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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka Attorney General refuses to endorse sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe

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

Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the country's newly appointed leader -- a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses.

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

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

A political crisis in Sri Lanka took a deadly turn on Sunday, with one person killed when a sacked cabinet minister tried to re-enter his office, days after the president removed the prime minister and installed a powerful ally of China in his place.

Sri Lanka has been plunged into crisis since Friday, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister to replace him.

Sirisena said the move was motivated by a plot to kill him, and by economic collapse. Wickremesinghe says it was illegal and he is still prime minister.

Rajapaksa ruled as president from 2005-2015. In a statement released late on Sunday, he pledged to "eschew the politics of hate and set up an interim government that will protect the human rights of all citizens, that will protect the independence of the judiciary and establish law and order."

He called on lawmakers to support his new government.

On Saturday, Sirisena suspended parliament until November&nbsp;16, a move the ousted prime minister's supporters say was intended to prevent lawmakers from showing support for Wickremesinghe.

The standoff has important geopolitical implications in a country long influenced by its neighbour India, and which became massively indebted to China to finance huge infrastructure projects during Rajapaksa's decade as president.

Most of Sri Lanka's foreign allies including India, the European Union and the United States, have urged Sirisena to abide by the constitution. But China, long seen as a supporter of Rajapaksa, congratulated him on becoming prime minister, drawing accusations from Wickremesinghe's supporters that Beijing was behind the attempt to change the government. Chinese officials deny interfering in Sri Lanka's affairs.

The US&nbsp;State Department on Sunday urged all sides to refrain from violence and called on Sirisena to immediately reconvene parliament and "allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfill their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government."

Since Rajapaksa was sworn in, trade unions allied to him have blocked government buildings to prevent members of the former cabinet from reaching their offices.

Sunday's violence took place at the headquarters of state oil company Ceylon Petroleum Corp, where Arjuna Ranatunga, petroleum minister in the ousted cabinet, tried to re-enter his office. Police said one of Ranatunga's security guards opened fire. One person was killed and two wounded.

The guard had been arrested and an investigation launched, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Ranatunga was safe and the security guard's motive was not immediately clear, he added.

Local media said Ranatunga had briefly been held hostage in the office. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm details of the incident.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General António Guterres called on the Sri Lankan government to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions and process, uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of all Sri Lankans.

INTERNATIONAL CONSPIRACY

So far, a majority of lawmakers has not endorsed Rajapaksa. In a letter sent on Sunday, parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya urged the president to protect Wickremesinghe's rights and privileges "until any other person emerges from within the Parliament as having secure confidence of the Parliament".

In an address to the nation, Sirisena said his action to change the government was "totally in accordance with the constitution and on the advice of legal experts".

The Rajapaksa faction has sought to win over lawmakers to back it in parliament. Two Wickremesinghe loyalists have pledged support to Rajapaksa and sources close to Rajapaksa have said there will be more cross-overs.

Ranjan Ramanayake, a legislator from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), said some lawmakers had been offered up to 800 million rupees ($4.6 million) each to switch sides and support Rajapaksa. Reuters was unable to confirm this.

"This is an international conspiracy," Ramanayake told reporters at Wickremesinghe's official residence, accusing China of "spending money to buy over members".

A Chinese embassy official in Colombo denied the allegation and said Beijing maintained good relations with all Sri Lankan parties, including the UNP.

"China never interferes in other countries' internal affairs," the official told Reuters. "We're against all this interference from any foreign country."

Cheng Xueyuan, China's envoy to Sri Lanka, met Rajapaksa with a congratulatory message on Saturday. The embassy official said the ambassador had also met Wickremesinghe and speaker Jayasuriya.

India and Western countries have concerns about Rajapaksa's ties to China, after he ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year war against Tamil separatists in 2009.

That investment has since put the tiny nation deep in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic port to China.

"As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and the constitutional process will be respected," said Raveesh Kumar, spokesman for India's Ministry of External Affairs. "We will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the friendly people of Sri Lanka."

A political crisis in Sri Lanka took a deadly turn on Sunday, with one person killed when a sacked cabinet minister tried to re-enter his office, days after the president removed the prime minister and installed a powerful ally of China in his place.

