China on Monday said it is closely monitoring "the political turmoil" in Sri Lanka but maintained that it is the internal affairs of the country and hoped that the relevant political parties can resolve their differences through dialogue and consultations.

Sri Lanka had plunged into political crisis since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed pro-China former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as his successor.

Asked about China's stand on the current political crisis in Sri Lanka considering that Beijing has made huge investments in the island nation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media here that China is following the crisis closely.

"China and Sri Lanka are friendly neighbours. We are closely following the changes in the situation in Sri Lanka," he said.

China, he said will always follow the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries.

"The changes in Sri Lankan situation belongs to its internal affairs. We believe the Sri Lankan government political parties and people have enough wisdom to deal with the internal situation," he said.

"China sincerely hopes that the relevant parties in Sri Lanka can properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultations and safeguard the national stability and development," he said.

On question about the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan meeting both Rajapaksa and Wickramasinghe, Lu said "we have maintained communication with relevant political parties in Sri Lanka. Chinese Ambassador met respectively Wickramasinghe and the new Prime Minister and exchanged views on bilateral relations with the two".

The reference Rajapaksa as "new Prime Minister" by the spokesman was seen as significant by the observers here considering that Wickramasinghe maintains that he is still the Prime Minister.

Reports from Colombo said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang greeted Rajapaksa, though Lu did not respond to the question.

China has developed high stakes in Sri Lanka since it made over USD eight billion Chinese investments, including the Hambantota port and the Colombo port project during the tenure of Rajapaksa who is widely regarded as pro-China.

China is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure and developments in Sri Lanka since Rajapaksa's rule. The government led by Wickremesinghe has tried to re-balance Sri Lanka's foreign relations away from China and towards India and Japan.

The Hambantota port in Rajapaksa's hometown was built by a Chinese company and funded by Chinese loans.

Sirisena government subsequently gave Hambantota port on a 99-year lease to China for $ 1.1 billion debt swap deal raising concerns in India as Beijing stepped its presence in the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;

China on Monday said it is closely monitoring "the political turmoil" in Sri Lanka but maintained that it is the internal affairs of the country and hoped that the relevant political parties can resolve their differences through dialogue and consultations.

China on Monday said it is closely monitoring "the political turmoil" in Sri Lanka but maintained that it is the internal affairs of the country and hoped that the relevant political parties can resolve their differences through dialogue and consultations. Sri Lanka had plunged into political crisis since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed pro-China former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as his successor. Asked about China's stand on the current political crisis in Sri Lanka considering that Beijing has made huge investments in the island nation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media here that China is following the crisis closely. "China and Sri Lanka are friendly neighbours. We are closely following the changes in the situation in Sri Lanka," he said. China, he said will always follow the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries. "The changes in Sri Lankan situation belongs to its internal affairs. We believe the Sri Lankan government political parties and people have enough wisdom to deal with the internal situation," he said. "China sincerely hopes that the relevant parties in Sri Lanka can properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultations and safeguard the national stability and development," he said. On question about the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan meeting both Rajapaksa and Wickramasinghe, Lu said "we have maintained communication with relevant political parties in Sri Lanka. Chinese Ambassador met respectively Wickramasinghe and the new Prime Minister and exchanged views on bilateral relations with the two". The reference Rajapaksa as "new Prime Minister" by the spokesman was seen as significant by the observers here considering that Wickramasinghe maintains that he is still the Prime Minister. Reports from Colombo said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang greeted Rajapaksa, though Lu did not respond to the question. China has developed high stakes in Sri Lanka since it made over USD eight billion Chinese investments, including the Hambantota port and the Colombo port project during the tenure of Rajapaksa who is widely regarded as pro-China. China is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure and developments in Sri Lanka since Rajapaksa's rule. The government led by Wickremesinghe has tried to re-balance Sri Lanka's foreign relations away from China and towards India and Japan. The Hambantota port in Rajapaksa's hometown was built by a Chinese company and funded by Chinese loans. Sirisena government subsequently gave Hambantota port on a 99-year lease to China for $ 1.1 billion debt swap deal raising concerns in India as Beijing stepped its presence in the Indian Ocean region.

Sri Lankan political crisis its internal affairs: China

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will address the country today and a new cabinet will be announced Monday, news reports said Sunday.&nbsp;

Sirisena plunged the country into a full-blown constitutional crisis by sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday. Sirisena then replaced Wickremesinghe with controversial strongman and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe has called the move "unconstitutional". On Saturday, he demanded the Speaker call an emergency session of Parliament so that he could prove his majority on the floor of the house.&nbsp;

Sirisena responded by dissolving Parliament. Later on Saturday, he also withdrew Wickremesinghe's security.&nbsp;

On Saturday a government gazette said veteran civil servant S Amarasekera had been named Rajapaksa's secretary by Sirisena and Wickremesinghe's secretary Saman Ekanayake sacked.

The Rajapaksa camp meanwhile said they would seize the prime minister's official home and office — Temple Trees — if Wickremesinghe did not quit by Sunday.

The Rajapaksa camp has already started running the prime minister's secretariat with Amarasekera's appointment. They took control of the state TV stations on Friday night itself after Rajapaksa took oath as Sri Lanka's new prime minister.&nbsp;

India says it has been watching the "internal developments" oin the island nation closely. (Wickremesinghe is seen as leaning towards India, Sirisena towards China. Sirisena had accused India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-who-said-indias-raw-is-plotting-to-kill-him-tightens-security-172165">plotting to assassinate him</a>.)&nbsp;

China's Ambassador to Colombo, Cheng Xueya, meanwhile became the first envoy to meet Rajapaksa on Saturday. Cheng said he was bringing good wishes from President Xi Jinping.

Wickremesinghe, his officials said, held a briefing for Colombo-based Ambassadors to explain the situation to them.

Wickremesinghe says he still commands a majority in the 225-member Sri Lankan assembly.

The Rajapaksa-Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority in the 225-member house. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of a majority.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will address the country today and a new cabinet will be announced Monday, news reports said Sunday. Sirisena plunged the country into a full-blown constitutional crisis by sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will address the country today and a new cabinet will be announced Monday, news reports said Sunday. Sirisena plunged the country into a full-blown constitutional crisis by sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday. Sirisena then replaced Wickremesinghe with controversial strongman and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa Wickremesinghe has called the move "unconstitutional". On Saturday, he demanded the Speaker call an emergency session of Parliament so that he could prove his majority on the floor of the house. Sirisena responded by dissolving Parliament. Later on Saturday, he also withdrew Wickremesinghe's security. On Saturday a government gazette said veteran civil servant S Amarasekera had been named Rajapaksa's secretary by Sirisena and Wickremesinghe's secretary Saman Ekanayake sacked. The Rajapaksa camp meanwhile said they would seize the prime minister's official home and office — Temple Trees — if Wickremesinghe did not quit by Sunday. The Rajapaksa camp has already started running the prime minister's secretariat with Amarasekera's appointment. They took control of the state TV stations on Friday night itself after Rajapaksa took oath as Sri Lanka's new prime minister. India says it has been watching the "internal developments" oin the island nation closely. (Wickremesinghe is seen as leaning towards India, Sirisena towards China. Sirisena had accused India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of plotting to assassinate him.) China's Ambassador to Colombo, Cheng Xueya, meanwhile became the first envoy to meet Rajapaksa on Saturday. Cheng said he was bringing good wishes from President Xi Jinping. Wickremesinghe, his officials said, held a briefing for Colombo-based Ambassadors to explain the situation to them. Wickremesinghe says he still commands a majority in the 225-member Sri Lankan assembly. The Rajapaksa-Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority in the 225-member house. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of a majority. (With inputs from PTI)

Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksa camp says will seize PM home, office if Wickremesinghe does not resign today

Sri Lanka police said three people were injured Sunday when shots were fired in Colombo, as a constitutional crisis sparked by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's shock sacking turned violent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-speaker-recognises-wickremesinghe-as-pm-173997">Also read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Jayasuriya recognises Wickremesinghe as prime minister</a>

Bodyguards for Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, a Wickremesinghe loyalist, fired live rounds as a mob allied to the president threatened the cabinet member, police said.

It was the first report of serious violence since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on Friday and installed a former strongman as the new prime minister, triggering political chaos in the Indian Ocean nation.

Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate the prime minister's official residence since being controversially deposed, declaring his dismissal illegal and demanding an emergency session of parliament to prove he still commands a majority.

Over 1,000 supporters and loyalists, including chanting Buddhist monks, massed outside the colonial-era residence in Colombo where a defiant Wickremesinghe has been holding crisis talks with allies.

Elsewhere his successor Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president, sought blessings at a temple ahead of naming a new cabinet, as he jostles to consolidate his claim to the prime ministership.

Officials loyal to Rajapakse said police will now seek a court order to evict Wickremesinghe from the residence, threatening to escalate the standoff.

Regional neighbours and Western nations have urged all sides to exercise restraint and respect the constitution.

Soldiers had been stationed near the prime minister's residence -- although his security and official cars were withdrawn Saturday -- but the shooting at the petroleum ministry was the first reported instance of violence breaking out.

Embattled Wickremesinghe received a boost Sunday as Sri Lanka's parliamentary speaker Karu Jayasuriya refused to endorse his sacking.

The speaker backed the ousted prime minister's request to retain his privileges and security until another candidate could prove a majority, saying it was "democratic and fair."

Wickremesinghe called for a vote in parliament to prove his right to hold office -- but instead Sirisena shut parliament for nearly three weeks to forestall any challenge against Rajapakse's appointment.

'Serious consequences'

Speaker Jayasuriya warned the president that shuttering parliament risked "serious and undesirable consequences for the country".

Others feared the crisis could degenerate into street violence if the president did not immediately summon parliament to end the impasse.

"Don't try to create a civil war in this country," party legislator Karunarathna Paranawithana told reporters at the prime minister's residence.

"If the president has the numbers he should immediately call parliament and prove his majority."

President Sirisena is due to address the nation later Sunday, his office said.

Loyalists to Rajapakse -- whose controversial decade-long rule was marked by grave allegations of rights abuses, the crushing of the Tamil Tiger uprising, and growing authoritarianism -- still control the headquarters of two state-run television channels.

