament. Journalists targeted Sri Lanka's journalists have been caught in the power struggle between the warring leaders. Reporters without Borders (RSF) said supporters of Rajapakse, whose tenure was marred by allegations of rights violations and corruption, stormed state-owned media institutions shortly after his appointment late Friday night, roughing up ministers and journalists who then had to be rescued by police commandos. "The violence with which Mahinda Rajapakse's bully boys took over the state media is absolutely unacceptable," RSF said, adding that the crisis recalled the "darkest hours of the Rajapakse presidency between 2005 and 2015". "We call on all parties to act responsibly by guaranteeing journalists' safety and by respecting their editorial independence, so that impartial news coverage is available to the public." Journalists say that state media has largely become pro-Rajapakse while private networks have kept up a low-level coverage of Wickremesinghe. During Rajapakse's tenure, 17 journalists and media workers were killed, according to rights organisations. In 2015, Wickremesinghe helped Sirisena to defeat Rajapakse and formed a unity government, but the two have drifted apart over policy and personality clashes. Rajapakse has given five legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to change sides. Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, has convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the latest defections, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote, observers said.

Sri Lanka Attorney General refuses to endorse sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe

Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the country's newly appointed leader -- a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses.

Wickremesinghe left his official residence for the first time since Friday to condemn President Maithripala Sirisena for dismissing him and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of human rights violations and corruption.

Wickremesinghe's party said about 100,000 people flooded the streets, while police sources estimated 25,000 even as scores of buses brought more demonstrators to the biggest rally since the constitutional crisis erupted.

The army of followers chanted "Down With the Rogue PM" as they targeted Rajapakse, who Sirisena has brought back into frontline politics as his prime minister.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-following-development-in-sri-lanka-urges-all-sides-to-respect-due-process-state-dept-174303">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-following-development-in-sri-lanka-urges-all-sides-to-respect-due-process-state-dept-174303"> following development in Sri Lanka, urges all sides to respect due process</a>

Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president, who has faced international calls to end a suspension of parliament so it can hold a vote on the rival prime ministers.

"We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done."

Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets if the assembly does not hold a vote.

But the rally remained peaceful, watched by more than 2,600 police and special task force commandos.

Behind the scenes, the rivals battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held.

Rajapakse, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to defect on Monday.

Wickremesinghe has in turn convinced two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party.

Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 98.

A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said.

A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapakse -- who favoured a pro-Beijing policy during his decade-long tenure as president -- to buy legislators.

"I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said.

China denies interference

The Chinese embassy in Colombo denied the claims in a statement to AFP.&nbsp;

"Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," the statement said, adding that Beijing follows "the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs."

With Sirisena showing no sign of lifting the parliamentary suspension which runs until November 16, Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president was trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapakse.

Speaker Jayasuriya followed up his "bloodbath" warning by officially calling on Sirisena to recall parliament or risk unrest.

"If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP.

Tensions have been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday.

The army has insisted however that it will let politicians solve the crisis.

Sri Lanka's army chief Mahesh Senanayake told AFP the military expected politicians to "constitutionally and legally" end the dispute.

"The army will not get involved," he said, responding to queries on the role of security forces as the constitutional crisis drags on.

"The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and only if they require our assistance, we will help."

Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday, giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Aides said the cabinet would be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday.

Rajapakse -- whose rule was marked by allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said Monday he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies".

"I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapakse said. "Hence, I accepted the invitation."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-scrambles-to-claw-back-ground-in-sri-lanka-after-pro-china-leader-named-pm-174317">As Rajapaksa takes over as Sri Lanka PM, India scrambles to claw back ground from China</a> 
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Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the country's newly appointed leader -- a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses.

Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the country's newly appointed leader -- a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses. Wickremesinghe left his official residence for the first time since Friday to condemn President Maithripala Sirisena for dismissing him and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of human rights violations and corruption. Wickremesinghe's party said about 100,000 people flooded the streets, while police sources estimated 25,000 even as scores of buses brought more demonstrators to the biggest rally since the constitutional crisis erupted. The army of followers chanted "Down With the Rogue PM" as they targeted Rajapakse, who Sirisena has brought back into frontline politics as his prime minister. Also read: US following development in Sri Lanka, urges all sides to respect due process Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president, who has faced international calls to end a suspension of parliament so it can hold a vote on the rival prime ministers. "We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done." Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets if the assembly does not hold a vote. But the rally remained peaceful, watched by more than 2,600 police and special task force commandos. Behind the scenes, the rivals battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held. Rajapakse, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to defect on Monday. Wickremesinghe has in turn convinced two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 98. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapakse -- who favoured a pro-Beijing policy during his decade-long tenure as president -- to buy legislators. "I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said. China denies interference The Chinese embassy in Colombo denied the claims in a statement to AFP. "Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," the statement said, adding that Beijing follows "the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs." With Sirisena showing no sign of lifting the parliamentary suspension which runs until November 16, Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president was trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapakse. Speaker Jayasuriya followed up his "bloodbath" warning by officially calling on Sirisena to recall parliament or risk unrest. "If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP. Tensions have been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday. The army has insisted however that it will let politicians solve the crisis. Sri Lanka's army chief Mahesh Senanayake told AFP the military expected politicians to "constitutionally and legally" end the dispute. "The army will not get involved," he said, responding to queries on the role of security forces as the constitutional crisis drags on. "The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and only if they require our assistance, we will help." Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday, giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Aides said the cabinet would be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday. Rajapakse -- whose rule was marked by allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said Monday he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies". "I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapakse said. "Hence, I accepted the invitation." Also read: As Rajapaksa takes over as Sri Lanka PM, India scrambles to claw back ground from China

Sri Lanka crisis: Thousands take to streets to protest against Ranil Wickremesinghe sacking

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena appointed newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the finance minister, the president's media division said on Monday.