A political crisis in Sri Lanka took a deadly turn on Sunday, with one person killed when a sacked cabinet minister tried to re-enter his office, days after the president removed the prime minister and installed a powerful ally of China in his place. Sri Lanka has been plunged into crisis since Friday, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister to replace him. Sirisena said the move was motivated by a plot to kill him, and by economic collapse. Wickremesinghe says it was illegal and he is still prime minister. Rajapaksa ruled as president from 2005-2015. In a statement released late on Sunday, he pledged to "eschew the politics of hate and set up an interim government that will protect the human rights of all citizens, that will protect the independence of the judiciary and establish law and order." He called on lawmakers to support his new government. On Saturday, Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16, a move the ousted prime minister's supporters say was intended to prevent lawmakers from showing support for Wickremesinghe. The standoff has important geopolitical implications in a country long influenced by its neighbour India, and which became massively indebted to China to finance huge infrastructure projects during Rajapaksa's decade as president. Most of Sri Lanka's foreign allies including India, the European Union and the United States, have urged Sirisena to abide by the constitution. But China, long seen as a supporter of Rajapaksa, congratulated him on becoming prime minister, drawing accusations from Wickremesinghe's supporters that Beijing was behind the attempt to change the government. Chinese officials deny interfering in Sri Lanka's affairs. The US State Department on Sunday urged all sides to refrain from violence and called on Sirisena to immediately reconvene parliament and "allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfill their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government." Since Rajapaksa was sworn in, trade unions allied to him have blocked government buildings to prevent members of the former cabinet from reaching their offices. Sunday's violence took place at the headquarters of state oil company Ceylon Petroleum Corp, where Arjuna Ranatunga, petroleum minister in the ousted cabinet, tried to re-enter his office. Police said one of Ranatunga's security guards opened fire. One person was killed and two wounded. The guard had been arrested and an investigation launched, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Ranatunga was safe and the security guard's motive was not immediately clear, he added. Local media said Ranatunga had briefly been held hostage in the office. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm details of the incident. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the Sri Lankan government to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions and process, uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of all Sri Lankans. INTERNATIONAL CONSPIRACY So far, a majority of lawmakers has not endorsed Rajapaksa. In a letter sent on Sunday, parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya urged the president to protect Wickremesinghe's rights and privileges "until any other person emerges from within the Parliament as having secure confidence of the Parliament". In an address to the nation, Sirisena said his action to change the government was "totally in accordance with the constitution and on the advice of legal experts". The Rajapaksa faction has sought to win over lawmakers to back it in parliament. Two Wickremesinghe loyalists have pledged support to Rajapaksa and sources close to Rajapaksa have said there will be more cross-overs. Ranjan Ramanayake, a legislator from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), said some lawmakers had been offered up to 800 million rupees ($4.6 million) each to switch sides and support Rajapaksa. Reuters was unable to confirm this. "This is an international conspiracy," Ramanayake told reporters at Wickremesinghe's official residence, accusing China of "spending money to buy over members". A Chinese embassy official in Colombo denied the allegation and said Beijing maintained good relations with all Sri Lankan parties, including the UNP. "China never interferes in other countries' internal affairs," the official told Reuters. "We're against all this interference from any foreign country." Cheng Xueyuan, China's envoy to Sri Lanka, met Rajapaksa with a congratulatory message on Saturday. The embassy official said the ambassador had also met Wickremesinghe and speaker Jayasuriya. India and Western countries have concerns about Rajapaksa's ties to China, after he ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year war against Tamil separatists in 2009. That investment has since put the tiny nation deep in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic port to China. "As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and the constitutional process will be respected," said Raveesh Kumar, spokesman for India's Ministry of External Affairs. "We will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the friendly people of Sri Lanka."

Sri Lanka crisis turns violent as 1 killed at ex-minister's office

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-joint-statement-india-japan-pledge-partnership-in-maritime-security-space-exploration-digital-growth-174217">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-joint-statement-india-japan-pledge-partnership-in-maritime-security-space-exploration-digital-growth-174217">joint</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-joint-statement-india-japan-pledge-partnership-in-maritime-security-space-exploration-digital-growth-174217"> statement, India, Japan pledge partnership in maritime security, space exploration &amp; digital growth</a>

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and PM Modi today released a joint statement emphasising trade, maritime security and space exploration as the driving force between the two countries.

High-speed railway will be promoted, the Japanese PM said during the joint statement, adding that digital partnership will be improved.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/lion-air-plane-crash-body-parts-found-as-rescue-agency-says-likely-all-189-aboard-crashed-jet-dead-174197">Lion Air plane crash: Body parts found as rescue agency says ‘likely’ all 189 aboard crashed jet dead</a>

All 189 passenger and crew aboard a crashed Indonesian jet were “likely” killed in the accident, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said Monday, as it announced it had found human remains.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-assumes-charge-as-sri-lankas-new-prime-minister-174191">Mahinda Rajapaksa assumes charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister</a>

Former Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday assumed charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister after the surprise sacking of his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political crisis.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-merkel-will-not-seek-re-election-as-party-chairman-source-174185">German Chancellor Merkel will not seek re-election as party chairman: Source</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told leaders of her Christian Democrats (CDU) that she will not seek re-election as party chairwoman at a conference in early December, a senior party source said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-arrest-ex-oil-minister-ranatunga-over-shooting-174228">Sri Lanka police arrest ex-oil minister Ranatunga over shooting</a>

Sri Lankan police on Monday arrested deposed oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga over a shooting that killed one person on the weekend, police spokesman said.

In joint statement, India, Japan pledge partnership in maritime security, space exploration & digital growth Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and PM Modi today released a joint statement emphasising trade, maritime security and space exploration as the driving force between the two countries.

In joint statement, India, Japan pledge partnership in maritime security, space exploration & digital growth Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and PM Modi today released a joint statement emphasising trade, maritime security and space exploration as the driving force between the two countries. High-speed railway will be promoted, the Japanese PM said during the joint statement, adding that digital partnership will be improved. Lion Air plane crash: Body parts found as rescue agency says ‘likely’ all 189 aboard crashed jet dead All 189 passenger and crew aboard a crashed Indonesian jet were “likely” killed in the accident, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said Monday, as it announced it had found human remains. Mahinda Rajapaksa assumes charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister Former Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday assumed charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister after the surprise sacking of his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political crisis. German Chancellor Merkel will not seek re-election as party chairman: Source German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told leaders of her Christian Democrats (CDU) that she will not seek re-election as party chairwoman at a conference in early December, a senior party source said on Monday. Sri Lanka police arrest ex-oil minister Ranatunga over shooting Sri Lankan police on Monday arrested deposed oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga over a shooting that killed one person on the weekend, police spokesman said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

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

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

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapakse, who was sworn in as the new Prime Minister, called for a snap parliamentary election to allow people vote for a new programme to overcome the island nation's economic and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-dead-in-sri-lanka-shooting-as-political-crisis-deepens-174034">political crisis</a>.&nbsp;

In his first public statement after <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">Maithripala Sirisena</a> appointed him as the new premier after sacking<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sacked-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-stays-put-political-crisis-worsens-173975"> Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>, he said “The United National Party-United People’s Freedom Alliance (UNP-UPFA) government came to an end as the result of the UPFA leaving the coalition. I was invited to accept the position of PM with a view of forming a new govt.”

"The primary objective of the political party leaders and parliamentarians who have joined me is to immediately hold the provincial council elections that had been postponed continuously and also to call a parliamentary election as soon as possible so as to give the people the opportunity to vote for a programme that will bring the country out of the encompassing economic, political and social crisis," he said.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa said he agreed to become the prime minister as Sri Lankan economy was sinking. He also promised to eschew hate as he sets up an interim government, according to his statement.&nbsp;

However, Rajapaksa is expected to face challenges in the coming days as ousted PM Wickremesinghe had received the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-speaker-recognises-wickremesinghe-as-pm-173997">support of the Speaker</a>.