The controversial new prime minister travelled to a highly venerated Buddhist temple Sunday in the central district of Kandy to seek blessings from monks.

Rajapakse's aides said he was likely to name a few cabinet ministers before the end of the day and begin work on Monday -- he is yet to make a formal statement since being elevated to the new post.

The strongman is seen as being closer to China than Wickremesinghe, who had sought to re-establish stronger ties with traditional ally and regional power India.

The crisis has again put the Indian Ocean in the international spotlight following turmoil in neighbouring Maldives over its presidential election.

India said it was "closely following" events in Colombo.

"As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and the constitutional process will be respected," India's foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Sunday.

The United States and European Union ambassadors in Colombo have called on the Sri Lankan rivals to follow the constitution and avoid violence.

China's ambassador to Colombo met separately with Rajapakse and Wickremesinghe on Saturday, officials said, while Colombo-based Western diplomats met with Wickremesinghe.

'Constitutional coup'

Privately-run newspapers on Sunday described Sirisena's move as a "constitutional coup".

However, Rajapakse loyalist and former foreign minister G. L. Peiris said there was nothing illegal about sacking Wickremesinghe and challenged him to prove his majority when parliament returns on November 16.

The falling out between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena has come to a head since the president this year backed a no-confidence motion against the man he had handpicked to lead the government.

The two allied against Rajapakse in the 2015 election, but their relationship steadily soured.

Sirisena initially said he would be a one-term president but has since indicated he will seek re-election next year -- pitting himself against Wickremesinghe who also has presidential ambitions.

This is the second time that a president has ousted Wickremesinghe from office. In 2004, the then head of state sacked him and called snap elections.

After winning the premiership a third time in August 2015, Wickremesinghe amended the constitution to remove the president's power to sack prime ministers to prevent a repeat of his earlier ouster. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka police said three people were injured Sunday when shots were fired in Colombo, as a constitutional crisis sparked by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's shock sacking turned violent.

Sri Lanka police said three people were injured Sunday when shots were fired in Colombo, as a constitutional crisis sparked by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's shock sacking turned violent. Also read: Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Jayasuriya recognises Wickremesinghe as prime minister Bodyguards for Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, a Wickremesinghe loyalist, fired live rounds as a mob allied to the president threatened the cabinet member, police said. It was the first report of serious violence since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on Friday and installed a former strongman as the new prime minister, triggering political chaos in the Indian Ocean nation. Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate the prime minister's official residence since being controversially deposed, declaring his dismissal illegal and demanding an emergency session of parliament to prove he still commands a majority. Over 1,000 supporters and loyalists, including chanting Buddhist monks, massed outside the colonial-era residence in Colombo where a defiant Wickremesinghe has been holding crisis talks with allies. Elsewhere his successor Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president, sought blessings at a temple ahead of naming a new cabinet, as he jostles to consolidate his claim to the prime ministership. Officials loyal to Rajapakse said police will now seek a court order to evict Wickremesinghe from the residence, threatening to escalate the standoff. Regional neighbours and Western nations have urged all sides to exercise restraint and respect the constitution. Soldiers had been stationed near the prime minister's residence -- although his security and official cars were withdrawn Saturday -- but the shooting at the petroleum ministry was the first reported instance of violence breaking out. Embattled Wickremesinghe received a boost Sunday as Sri Lanka's parliamentary speaker Karu Jayasuriya refused to endorse his sacking. The speaker backed the ousted prime minister's request to retain his privileges and security until another candidate could prove a majority, saying it was "democratic and fair." Wickremesinghe called for a vote in parliament to prove his right to hold office -- but instead Sirisena shut parliament for nearly three weeks to forestall any challenge against Rajapakse's appointment. 'Serious consequences' Speaker Jayasuriya warned the president that shuttering parliament risked "serious and undesirable consequences for the country". Others feared the crisis could degenerate into street violence if the president did not immediately summon parliament to end the impasse. "Don't try to create a civil war in this country," party legislator Karunarathna Paranawithana told reporters at the prime minister's residence. "If the president has the numbers he should immediately call parliament and prove his majority." President Sirisena is due to address the nation later Sunday, his office said. Loyalists to Rajapakse -- whose controversial decade-long rule was marked by grave allegations of rights abuses, the crushing of the Tamil Tiger uprising, and growing authoritarianism -- still control the headquarters of two state-run television channels. The controversial new prime minister travelled to a highly venerated Buddhist temple Sunday in the central district of Kandy to seek blessings from monks. Rajapakse's aides said he was likely to name a few cabinet ministers before the end of the day and begin work on Monday -- he is yet to make a formal statement since being elevated to the new post. The strongman is seen as being closer to China than Wickremesinghe, who had sought to re-establish stronger ties with traditional ally and regional power India. The crisis has again put the Indian Ocean in the international spotlight following turmoil in neighbouring Maldives over its presidential election. India said it was "closely following" events in Colombo. "As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and the constitutional process will be respected," India's foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Sunday. The United States and European Union ambassadors in Colombo have called on the Sri Lankan rivals to follow the constitution and avoid violence. China's ambassador to Colombo met separately with Rajapakse and Wickremesinghe on Saturday, officials said, while Colombo-based Western diplomats met with Wickremesinghe. 'Constitutional coup' Privately-run newspapers on Sunday described Sirisena's move as a "constitutional coup". However, Rajapakse loyalist and former foreign minister G. L. Peiris said there was nothing illegal about sacking Wickremesinghe and challenged him to prove his majority when parliament returns on November 16. The falling out between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena has come to a head since the president this year backed a no-confidence motion against the man he had handpicked to lead the government. The two allied against Rajapakse in the 2015 election, but their relationship steadily soured. Sirisena initially said he would be a one-term president but has since indicated he will seek re-election next year -- pitting himself against Wickremesinghe who also has presidential ambitions. This is the second time that a president has ousted Wickremesinghe from office. In 2004, the then head of state sacked him and called snap elections. After winning the premiership a third time in August 2015, Wickremesinghe amended the constitution to remove the president's power to sack prime ministers to prevent a repeat of his earlier ouster.

Sri Lanka political crisis: Pro-president mob tries to take Arjuna Ranatunga hostage, 3 injured as guards fire

Sri Lanka's sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-rajapaksa-camp-says-will-seize-pm-home-office-if-wickremesinghe-does-not-resign-today-173930">resisted moves to evict him from his official residence</a> Sunday, defiantly summoning allies for a crisis meeting as a thousand supporters stood guard.

Wickremesinghe, who says his shock dismissal on Friday was illegal, ignored a deadline to vacate the colonial-era residence, even as his controversial successor sought blessings at a prominent temple ahead of naming a new cabinet.

Officials said police will now seek a court order to evict Wickremesinghe, 69, threatening to escalate the standoff as neighbours and Western nations asked all sides to exercise restraint and respect the constitution.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-democratic-values-will-be-respected-india-on-political-turmoil-in-sri-lanka-173970">Hope democratic values will be respected, says India</a>

About 1,000 of his supporters gathered outside the Temple Trees residence, with troops seen nearby, but there was no sign of an intervention into the dispute.

Wickremesinghe's security and official cars were withdrawn by President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday, as the ousted prime minister demanded an emergency session to prove he still commanded a majority in parliament.

Instead, Sirisena shut parliament for nearly three weeks to forestall any challenge against his appointment of former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister.

Loyalists to Rajapakse, whose decade-long rule was marked by grave allegations of rights abuses and growing authoritarianism, still control the headquarters of two state-run television channels.

All police leave was cancelled as tensions heightened in Colombo, with soldiers seen near the prime minister's residence as well as the president's office.

International concern 
Meanwhile, Rajapakse travelled to a highly venerated Buddhist temple in the central district of Kandy to seek blessings from monks before naming a cabinet.

Rajapakse's aides said he was likely to name a few cabinet ministers later Sunday and begin work on Monday.&nbsp;

He is yet to make a formal statement or address the nation since being elevated to the new post.

The former strongman is a controversial figure at home and abroad and presided over the crushing of a decades-long Tamil Tiger uprising.

He is seen as being closer to China than Wickremesinghe, who had sought to re-establish stronger ties with traditional ally and regional power India.

The crisis has again put the Indian Ocean in the international spotlight following turmoil in the neighbouring Maldives over its presidential election.

India said it was "closely following" events in Colombo.

"As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and the constitutional process will be respected," India's foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Sunday.

The United States and European Union ambassadors in Colombo have called on the Sri Lankan rivals to follow the constitution and avoid violence.

China's ambassador to Colombo met separately with Rajapakse and Wickremesinghe on Saturday, officials said.

Colombo-based Western diplomats met with Wickremesinghe for a briefing on the sacking.

'Constitutional coup' 
The suspension of parliament has made it difficult for speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who comes from Wickremesinghe's party, to announce which of the two rivals he recognises.&nbsp;

Many observers now expect the crisis to turn into a series of court battles.

Privately-run newspapers on Sunday described Sirisena's move as a "constitutional coup".

Political commentator Victor Ivan said Sirisena's action was a blatant violation of the constitution and "a capture of power through a conspiracy".

However, Rajapakse loyalist and former foreign minister G. L. Peiris said there was nothing illegal about sacking Wickremesinghe and challenged him to prove his majority when parliament returns on November 16.

The falling out between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena has come to a head since the president this year backed a no-confidence motion against the man he had handpicked to lead the government.

The two allied against Rajapakse in the 2015 election, but their relationship steadily soured.

Sirisena initially said he would be a one-term president but has since indicated he will seek re-election next year, pitting himself against Wickremesinghe who also has presidential ambitions.

Wickremesinghe's party has the largest number of parliamentary seats, but the president's United People's Freedom Alliance walked out of the coalition shortly before Wickremesinghe was sacked.

This is the second time that a president has ousted Wickremesinghe from office. In 2004, the then president sacked him and called snap elections.

After winning the premiership a third time in August 2015, Wickremesinghe amended the constitution to remove the head of state's power to sack prime ministers to prevent a repeat of his earlier ouster.

Sri Lanka's sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe resisted moves to evict him from his official residence Sunday, defiantly summoning allies for a crisis meeting as a thousand supporters stood guard.

Sri Lanka's sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe resisted moves to evict him from his official residence Sunday, defiantly summoning allies for a crisis meeting as a thousand supporters stood guard. Wickremesinghe, who says his shock dismissal on Friday was illegal, ignored a deadline to vacate the colonial-era residence, even as his controversial successor sought blessings at a prominent temple ahead of naming a new cabinet. Officials said police will now seek a court order to evict Wickremesinghe, 69, threatening to escalate the standoff as neighbours and Western nations asked all sides to exercise restraint and respect the constitution. Also read: Hope democratic values will be respected, says India About 1,000 of his supporters gathered outside the Temple Trees residence, with troops seen nearby, but there was no sign of an intervention into the dispute. Wickremesinghe's security and official cars were withdrawn by President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday, as the ousted prime minister demanded an emergency session to prove he still commanded a majority in parliament. Instead, Sirisena shut parliament for nearly three weeks to forestall any challenge against his appointment of former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister. Loyalists to Rajapakse, whose decade-long rule was marked by grave allegations of rights abuses and growing authoritarianism, still control the headquarters of two state-run television channels. All police leave was cancelled as tensions heightened in Colombo, with soldiers seen near the prime minister's residence as well as the president's office. International concern Meanwhile, Rajapakse travelled to a highly venerated Buddhist temple in the central district of Kandy to seek blessings from monks before naming a cabinet. Rajapakse's aides said he was likely to name a few cabinet ministers later Sunday and begin work on Monday. He is yet to make a formal statement or address the nation since being elevated to the new post. The former strongman is a controversial figure at home and abroad and presided over the crushing of a decades-long Tamil Tiger uprising. He is seen as being closer to China than Wickremesinghe, who had sought to re-establish stronger ties with traditional ally and regional power India. The crisis has again put the Indian Ocean in the international spotlight following turmoil in the neighbouring Maldives over its presidential election. India said it was "closely following" events in Colombo. "As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and the constitutional process will be respected," India's foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Sunday. The United States and European Union ambassadors in Colombo have called on the Sri Lankan rivals to follow the constitution and avoid violence. China's ambassador to Colombo met separately with Rajapakse and Wickremesinghe on Saturday, officials said. Colombo-based Western diplomats met with Wickremesinghe for a briefing on the sacking. 'Constitutional coup' The suspension of parliament has made it difficult for speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who comes from Wickremesinghe's party, to announce which of the two rivals he recognises. Many observers now expect the crisis to turn into a series of court battles. Privately-run newspapers on Sunday described Sirisena's move as a "constitutional coup". Political commentator Victor Ivan said Sirisena's action was a blatant violation of the constitution and "a capture of power through a conspiracy". However, Rajapakse loyalist and former foreign minister G. L. Peiris said there was nothing illegal about sacking Wickremesinghe and challenged him to prove his majority when parliament returns on November 16. The falling out between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena has come to a head since the president this year backed a no-confidence motion against the man he had handpicked to lead the government. The two allied against Rajapakse in the 2015 election, but their relationship steadily soured. Sirisena initially said he would be a one-term president but has since indicated he will seek re-election next year, pitting himself against Wickremesinghe who also has presidential ambitions. Wickremesinghe's party has the largest number of parliamentary seats, but the president's United People's Freedom Alliance walked out of the coalition shortly before Wickremesinghe was sacked. This is the second time that a president has ousted Wickremesinghe from office. In 2004, the then president sacked him and called snap elections. After winning the premiership a third time in August 2015, Wickremesinghe amended the constitution to remove the head of state's power to sack prime ministers to prevent a repeat of his earlier ouster.

Sacked Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe stays put, political crisis worsens

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday withdrew the security of deposed prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who still claims to be the constitutionally-appointed premier despite being replaced by controversial strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The move came hours after Sirisena suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority.

The President withdrew Wickremesinghe's personal security and vehicles in order to accord them to his 72-year-old successor Rajapaksa, who staged a dramatic political comeback on Friday.

Sirisena would address the nation on Sunday while the new Cabinet will be announced on Monday, government sources said.

The Rajapaksa camp was busy making transition preparations despite the constitutional question mark on the legality of Wickremesinghe's sacking.

The ousted premier said that he still commands the majority in the 225-member assembly.

Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority in the 225-member house. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of the majority.

The UNP claimed that President Sirisena sought to prorogue the parliament as 72-year-old Rajapaksa did not command a majority in the House.

Veteran civil servant S Amarasekera was named Rajapaksa's secretary by Sirisena after sacking Wickremesinghe's secretary Saman Ekanayake, a government gazette said.

The Rajapaksa camp said that they would seize the prime minister's official residence cum office known as the Temple Trees if Wickremesinghe did not quit by Sunday.

They have already started running the prime minister's secretariat with Amarasekera's appointment.

Meanwhile, China's Ambassador in Colombo Cheng Xueya became the first Ambassador to greet Rajapaksa with best wishes.

Cheng said he was bringing good wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping. 
Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, held a briefing for the Colombo-based Ambassadors to explain the situation, his officials said.

In another development, Dharisha Bastiansz, the editor of the state organ Sunday Observer said in a tweet that she had been forced to leave the editorial team by Rajapaksa-supported trade unions.

"Today I had to leave Lake House (publishing house), unable to carry out my editorial duties," she tweeted.

Rajapaksa's loyalists took control of the state TV stations on Friday night itself after he took oath as the new prime minister.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday withdrew the security of deposed prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who still claims to be the constitutionally-appointed premier despite being replaced by controversial strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday withdrew the security of deposed prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who still claims to be the constitutionally-appointed premier despite being replaced by controversial strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. The move came hours after Sirisena suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. The President withdrew Wickremesinghe's personal security and vehicles in order to accord them to his 72-year-old successor Rajapaksa, who staged a dramatic political comeback on Friday. Sirisena would address the nation on Sunday while the new Cabinet will be announced on Monday, government sources said. The Rajapaksa camp was busy making transition preparations despite the constitutional question mark on the legality of Wickremesinghe's sacking. The ousted premier said that he still commands the majority in the 225-member assembly. Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority in the 225-member house. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of the majority. The UNP claimed that President Sirisena sought to prorogue the parliament as 72-year-old Rajapaksa did not command a majority in the House. Veteran civil servant S Amarasekera was named Rajapaksa's secretary by Sirisena after sacking Wickremesinghe's secretary Saman Ekanayake, a government gazette said. The Rajapaksa camp said that they would seize the prime minister's official residence cum office known as the Temple Trees if Wickremesinghe did not quit by Sunday. They have already started running the prime minister's secretariat with Amarasekera's appointment. Meanwhile, China's Ambassador in Colombo Cheng Xueya became the first Ambassador to greet Rajapaksa with best wishes. Cheng said he was bringing good wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, held a briefing for the Colombo-based Ambassadors to explain the situation, his officials said. In another development, Dharisha Bastiansz, the editor of the state organ Sunday Observer said in a tweet that she had been forced to leave the editorial team by Rajapaksa-supported trade unions. "Today I had to leave Lake House (publishing house), unable to carry out my editorial duties," she tweeted. Rajapaksa's loyalists took control of the state TV stations on Friday night itself after he took oath as the new prime minister.

Ranil Wickremesinghe: Sri Lanka president Sirisena withdraws security of deposed PM 

The United States urged political parties in Sri Lanka on Friday to abide by the Constitution and refrain from violence, as the latter country faces a constitutional crisis after its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-deepens-as-ranil-wickremesinghe-resists-sacking-173745">president ousted the prime minister</a>.

Controversial Sri Lankan strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa staged a dramatic political comeback on Friday, becoming the new prime minister after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked premier Ranil Wickremesinghe who termed the move as "unconstitutional" and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament.

In its first reaction to the unfolding situation in Sri Lanka, the US State Department said it is following the development in the island nation.

"We call on all parties to act in accordance with SL's Constitution, refrain from violence, and follow due process," the State Department said in a tweet.

"We expect gov of SL to uphold its Geneva commitments to human rights, reform, accountability, justice, and reconciliation," the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department said.

The move that took the island nation by surprise came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters even as the President remained critical of the Prime Minister and his policies, especially on economy and security.

Reacting sharply to his sacking, Wickremesinghe asserted that the swearing-in of Rajapaksa is "illegal and unconstitutional" and he will prove his majority in Parliament.&nbsp;

The United States urged political parties in Sri Lanka on Friday to abide by the Constitution and refrain from violence, as the latter country faces a constitutional crisis after its president ousted the prime minister.

The United States urged political parties in Sri Lanka on Friday to abide by the Constitution and refrain from violence, as the latter country faces a constitutional crisis after its president ousted the prime minister. Controversial Sri Lankan strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa staged a dramatic political comeback on Friday, becoming the new prime minister after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked premier Ranil Wickremesinghe who termed the move as "unconstitutional" and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament. In its first reaction to the unfolding situation in Sri Lanka, the US State Department said it is following the development in the island nation. "We call on all parties to act in accordance with SL's Constitution, refrain from violence, and follow due process," the State Department said in a tweet. "We expect gov of SL to uphold its Geneva commitments to human rights, reform, accountability, justice, and reconciliation," the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department said. The move that took the island nation by surprise came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters even as the President remained critical of the Prime Minister and his policies, especially on economy and security. Reacting sharply to his sacking, Wickremesinghe asserted that the swearing-in of Rajapaksa is "illegal and unconstitutional" and he will prove his majority in Parliament.

Follow Constitution, US tells Sri Lanka after PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is sacked

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India-Sri Lanka relationship has been marked by several high-level exchanges in the last couple of months.&nbsp;

Not to mention several pacts that the both&nbsp;countries have inked over the last two years despite New Delhi's concerns over China's acquisition of Hambantota port and its other projects in the island nation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
All three&nbsp;key players of Sri Lanka -- Maithripala Sirisena, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe -- either paid visits to New Delhi or were in touch with the leadership in India on a regular basis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Mahinda Rajapaksa visited New Delhi accompanied by his son Namal Rajapaksa last month. During his visit, he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition leader and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The island nation's former president also took to Twitter to wish Prime Minister Modi and BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy on their respective birthdays.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Ranil Wickremesinghe has always favoured India over China. According to a media report, Wickremesinghe's strongly-worded statement from New Delhi soon after his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20, precipitated the final crisis before the fall. The statement targeted the President Sirisena, almost holding him directly responsible for the delay in Indian projects in the island nation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Wickremesinghe was on an official visit to India from the 18th to the 20th of October, accompanied by his wife and a group of ministers. Besides Modi, Wickremesinghe met senior leaders Rajnath Singh and Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Sirisena met Modi during the BIMSTEC summit in Nepal. The two leaders also discussed various development cooperation programmes on the occasion.&nbsp;
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India-Sri Lanka relationship has been marked by several high-level exchanges in the last couple of months. Not to mention several pacts that the both countries have inked over the last two years despite New Delhi's concerns over China's acquisition of Hambantota port and its other projects in the island nation.

India-Sri Lanka relationship has been marked by several high-level exchanges in the last couple of months. Not to mention several pacts that the both countries have inked over the last two years despite New Delhi's concerns over China's acquisition of Hambantota port and its other projects in the island nation. All three key players of Sri Lanka -- Maithripala Sirisena, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe -- either paid visits to New Delhi or were in touch with the leadership in India on a regular basis. Mahinda Rajapaksa visited New Delhi accompanied by his son Namal Rajapaksa last month. During his visit, he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition leader and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The island nation's former president also took to Twitter to wish Prime Minister Modi and BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy on their respective birthdays. Ranil Wickremesinghe has always favoured India over China. According to a media report, Wickremesinghe's strongly-worded statement from New Delhi soon after his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20, precipitated the final crisis before the fall. The statement targeted the President Sirisena, almost holding him directly responsible for the delay in Indian projects in the island nation. Wickremesinghe was on an official visit to India from the 18th to the 20th of October, accompanied by his wife and a group of ministers. Besides Modi, Wickremesinghe met senior leaders Rajnath Singh and Sushma Swaraj. Sirisena met Modi during the BIMSTEC summit in Nepal. The two leaders also discussed various development cooperation programmes on the occasion.

Sri Lanka's tryst with India and events that shaped strong ties

Sri Lanka's president issued a formal notice Saturday for Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down as prime minister and recognise his shock dismissal, in an unfolding constitutional crisis.

Hours after sacking his former ally, President Maithripala Sirisena issued gazettes formalising the dramatic move, and the installation of one-time strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister.

However, Wickremesinghe continued to occupy Temple Trees, the official residence of the prime minister, and insisted in a letter to Sirisena that he was still in office.

He has said that he can be removed only by parliament where his party enjoys a majority, and also vowed to seek legal action against what he condemned as an unconstitutional move against him. &nbsp;

"I am addressing you as the prime minister of Sri Lanka," Wickremesinghe told reporters at a nationally televised press conference on Friday night. "I remain as prime minister and I will function as the prime minister."

Since his rushed swearing in, Rajapakse is yet to announce the formation of a cabinet -- which under the constitution is automatically dissolved when a prime minister is removed.

Parliamentary Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said he will decide Saturday whether to recognise Rajapakse or not, after seeking legal advice.

Parliament is not due to meet until November 5 when the 2019 national budget is due to be presented. The Supreme Court, which is empowered to resolve constitutional disputes, is shut for the weekend and reopens on Monday.

The president's United People's Freedom Alliance party had earlier Friday quit the coalition that had governed with Wickremesinghe's party.

Speaking to jubilant supporters outside his Colombo home late Friday, Rajapakse also called on Wickremesinghe to step down.&nbsp;

Members of his party must "respect democracy, respect the country and respect the law", the former president said through a loudhailer from a balcony. &nbsp;

US urges calm&nbsp;

Overnight, Rajapakse loyalists stormed two state-owned television networks -- which they regard as loyal to the outgoing government -- and forced them off the air.&nbsp;

Video footage from private networks showed police overwhelmed by mobs at the Rupavahini national TV station but elsewhere in the capital streets remained calm.&nbsp;

The United States called on all sides in Sri Lanka to operate within the constitution and refrain from violence, and urged the island to move forward on post-war reconciliation.

Rajapakse crushed the decades-long Tamil Tiger uprising while in power, but refused to acknowledge abuses committed during the bloody civil war.

"We call on all parties to act in accordance with Sri Lanka's constitution, refrain from violence and follow due process," the State Department said.

"We expect the government of Sri Lanka to uphold its Geneva commitments to human rights, reform, accountability, justice and reconciliation."

After Sirisena's election in 2015, Sri Lanka shifted from confrontation to conciliation with the US and other Western powers and promised at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to investigate allegations of abuses.

Sri Lanka's president issued a formal notice Saturday for Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down as prime minister and recognise his shock dismissal, in an unfolding constitutional crisis.

Sri Lanka's president issued a formal notice Saturday for Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down as prime minister and recognise his shock dismissal, in an unfolding constitutional crisis. Hours after sacking his former ally, President Maithripala Sirisena issued gazettes formalising the dramatic move, and the installation of one-time strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister. However, Wickremesinghe continued to occupy Temple Trees, the official residence of the prime minister, and insisted in a letter to Sirisena that he was still in office. He has said that he can be removed only by parliament where his party enjoys a majority, and also vowed to seek legal action against what he condemned as an unconstitutional move against him. "I am addressing you as the prime minister of Sri Lanka," Wickremesinghe told reporters at a nationally televised press conference on Friday night. "I remain as prime minister and I will function as the prime minister." Since his rushed swearing in, Rajapakse is yet to announce the formation of a cabinet -- which under the constitution is automatically dissolved when a prime minister is removed. Parliamentary Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said he will decide Saturday whether to recognise Rajapakse or not, after seeking legal advice. Parliament is not due to meet until November 5 when the 2019 national budget is due to be presented. The Supreme Court, which is empowered to resolve constitutional disputes, is shut for the weekend and reopens on Monday. The president's United People's Freedom Alliance party had earlier Friday quit the coalition that had governed with Wickremesinghe's party. Speaking to jubilant supporters outside his Colombo home late Friday, Rajapakse also called on Wickremesinghe to step down. Members of his party must "respect democracy, respect the country and respect the law", the former president said through a loudhailer from a balcony. US urges calm Overnight, Rajapakse loyalists stormed two state-owned television networks -- which they regard as loyal to the outgoing government -- and forced them off the air. Video footage from private networks showed police overwhelmed by mobs at the Rupavahini national TV station but elsewhere in the capital streets remained calm. The United States called on all sides in Sri Lanka to operate within the constitution and refrain from violence, and urged the island to move forward on post-war reconciliation. Rajapakse crushed the decades-long Tamil Tiger uprising while in power, but refused to acknowledge abuses committed during the bloody civil war. "We call on all parties to act in accordance with Sri Lanka's constitution, refrain from violence and follow due process," the State Department said. "We expect the government of Sri Lanka to uphold its Geneva commitments to human rights, reform, accountability, justice and reconciliation." After Sirisena's election in 2015, Sri Lanka shifted from confrontation to conciliation with the US and other Western powers and promised at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to investigate allegations of abuses.

Sri Lanka crisis deepens as PM Wickremesinghe resists sacking

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday.

Stalin, the leader of opposition in the assembly, said the return of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country's new prime minister has shocked Tamils across the world.

"The changes that have occurred in the Sri Lankan government in a single night encompasses several mysteries and have threatened the Tamils there who are denied their rights," he alleged.

Also, the developments have triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen, he added.

Stalin cited the recent Delhi visits of Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe and media reports about Sirisena alleging that Indian intelligence agency RAW hatched a plot to assassinate him.&nbsp;

Sirisena, however, later denied making such allegations.&nbsp;

The background to Rajapaksa assuming office all of a sudden as Sri Lanka's premier, though he doesn't have a majority, has shocked Tamils, Stalin claimed.

The DMK chief alleged that Rajapaksa was behind the killings of Tamil people (during the civil war between Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009) and Tamil Nadu fishermen at the hands of Lankan Navy during his tenure.

Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Saturday sought an emergency session of Parliament to prove his majority, as the island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked him and made former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa the new premier.

Stalin said that "if such a situation continued in Sri Lanka", it would become a challenge to India's interests. He asked the Centre to give clarifications on the recent visits of Lankan leaders and the allegations drawing RAW into a controversy.

Referring to the Tamil Nadu government's recent recommendation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit to release all convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the DMK leader asked the Centre to devote its "attention" to the matter and urged Purohit to take a favourable decision.&nbsp;

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday.

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday. Stalin, the leader of opposition in the assembly, said the return of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country's new prime minister has shocked Tamils across the world. "The changes that have occurred in the Sri Lankan government in a single night encompasses several mysteries and have threatened the Tamils there who are denied their rights," he alleged. Also, the developments have triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen, he added. Stalin cited the recent Delhi visits of Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe and media reports about Sirisena alleging that Indian intelligence agency RAW hatched a plot to assassinate him. Sirisena, however, later denied making such allegations. The background to Rajapaksa assuming office all of a sudden as Sri Lanka's premier, though he doesn't have a majority, has shocked Tamils, Stalin claimed. The DMK chief alleged that Rajapaksa was behind the killings of Tamil people (during the civil war between Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009) and Tamil Nadu fishermen at the hands of Lankan Navy during his tenure. Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Saturday sought an emergency session of Parliament to prove his majority, as the island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked him and made former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa the new premier. Stalin said that "if such a situation continued in Sri Lanka", it would become a challenge to India's interests. He asked the Centre to give clarifications on the recent visits of Lankan leaders and the allegations drawing RAW into a controversy. Referring to the Tamil Nadu government's recent recommendation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit to release all convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the DMK leader asked the Centre to devote its "attention" to the matter and urged Purohit to take a favourable decision.

Political developments in Sri Lanka 'mysterious'; triggering concerns among Tamils: MK Stalin

Sri&nbsp;Lankan opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed prime minister on Friday after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed the incumbent in a surprise move that threatens political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation.

Rajapaksa, a former pro-China president, ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to help rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year civil war against Tamil separatists in 2009.

But that investment has since put the tiny island in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic southern port to China, seen as part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, drawing criticism from India and the United States.

President Sirisena administered the oath of office to Rajapaksa after sacking premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was away touring the south of the country, following months of infighting.

But Wickremesinghe later told reporters he remained the prime minister. "I have the majority and I remain as the prime minister and I will function as the prime minister," he said.

