Sri Lanka is facing a fresh political and judicial controversy as the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), the country’s main Tamil political party, demands a national referendum on the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

The controversial amendment seeks to extend the retirement age of judges across Sri Lanka’s higher courts. Under the proposed changes, the retirement age for Supreme Court judges would increase from 65 to 67, while Court of Appeal judges would retire at 65 instead of 63.

The bill also proposes a retirement age of 62 for High Court, District Court and Magistrates’ Court judges.

ITAK argues that the proposed constitutional amendment directly concerns the sovereignty of the people and should therefore be put to a public vote. The demand has added to a growing debate over judicial independence and the separation of powers in Sri Lanka.

The bill has been on the Sri Lankan Parliament’s order paper since August 18 and is expected to move to its second reading after the Supreme Court delivers its decision on petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed amendment.

Sri Lanka Judges’ Retirement Age Row: ITAK Calls For Referendum On 22nd Amendment

In pics | History of parliament attacks

Sri Lanka gets its new President as Ranil Wickremesinghe, six-time Prime Minister and a veteran politician takes oath today in the Lankan parliament, he has been appointed as the eighth executive President of the islands nation.

Ranil Wickremesinghe likely to retain Presidential post till 2024

Sri Lankan parliament was convened on Saturday where the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was read. In the letter, he defended himself and listed the reasons why the island country plunged into one of its worst economic crises.

&nbsp;“I served my motherland to the best of my ability, and I will continue to do so in the future,” he said in his letter, which was read aloud by Dhammika Dasanayake, Secretary-General of Parliament.

The 73-year-old Sri Lankan leader said that the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown choked Sri Lanka’s economy, according to PTI news agency.

He said that he tried to take the appropriate steps to salvage the country by forming an all-party government to counter the economic meltdown.

“I took action to protect people from the pandemic despite being constrained by the already poor economic environment that prevailed at the time,” he said.

“During 2020 and 2021 I was compelled to order lockdowns and the foreign exchange situation deteriorated. In my view, I took the best course of action by suggesting an all-party or a national government to tackle the situation,” Rajapaksa said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Secretary-General of Parliament reads the letter of resignation by <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GotabayaR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://t.co/OIPJyqbEez">pic.twitter.com/OIPJyqbEez</a>
— Kalani Kumarasinghe (@KalaniWrites) <a href="https://twitter.com/KalaniWrites/status/1548169464608219139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“I decided to resign as you indicated to me on July 9 the wish of the party leaders,” he said in the letter.

“I resign with effect from July 14,” the letter read.

Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa have been barred by the Supreme Court to leave the country without permission until July 28, anti-corruption group Transparency International Sri Lanka said.

The top court’s decision follows days after their brother and former president Gotabya Rajapaksa fled the country as the protests intensified seeking his resignation.

The anti-corruption group in a tweet further said that three other former officials, including two former central bank governors, also cannot travel outside the country without the court's permission till July 28, the group said in a tweet.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Sri Lankan parliament was convened on Saturday where the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was read. In the letter, he defended himself and listed the reasons why the island country plunged into one of its worst economic crises.

Sri Lankan parliament was convened on Saturday where the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was read. In the letter, he defended himself and listed the reasons why the island country plunged into one of its worst economic crises. “I served my motherland to the best of my ability, and I will continue to do so in the future,” he said in his letter, which was read aloud by Dhammika Dasanayake, Secretary-General of Parliament. The 73-year-old Sri Lankan leader said that the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown choked Sri Lanka’s economy, according to PTI news agency. He said that he tried to take the appropriate steps to salvage the country by forming an all-party government to counter the economic meltdown. “I took action to protect people from the pandemic despite being constrained by the already poor economic environment that prevailed at the time,” he said. “During 2020 and 2021 I was compelled to order lockdowns and the foreign exchange situation deteriorated. In my view, I took the best course of action by suggesting an all-party or a national government to tackle the situation,” Rajapaksa said. Secretary-General of Parliament reads the letter of resignation by @GotabayaR #SriLanka #lka pic.twitter.com/OIPJyqbEez — Kalani Kumarasinghe (@KalaniWrites) July 16, 2022 × “I decided to resign as you indicated to me on July 9 the wish of the party leaders,” he said in the letter. “I resign with effect from July 14,” the letter read. Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa have been barred by the Supreme Court to leave the country without permission until July 28, anti-corruption group Transparency International Sri Lanka said. The top court’s decision follows days after their brother and former president Gotabya Rajapaksa fled the country as the protests intensified seeking his resignation. The anti-corruption group in a tweet further said that three other former officials, including two former central bank governors, also cannot travel outside the country without the court's permission till July 28, the group said in a tweet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa defends himself

Sri Lanka’s Parliament today elected ruling party lawmaker Ajith Rajapakse as its deputy speaker following a heated exchange between parliamentarians over his election.

Sri Lanka Parliament elect Ajith Rajapakse as new Deputy Speaker via secret ballot

Even after winning a two-thirds majority in Parliament, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is unable to push a bill that will give him more powers. Supreme Court has red-flagged 4 clauses, saying they need to be approved by the people. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Bill to give more powers to Sri Lankan President hits legal roadblocks

With 619 total positive coronavirus cases and 7 deaths, Sri Lanka has been subject to economic and health problems since it began the nationwide lockdown. As the country is trying to fight the war against the virus, the island is also facing political disturbances.