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Mahinda Rajapakse who has been recently appointed as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka issues statement, says,"The UNP-UPFA government came to an end as the result of the UPFA leaving the coalition. I was invited to accept the position of PM with a view of forming a new govt." <a href="https://t.co/QP2iOm3zQk">pic.twitter.com/QP2iOm3zQk</a>
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Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapakse, who was sworn in as the new Prime Minister, called for a snap parliamentary election to allow people vote for a new programme to overcome the island nation's economic and political crisis.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapakse, who was sworn in as the new Prime Minister, called for a snap parliamentary election to allow people vote for a new programme to overcome the island nation's economic and political crisis. In his first public statement after Maithripala Sirisena appointed him as the new premier after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe, he said “The United National Party-United People’s Freedom Alliance (UNP-UPFA) government came to an end as the result of the UPFA leaving the coalition. I was invited to accept the position of PM with a view of forming a new govt.” "The primary objective of the political party leaders and parliamentarians who have joined me is to immediately hold the provincial council elections that had been postponed continuously and also to call a parliamentary election as soon as possible so as to give the people the opportunity to vote for a programme that will bring the country out of the encompassing economic, political and social crisis," he said. Rajapaksa said he agreed to become the prime minister as Sri Lankan economy was sinking. He also promised to eschew hate as he sets up an interim government, according to his statement. However, Rajapaksa is expected to face challenges in the coming days as ousted PM Wickremesinghe had received the support of the Speaker. Mahinda Rajapakse who has been recently appointed as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka issues statement, says,"The UNP-UPFA government came to an end as the result of the UPFA leaving the coalition. I was invited to accept the position of PM with a view of forming a new govt." pic.twitter.com/QP2iOm3zQk — ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2018 ×

Mahinda Rajapaksa justifies his appointment as PM, calls for snap parliamentary polls

A constitutional crisis gripping Sri Lanka since the president's shock dismissal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe erupted into violence Sunday, with a man shot dead and two others injured in Colombo.

Police said bodyguards for a Sri Lankan cabinet minister allied to Wickremesinghe fired live rounds inside a government ministry as a mob loyal to President Maithripala Sirisena besieged the minister's office. Three people were injured but a 34-year-old man died shortly after.

It was the first fatality since Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on Friday and installed a former strongman as prime minister, triggering political chaos in the Indian Ocean nation.

Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate the prime minister's official residence, barricading himself inside as 1,000 supporters, including chanting Buddhist monks, rallied outside.

The 69-year-old says his sacking is illegal, and wants an emergency session of parliament held to prove he still commands a majority.

Sirisena shut parliament for nearly three weeks to forestall any challenge to his appointment of Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of wartime abuses.

Rajapakse sought blessings at a prominent Buddhist temple Sunday as he jostled to consolidate his claim to the prime ministership.

But Wickremesinghe got a boost as Sri Lanka's parliamentary speaker refused to endorse his sacking.

Karu Jayasuriya backed Wickremesinghe's request to retain his privileges and security until another candidate could prove a majority in parliament, saying it was "democratic and fair."

He also warned the president that shuttering parliament risked "serious and undesirable consequences for the country".

Officials loyal to Rajapakse said police will now seek a court order to evict Wickremesinghe from the residence, threatening to escalate the standoff.

Soldiers had been stationed near the residence, although Wickremesinghe's security and official cars were withdrawn Saturday.

Tensions were high across Colombo, with police leave cancelled amid warnings street violence could break out 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.

Regional neighbours and Western nations have urged all sides to exercise restraint and respect the constitution.

Shooting

But violence broke out inside the petroleum ministry as police guarding Minister Arjuna Ranatunga fired on a mob surrounded his office.

Witnesses saw Ranatunga, 54, also a former World Cup winning cricket captain, rushed from the scene in a tactical helmet and body armour by police commandos.

In his first televised address to the nation since the crisis began, Sirisena said Sunday he sacked Wickremesinghe over personal differences.

"Apart from our ideological differences, we also had serious cultural differences," Sirisena said, referring to Wickremesinghe's liberal background and his own rural conservative upbringing.

He said he had no choice but to appoint Rajapakse, and urged parliament to support him.

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 visited a Buddhist temple Sunday in the central district of Kandy to seek blessings from monks.

Plans to appoint some cabinet members had been delayed until Monday, aides said. Rajapakse 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.&nbsp;

'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.

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 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.

A constitutional crisis gripping Sri Lanka since the president's shock dismissal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe erupted into violence Sunday, with a man shot dead and two others injured in Colombo.

A constitutional crisis gripping Sri Lanka since the president's shock dismissal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe erupted into violence Sunday, with a man shot dead and two others injured in Colombo. Police said bodyguards for a Sri Lankan cabinet minister allied to Wickremesinghe fired live rounds inside a government ministry as a mob loyal to President Maithripala Sirisena besieged the minister's office. Three people were injured but a 34-year-old man died shortly after. It was the first fatality since Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on Friday and installed a former strongman as prime minister, triggering political chaos in the Indian Ocean nation. Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate the prime minister's official residence, barricading himself inside as 1,000 supporters, including chanting Buddhist monks, rallied outside. The 69-year-old says his sacking is illegal, and wants an emergency session of parliament held to prove he still commands a majority. Sirisena shut parliament for nearly three weeks to forestall any challenge to his appointment of Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of wartime abuses. Rajapakse sought blessings at a prominent Buddhist temple Sunday as he jostled to consolidate his claim to the prime ministership. But Wickremesinghe got a boost as Sri Lanka's parliamentary speaker refused to endorse his sacking. Karu Jayasuriya backed Wickremesinghe's request to retain his privileges and security until another candidate could prove a majority in parliament, saying it was "democratic and fair." He also warned the president that shuttering parliament risked "serious and undesirable consequences for the country". Officials loyal to Rajapakse said police will now seek a court order to evict Wickremesinghe from the residence, threatening to escalate the standoff. Soldiers had been stationed near the residence, although Wickremesinghe's security and official cars were withdrawn Saturday. Tensions were high across Colombo, with police leave cancelled amid warnings street violence could break out 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. Regional neighbours and Western nations have urged all sides to exercise restraint and respect the constitution. Shooting But violence broke out inside the petroleum ministry as police guarding Minister Arjuna Ranatunga fired on a mob surrounded his office. Witnesses saw Ranatunga, 54, also a former World Cup winning cricket captain, rushed from the scene in a tactical helmet and body armour by police commandos. In his first televised address to the nation since the crisis began, Sirisena said Sunday he sacked Wickremesinghe over personal differences. "Apart from our ideological differences, we also had serious cultural differences," Sirisena said, referring to Wickremesinghe's liberal background and his own rural conservative upbringing. He said he had no choice but to appoint Rajapakse, and urged parliament to support him. 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 visited a Buddhist temple Sunday in the central district of Kandy to seek blessings from monks. Plans to appoint some cabinet members had been delayed until Monday, aides said. Rajapakse 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. '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. 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 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.

One dead in Sri Lanka shooting as constitutional crisis escalates

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

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

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

Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Jayasuriya recognises Wickremesinghe as prime minister

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

Sacked Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday demanded the parliament speaker call an emergency session so he can prove his majority, officials said.

Wickremesinghe sent a letter to Karu Jayasuriya seeking a reconvening of the assembly which was only scheduled to meet again on November 5 to debate the 2019 budget.

"The prime minister (Wickremesinghe) wants to show his majority in parliament," an official from his office said as the country was plunged into a constitutional crisis after he was sacked and former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse was sworn in as the new premier.

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.

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.

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.

Sacked Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday demanded the parliament speaker call an emergency session so he can prove his majority, officials said.

Sacked Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday demanded the parliament speaker call an emergency session so he can prove his majority, officials said. Wickremesinghe sent a letter to Karu Jayasuriya seeking a reconvening of the assembly which was only scheduled to meet again on November 5 to debate the 2019 budget. "The prime minister (Wickremesinghe) wants to show his majority in parliament," an official from his office said as the country was plunged into a constitutional crisis after he was sacked and former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse was sworn in as the new premier. 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. 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. 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.

Ousted Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe seeks emergency parliament session

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;
</div>

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-man-charged-in-connection-with-14-bombs-sent-to-trump-critics-173730">US: Florida man charged with mailing 13 bombs to Trump critics</a>

A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections.

Cesar Sayoc, 56, a registered Republican with a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, was born in New York and lived in a van covered in pro-Trump and anti-liberal stickers. He was arrested outside a Florida mall.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-political-tension-us-urges-sri-lankan-parties-to-follow-constitution-173736">Follow Constitution, US tells Sri Lanka after PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is sacked</a>

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.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-shishir-hattangadi-ready-to-testify-against-bcci-ceo-rahul-johri-173748">#MeToo: Ex-Mumbai captain ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri</a>

Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi has said he is ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri who has accused of sexual misconduct.

In a tweet on Friday, Hattangadi said he would assist the BCCI in the Rahul Johri case. Hattangadi said he was exercising his responsibility as a former captain.

He also tweeted that individuals cannot be above the game.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bomb-stuff-slowing-republican-momentum-at-polls-trump-173741">'Bomb stuff' slowing Republican momentum at polls: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that news coverage of the pipe bombs targeting high-profile Democratic politicians and critics of the president had drowned out other stories and slowed Republican momentum ahead of congressional elections.

"Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this 'Bomb' stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows - news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on," Trump wrote on Twitter as he urged Republicans to get out to vote.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746">US Defence Secretary Mattis approves </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746">request</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746"> to send </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746"> to Mexico border</a>

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Friday approved a request to send troops and military assistance to the US-Mexico border -- part of President Donald Trump's effort to slow illegal crossings in the run-up to key elections.

A Pentagon statement said the support would come in the form of logistical and engineering assistance, including the construction of "temporary barriers, barricades and fencing." 
 
&nbsp;

US: Florida man charged with mailing 13 bombs to Trump critics A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections.

US: Florida man charged with mailing 13 bombs to Trump critics A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections. Cesar Sayoc, 56, a registered Republican with a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, was born in New York and lived in a van covered in pro-Trump and anti-liberal stickers. He was arrested outside a Florida mall. Follow Constitution, US tells Sri Lanka after PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is sacked 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. #MeToo: Ex-Mumbai captain ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi has said he is ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri who has accused of sexual misconduct. In a tweet on Friday, Hattangadi said he would assist the BCCI in the Rahul Johri case. Hattangadi said he was exercising his responsibility as a former captain. He also tweeted that individuals cannot be above the game. 'Bomb stuff' slowing Republican momentum at polls: Trump US President Donald Trump said on Friday that news coverage of the pipe bombs targeting high-profile Democratic politicians and critics of the president had drowned out other stories and slowed Republican momentum ahead of congressional elections. "Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this 'Bomb' stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows - news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on," Trump wrote on Twitter as he urged Republicans to get out to vote. US Defence Secretary Mattis approves request to send army to Mexico border Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Friday approved a request to send troops and military assistance to the US-Mexico border -- part of President Donald Trump's effort to slow illegal crossings in the run-up to key elections. A Pentagon statement said the support would come in the form of logistical and engineering assistance, including the construction of "temporary barriers, barricades and fencing."

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

Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was sacked as prime minister of Sri Lanka,&nbsp;told a local television channel that he was still the prime minister according to the constitution, despite President Maithripala Sirisena swearing in his predecessor<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-ex-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-new-prime-minister-173703"> Mahinda Rajapaksa </a>earlier in the day, Reuters reported.

"I retain the confidence of the house. I am the prime minister and I have the majority. According to the constitution, I'm the prime minister," Wickremesinghe said.

Wickremesinghe said he will challenge his ouster in court.

"This is not legal," he said, referring to his dismissal and the appointment of controversial former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse to replace him. "I will go to court."

Wickremesinghe said he still retained a majority in the 225-member parliament, although Sirisena's United People's Freedom Alliance had withdrawn from the coalition government shortly before his sacking.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was sacked as prime minister of Sri Lanka, told a local television channel that he was still the prime minister according to the constitution, despite President Maithripala Sirisena swearing in his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier in the day, Reuters reported.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was sacked as prime minister of Sri Lanka, told a local television channel that he was still the prime minister according to the constitution, despite President Maithripala Sirisena swearing in his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier in the day, Reuters reported. "I retain the confidence of the house. I am the prime minister and I have the majority. According to the constitution, I'm the prime minister," Wickremesinghe said. Wickremesinghe said he will challenge his ouster in court. "This is not legal," he said, referring to his dismissal and the appointment of controversial former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse to replace him. "I will go to court." Wickremesinghe said he still retained a majority in the 225-member parliament, although Sirisena's United People's Freedom Alliance had withdrawn from the coalition government shortly before his sacking. (With inputs from agencies)

Ranil Wickremesinghe says he is still Sri Lanka PM, will challenge ouster in court

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 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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday and discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

The two leaders held talks at the Hyderabad House here on the third day and final day of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's India visit.

"Special place in our hearts for Sri Lanka. PM Narendra Modi welcomes the Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. At the delegation level talks, the leaders took stock of the entire range of our bilateral relations, specially the development projects in Sri Lanka," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders at the Hyderabad House.

During the visit, the two sides reviewed the status of the India-assisted housing projects in Jaffna. They were also expected to deliberate on the Tamil issue -- the reconciliation process and devolution of powers in Tamil-dominated areas.

Wickremesinghe's India visit comes in the backdrop of controversial media reports that Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has accused Indian intelligence agency RAW of plotting his assassination, a claim firmly rejected as "false" by Colombo.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also separately called on the visiting Lankan leader.

Wickremesinghe and Singh discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

In her meeting with the Lankan premier, Swaraj also reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security.

On Friday, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi met Wickremesinghe and discussed cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday and discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday and discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation. The two leaders held talks at the Hyderabad House here on the third day and final day of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's India visit. "Special place in our hearts for Sri Lanka. PM Narendra Modi welcomes the Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. At the delegation level talks, the leaders took stock of the entire range of our bilateral relations, specially the development projects in Sri Lanka," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders at the Hyderabad House. During the visit, the two sides reviewed the status of the India-assisted housing projects in Jaffna. They were also expected to deliberate on the Tamil issue -- the reconciliation process and devolution of powers in Tamil-dominated areas. Wickremesinghe's India visit comes in the backdrop of controversial media reports that Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has accused Indian intelligence agency RAW of plotting his assassination, a claim firmly rejected as "false" by Colombo. Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also separately called on the visiting Lankan leader. Wickremesinghe and Singh discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. In her meeting with the Lankan premier, Swaraj also reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation. Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security. On Friday, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi met Wickremesinghe and discussed cooperation between the two countries.

PM Modi holds talk with Sri Lankan counterpart; discusses India-assisted development projects in Lanka

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

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI.

The two leaders also&nbsp;discussed ways to boost ties between the two countries, the report added.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called on Wickremesinghe and discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

"Continuing commitment to deepen our partnership with a close friend. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP. Exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewed progress on development projects," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after the meeting.

The Lankan PM also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security.&nbsp;

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI. The two leaders also discussed ways to boost ties between the two countries, the report added. Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called on Wickremesinghe and discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. "Continuing commitment to deepen our partnership with a close friend. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP. Exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewed progress on development projects," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after the meeting. The Lankan PM also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security. Delhi: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/6FC2xMeNmK — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh meet Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe

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 Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has rejected US' claim that China might set up a "forward military base" at a strategic port it has leased to the communist nation, describing it as "imaginary".

Last year, Colombo had leased the Hambantota port to Beijing for 99 years after it failed to repay a Chinese loan of $ 1.4 billion for the project.

China gaining the control of the port has raised concerns that the country could use the harbour for military purposes.

Addressing a programme at London's Oxford University on Monday, Wickremesinghe said some people are seeing "imaginary Chinese Naval bases in Sri Lanka. Whereas the Hambantota Port is a commercial joint venture between our Ports Authority and China Merchants - a company listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange."&nbsp;

"There are no foreign naval bases in Sri Lanka," he emphasised.

His comments came days after US Vice-President Mike Pence alleged China of using "debt diplomacy" to expand its global influence and said that Hambantota "may soon become a forward military base for China's growing blue-water navy".&nbsp;

Several media reports suggested that the deepwater port, which is near a main shipping route between Asia and Europe, is likely to play a major role in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;

The BRI, also known as the Silk Road Economic Belt, is a development strategy proposed by the Chinese government which focuses on connectivity and cooperation between Eurasian countries.

The Chinese government calls the initiative "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future". However, other nations, including India, see it as a push by Beijing to take a larger role in global affairs with a China-centred trading network.&nbsp;

India's has been vocal in expressing its opposition to the BRI, which includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Wickremesinghe said Lankan Navy's Southern Command was being relocated in the Hambantota port to control security and "the US Defence Department has been briefed on these developments".&nbsp;

He said Sri Lanka was also concluding a commercial agreement that would see the Airport Authority of India (AAI) taking over the control of the Hambantota airport, which was built with high-interest commercial loan from China.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister said, "In this atmosphere of suspicion, many countries fear that the South China Sea issues can spill over, leading to future militarisation and military competition in the Indian Ocean."

"This has resulted in a number of stakeholders intensifying their interest and presence in the Indian Ocean by expanding their fleets, upgrading their bases, securing access to foreign ports, and aggressive naval posturing via joint exercises, extended sorties, and live-fire drills.

"The Indian Ocean region requires a common understanding that will ensure peace and stability within the region...There is also a need to work towards building a regional framework for both trade and security while ensuring that the region remains free, open and inclusive...The interests of the smaller states are best served by advocating for and upholding a rule-based order in the region," he said.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has rejected US' claim that China might set up a "forward military base" at a strategic port it has leased to the communist nation, describing it as "imaginary".

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has rejected US' claim that China might set up a "forward military base" at a strategic port it has leased to the communist nation, describing it as "imaginary". Last year, Colombo had leased the Hambantota port to Beijing for 99 years after it failed to repay a Chinese loan of $ 1.4 billion for the project. China gaining the control of the port has raised concerns that the country could use the harbour for military purposes. Addressing a programme at London's Oxford University on Monday, Wickremesinghe said some people are seeing "imaginary Chinese Naval bases in Sri Lanka. Whereas the Hambantota Port is a commercial joint venture between our Ports Authority and China Merchants - a company listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange." "There are no foreign naval bases in Sri Lanka," he emphasised. His comments came days after US Vice-President Mike Pence alleged China of using "debt diplomacy" to expand its global influence and said that Hambantota "may soon become a forward military base for China's growing blue-water navy". Several media reports suggested that the deepwater port, which is near a main shipping route between Asia and Europe, is likely to play a major role in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, also known as the Silk Road Economic Belt, is a development strategy proposed by the Chinese government which focuses on connectivity and cooperation between Eurasian countries. The Chinese government calls the initiative "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future". However, other nations, including India, see it as a push by Beijing to take a larger role in global affairs with a China-centred trading network. India's has been vocal in expressing its opposition to the BRI, which includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Wickremesinghe said Lankan Navy's Southern Command was being relocated in the Hambantota port to control security and "the US Defence Department has been briefed on these developments". He said Sri Lanka was also concluding a commercial agreement that would see the Airport Authority of India (AAI) taking over the control of the Hambantota airport, which was built with high-interest commercial loan from China. The Prime Minister said, "In this atmosphere of suspicion, many countries fear that the South China Sea issues can spill over, leading to future militarisation and military competition in the Indian Ocean." "This has resulted in a number of stakeholders intensifying their interest and presence in the Indian Ocean by expanding their fleets, upgrading their bases, securing access to foreign ports, and aggressive naval posturing via joint exercises, extended sorties, and live-fire drills. "The Indian Ocean region requires a common understanding that will ensure peace and stability within the region...There is also a need to work towards building a regional framework for both trade and security while ensuring that the region remains free, open and inclusive...The interests of the smaller states are best served by advocating for and upholding a rule-based order in the region," he said.

Sri Lanka rejects US claims, says no Chinese military base at port

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