Under&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's constitution, modelled on the French system of government, the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament.

There was no immediate reaction from India which has long seen&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, located just off its southern tip, as part of its area of influence and had been concerned about Rajapaksa's wooing of China. Both Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe were in India and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent weeks.

Underlining the risk of chaos in the islands, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the powers of the president.

"This is an anti-democratic coup," Samaraweera tweeted.

State-run Rupavahini briefly went off-air when three ministers, including Samaraweera and Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, tried to address the nation during a live programme.

Earlier Sirisensa's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) had said it would quit the ruling coalition, capping months of rising tensions between the president's bloc and Wickremesinghe's centre-right United National Party (UNP).

UPFA lawmaker Susil Premajayantha told reporters that a new cabinet would be sworn in soon.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's US $87 billion economy has been under pressure in recent years, with growth slowing to a 16-year low of 3.3 per cent last year due to tight monetary and fiscal conditions, droughts and floods.

The ruling coalition had been further strained in recent days by strong criticism from Sirisena and his allies that ministers from Wickremesinghe's party did not act properly in investigating an alleged assassination plot to kill the president and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the new prime minister's younger brother.

The alleged plot briefly threatened to cause tension between&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;and India, after a report that Sirisena had accused India's intelligence services of involvement - a claim that New Delhi and Colombo have both denied.

Sirisena, along with some UPFA lawmakers including from his centre-left&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Freedom Party (SLFP), formed a coalition government with Wickremesinghe's UNP soon after Sirisena unexpectedly defeated former ally Rajapaksa in a presidential election in January 2015.

The UNP and UPFA, an alliance of several political parties, consolidated their coalition after a parliamentary election in August 2015.

But both coalition partners suffered heavy defeats in local elections in February this year to a party backed by Rajapaksa. Sirisena loyalists backed a no-confidence motion in April against the prime minister, who survived after a majority of legislators voted to support his coalition government.

In early September, Rajapaksa had led thousands of opposition demonstrators who blocked a main road in Colombo in protest at economic hardship and the delaying of provincial polls.

Sri Lankan opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed prime minister on Friday after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed the incumbent in a surprise move that threatens political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation.

Sri Lankan opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed prime minister on Friday after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed the incumbent in a surprise move that threatens political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation. Rajapaksa, a former pro-China president, ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to help rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year civil war against Tamil separatists in 2009. But that investment has since put the tiny island in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic southern port to China, seen as part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, drawing criticism from India and the United States. President Sirisena administered the oath of office to Rajapaksa after sacking premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was away touring the south of the country, following months of infighting. But Wickremesinghe later told reporters he remained the prime minister. "I have the majority and I remain as the prime minister and I will function as the prime minister," he said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, modelled on the French system of government, the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament. There was no immediate reaction from India which has long seen Sri Lanka, located just off its southern tip, as part of its area of influence and had been concerned about Rajapaksa's wooing of China. Both Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe were in India and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent weeks. Underlining the risk of chaos in the islands, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the powers of the president. "This is an anti-democratic coup," Samaraweera tweeted. State-run Rupavahini briefly went off-air when three ministers, including Samaraweera and Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, tried to address the nation during a live programme. Earlier Sirisensa's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) had said it would quit the ruling coalition, capping months of rising tensions between the president's bloc and Wickremesinghe's centre-right United National Party (UNP). UPFA lawmaker Susil Premajayantha told reporters that a new cabinet would be sworn in soon. Sri Lanka's US $87 billion economy has been under pressure in recent years, with growth slowing to a 16-year low of 3.3 per cent last year due to tight monetary and fiscal conditions, droughts and floods. The ruling coalition had been further strained in recent days by strong criticism from Sirisena and his allies that ministers from Wickremesinghe's party did not act properly in investigating an alleged assassination plot to kill the president and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the new prime minister's younger brother. The alleged plot briefly threatened to cause tension between Sri Lanka and India, after a report that Sirisena had accused India's intelligence services of involvement - a claim that New Delhi and Colombo have both denied. Sirisena, along with some UPFA lawmakers including from his centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), formed a coalition government with Wickremesinghe's UNP soon after Sirisena unexpectedly defeated former ally Rajapaksa in a presidential election in January 2015. The UNP and UPFA, an alliance of several political parties, consolidated their coalition after a parliamentary election in August 2015. But both coalition partners suffered heavy defeats in local elections in February this year to a party backed by Rajapaksa. Sirisena loyalists backed a no-confidence motion in April against the prime minister, who survived after a majority of legislators voted to support his coalition government. In early September, Rajapaksa had led thousands of opposition demonstrators who blocked a main road in Colombo in protest at economic hardship and the delaying of provincial polls.

Turmoil in Sri Lanka as ex-president Rajapaksa sworn in as PM

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena suspended Parliament Saturday after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe a day earlier on Friday.&nbsp;

After sacking Wickremesinghe, Sirisena installed former strongman president Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe called the move "unconstitutional", and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe wrote to the speaker earlier on Saturday demanding he hold an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-sri-lanka-pm-seeks-emergency-parliament-session-173772">emergency session of Parliament</a> so that he (Wickremesinghe) could prove his majority on the floor of the house.&nbsp;

AFP quoted Parliamentary officials as saying the president had suspended all meetings of the 225-member house until November 16.&nbsp;

The parliament had been due to meet again on November 5 to unveil the 2019 annual budget.&nbsp;

The suspension could destabilise government finances at a time when the country faces an economic crisis.

In a statement, Parliamentary Speaker Karu Jayasuriya called for calm and restraint and for the crisis to be resolved quickly.&nbsp;

European diplomats in Colombo said they were closely following developments and urged both sides to act in line with the constitution, echoing comments made by the United States.

"The ambassador of the European Union as well as the ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and the UK High Commissioner ... urge all parties to fully act in accordance with Sri Lanka’s constitution," they said.

They also urged the rivals to refrain from violence and respect media freedom.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena suspended Parliament Saturday after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe a day earlier on Friday. After sacking Wickremesinghe, Sirisena installed former strongman president Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena suspended Parliament Saturday after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe a day earlier on Friday. After sacking Wickremesinghe, Sirisena installed former strongman president Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister. Wickremesinghe called the move "unconstitutional", and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament. Wickremesinghe wrote to the speaker earlier on Saturday demanding he hold an emergency session of Parliament so that he (Wickremesinghe) could prove his majority on the floor of the house. AFP quoted Parliamentary officials as saying the president had suspended all meetings of the 225-member house until November 16. The parliament had been due to meet again on November 5 to unveil the 2019 annual budget. The suspension could destabilise government finances at a time when the country faces an economic crisis. In a statement, Parliamentary Speaker Karu Jayasuriya called for calm and restraint and for the crisis to be resolved quickly. European diplomats in Colombo said they were closely following developments and urged both sides to act in line with the constitution, echoing comments made by the United States. "The ambassador of the European Union as well as the ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and the UK High Commissioner ... urge all parties to fully act in accordance with Sri Lanka’s constitution," they said. They also urged the rivals to refrain from violence and respect media freedom. (With inputs from AFP)

After sacking PM, Sri Lanka President Sirisena suspends parliament

Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as prime minister on Friday (October 26) after President Maithripala Sirisena <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-sacking-pm-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-suspends-parliament-173796">sacked</a>&nbsp;Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a shock move that threatens political turmoil in the country.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe said the move was "unconstitutional" and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament. On Saturday, he demanded an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-sri-lanka-pm-seeks-emergency-parliament-session-173772">emergency session</a> of parliament, so as to be able to prove his majority on the floor of the house.

Sirisena however responded by suspending parliament till November 16.&nbsp;

Here is a timeline of the events leading up to the constitutional crisis:&nbsp;

- Presidential elections were held in Sri Lanka on 8 January 2015, two years ahead of schedule.

- Then incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the United People's Freedom Alliance's candidate, seeking a third term in office.

- The United National Party (UNP)-led opposition coalition chose to field Maithripala Sirisena, the former Minister of Health in Rajapaksa's government and general secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – the main constituent party of the UPFA – as its common candidate.

- Sirisena was declared the winner after receiving 51.28% of all votes cast (6,217,162 votes) compared to Rajapaksa's 47.58% (5,768,090 votes).

- On 9th January, Rajapaksa concedes defeat ahead of the final result and the Sirsena was sworn in as Sri Lanka's sixth executive president, before Supreme Court judge K. Sripavan in Independence Square, Colombo.

- The 2015 Sri Lankan parliamentary election was held on 17 August 2015, ten months ahead of schedule, to elect 225 members to Sri Lanka's 15th Parliament.

- The incumbent United National Party (UNP) led United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) won 106 seats, an increase of 46 since the 2010 election, but failed to secure a majority in Parliament.

- The main opposition United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won 95 seats, a decline of 49.

- The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the largest party representing Sri Lankan Tamils, won 16 seats, an increase of two from 2010.

- The remaining eight seats were won by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (6), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (1) and Eelam People's Democratic Party (1).

- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, leader of the UNFGG and UNP, was able to form a national government with the support of UPFA MPs loyal to President Maithripala Sirisena.

- The rift between the President and the Prime Minister started with treasury bond scandal in 2015.

- Faced with repayments on the massive loans inherited from the previous government, the Central Bank decided to raise Rs. 1 billion through an auction on February 27, 2015.

- The bank received just over Rs. 20 billion in bids and former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran instructed the Public Debt Department to accept Rs. 10 billion.

- Due to a communication gap, the Perpetual Treasuries Limited, a Primary Dealer owned by the son in law of the Central Bank Governor have had undue advantage to make profits. This was the starting of the rift between the President and the Prime Minister Wickeremesinghe.

- The last tipping point of the relation ship between the two leaders was the alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Srisena and former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which is now under investigation&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as prime minister on Friday (October 26) after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a shock move that threatens political turmoil in the country.

Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as prime minister on Friday (October 26) after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a shock move that threatens political turmoil in the country. Wickremesinghe said the move was "unconstitutional" and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament. On Saturday, he demanded an emergency session of parliament, so as to be able to prove his majority on the floor of the house. Sirisena however responded by suspending parliament till November 16. Here is a timeline of the events leading up to the constitutional crisis: - Presidential elections were held in Sri Lanka on 8 January 2015, two years ahead of schedule. - Then incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the United People's Freedom Alliance's candidate, seeking a third term in office. - The United National Party (UNP)-led opposition coalition chose to field Maithripala Sirisena, the former Minister of Health in Rajapaksa's government and general secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – the main constituent party of the UPFA – as its common candidate. - Sirisena was declared the winner after receiving 51.28% of all votes cast (6,217,162 votes) compared to Rajapaksa's 47.58% (5,768,090 votes). - On 9th January, Rajapaksa concedes defeat ahead of the final result and the Sirsena was sworn in as Sri Lanka's sixth executive president, before Supreme Court judge K. Sripavan in Independence Square, Colombo. - The 2015 Sri Lankan parliamentary election was held on 17 August 2015, ten months ahead of schedule, to elect 225 members to Sri Lanka's 15th Parliament. - The incumbent United National Party (UNP) led United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) won 106 seats, an increase of 46 since the 2010 election, but failed to secure a majority in Parliament. - The main opposition United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won 95 seats, a decline of 49. - The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the largest party representing Sri Lankan Tamils, won 16 seats, an increase of two from 2010. - The remaining eight seats were won by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (6), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (1) and Eelam People's Democratic Party (1). - Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, leader of the UNFGG and UNP, was able to form a national government with the support of UPFA MPs loyal to President Maithripala Sirisena. - The rift between the President and the Prime Minister started with treasury bond scandal in 2015. - Faced with repayments on the massive loans inherited from the previous government, the Central Bank decided to raise Rs. 1 billion through an auction on February 27, 2015. - The bank received just over Rs. 20 billion in bids and former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran instructed the Public Debt Department to accept Rs. 10 billion. - Due to a communication gap, the Perpetual Treasuries Limited, a Primary Dealer owned by the son in law of the Central Bank Governor have had undue advantage to make profits. This was the starting of the rift between the President and the Prime Minister Wickeremesinghe. - The last tipping point of the relation ship between the two leaders was the alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Srisena and former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which is now under investigation

Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis: A timeline of events

India is keeping a close eye on the constitution crisis unfolding on the island of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday. On Saturday, he suspended Parliament till November 16.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe meanwhile has called the move "unconstitutional", and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament.&nbsp;

Government sources have told WION that the "internal developments" in Colombo are being watched with concern, particularly as Wickremesinghe's outster comes just a week after he visited New Delhi.&nbsp;

Over the last few weeks, it had become increasingly clear that President Sirisena and Wickremasinghe had fallen out. The latter man was seen as being close to New Delhi and opposed to the increasing influence of China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India is keeping a close eye on the constitution crisis unfolding on the island of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday.

India is keeping a close eye on the constitution crisis unfolding on the island of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday. On Saturday, he suspended Parliament till November 16. Wickremesinghe meanwhile has called the move "unconstitutional", and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament. Government sources have told WION that the "internal developments" in Colombo are being watched with concern, particularly as Wickremesinghe's outster comes just a week after he visited New Delhi. Over the last few weeks, it had become increasingly clear that President Sirisena and Wickremasinghe had fallen out. The latter man was seen as being close to New Delhi and opposed to the increasing influence of China.

India keeping close eye on 'internal developments' in Sri Lanka: Govt sources

In a dramatic political development in Sri Lanka, former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was on Friday sworn in as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena after his party abruptly quit the ruling coalition.

Visuals of the former president Rajapaksa taking oath as the premier were released to media and was shown on TV channels.

The sudden development came after Sirisena's broader political front United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) announced that it has decided to quit the current unity government with prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP).

Mahinda Amaraweera, agriculture minister and the general secretary of the UPFA, told reporters that the UPFA decision has been conveyed to Parliament.

The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa.

Sirisena, who was Rajapaksa's minister of health, broke away from him to contest the presidential elections.

Political analysts said Sirisena's move to install Rajapaksa as the prime minister could lead to a constitutional crisis as the 19th amendment to the Constitution would not allow the sacking of Wickremesinghe as the premier without a majority.

Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority. Wickremesinghe's UNP has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of the majority.

There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe or the UNP.

President Sirisena's party withdrew from the ruling coalition after simmering tensions between him and Wickremesinghe.

The unity government was thrown into a crisis after Rajapaksa's new party pulled off a stunning victory in local elections in February seen as a referendum on the ruling alliance.

Last week, it was reported that Sirisena accused his senior coalition partner the UNP of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to assassinate him and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the former top defence ministry bureaucrat and brother of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

In a dramatic political development in Sri Lanka, former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was on Friday sworn in as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena after his party abruptly quit the ruling coalition.

In a dramatic political development in Sri Lanka, former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was on Friday sworn in as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena after his party abruptly quit the ruling coalition. Visuals of the former president Rajapaksa taking oath as the premier were released to media and was shown on TV channels. The sudden development came after Sirisena's broader political front United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) announced that it has decided to quit the current unity government with prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP). Mahinda Amaraweera, agriculture minister and the general secretary of the UPFA, told reporters that the UPFA decision has been conveyed to Parliament. The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa. Sirisena, who was Rajapaksa's minister of health, broke away from him to contest the presidential elections. Political analysts said Sirisena's move to install Rajapaksa as the prime minister could lead to a constitutional crisis as the 19th amendment to the Constitution would not allow the sacking of Wickremesinghe as the premier without a majority. Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority. Wickremesinghe's UNP has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of the majority. There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe or the UNP. President Sirisena's party withdrew from the ruling coalition after simmering tensions between him and Wickremesinghe. The unity government was thrown into a crisis after Rajapaksa's new party pulled off a stunning victory in local elections in February seen as a referendum on the ruling alliance. Last week, it was reported that Sirisena accused his senior coalition partner the UNP of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to assassinate him and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the former top defence ministry bureaucrat and brother of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka's ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn in as new Prime Minister

President Maithripala Sirisena Friday sacked his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa&nbsp;as the new premier, the president's office said.

A private television network loyal to Rajapaksa&nbsp;televised him being sworn in as the new prime minister, replacing Wickremesinghe.

There was no immediate word from Wickremesinghe, who helped Sirisena win the January 2015 elections against Rajapakse.

The surprise move comes after disagreements between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe over economic policy and day-to-day administration of the government.

The pair were reported to have clashed in cabinet last week over government plans to lease a port terminal to neighbouring India.

Wickremesinghe's government came to power promising economic reforms and accountability for atrocities committed in Sri Lanka's bloody civil war during Rajapakse's presidency.

President Maithripala Sirisena Friday sacked his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new premier, the president's office said.

President Maithripala Sirisena Friday sacked his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new premier, the president's office said. A private television network loyal to Rajapaksa televised him being sworn in as the new prime minister, replacing Wickremesinghe. There was no immediate word from Wickremesinghe, who helped Sirisena win the January 2015 elections against Rajapakse. The surprise move comes after disagreements between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe over economic policy and day-to-day administration of the government. The pair were reported to have clashed in cabinet last week over government plans to lease a port terminal to neighbouring India. Wickremesinghe's government came to power promising economic reforms and accountability for atrocities committed in Sri Lanka's bloody civil war during Rajapakse's presidency.

Sri Lankan President Sirisena sacks Ranil Wickremesinghe, appoints Mahinda Rajapaksa as new prime minister

A top Sri Lankan police official was arrested on Thursday over a suspected plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena, police a spokesman said.

The alleged plot briefly threatened to cause tension between Sri Lanka and India, after an Indian newspaper report that Sirisena had accused India`s intelligence services of involvement - a claim New Delhi and Colombo have both denied.

"The Criminal Investigation Division of police today arrested Nalaka De Silva after five days of questioning him," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Gunasekara said Silva was charged with plotting to kill the president, several senior police officials and a former defence secretary.

Magistrates ordered Silva, a deputy inspector general of police, be detained until November 7.

A police informant made the allegations against Silva in a news conference. Investigators are seeking access to deleted data from the informant`s mobile phone with the help of Huawei after a court granted permission to request the company's help.

Silva's lawyers were not immediately available for comment. 
&nbsp;

A top Sri Lankan police official was arrested on Thursday over a suspected plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena, police a spokesman said. The alleged plot briefly threatened to cause tension between Sri Lanka and India, after an Indian newspaper report that Sirisena had accused India`s intelligence services of involvement - a claim New Delhi and Colombo have both denied.

A top Sri Lankan police official was arrested on Thursday over a suspected plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena, police a spokesman said. The alleged plot briefly threatened to cause tension between Sri Lanka and India, after an Indian newspaper report that Sirisena had accused India`s intelligence services of involvement - a claim New Delhi and Colombo have both denied. "The Criminal Investigation Division of police today arrested Nalaka De Silva after five days of questioning him," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said. Gunasekara said Silva was charged with plotting to kill the president, several senior police officials and a former defence secretary. Magistrates ordered Silva, a deputy inspector general of police, be detained until November 7. A police informant made the allegations against Silva in a news conference. Investigators are seeking access to deleted data from the informant`s mobile phone with the help of Huawei after a court granted permission to request the company's help. Silva's lawyers were not immediately available for comment.

Sri Lanka arrests top policeman over alleged president assassination plot

The internal squabbling between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the Sri Lankan public unhappy and dissatisfied, a minister in the ruling coalition government said on Saturday.

Addressing a gathering at Pannipitiya in a Colombo suburb, Minister of National Integration, Reconciliation and Official Languages Mano Ganesan also asked the two leaders to "sort out" their issues to ensure the free democratic environment created by this 'yahapalana' (good governance) government.

Sirisena, according to the media, had reportedly told former President Mahinda Rajapaksa that it was difficult to work with Wickremesinghe as prime minister.

In April, Wickremesinghe had successfully defeated a joint move by Sirisena and Rajapaksa to oust him. The premier was able to record a resounding victory in the no trust motion with the support of Tamil and Muslim minority parties.

"The people of the country are a bit disappointed and the reason for their unhappiness is the conflict of opinions and democratic disagreements between the President and the Prime Minister in the government," he said.

"I would like to tell my bosses that they need to sort out their internal issues. We formed the yahapalana (good governance) government and have created a free democratic environment in the country like never before. But the clashes between the president and the prime minister are not good," Ganesan said.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe was Sirisena's main sponsor in the 2015 presidential election. Sirisena got elected with the support from the Wickremesinghe-led United National Party (UNP), Ganesan-led Tamil-minority party and others and the Muslims party.

Ganesan said that if the government is to continue longer the United National Party (UNP) must name a Prime Minister and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) must name its Presidential candidate.&nbsp;

The internal squabbling between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the Sri Lankan public unhappy and dissatisfied, a minister in the ruling coalition government said on Saturday.

The internal squabbling between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the Sri Lankan public unhappy and dissatisfied, a minister in the ruling coalition government said on Saturday. Addressing a gathering at Pannipitiya in a Colombo suburb, Minister of National Integration, Reconciliation and Official Languages Mano Ganesan also asked the two leaders to "sort out" their issues to ensure the free democratic environment created by this 'yahapalana' (good governance) government. Sirisena, according to the media, had reportedly told former President Mahinda Rajapaksa that it was difficult to work with Wickremesinghe as prime minister. In April, Wickremesinghe had successfully defeated a joint move by Sirisena and Rajapaksa to oust him. The premier was able to record a resounding victory in the no trust motion with the support of Tamil and Muslim minority parties. "The people of the country are a bit disappointed and the reason for their unhappiness is the conflict of opinions and democratic disagreements between the President and the Prime Minister in the government," he said. "I would like to tell my bosses that they need to sort out their internal issues. We formed the yahapalana (good governance) government and have created a free democratic environment in the country like never before. But the clashes between the president and the prime minister are not good," Ganesan said. Wickremesinghe was Sirisena's main sponsor in the 2015 presidential election. Sirisena got elected with the support from the Wickremesinghe-led United National Party (UNP), Ganesan-led Tamil-minority party and others and the Muslims party. Ganesan said that if the government is to continue longer the United National Party (UNP) must name a Prime Minister and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) must name its Presidential candidate.

Sri Lankans unhappy with infight in government: Minister

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who allegedly said Tuesday that India's RAW was trying to kill him, has tightened his security. The announcement was made by his adviser Shiral Lakthilaka.&nbsp;

"The president has taken the threat very seriously," the news agency AFP quoted Lakthilaka as telling reporters in Colombo. "The president's security has been increased."

Sirisena had "told the cabinet of local media reports of an Indian intelligence agency being involved," Lakthilaka said. "He did not name the agency."

The Sri Lankan foreign ministry had on Wednesday rejected the reports — of Sirisena saying the Research and Analysis Wing was trying to kill him — as "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-says-its-president-did-not-allege-indias-raw-was-trying-to-assassinate-him-172021">completely untrue</a>".&nbsp;

The ministry said it was "disappointing that matters of this nature have become the subject of distorted and erroneous media reports taking the President’s remarks out of context."&nbsp;

"The ministry wishes to clarify that the media reports in this connection are baseless and false," it added.&nbsp;

Sirisena and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone on Wednesday, with the Sri Lankan leader "categorically" rejecting reports he had accused New Delhi of involvement, Modi's office said.&nbsp;

But AFP quoted Sri Lankan police as saying they were still investigating the alleged plot and had detained an Indian national.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, news reports said Sirisena had accused his senior coalition partner, the United National Party (UNP), of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to kill him and former secretary to the ministry of defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

The reports quoted a ministerial source as saying Sirisena had made his comments at a heated cabinet meeting.

The reports quoted Sirisena as saying RAW was plotting to kill him, but that Prime Minister Modi might not be aware of the plot.&nbsp;

Sirisena's predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse had accused RAW of engineering his defeat in the January 2015 election. New Delhi has repeatedly denied the charge.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meawhile arrived in India Thursday on a three-day visit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who allegedly said Tuesday that India's RAW was trying to kill him, has tightened his security. The announcement was made by his adviser Shiral Lakthilaka.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who allegedly said Tuesday that India's RAW was trying to kill him, has tightened his security. The announcement was made by his adviser Shiral Lakthilaka. "The president has taken the threat very seriously," the news agency AFP quoted Lakthilaka as telling reporters in Colombo. "The president's security has been increased." Sirisena had "told the cabinet of local media reports of an Indian intelligence agency being involved," Lakthilaka said. "He did not name the agency." The Sri Lankan foreign ministry had on Wednesday rejected the reports — of Sirisena saying the Research and Analysis Wing was trying to kill him — as "completely untrue". The ministry said it was "disappointing that matters of this nature have become the subject of distorted and erroneous media reports taking the President’s remarks out of context." "The ministry wishes to clarify that the media reports in this connection are baseless and false," it added. Sirisena and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone on Wednesday, with the Sri Lankan leader "categorically" rejecting reports he had accused New Delhi of involvement, Modi's office said. But AFP quoted Sri Lankan police as saying they were still investigating the alleged plot and had detained an Indian national. On Tuesday, news reports said Sirisena had accused his senior coalition partner, the United National Party (UNP), of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to kill him and former secretary to the ministry of defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The reports quoted a ministerial source as saying Sirisena had made his comments at a heated cabinet meeting. The reports quoted Sirisena as saying RAW was plotting to kill him, but that Prime Minister Modi might not be aware of the plot. Sirisena's predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse had accused RAW of engineering his defeat in the January 2015 election. New Delhi has repeatedly denied the charge. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meawhile arrived in India Thursday on a three-day visit. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka President who said India's RAW is plotting to kill him tightens security

The Sri Lankan government has denied news reports quoting President Maithripala Sirisena as having said India's Research and Analysis Wing was plotting to assassinate him.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government said the reports were "completely untrue".&nbsp;

The media reports came ahead of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speed up India-backed projects, including the East Terminal project, in the island nation.

Sirisena accused his senior coalition partner, the United National Party (UNP), of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to kill him and former secretary to the ministry of defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the economynext.Com reported quoting a ministerial source after a heated Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The minister, who declined to be named, claimed that the president said that India's external intelligence agency RAW was behind the plot.

On Wednesday, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said it was "disappointing that matters of this nature have become the subject of distorted and erroneous media reports taking the President’s remarks out of context."&nbsp;

"The ministry wishes to clarify that the media reports in this connection are baseless and false," it added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The ministry further said that "President Sirisena had discussions this morning as well as a meeting with the High Commissioner of India in Colombo."&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Sri Lankan government has denied news reports quoting President Maithripala Sirisena as having said India's Research and Analysis Wing was plotting to assassinate him.

The Sri Lankan government has denied news reports quoting President Maithripala Sirisena as having said India's Research and Analysis Wing was plotting to assassinate him. The Sri Lankan government said the reports were "completely untrue". The media reports came ahead of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speed up India-backed projects, including the East Terminal project, in the island nation. Sirisena accused his senior coalition partner, the United National Party (UNP), of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to kill him and former secretary to the ministry of defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the economynext.Com reported quoting a ministerial source after a heated Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The minister, who declined to be named, claimed that the president said that India's external intelligence agency RAW was behind the plot. On Wednesday, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said it was "disappointing that matters of this nature have become the subject of distorted and erroneous media reports taking the President’s remarks out of context." "The ministry wishes to clarify that the media reports in this connection are baseless and false," it added. The ministry further said that "President Sirisena had discussions this morning as well as a meeting with the High Commissioner of India in Colombo." (With inputs from PTI)

Sri Lanka says its President did not allege India's RAW was trying to assassinate him

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has come under intense pressure from a section of his party to take his Sri Lanka Freedom Party out of the ruling coalition with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe's United National Party, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources.&nbsp;

The report quoting the party sources added that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party's policy-making Central Committee will have a crucial session Tuesday night.

"We will be analysing the current political situation and certain problems related to the party," Prof Rohana Laxman Piyadasa, the general secretary, said.

The meeting comes in the wake of a reported dialogue between Sirisena and his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The new party of the former president wants Sirisena to dissolve the Parliament to hold fresh elections. However, the earliest a parliamentary election could be held is after February 2020.

It was reported that Sirisena and Rajapaksa had met due to the former's growing dissatisfaction with Wickremesinghe as the prime minister.

Rajapaksa had mooted the idea for a caretaker government replacing Wickremesinghe.

Piyadasa, however, said that caretaker government was not on the agenda for the meeting.&nbsp;

"We can still discuss it under the current situation."

The group of 16 of Sirisena's men who had left the Wickremesinghe cabinet are pressuring Sirisena to leave the government, party sources said.&nbsp;

They had written a letter to Sirisena a fortnight back urging him to take the SLFP out of the government. They left their Cabinet positions in April after they had voted against Wickremesinghe in the motion of no confidence which he easily won with support coming from the Tamil and Muslim minority parties.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has come under intense pressure from a section of his party to take his Sri Lanka Freedom Party out of the ruling coalition with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe's United National Party, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has come under intense pressure from a section of his party to take his Sri Lanka Freedom Party out of the ruling coalition with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe's United National Party, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources. The report quoting the party sources added that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party's policy-making Central Committee will have a crucial session Tuesday night. "We will be analysing the current political situation and certain problems related to the party," Prof Rohana Laxman Piyadasa, the general secretary, said. The meeting comes in the wake of a reported dialogue between Sirisena and his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa. The new party of the former president wants Sirisena to dissolve the Parliament to hold fresh elections. However, the earliest a parliamentary election could be held is after February 2020. It was reported that Sirisena and Rajapaksa had met due to the former's growing dissatisfaction with Wickremesinghe as the prime minister. Rajapaksa had mooted the idea for a caretaker government replacing Wickremesinghe. Piyadasa, however, said that caretaker government was not on the agenda for the meeting. "We can still discuss it under the current situation." The group of 16 of Sirisena's men who had left the Wickremesinghe cabinet are pressuring Sirisena to leave the government, party sources said. They had written a letter to Sirisena a fortnight back urging him to take the SLFP out of the government. They left their Cabinet positions in April after they had voted against Wickremesinghe in the motion of no confidence which he easily won with support coming from the Tamil and Muslim minority parties. (With PTI inputs)

Sri Lanka: President Sirisena under pressure to quit Lanka unity government

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the LTTE militant group had planned to attack Colombo with an aircraft flying from Chennai in 2009.

"No one knew it better than me," said Sirisena, who was the acting defence minister during the last two weeks of the civil war with the LTTE in May, 2009 when the rebels were eventually defeated.

He was addressing the Sri Lankan community in New York where he spoke at the UN General Assembly.

"The former president was away, the former prime minister was away. There was no defence ministry secretary and army commander in the country at the time," he said.

Sirisena said it was a well-guarded secret that all senior leaders were out of the country fearing an LTTE air raid.

"The Tamil Tigers were going to operate an aircraft from Chennai or some other jungle area to bomb and destroy targets in Colombo," the president said, adding "I was the acting defence minister. All the others had fled because they feared air attacks".

"Even I did not stay in Colombo. I was at several locations outside Colombo in case the Tigers attacked the capital city," he said.

The LTTE had carried out two air raids in the capital in 2007 and 2009.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the LTTE militant group had planned to attack Colombo with an aircraft flying from Chennai in 2009. "No one knew it better than me," said Sirisena, who was the acting defence minister during the last two weeks of the civil war with the LTTE in May, 2009 when the rebels were eventually defeated.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the LTTE militant group had planned to attack Colombo with an aircraft flying from Chennai in 2009. "No one knew it better than me," said Sirisena, who was the acting defence minister during the last two weeks of the civil war with the LTTE in May, 2009 when the rebels were eventually defeated. He was addressing the Sri Lankan community in New York where he spoke at the UN General Assembly. "The former president was away, the former prime minister was away. There was no defence ministry secretary and army commander in the country at the time," he said. Sirisena said it was a well-guarded secret that all senior leaders were out of the country fearing an LTTE air raid. "The Tamil Tigers were going to operate an aircraft from Chennai or some other jungle area to bomb and destroy targets in Colombo," the president said, adding "I was the acting defence minister. All the others had fled because they feared air attacks". "Even I did not stay in Colombo. I was at several locations outside Colombo in case the Tigers attacked the capital city," he said. The LTTE had carried out two air raids in the capital in 2007 and 2009.

LTTE planned to attack Colombo targets with plane from Chennai: Sirisena

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday, on his maiden trip to Sri Lanka, called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and discussed bilateral and defence relations.&nbsp

According to reports, Gen Rawat is in the island country for a week-long visit. Rawat received an invitation from his Sri Lankan counterpart Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake.

The visit will aim at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries and taking it to the "next level".

As per reports, Gen Rawat and Sirisena discussed the importance of the well established bilateral relations between the two nations. Earlier on Monday, Rawat also met Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. 
&nbsp

The visit will aim at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries and taking it to the 'next level'

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday, on his maiden trip to Sri Lanka, called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and discussed bilateral and defence relations. According to reports, Gen Rawat is in the island country for a week-long visit. Rawat received an invitation from his Sri Lankan counterpart Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake. The visit will aim at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries and taking it to the "next level". As per reports, Gen Rawat and Sirisena discussed the importance of the well established bilateral relations between the two nations. Earlier on Monday, Rawat also met Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Army Chief Gen Rawat meets Sri Lankan President, discusses military cooperation

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday urged his own coalition government and the opposition to end a power struggle in order to achieve ambitious goals including anti-corruption measures.

His comments came in a policy statement at the first session of the parliament since he suspended it last month after 16 of his party legislators defected from the government.

His coalition still has a majority, but the defections will dent its stability in parliament and affect its ability to pass key laws.

“..the power struggle among the parties in the national government as well as the power struggle between the government and the opposition must be contained. It is the people who are aggravated by all forms of conflicts over power,” Sirisena told the parliament.

The political parties led by Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe formed a national government after the last parliamentary election in August 2015. But Sirisena’s centre-left party has opposed many liberal economic policy measures proposed by Wickremesinghe’s centre-right UNP.

Wickremesinghe survived a confidence vote last month sponsored by opponents who blame him for failing to prevent an alleged scam in the bond market and anti-Muslim riots in March.

Sirisena’s government is also under fire for not fulfilling his main 2015 election pledge to eliminate rampant corruption.

On Tuesday the government said it would establish special courts to speed up long delayed murder and corruption cases.

Meanwhile, Sirisena said that he has no plans to retire from politics in 2020. Refuting the media reports, Sirisena said that he will not retire in 2020 as more work needs to be done in the country, as reported by the Columbo Page on Tuesday.

While addressing a May Day rally (Labour Day rally) held at Mawadiwembu Ground, Chenkaladi Sri Lankan President said he will use the experiences he gained through the past three years in this regard and will join with honest politicians, who love the country and the people to achieve success in those programs.

He noted that there are certain social media sites which have published about his retirement in 2020.

His comments came in a policy statement at the first session of the parliament since he suspended it last month after 16 of his party legislators defected from the government.,

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday urged his own coalition government and the opposition to end a power struggle in order to achieve ambitious goals including anti-corruption measures. His comments came in a policy statement at the first session of the parliament since he suspended it last month after 16 of his party legislators defected from the government. His coalition still has a majority, but the defections will dent its stability in parliament and affect its ability to pass key laws. “..the power struggle among the parties in the national government as well as the power struggle between the government and the opposition must be contained. It is the people who are aggravated by all forms of conflicts over power,” Sirisena told the parliament. The political parties led by Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe formed a national government after the last parliamentary election in August 2015. But Sirisena’s centre-left party has opposed many liberal economic policy measures proposed by Wickremesinghe’s centre-right UNP. Wickremesinghe survived a confidence vote last month sponsored by opponents who blame him for failing to prevent an alleged scam in the bond market and anti-Muslim riots in March. Sirisena’s government is also under fire for not fulfilling his main 2015 election pledge to eliminate rampant corruption. On Tuesday the government said it would establish special courts to speed up long delayed murder and corruption cases. Meanwhile, Sirisena said that he has no plans to retire from politics in 2020. Refuting the media reports, Sirisena said that he will not retire in 2020 as more work needs to be done in the country, as reported by the Columbo Page on Tuesday. While addressing a May Day rally (Labour Day rally) held at Mawadiwembu Ground, Chenkaladi Sri Lankan President said he will use the experiences he gained through the past three years in this regard and will join with honest politicians, who love the country and the people to achieve success in those programs. He noted that there are certain social media sites which have published about his retirement in 2020.

Sri Lanka leader calls for end to power struggle after defections

Sri Lanka's anti-graft agency arrested President Maithripala Sirisena's chief of staff and another state official on Thursday on suspicion of accepting a bribe, officials of the agency said.

Officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested IHK&nbsp;Mahanama, the president's chief of staff, and P&nbsp;Dissanayake, the head of the State Timber Corporation (STC), the commission said.

"Our officials arrested Mahanama and Dissanayake while accepting 20 million (rupees)," Sarath Jayamanna, the director general of CIABOC told Reuters, indicating a sum equivalent to $127,000.

Jayamanna said Mahanama and Dissanayake were remanded on until May 9 after being produced in a court.

Malik Samarawickrema, a senior minister who is in charge of foreign direct investment and the state-run Board of Investment (BOI) said the suspected corruption was an "exception".

"This is not the rule. Taking bribe is a serious issue and as far as BOI is concerned, we don't have that issue," he told reporters in Colombo on Friday.

Neither Mahanama and Dissanayake were available for comment on Friday, nor were their lawyers or other representatives.

Jayamanna said Mahanama, a former secretary of the lands ministry, had asked for a bribe of 540 million Sri Lankan rupees ($3.43 million) from an Indian investor interested in acquiring a state-owned sugar factory.

The two were arrested at a car park of a hotel in the capital, Colombo, while they were accepting 20 million rupees from the investor for the transfer of land, he said.

The President's Office said in a statement both officials had been suspended from their duties, and the president had instructed the commission to enforce the law strictly against the two without any obstruction.

The arrests come as Sirisena’s government is under heavy criticism for not fulfilling his main 2015 election pledge to eliminate rampant corruption.

The previous government was defeated in a 2015 election amid widespread allegations of corruption.

However, Sirisena's administration has taken insufficient steps to deal with the problem, his critics complain.

The government rejects such complaints saying investigations and judicial processes take time.

The governing coalition of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe lost local government polls in February partly due to failure to fulfill promises to punish corrupt politicians and officials.

Officials of CIABOC arrested IHK Mahanama, the president's chief of staff, and P Dissanayake, the head of the State Timber Corporation (STC)

Sri Lanka's anti-graft agency arrested President Maithripala Sirisena's chief of staff and another state official on Thursday on suspicion of accepting a bribe, officials of the agency said. Officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested IHK Mahanama, the president's chief of staff, and P Dissanayake, the head of the State Timber Corporation (STC), the commission said. "Our officials arrested Mahanama and Dissanayake while accepting 20 million (rupees)," Sarath Jayamanna, the director general of CIABOC told Reuters, indicating a sum equivalent to $127,000. Jayamanna said Mahanama and Dissanayake were remanded on until May 9 after being produced in a court. Malik Samarawickrema, a senior minister who is in charge of foreign direct investment and the state-run Board of Investment (BOI) said the suspected corruption was an "exception". "This is not the rule. Taking bribe is a serious issue and as far as BOI is concerned, we don't have that issue," he told reporters in Colombo on Friday. Neither Mahanama and Dissanayake were available for comment on Friday, nor were their lawyers or other representatives. Jayamanna said Mahanama, a former secretary of the lands ministry, had asked for a bribe of 540 million Sri Lankan rupees ($3.43 million) from an Indian investor interested in acquiring a state-owned sugar factory. The two were arrested at a car park of a hotel in the capital, Colombo, while they were accepting 20 million rupees from the investor for the transfer of land, he said. The President's Office said in a statement both officials had been suspended from their duties, and the president had instructed the commission to enforce the law strictly against the two without any obstruction. The arrests come as Sirisena’s government is under heavy criticism for not fulfilling his main 2015 election pledge to eliminate rampant corruption. The previous government was defeated in a 2015 election amid widespread allegations of corruption. However, Sirisena's administration has taken insufficient steps to deal with the problem, his critics complain. The government rejects such complaints saying investigations and judicial processes take time. The governing coalition of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe lost local government polls in February partly due to failure to fulfill promises to punish corrupt politicians and officials.

Sirisen's top aides arrested for taking bribe from Indian investor: Report