He also appointed Rajapaksa along with several other legislators to the cabinet.

Sirisena on Friday night had sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa as the new prime minister in a surprise move that is being debated as a constitutional coup.

Sirisena also suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority.

Rajapaksa was defeated in the 2015 presidential election by Sirisena who had the backing of Wickremesinghe's UNP. After a unity government, the political relationship soured between the two, leading to Wickremesinghe's sacking by Sirisena.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena appointed newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the finance minister, the president's media division said on Monday.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena appointed newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the finance minister, the president's media division said on Monday. He also appointed Rajapaksa along with several other legislators to the cabinet. Sirisena on Friday night had sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa as the new prime minister in a surprise move that is being debated as a constitutional coup. Sirisena also suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Rajapaksa was defeated in the 2015 presidential election by Sirisena who had the backing of Wickremesinghe's UNP. After a unity government, the political relationship soured between the two, leading to Wickremesinghe's sacking by Sirisena.

Sri Lanka president appoints new PM Rajapaksa as finance minister

Former Sri Lanka president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/parliament-speaker-warns-of-bloodbath-in-sri-lanka-crisis-174162">Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday</a> assumed charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister after the surprise sacking of his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political crisis.

Rajapaksa assumed the duties in the prime minister's secretariat which was not used by the ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe, officials from his Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) said.

Sirisena on Friday night had sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa as the new prime minister in a surprise move that is being debated as a constitutional coup.

Sirisena also suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority.

On Sunday, Sri Lankan Parliament's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya recognised Wickremesinghe as the prime minister.

At least a few Cabinet members will to be sworn in later, the party officials said.

"There will be ministers of finance, law and order, foreign and home affairs who would be sworn in," said a spokesman of the SLPP.

Wickremesinghe continues to remain in his Temple Trees office cum residence of the prime minister.

President Sirisena has summoned the Colombo-based diplomats for a briefing at 5 pm on Monday.

He is facing international pressure over his controversial decision to suspend Parliament. UN chief Antonio Guterres and and the US State Department have called on the country's government to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions and process.

Speaker Jayasuriya, who had written to Sirisena over the issue of not consulting him in suspending parliament, visited the influential Buddhist chief monks in the central town of Kandy to apprise them on the ongoing political crisis.

Jayasuriya told them that convening Parliament was the only way to resolve the crisis.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) said that at least 128 MPs in the 225-member assembly have signed to call for an immediate reconvening of parliament.

Rajapaksa was defeated in the 2015 presidential election by Sirisea who had the backing of Wickremesinghe's UNP. After a unity government, the political relationship soured between the two, leading to Wickremesinghe's sacking by Sirisena.

The second largest opposition group in Parliament Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said they had asked the Speaker to convene parliament in order to end the political impasse. 
Rajapaksa in his statement last night called for a snap parliamentary election to end the impasse.

The UNP said they rejected all personal allegations made by President Sirisena against Wickremesinghe.

The city of Colombo was put under tight security with president Sirisena's official residence area being sealed off for normal traffic.

Former Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday assumed charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister after the surprise sacking of his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political crisis.

Former Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday assumed charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister after the surprise sacking of his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political crisis. Rajapaksa assumed the duties in the prime minister's secretariat which was not used by the ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe, officials from his Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) said. Sirisena on Friday night had sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa as the new prime minister in a surprise move that is being debated as a constitutional coup. Sirisena also suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. On Sunday, Sri Lankan Parliament's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya recognised Wickremesinghe as the prime minister. At least a few Cabinet members will to be sworn in later, the party officials said. "There will be ministers of finance, law and order, foreign and home affairs who would be sworn in," said a spokesman of the SLPP. Wickremesinghe continues to remain in his Temple Trees office cum residence of the prime minister. President Sirisena has summoned the Colombo-based diplomats for a briefing at 5 pm on Monday. He is facing international pressure over his controversial decision to suspend Parliament. UN chief Antonio Guterres and and the US State Department have called on the country's government to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions and process. Speaker Jayasuriya, who had written to Sirisena over the issue of not consulting him in suspending parliament, visited the influential Buddhist chief monks in the central town of Kandy to apprise them on the ongoing political crisis. Jayasuriya told them that convening Parliament was the only way to resolve the crisis. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) said that at least 128 MPs in the 225-member assembly have signed to call for an immediate reconvening of parliament. Rajapaksa was defeated in the 2015 presidential election by Sirisea who had the backing of Wickremesinghe's UNP. After a unity government, the political relationship soured between the two, leading to Wickremesinghe's sacking by Sirisena. The second largest opposition group in Parliament Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said they had asked the Speaker to convene parliament in order to end the political impasse. Rajapaksa in his statement last night called for a snap parliamentary election to end the impasse. The UNP said they rejected all personal allegations made by President Sirisena against Wickremesinghe. The city of Colombo was put under tight security with president Sirisena's official residence area being sealed off for normal traffic.

Mahinda Rajapaksa assumes charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister