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

The US State Department on Sunday called on Sri Lanka's president to "immediately reconvene parliament" to allow representatives there to quell a violent constitutional crisis sparked by the prime minister's sudden sacking.

"We&nbsp;urge all sides to refrain from intimidation and&nbsp;violence," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We call on the President, in consultation with the Speaker, to immediately&nbsp;reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfill their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government."

President Maithripala Sirisena fired Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and installed a former strongman as the new prime minister, triggering political chaos in the Indian Ocean nation.

Police said one man was killed and two people were injured &nbsp;Sunday when bodyguards for Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, a Wickremesinghe loyalist, fired live rounds as a mob allied to the president threatened the cabinet member.

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.

The US State Department on Sunday called on Sri Lanka's president to "immediately reconvene parliament" to allow representatives there to quell a violent constitutional crisis sparked by the prime minister's sudden sacking.

The US State Department on Sunday called on Sri Lanka's president to "immediately reconvene parliament" to allow representatives there to quell a violent constitutional crisis sparked by the prime minister's sudden sacking. "We urge all sides to refrain from intimidation and violence," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "We call on the President, in consultation with the Speaker, to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfill their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government." President Maithripala Sirisena fired Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and installed a former strongman as the new prime minister, triggering political chaos in the Indian Ocean nation. Police said one man was killed and two people were injured Sunday when bodyguards for Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, a Wickremesinghe loyalist, fired live rounds as a mob allied to the president threatened the cabinet member. 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.

US urges Sri Lanka president to 'immediately reconvene parliament'

Sri Lankan parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned Monday that the country's political crisis could turn into a "bloodbath" unless lawmakers were allowed to resolve a power struggle between the president and his ousted premier.

"We should settle this through parliament, but if we take it out to the streets, there will be a huge bloodbath," Jayasuriya told reporters.

He said he had urged President Maithripala Sirisena, whose sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday unleashed the tensions, to let Wickremesinghe prove his majority on the floor of the House.

After sacking Wickremesinghe, the president appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse as the prime minister, leaving the country with two people claiming to run the government.

Sri Lankan parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned Monday that the country's political crisis could turn into a "bloodbath" unless lawmakers were allowed to resolve a power struggle between the president and his ousted premier.

Sri Lankan parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned Monday that the country's political crisis could turn into a "bloodbath" unless lawmakers were allowed to resolve a power struggle between the president and his ousted premier. "We should settle this through parliament, but if we take it out to the streets, there will be a huge bloodbath," Jayasuriya told reporters. He said he had urged President Maithripala Sirisena, whose sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday unleashed the tensions, to let Wickremesinghe prove his majority on the floor of the House. After sacking Wickremesinghe, the president appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse as the prime minister, leaving the country with two people claiming to run the government.

Parliament speaker warns of 'bloodbath' in Sri Lanka crisis

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

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

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

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

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

An Indian national who was aware of an alleged plot to assassinate Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has been arrested, a court was told.

The Indian national, identified as M Thomas by Lankan media, was arrested on Tuesday from the residence of the Anti Corruption Movement operations director Namal Kumara, who exposed the assassination plot, CID Chief Inspector Ranjith Munasinghe informed the Fort Magistrate Court.

Magistrate Jayaratne instructed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to further interrogate Thomas and report the findings to the court.

Thomas was arrested when he visited Kumara's home at Warakapola in the southwestern region.

Kumara had revealed that former in-charge of the Terrorist Investigation Division DIG Nalaka de Silva had discussed with him the alleged plot to kill Sirisena and the former Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the court was told.

Silva was questioned by the CID on Kumara's revelations. He has been transferred out of the terrorism bureau pending investigations.

Thomas who was taken into custody for his alleged links to Kumara, arrived in the country on a tourist visa, which he overstayed, the court was told.

Meanwhile, the court has ordered to check the authenticity of sound tapes which Kumara had produced purported to be conversations between him and Silva.&nbsp;

An Indian national who was aware of an alleged plot to assassinate Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has been arrested, a court was told. The Indian national, identified as M Thomas by Lankan media, was arrested on Tuesday from the residence of the Anti Corruption Movement operations director Namal Kumara, who exposed the assassination plot, CID Chief Inspector Ranjith Munasinghe informed the Fort Magistrate Court.

An Indian national who was aware of an alleged plot to assassinate Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has been arrested, a court was told. The Indian national, identified as M Thomas by Lankan media, was arrested on Tuesday from the residence of the Anti Corruption Movement operations director Namal Kumara, who exposed the assassination plot, CID Chief Inspector Ranjith Munasinghe informed the Fort Magistrate Court. Magistrate Jayaratne instructed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to further interrogate Thomas and report the findings to the court. Thomas was arrested when he visited Kumara's home at Warakapola in the southwestern region. Kumara had revealed that former in-charge of the Terrorist Investigation Division DIG Nalaka de Silva had discussed with him the alleged plot to kill Sirisena and the former Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the court was told. Silva was questioned by the CID on Kumara's revelations. He has been transferred out of the terrorism bureau pending investigations. Thomas who was taken into custody for his alleged links to Kumara, arrived in the country on a tourist visa, which he overstayed, the court was told. Meanwhile, the court has ordered to check the authenticity of sound tapes which Kumara had produced purported to be conversations between him and Silva.

Indian national aware of alleged plot to kill Sri Lankan President arrested

Iran has invited Sri Lanka to attend the 12th Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), which is to be held in Tehran in August.

Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mohammad Zaerl Amirani met with S Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on Monday and said the State visit by Sri Lankan delegation led by President Maithripala Sirisena to Teheran last month was very good and productive, Colombo Page reported.

Amirani said that five Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) were signed between the two countries in Tehran during Sirisena's visit.

The 5 MoUs, including fight against drug trafficking, health, standardization, film industry and exchange of students are to provide great benefits to Sri Lanka.

Bathiudeen welcomed Amirani's invitation and appreciated the warm hospitality extended by Iran last month.

The series of JCEC has been helpful in advancing the relations between the two countries, he added.

He also said it is time to diversify our exports basket to Iran and August JCEC can help us do that.

The 11th JCEC was held in February 2016 in Colombo.

Amirani said that five Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) were signed between the two countries in Tehran during Sirisena's visit

Iran has invited Sri Lanka to attend the 12th Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), which is to be held in Tehran in August. Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mohammad Zaerl Amirani met with S Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on Monday and said the State visit by Sri Lankan delegation led by President Maithripala Sirisena to Teheran last month was very good and productive, Colombo Page reported. Amirani said that five Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) were signed between the two countries in Tehran during Sirisena's visit. The 5 MoUs, including fight against drug trafficking, health, standardization, film industry and exchange of students are to provide great benefits to Sri Lanka. Bathiudeen welcomed Amirani's invitation and appreciated the warm hospitality extended by Iran last month. The series of JCEC has been helpful in advancing the relations between the two countries, he added. He also said it is time to diversify our exports basket to Iran and August JCEC can help us do that. The 11th JCEC was held in February 2016 in Colombo.

Iran invites Sri Lanka for Joint Economic Commission talks in Tehran

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani today. Sirisena is on a two-day visit to Iran.

Sri Lanka and Iran will aim at strengthening economic and trade ties. Both the leaders are likely to sign new Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs).

Sirisena will also attend an investment and trade event organised by the Iran Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Iran, one of the largest oil and natural gas producing and exporting nations in the world, assists numerous development activities in Sri Lanka.

Tehran has invested in Sri Lanka's oil refinery to double its output capacity. Rouhani-led regime also supports Sri Lanka's rural electricity demand.

This will be Sirisena's first state visit to Iran after assuming office as Sri Lanka's president.

Tehran has invested in Sri Lanka's oil refinery to double its output capacity

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani today. Sirisena is on a two-day visit to Iran. Sri Lanka and Iran will aim at strengthening economic and trade ties. Both the leaders are likely to sign new Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs). Sirisena will also attend an investment and trade event organised by the Iran Chamber of Commerce. Iran, one of the largest oil and natural gas producing and exporting nations in the world, assists numerous development activities in Sri Lanka. Tehran has invested in Sri Lanka's oil refinery to double its output capacity. Rouhani-led regime also supports Sri Lanka's rural electricity demand. This will be Sirisena's first state visit to Iran after assuming office as Sri Lanka's president.

Sirisena. Rouhani meet to strengthen economic, trade ties

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena today asked all political parties to join hands to work for a better future for the country, amid a deepening power struggle between him and his unity government's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena's remarks came as he wished the countrymen on the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Wickremesinghe last week won the motion of no confidence moved by the joint opposition and backed by Sirisena's ministers.

"I expect the support of all political parties to take forward the government's work. I asked all political parties represented in parliament to join hands to work for a better future for the country," a statement quoted him as saying.

Sirisena said his decision to suspend the parliamentary sessions until May 8 has been misinterpreted.

In an apparent reference to the no confidence motion, Sirisena says, "I decided to end the current session in view of the recent conflicting situation prevailed in parliament. It is time to open a new session with a new programme outline by the government."&nbsp 
&nbsp

Sirisena's remarks came as he wished the countrymen on the Sinhala and Tamil New Year

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena today asked all political parties to join hands to work for a better future for the country, amid a deepening power struggle between him and his unity government's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Sirisena's remarks came as he wished the countrymen on the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Wickremesinghe last week won the motion of no confidence moved by the joint opposition and backed by Sirisena's ministers. "I expect the support of all political parties to take forward the government's work. I asked all political parties represented in parliament to join hands to work for a better future for the country," a statement quoted him as saying. Sirisena said his decision to suspend the parliamentary sessions until May 8 has been misinterpreted. In an apparent reference to the no confidence motion, Sirisena says, "I decided to end the current session in view of the recent conflicting situation prevailed in parliament. It is time to open a new session with a new programme outline by the government."

Sri Lanka: Sirisena asks all parties to work together

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has expressed hope that incumbent Maithripala Sirisena - who was responsible for his ouster in 2015 - will support a no-confidence motion backed by the Joint Opposition against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The motion scheduled for April 4 was handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya by the Joint Opposition last week against Wickremesinghe, accusing him of financial mismanagement and failing to tackle anti-Muslim riots early this month in the central Kandy district.

"It is now up to the President (Sirisena) to ensure the victory of the motion by getting his SLFP members to support it," Rajapaksa told reporters.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which is part of the unity government with Wickremesinghe is yet to decide on the way they will vote on the motion.

Wickremesinghe, 68, had resisted a call from Sirisena to resign following a crushing defeat to Rajapaksa's new party Sri Lanka People's Front in the February 10 local election.

It is no secret that Sirisena wants Wickremesinghe's ouster so that he could replace him with his own choice.

Wickremesinghe was recently replaced as law and order minister after clashes erupted in the Kandy district. Last week, the president also removed key institutions, including the Central Bank, from the control of Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena in 2015 quit the Rajapaksa government to join hands with Wickremesinghe, the then main opposition leader, to defeat Rajapaksa in the presidential election ending his 10-year rule.

Rajapaksa said if Wickremesinghe were to be defeated in the motion on April 4, the Joint Opposition would press Sirisena to dissolve parliament to hold a fresh election for parliament.

Constitutionally, the current parliament could not be dissolved before February 2020. It requires a motion adopted with 2/3rds in the 225 member assembly to call for snap elections.

Rajapaksa is constitutionally barred from contesting for the presidential election for a third time. However, he can become the prime minister.

The motion scheduled for April 4 was handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya by the Joint Opposition last week against Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has expressed hope that incumbent Maithripala Sirisena - who was responsible for his ouster in 2015 - will support a no-confidence motion backed by the Joint Opposition against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The motion scheduled for April 4 was handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya by the Joint Opposition last week against Wickremesinghe, accusing him of financial mismanagement and failing to tackle anti-Muslim riots early this month in the central Kandy district. "It is now up to the President (Sirisena) to ensure the victory of the motion by getting his SLFP members to support it," Rajapaksa told reporters. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which is part of the unity government with Wickremesinghe is yet to decide on the way they will vote on the motion. Wickremesinghe, 68, had resisted a call from Sirisena to resign following a crushing defeat to Rajapaksa's new party Sri Lanka People's Front in the February 10 local election. It is no secret that Sirisena wants Wickremesinghe's ouster so that he could replace him with his own choice. Wickremesinghe was recently replaced as law and order minister after clashes erupted in the Kandy district. Last week, the president also removed key institutions, including the Central Bank, from the control of Wickremesinghe. Sirisena in 2015 quit the Rajapaksa government to join hands with Wickremesinghe, the then main opposition leader, to defeat Rajapaksa in the presidential election ending his 10-year rule. Rajapaksa said if Wickremesinghe were to be defeated in the motion on April 4, the Joint Opposition would press Sirisena to dissolve parliament to hold a fresh election for parliament. Constitutionally, the current parliament could not be dissolved before February 2020. It requires a motion adopted with 2/3rds in the 225 member assembly to call for snap elections. Rajapaksa is constitutionally barred from contesting for the presidential election for a third time. However, he can become the prime minister.

Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa hopes Sirisena will back no-confidence motion against PM

Sri Lanka&#39;s ruling party has urged President Maithripala Sirisena to sack Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe for criticising the government&#39;s US $ 1.1 billion deal with China to develop the strategic Hambantota port. 
Sri Lanka on July 29 signed the deal to sell a 70-per cent stake in the port to a state-run Chinese firm, a move that could raise security concerns in India. 
Rajapakshe was accused of violating collective responsibility at the United National Party (UNP) working committee meeting held last week. 
He was asked to correct his statement which was critical of the government&#39;s deal with China, but he did not respond positively to the request. 
Rajapakshe was quoted as saying that the port deal was the betrayal of the country&#39;s sovereignty and he would make sure that the port is taken back from China. 
UNP general secretary Kabir Hashim said the UNP has requested Sirisena to remove Rajapakshe form the Cabinet. 
Under the 99-year lease agreement, China&#39;s state-run conglomerate China Merchant Port Holdings is to invest up to US $ 1.1 billion in the port and marine-related activities. 
The accumulated loss from the port was more than US $&nbsp;300 million and the money realised from deal will set off the debts owed to China, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had said. 
Rajapakshe, who is also the minister in charge of the Buddhist order, was previously accused of aiding and abetting an extremist Buddhist monk who was promoting violence against the Muslim minority. 
The UNP has also charged that Rajapakshe as the Minister of Justice had hampered the investigations against the family of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose nearly a decade- long rule was ended by Sirisena in 2015. 
The UNP said that investigations against former strongman Rajapaksa and his followers on alleged misdeeds had taken over two and a half years, and Rajapakshe was responsible for deliberate slowing down of investigations. 
Rajapakshe denied the accusation, saying it was not proper for the government to interfere in the judiciary.

Justice Minister Rajapakshe was accused of violating collective responsibility at the United National Party (UNP) working committee meeting held last week

Sri Lanka's ruling party has urged President Maithripala Sirisena to sack Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe for criticising the government's US $ 1.1 billion deal with China to develop the strategic Hambantota port. Sri Lanka on July 29 signed the deal to sell a 70-per cent stake in the port to a state-run Chinese firm, a move that could raise security concerns in India. Rajapakshe was accused of violating collective responsibility at the United National Party (UNP) working committee meeting held last week. He was asked to correct his statement which was critical of the government's deal with China, but he did not respond positively to the request. Rajapakshe was quoted as saying that the port deal was the betrayal of the country's sovereignty and he would make sure that the port is taken back from China. UNP general secretary Kabir Hashim said the UNP has requested Sirisena to remove Rajapakshe form the Cabinet. Under the 99-year lease agreement, China's state-run conglomerate China Merchant Port Holdings is to invest up to US $ 1.1 billion in the port and marine-related activities. The accumulated loss from the port was more than US $ 300 million and the money realised from deal will set off the debts owed to China, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had said. Rajapakshe, who is also the minister in charge of the Buddhist order, was previously accused of aiding and abetting an extremist Buddhist monk who was promoting violence against the Muslim minority. The UNP has also charged that Rajapakshe as the Minister of Justice had hampered the investigations against the family of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose nearly a decade- long rule was ended by Sirisena in 2015. The UNP said that investigations against former strongman Rajapaksa and his followers on alleged misdeeds had taken over two and a half years, and Rajapakshe was responsible for deliberate slowing down of investigations. Rajapakshe denied the accusation, saying it was not proper for the government to interfere in the judiciary.

Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena asked to sack down Justice Minsiter.

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