The number of positive cases increased tremendously after 30 new positive cases were&nbsp;reported in a Sri Lankan Navy facility few days ago. Colombo is one the worst-hit cities in the country with more than 150 cases.&nbsp;Health officials have said that&nbsp;they have increased the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and&nbsp;aim to conduct around 100 PCR tests in a day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sewage-new-way-to-deduct-prevalence-of-covid-19-by-scientists-295127">Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists</a>

Now, the country is also facing a huge cash crunch as the Parliament has been shut for the past few weeks with respect to the lockdown.&nbsp;Opposition MP and former finance minister Mangala Samaraweera demanded an&nbsp;immediate return of the 225-member assembly to avoid a financial crisis.

"Failure to do so, especially at a time of a pandemic is bound to have serious repercussions... in light of international obligations," Samaraweera said in a letter to the President.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-coronavirus-root-cause-or-bear-worse-pandemics-say-worlds-leading-scientists-295122" hreflang="en">Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists</a>

The opposition is accusing the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of using this&nbsp;lockdown to sidestep constitutional requirements, and have called on urgently&nbsp;recalling parliament, which was dissolved ahead of elections.

"The question is whether they want a parliament at all. To me it looks like they want to continue without a parliament," former legislator Harsha de Silva told a media organization.

The President has dismissed all accusations assuring that he means well for his citizens.

With 619 total positive coronavirus cases and 7 deaths, Sri Lanka has been subject to economic and health problems since it began the nationwide lockdown. As the country is trying to fight the war against the virus, the island is also facing political disturbances.

With 619 total positive coronavirus cases and 7 deaths, Sri Lanka has been subject to economic and health problems since it began the nationwide lockdown. As the country is trying to fight the war against the virus, the island is also facing political disturbances. The number of positive cases increased tremendously after 30 new positive cases were reported in a Sri Lankan Navy facility few days ago. Colombo is one the worst-hit cities in the country with more than 150 cases. Health officials have said that they have increased the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and aim to conduct around 100 PCR tests in a day. Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists Now, the country is also facing a huge cash crunch as the Parliament has been shut for the past few weeks with respect to the lockdown. Opposition MP and former finance minister Mangala Samaraweera demanded an immediate return of the 225-member assembly to avoid a financial crisis. "Failure to do so, especially at a time of a pandemic is bound to have serious repercussions... in light of international obligations," Samaraweera said in a letter to the President. Also read: Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists The opposition is accusing the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of using this lockdown to sidestep constitutional requirements, and have called on urgently recalling parliament, which was dissolved ahead of elections. "The question is whether they want a parliament at all. To me it looks like they want to continue without a parliament," former legislator Harsha de Silva told a media organization. The President has dismissed all accusations assuring that he means well for his citizens.

Sri Lanka in financial crisis as Parliament shuts due to coronavirus

Sri Lankan opposition parties on Monday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reconvene&nbsp;the dissolved parliament while pledging cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a joint statement signed by Party Leaders of the Opposition, including United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rishad Bathiudeen noted that against the backdrop of a public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps taken by Governments to control it, a range of new challenges have emerged in Sri Lanka as well.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sewage-new-way-to-deduct-prevalence-of-covid-19-by-scientists-295127">Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists</a>

"Getting appropriate and new legislation passed in order to meet the public health crisis and obtaining parliamentary sanction to the utilization of monies from the consolidated fund are some such important and urgent functions of parliament," the statement asserted.

It urged the president to use&nbsp;his discretionary powers under Article 70 (7) of the Constitution in order to tackle the challenges faced by the counrty due to coronavirus and ''respond positively to this offer of responsible cooperation by us at this critical time and revoke the proclamation dated 2 March 2020 dissolving parliament so that all of us can jointly fight to eradicate this virus."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-coronavirus-root-cause-or-bear-worse-pandemics-say-worlds-leading-scientists-295122" hreflang="en">Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists</a>

President Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called a snap election on April 25 to elect a new 225-member house.

The joint statement&nbsp;also noted that if further spreading of the pandemic is not decisively halted in the coming few weeks, the country will face the risk of the prevailing public health crisis being compounded by crisis situations in the economic, social, and political spheres too.

The statement followed Rajapaksa's assertion made at a meeting with the powerful Buddhist clergy on April 25 where the president told the monks that he would not at any cost recall the dissolved parliament.

However, the election commission last week postponed the parliamentary elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation.

The new date clashed with the constitutional imperative that the new parliament has to meet within three months since its dissolution, that is,&nbsp;June 2.

The opposition argues that Rajapaksa has no power to draw public finances after April 30, the date up to which the dismissed parliament had approved expenditure. Therefore, the action to recall parliament would allow the governance proper and lawful in compliance with the constitution.

&nbsp;

Sri Lankan opposition parties on Monday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reconvene the dissolved parliament while pledging cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lankan opposition parties on Monday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reconvene the dissolved parliament while pledging cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. In a joint statement signed by Party Leaders of the Opposition, including United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rishad Bathiudeen noted that against the backdrop of a public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps taken by Governments to control it, a range of new challenges have emerged in Sri Lanka as well. Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists "Getting appropriate and new legislation passed in order to meet the public health crisis and obtaining parliamentary sanction to the utilization of monies from the consolidated fund are some such important and urgent functions of parliament," the statement asserted. It urged the president to use his discretionary powers under Article 70 (7) of the Constitution in order to tackle the challenges faced by the counrty due to coronavirus and ''respond positively to this offer of responsible cooperation by us at this critical time and revoke the proclamation dated 2 March 2020 dissolving parliament so that all of us can jointly fight to eradicate this virus." Also read: Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists President Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called a snap election on April 25 to elect a new 225-member house. The joint statement also noted that if further spreading of the pandemic is not decisively halted in the coming few weeks, the country will face the risk of the prevailing public health crisis being compounded by crisis situations in the economic, social, and political spheres too. The statement followed Rajapaksa's assertion made at a meeting with the powerful Buddhist clergy on April 25 where the president told the monks that he would not at any cost recall the dissolved parliament. However, the election commission last week postponed the parliamentary elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation. The new date clashed with the constitutional imperative that the new parliament has to meet within three months since its dissolution, that is, June 2. The opposition argues that Rajapaksa has no power to draw public finances after April 30, the date up to which the dismissed parliament had approved expenditure. Therefore, the action to recall parliament would allow the governance proper and lawful in compliance with the constitution.

Sri Lankan opposition leaders request Rajapaksa to reconvene dissolved parliament

The Rajapaksas could trigger a snap parliamentary poll by dissolving the parliament. They are the front-runners for the election in April.

WION Edit: Rajapaksas eye majority in Sri Lankan Parliament

A report has claimed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa could dissolve the Sri Lankan Parliament. The move will trigger a snap parliamentary election. Take a look at our report.

Gravitas: Rajapaksa could dissolve the Sri Lankan Parliament

A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister announced the island nation is negotiating a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-china-watch-keenly-as-sri-lanka-negotiates-new-military-deal-with-us-234975">military pact with the US</a>, another controversial bill has stirred controversy there.

The draft bill at the centre of the controversy is the State Land (Special Provision) Bill which will enable Sri Lankan citizens to sell land.

Given the competition between China and the United States for influence in Sri Lanka, some political parties opposed to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe claim that it would allow American multinational companies to own large tracts of land.

The bill is the latest move by the Sri Lankan government to sell its assets. First, it gave the Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease, and then it okayed the Colombo port city - a billion-dollar project funded by China.

The draft State Land (Special Provisions) Bill was tabled in the federal legislature on June 28. Some Sri Lankans fear that people in debt would be tempted to sell the land to the highest bidder, possibly foreigners.

A few lawmakers are opposed to the government's proposal and have moved Sri Lanka's top court against the bill. The Sri Lankan media cited SLPF general secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara as alleging that although it appears that the bill is progressive and people-friendly, in reality it is an attempt by the government to allow foreigners to buy land in the island nation.

The opposition has claimed that Sri Lanka has always given land on a permit to farmers and others, but when ownership of the land is transferred via a deed, then the land can be sold and used for a different purpose other than for agriculture.

The United National Party (UNP) of PM Wickremesinghe, however, maintains that the bill will allow poor families to utilise their land more productively.

a UNP lawmaker, Thushara Indunil, is reported as saying that the people possess only a permit but no deed to legally claim ownership. In such a situation, they find it difficult to put the land to productive use or use the land as collateral.

A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister announced the island nation is negotiating a military pact with the US, another controversial bill has stirred controversy there.

A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister announced the island nation is negotiating a military pact with the US, another controversial bill has stirred controversy there. The draft bill at the centre of the controversy is the State Land (Special Provision) Bill which will enable Sri Lankan citizens to sell land. Given the competition between China and the United States for influence in Sri Lanka, some political parties opposed to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe claim that it would allow American multinational companies to own large tracts of land. The bill is the latest move by the Sri Lankan government to sell its assets. First, it gave the Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease, and then it okayed the Colombo port city - a billion-dollar project funded by China. The draft State Land (Special Provisions) Bill was tabled in the federal legislature on June 28. Some Sri Lankans fear that people in debt would be tempted to sell the land to the highest bidder, possibly foreigners. A few lawmakers are opposed to the government's proposal and have moved Sri Lanka's top court against the bill. The Sri Lankan media cited SLPF general secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara as alleging that although it appears that the bill is progressive and people-friendly, in reality it is an attempt by the government to allow foreigners to buy land in the island nation. The opposition has claimed that Sri Lanka has always given land on a permit to farmers and others, but when ownership of the land is transferred via a deed, then the land can be sold and used for a different purpose other than for agriculture. The United National Party (UNP) of PM Wickremesinghe, however, maintains that the bill will allow poor families to utilise their land more productively. a UNP lawmaker, Thushara Indunil, is reported as saying that the people possess only a permit but no deed to legally claim ownership. In such a situation, they find it difficult to put the land to productive use or use the land as collateral.

Draft bill stirs row in Sri Lanka, many fear it will allow foreigners to usurp land

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankan-parliament-official-among-six-arrested-for-alleged-links-with-ntj-220181/amp">Sri Lankan Parliament</a> has unanimously approved the formation of a select committee to look into the factors that led to the Easter Sunday bombings and come up with possible measures to avoid such attacks in future, according to a media report.

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and injuring over 500 others.

The motion to set up the committee, which will have 12 members, was passed unanimously in Parliament on Wednesday. The Speaker will nominate the committee chairperson and its members.

The committee would investigate whether the law enforcement authorities possessed prior intelligence relating to the attacks, if there were deficiencies in the state machinery that led to such attacks or whether any other factors contributed to such terrorist attacks, the Times Online reported on Wednesday.

The committee would also look into what action should be taken to prevent such attacks in the future and if there are any other matters connected.

It will have powers to fix its quorum, demand papers and records, summon any person to Parliament or before the committee.

It will also have powers to interview witnesses under oath, conduct meetings outside Parliament in any part of the country and to obtain the services of specialists and experts in the relevant fields to assist the committee.

The committee will be given the authority to submit interim reports and to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of Parliament.

The committee will have to present a report to Parliament within three months of the date of its first sitting, the report said.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Parliament has unanimously approved the formation of a select committee to look into the factors that led to the Easter Sunday bombings and come up with possible measures to avoid such attacks in future, according to a media report.

The Sri Lankan Parliament has unanimously approved the formation of a select committee to look into the factors that led to the Easter Sunday bombings and come up with possible measures to avoid such attacks in future, according to a media report. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and injuring over 500 others. The motion to set up the committee, which will have 12 members, was passed unanimously in Parliament on Wednesday. The Speaker will nominate the committee chairperson and its members. The committee would investigate whether the law enforcement authorities possessed prior intelligence relating to the attacks, if there were deficiencies in the state machinery that led to such attacks or whether any other factors contributed to such terrorist attacks, the Times Online reported on Wednesday. The committee would also look into what action should be taken to prevent such attacks in the future and if there are any other matters connected. It will have powers to fix its quorum, demand papers and records, summon any person to Parliament or before the committee. It will also have powers to interview witnesses under oath, conduct meetings outside Parliament in any part of the country and to obtain the services of specialists and experts in the relevant fields to assist the committee. The committee will be given the authority to submit interim reports and to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of Parliament. The committee will have to present a report to Parliament within three months of the date of its first sitting, the report said.

Sri Lankan Parliament approves committee to investigate Easter bombings

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is considering dropping an attempt to dissolve parliament, sources close to the president said, possibly easing weeks of political deadlock.

The country has been in a crisis since Sirisena replaced Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapaksa last month, and then issued an order dissolving parliament and called for a general election.

The sources said the president may now rescind the order, effectively pre-empting a court ruling that they expect to overturn his decision anyway.

Sri Lanka's top court stayed the dissolution order pending a hearing on its constitutionality that starts on Tuesday, allowing parliament to resume meeting.

Rajapaksa, a former president, has lost two confidence votes in parliament but has refused to resign.

"There is a possibility of withdrawing the gazette," said a source in regular discussion with Sirisena, referring to the official announcement by which the president dissolved parliament. "I have no doubt that the Supreme Court would say that dissolution was wrong."

A spokesman for Sirisena, Dharmasri Ekanayake, said he was unaware of any such plans.

"DIGNIFIED EXIT"

A second source in Sirisena's party said the president was looking for a "dignified exit" by withdrawing the dissolution order as the court was unlikely to rule in his favour.

The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision as early as December 7.

Foreign countries have yet to recognise the new government. The impasse has also pushed the island's currency to record lows, caused turmoil on its stock and bond markets, and raised fears it may not be able to service debts to finance reconstruction following a 26-year civil war that ended in 2009.

Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by many among Sri Lanka’s Buddhist majority for ending a bloody war with Tamil rebels in 2009, but has been accused by diplomats and international rights groups of human rights abuses, which he denies.

Sirisena came to power in 2015 on a pledge to uphold democracy and stamp out corruption, but his popularity has been hit by a crisis many say he triggered because of personal differences with former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.

The crisis deepened on Friday when parliament voted to halt payment of ministers' salaries - a move to pressure the disputed government of Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa loyalists boycotted the vote saying it was illegal.

Separately on Friday, the country's Appeal Court began a hearing on a petition signed by 122 legislators that challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office after he lost the no-confidence votes earlier this month.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is considering dropping an attempt to dissolve parliament, sources close to the president said, possibly easing weeks of political deadlock.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is considering dropping an attempt to dissolve parliament, sources close to the president said, possibly easing weeks of political deadlock. The country has been in a crisis since Sirisena replaced Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapaksa last month, and then issued an order dissolving parliament and called for a general election. The sources said the president may now rescind the order, effectively pre-empting a court ruling that they expect to overturn his decision anyway. Sri Lanka's top court stayed the dissolution order pending a hearing on its constitutionality that starts on Tuesday, allowing parliament to resume meeting. Rajapaksa, a former president, has lost two confidence votes in parliament but has refused to resign. "There is a possibility of withdrawing the gazette," said a source in regular discussion with Sirisena, referring to the official announcement by which the president dissolved parliament. "I have no doubt that the Supreme Court would say that dissolution was wrong." A spokesman for Sirisena, Dharmasri Ekanayake, said he was unaware of any such plans. "DIGNIFIED EXIT" A second source in Sirisena's party said the president was looking for a "dignified exit" by withdrawing the dissolution order as the court was unlikely to rule in his favour. The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision as early as December 7. Foreign countries have yet to recognise the new government. The impasse has also pushed the island's currency to record lows, caused turmoil on its stock and bond markets, and raised fears it may not be able to service debts to finance reconstruction following a 26-year civil war that ended in 2009. Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by many among Sri Lanka’s Buddhist majority for ending a bloody war with Tamil rebels in 2009, but has been accused by diplomats and international rights groups of human rights abuses, which he denies. Sirisena came to power in 2015 on a pledge to uphold democracy and stamp out corruption, but his popularity has been hit by a crisis many say he triggered because of personal differences with former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. The crisis deepened on Friday when parliament voted to halt payment of ministers' salaries - a move to pressure the disputed government of Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa loyalists boycotted the vote saying it was illegal. Separately on Friday, the country's Appeal Court began a hearing on a petition signed by 122 legislators that challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office after he lost the no-confidence votes earlier this month.

Sri Lanka president weighs backing down in crisis over parliament: Sources

Sri Lanka's parliament on Friday voted to halt payment of ministers' salaries and travel expenses, but it remained unclear how the move would impact the disputed government of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa whose ministers boycotted the vote.

The South Asian island has been locked in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-signs-port-deals-with-china-amid-political-upheaval-180367">political gridlock</a> for over a month since President Maithripala Sirisena replaced former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, who was then twice sacked by parliament but has refused to resign.

Foreign countries have yet to recognise the new government.

Friday's motion, which passed 122 to none in the 225-member parliament, follows a similar vote on Thursday to cut the budget to the Prime Minister's office. Rajapaksa loyalists also skipped that vote, arguing the motion was invalid.

"The motion to cut down the expenditures of ministers, deputy ministers, and state ministers is passed," parliament's speaker Karu Jayasuriya said. He earlier said he would officially inform ministry secretaries of the decision.

The motion specifically was to prohibit top civil servants from paying out salaries and travel expenses.

However, one senior civil servant from a government ministry, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said it was unclear how such a vote would be applied in practice because there were questions over whether due process had been followed.

In a repeat of Thursday's actions, Rajapaksa loyalists declared the vote illegal and called into question the impartiality of the speaker.

"The motion today presented is illegal and we have mentioned it to the speaker too. We will not attend such illegal motions," Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, a minister in Rajapaksa's disputed government, told reporters before the proceedings started.

Rajapaksa's party argues that as the president never accepted no confidence votes against its government, it remains in power. The motions presented on Thursday and Friday are based on the assumption they have been sacked.

Rajapaksa presided over a government victory over Tamil rebels in 2009, ending a bloody 26-year civil war.

Sri Lanka's parliament on Friday voted to halt payment of ministers' salaries and travel expenses, but it remained unclear how the move would impact the disputed government of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa whose ministers boycotted the vote.

Sri Lanka's parliament on Friday voted to halt payment of ministers' salaries and travel expenses, but it remained unclear how the move would impact the disputed government of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa whose ministers boycotted the vote. The South Asian island has been locked in political gridlock for over a month since President Maithripala Sirisena replaced former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, who was then twice sacked by parliament but has refused to resign. Foreign countries have yet to recognise the new government. Friday's motion, which passed 122 to none in the 225-member parliament, follows a similar vote on Thursday to cut the budget to the Prime Minister's office. Rajapaksa loyalists also skipped that vote, arguing the motion was invalid. "The motion to cut down the expenditures of ministers, deputy ministers, and state ministers is passed," parliament's speaker Karu Jayasuriya said. He earlier said he would officially inform ministry secretaries of the decision. The motion specifically was to prohibit top civil servants from paying out salaries and travel expenses. However, one senior civil servant from a government ministry, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said it was unclear how such a vote would be applied in practice because there were questions over whether due process had been followed. In a repeat of Thursday's actions, Rajapaksa loyalists declared the vote illegal and called into question the impartiality of the speaker. "The motion today presented is illegal and we have mentioned it to the speaker too. We will not attend such illegal motions," Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, a minister in Rajapaksa's disputed government, told reporters before the proceedings started. Rajapaksa's party argues that as the president never accepted no confidence votes against its government, it remains in power. The motions presented on Thursday and Friday are based on the assumption they have been sacked. Rajapaksa presided over a government victory over Tamil rebels in 2009, ending a bloody 26-year civil war.

Sri Lanka parliament halts ministers' salaries, travel expenses

Sri Lanka's parliament on Thursday passed a motion to cut the personal budget of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has refused to step down after twice losing confidence votes.

Lawmakers backing Rajapaksa boycotted the vote, which was passed by 123 to none in the 225-member parliament, declaring it illegal and calling into question the Speaker's impartiality.

The motion was aimed at preventing Rajapaksa from using government money for his day-to-day expenses as prime minister. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's parliament on Thursday passed a motion to cut the personal budget of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has refused to step down after twice losing confidence votes.

Sri Lanka's parliament on Thursday passed a motion to cut the personal budget of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has refused to step down after twice losing confidence votes. Lawmakers backing Rajapaksa boycotted the vote, which was passed by 123 to none in the 225-member parliament, declaring it illegal and calling into question the Speaker's impartiality. The motion was aimed at preventing Rajapaksa from using government money for his day-to-day expenses as prime minister.

Sri Lanka parliament passes motion to cut prime minister's budget

Sri Lankan police reversed on Tuesday a decision sacking a top detective investigating a string of high-profile gruesome cases involving the rich and powerful, following intense protests.

The island nation has been politically paralysed since October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena controversially sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former rival Mahinda Rajapakse.

Removing detective Nishantha Silva was seen as the latest twist in the ongoing crisis as Sirisena struck up a new alliance with Rajapakse.

An internal memo by police chief Pujith Jayasundara -- seen by AFP -- said that Silva was being transferred back to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to meet "urgent service requirements".

Jayasundara had removed Silva on Sunday.

This came after Silva had secured a court order to arrest Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the country's most senior military officer.

Wijegunaratne is accused of protecting a navy intelligence officer who is the main accused in the abduction and killing of 11 children between 2008 and 2009.

Despite the court order, Wijegunaratne is evading arrest while holding on to his official position. He denies the charges.

Silva'a removal sparked a chorus of protest.

He is also lead investigator in several other high-profile cases involving the family of former president Rajapakse.

Silva was also investigating the 2009 assassination of high-profile editor Lasantha Wickrematunga. Military intelligence has been implicated in that killing, which drew widespread international condemnation.

Following Silva's removal, Wickrematunga's Melbourne-based daughter Ahimsa in a scathing open letter accused President Sirisena of sabotaging the investigation.

"Mr. President, if you try to stand in the way of justice for my father and other victims of brutality, you will fail," Ahimsa said in her four-page letter, released to the media on Tuesday before Silva's reinstatement.

Sri Lankan police reversed on Tuesday a decision sacking a top detective investigating a string of high-profile gruesome cases involving the rich and powerful, following intense protests.

Sri Lankan police reversed on Tuesday a decision sacking a top detective investigating a string of high-profile gruesome cases involving the rich and powerful, following intense protests. The island nation has been politically paralysed since October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena controversially sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former rival Mahinda Rajapakse. Removing detective Nishantha Silva was seen as the latest twist in the ongoing crisis as Sirisena struck up a new alliance with Rajapakse. An internal memo by police chief Pujith Jayasundara -- seen by AFP -- said that Silva was being transferred back to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to meet "urgent service requirements". Jayasundara had removed Silva on Sunday. This came after Silva had secured a court order to arrest Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the country's most senior military officer. Wijegunaratne is accused of protecting a navy intelligence officer who is the main accused in the abduction and killing of 11 children between 2008 and 2009. Despite the court order, Wijegunaratne is evading arrest while holding on to his official position. He denies the charges. Silva'a removal sparked a chorus of protest. He is also lead investigator in several other high-profile cases involving the family of former president Rajapakse. Silva was also investigating the 2009 assassination of high-profile editor Lasantha Wickrematunga. Military intelligence has been implicated in that killing, which drew widespread international condemnation. Following Silva's removal, Wickrematunga's Melbourne-based daughter Ahimsa in a scathing open letter accused President Sirisena of sabotaging the investigation. "Mr. President, if you try to stand in the way of justice for my father and other victims of brutality, you will fail," Ahimsa said in her four-page letter, released to the media on Tuesday before Silva's reinstatement.

Sri Lanka reinstates top detective after outcry

Sri Lankan parliament descends into farce amid political turmoil

In a major setback to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-and-china-nervous-spectators-in-sri-lanka-crisis-175058">President Maithripala Sirisena</a>, the Sri Lankan Parliament on Wednesday passed a "no-confidence motion"&nbsp;against the government headed by his controversially-appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Parliament on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when President Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspended the Parliament plunging the island nation into a crisis.

Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced that a majority of the 225-member assembly supported the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa, who was appointed by President Sirisena as prime minister on October 26 in place of Wickremesinghe.

"According to the voice, I recognise that the government has no majority," Jayasuriya announced in the House as Rajapaksa supporters protested. 
He gave the ruling after the no-confidence motion was taken for a vote. The Speaker calculated the votes based on the voices he heard as Rajapaksa supporters disrupted the proceedings.

Jayasuriya later adjourned the House until 10 am on Thursday.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa later told reporters that the government clearly lost the floor test. 
He said Prime Minister Rajapaksa must now step down as he does not have majority support in Parliament.

The unexpected session on Wednesday morning comes a day after the Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's controversial decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5.

In its ruling, the apex court had said Sirisena's dissolution of Parliament will be suspended until December 7 and it will consider all the petitions filed on the President's decision next month before giving a final ruling.

After the court verdict, Speaker Jayasuriya summoned Parliament's session for Thursday&nbsp;morning.

Sirisena dissolved Parliament after it became clear that he lacked support from lawmakers to instal Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister following his sacking of Wickremesinghe as premier.

While sacking prime minister Wickremesinghe, president Sirisena had also suspended Parliament till November 16. He, however, advanced the convening of the House to November 14 amid international and domestic pressure against the move.

Major political parties, including the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and an election commission member Ratnajeevan Hoole, on Monday dragged Sirisena to the Supreme Court, challenging his decision by filing fundamental rights petitions against the move, which they said violated the Constitution.

Sirisena dissolved Parliament last week, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election on January 5, plunging the country's into an unprecedented political and constitutional crises.

Wickremesinghe has maintained that his sacking by Sirisena was unconstitutional and illegal and he was still the prime minister.

Wickremesinghe had demanded that Parliament be convened to hold a vote among the lawmakers to decide who enjoyed majority support in Parliament to be the Prime Minister.

As pressure grew and both sides claimed they had the numbers, the President dissolved Parliament and called for elections.

Rajapaksa needed the support of minimum 113 parliamentarians in the 225-member House to prove his majority.

Sirisena on Sunday stoutly defended his move to dissolve Parliament, saying it was taken to prevent clashes among rival lawmakers. He said there were reports that politicians would clash during the floor test, which was due on November 14.

Rajapaksa, 72, who ruled Lanka for a nearly decades from 2005, was unexpectedly defeated by his deputy Sirisena in the presidential election held in January 2015 with the support from Wickremesinghe's UNP.

However, the power-sharing arrangement between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe became increasingly tenuous on several policy matters, especially on issues like the economy and security. And subsequently, Sirisena abruptly ousted Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa.

In a major setback to President Maithripala Sirisena, the Sri Lankan Parliament on Wednesday passed a "no-confidence motion" against the government headed by his controversially-appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In a major setback to President Maithripala Sirisena, the Sri Lankan Parliament on Wednesday passed a "no-confidence motion" against the government headed by his controversially-appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Parliament on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when President Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspended the Parliament plunging the island nation into a crisis. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced that a majority of the 225-member assembly supported the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa, who was appointed by President Sirisena as prime minister on October 26 in place of Wickremesinghe. "According to the voice, I recognise that the government has no majority," Jayasuriya announced in the House as Rajapaksa supporters protested. He gave the ruling after the no-confidence motion was taken for a vote. The Speaker calculated the votes based on the voices he heard as Rajapaksa supporters disrupted the proceedings. Jayasuriya later adjourned the House until 10 am on Thursday. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa later told reporters that the government clearly lost the floor test. He said Prime Minister Rajapaksa must now step down as he does not have majority support in Parliament. The unexpected session on Wednesday morning comes a day after the Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's controversial decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5. In its ruling, the apex court had said Sirisena's dissolution of Parliament will be suspended until December 7 and it will consider all the petitions filed on the President's decision next month before giving a final ruling. After the court verdict, Speaker Jayasuriya summoned Parliament's session for Thursday morning. Sirisena dissolved Parliament after it became clear that he lacked support from lawmakers to instal Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister following his sacking of Wickremesinghe as premier. While sacking prime minister Wickremesinghe, president Sirisena had also suspended Parliament till November 16. He, however, advanced the convening of the House to November 14 amid international and domestic pressure against the move. Major political parties, including the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and an election commission member Ratnajeevan Hoole, on Monday dragged Sirisena to the Supreme Court, challenging his decision by filing fundamental rights petitions against the move, which they said violated the Constitution. Sirisena dissolved Parliament last week, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election on January 5, plunging the country's into an unprecedented political and constitutional crises. Wickremesinghe has maintained that his sacking by Sirisena was unconstitutional and illegal and he was still the prime minister. Wickremesinghe had demanded that Parliament be convened to hold a vote among the lawmakers to decide who enjoyed majority support in Parliament to be the Prime Minister. As pressure grew and both sides claimed they had the numbers, the President dissolved Parliament and called for elections. Rajapaksa needed the support of minimum 113 parliamentarians in the 225-member House to prove his majority. Sirisena on Sunday stoutly defended his move to dissolve Parliament, saying it was taken to prevent clashes among rival lawmakers. He said there were reports that politicians would clash during the floor test, which was due on November 14. Rajapaksa, 72, who ruled Lanka for a nearly decades from 2005, was unexpectedly defeated by his deputy Sirisena in the presidential election held in January 2015 with the support from Wickremesinghe's UNP. However, the power-sharing arrangement between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe became increasingly tenuous on several policy matters, especially on issues like the economy and security. And subsequently, Sirisena abruptly ousted Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka Parliament votes against Rajapaksa; Speaker adjourns House

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-sri-lanka-pm-wickramasinghe-calls-for-alliance-to-save-the-country-177105">Sri Lanka's parliament</a> will meet under tight security Wednesday after the top court ruled its dissolution illegal and opened the door to a vote on which of two rival prime ministers has the support to rule.

Sri Lanka has been locked in a power struggle since the president sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse.&nbsp;

On Tuesday the Supreme Court overruled President Maithripala Sirisena's dissolution of parliament, and halted preparations for a snap election, in a major boost for the ousted prime minister.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe is confident he can command a majority and wants a vote on the floor of the 225-member assembly to determine the legitimacy of the government installed by presidential diktat.

"Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ordered the police to ensure that MPs have free access to parliament," a spokesman for the Speaker told AFP. "There will be tight security."

Thousands of armed police have been deployed along the key approach roads to parliament, which is located on a man-made lake island, with several anti-riot units on standby.

Parliament officials fear that supporters of Rajapakse's party may try to stop legislators from getting to parliament.

However, by early Wednesday there were no large crowds and only small pockets of Wickremesinghe supporters gathered near the parliament complex.

Rajapakse's party was divided Tuesday on facing a test in parliament. His legislator son Namal Rajapakse said they will attend the legislature, but other party seniors said they would not.

Sirisena sacked the legislature after his party admitted that they did not have an absolute majority despite engineering the defections of eight legislators from Wickremesinghe's party.

Since then, at least two legislators have ditched Rajapakse and joined Wickremesinghe's UNP party which insists it has a comfortable majority in the House.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe, who insists he is still the prime minister, has refused to vacate the official Temple Trees residence which is a symbol of state power in the island.

The power struggle has crippled the work of the administration, according to lawmakers on both sides.

Sri Lanka's parliament will meet under tight security Wednesday after the top court ruled its dissolution illegal and opened the door to a vote on which of two rival prime ministers has the support to rule.

Sri Lanka's parliament will meet under tight security Wednesday after the top court ruled its dissolution illegal and opened the door to a vote on which of two rival prime ministers has the support to rule. Sri Lanka has been locked in a power struggle since the president sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse. On Tuesday the Supreme Court overruled President Maithripala Sirisena's dissolution of parliament, and halted preparations for a snap election, in a major boost for the ousted prime minister. Wickremesinghe is confident he can command a majority and wants a vote on the floor of the 225-member assembly to determine the legitimacy of the government installed by presidential diktat. "Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ordered the police to ensure that MPs have free access to parliament," a spokesman for the Speaker told AFP. "There will be tight security." Thousands of armed police have been deployed along the key approach roads to parliament, which is located on a man-made lake island, with several anti-riot units on standby. Parliament officials fear that supporters of Rajapakse's party may try to stop legislators from getting to parliament. However, by early Wednesday there were no large crowds and only small pockets of Wickremesinghe supporters gathered near the parliament complex. Rajapakse's party was divided Tuesday on facing a test in parliament. His legislator son Namal Rajapakse said they will attend the legislature, but other party seniors said they would not. Sirisena sacked the legislature after his party admitted that they did not have an absolute majority despite engineering the defections of eight legislators from Wickremesinghe's party. Since then, at least two legislators have ditched Rajapakse and joined Wickremesinghe's UNP party which insists it has a comfortable majority in the House. Wickremesinghe, who insists he is still the prime minister, has refused to vacate the official Temple Trees residence which is a symbol of state power in the island. The power struggle has crippled the work of the administration, according to lawmakers on both sides.

Sri Lanka Parliament to meet today amid political crisis

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-sri-lanka-pm-wickramasinghe-calls-for-alliance-to-save-the-country-177105">Sri Lanka Supreme Court overturns President Sirisena's decision to dissolve parliament</a>

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to dissolve the island nation's parliament.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/flipkart-ceo-binny-bansal-resigns-after-misconduct-probe-walmart-177091">Flipkart CEO Binny Bansal resigns after allegations of serious personal misconduct: Walmart</a>

Walmart on Tuesday announced that Flipkart CEO Binny Bansal has resigned over allegations of serious personal misconduct.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-doesnt-know-country-run-by-people-not-by-one-man-rahul-177092">Modi doesn't know country run by people, not by one man: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "misleading" people on India's development.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulberg-massacre-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-challenging-clean-chit-given-to-pm-modi-177080">Gulberg massacre: On Monday, SC to hear </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulberg-massacre-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-challenging-clean-chit-given-to-pm-modi-177080">plea</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulberg-massacre-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-challenging-clean-chit-given-to-pm-modi-177080"> challenging clean chit given to PM Modi</a>

The Supreme Court will on Monday, November 19 hear Zakia Jafri's plea challenging the clean chit given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other top politicians, and bureaucrats in the Gulberg massacre case.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-sc-defers-hear-review-petitions-on-january-22-refuses-to-stay-earlier-verdict-177077">Sabarimala case: SC to hear review petitions on January 22, refuses to stay earlier verdict</a>

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that it would hear the review petitions against its Sabarimala verdict on January 22, adding that it will be an open court hearing. The apex court refused to stay its earlier verdict in the case.

Sri Lanka Supreme Court overturns President Sirisena's decision to dissolve parliament The Sri Lankan Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to dissolve the island nation's parliament.

Sri Lanka Supreme Court overturns President Sirisena's decision to dissolve parliament The Sri Lankan Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to dissolve the island nation's parliament. Flipkart CEO Binny Bansal resigns after allegations of serious personal misconduct: Walmart Walmart on Tuesday announced that Flipkart CEO Binny Bansal has resigned over allegations of serious personal misconduct. Modi doesn't know country run by people, not by one man: Rahul Gandhi Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "misleading" people on India's development. Gulberg massacre: On Monday, SC to hear plea challenging clean chit given to PM Modi The Supreme Court will on Monday, November 19 hear Zakia Jafri's plea challenging the clean chit given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other top politicians, and bureaucrats in the Gulberg massacre case. Sabarimala case: SC to hear review petitions on January 22, refuses to stay earlier verdict The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that it would hear the review petitions against its Sabarimala verdict on January 22, adding that it will be an open court hearing. The apex court refused to stay its earlier verdict in the case.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sri Lanka's main political parties on Monday filed petitions challenging President Maithripala Sirisena's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-sacks-parliament-after-power-struggle-minister-176486">sacking of parliament</a> and asked the Supreme Court to restore the legislature.

Three parties, which together enjoy an absolute majority in the assembly, asked the highest court to also declare Sirisena's October 26 sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe illegal.

Sacked premier Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), the main opposition Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the leftist JVP, or People's Liberation Front, were among 10 groups that filed the action, news agency AFP reported.

According to the report, several civil society groups and individuals too had submitted separate petitions, all seeking a declaration against the presidential action against the legislature.

On Friday, Sirisena announced&nbsp;that he was dissolving parliament and called fresh elections on January 5.

He also defended his controversial move saying that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-sacked-to-avert-civil-unrest-176694">violent clashes among rival MPs could have led to "civil unrest</a>" across the country if the legislature had met.

&nbsp;"If I allowed the parliament to meet on November 14, there would have been violence in the House and it could have spread to our villagers and towns," Sirisena has said in a televised address to the nation. "I acted to prevent civil unrest."

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-has-suffered-a-coup-without-guns-parliament-speaker-175934"> Sri Lanka has suffered a 'coup without guns', says Parliament speaker</a>

Sirisena triggered an unprecedented constitutional crisis after on October 26 he sacked Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former leader Mahinda Rajapakse.

Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe&nbsp;has insisted that his dismissal was illegal and unconstitutional and refused to vacate the official residence of the premier.

Sirisena agreed thrice to reconvene parliament which he had suspended shortly after sacking Wickremesinghe to prevent him proving his majority on the floor of the House.

Just five days before parliament was due to reconvene, Sirisena dissolved it and called snap elections for January 5.

Shortly before sacking the legislature, Sirisena also took over the police department by attaching it to his defence ministry. He also took control of the state printer, a crucial institution that publishes decrees and proclamations.

He had already taken control of all state media outlets soon after dismissing Wickremesinghe.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Sri Lanka's main political parties on Monday filed petitions challenging President Maithripala Sirisena's sacking of parliament and asked the Supreme Court to restore the legislature.

Sri Lanka's main political parties on Monday filed petitions challenging President Maithripala Sirisena's sacking of parliament and asked the Supreme Court to restore the legislature. Three parties, which together enjoy an absolute majority in the assembly, asked the highest court to also declare Sirisena's October 26 sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe illegal. Sacked premier Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), the main opposition Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the leftist JVP, or People's Liberation Front, were among 10 groups that filed the action, news agency AFP reported. According to the report, several civil society groups and individuals too had submitted separate petitions, all seeking a declaration against the presidential action against the legislature. On Friday, Sirisena announced that he was dissolving parliament and called fresh elections on January 5. He also defended his controversial move saying that violent clashes among rival MPs could have led to "civil unrest" across the country if the legislature had met. "If I allowed the parliament to meet on November 14, there would have been violence in the House and it could have spread to our villagers and towns," Sirisena has said in a televised address to the nation. "I acted to prevent civil unrest." Also read: Sri Lanka has suffered a 'coup without guns', says Parliament speaker Sirisena triggered an unprecedented constitutional crisis after on October 26 he sacked Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former leader Mahinda Rajapakse. Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe has insisted that his dismissal was illegal and unconstitutional and refused to vacate the official residence of the premier. Sirisena agreed thrice to reconvene parliament which he had suspended shortly after sacking Wickremesinghe to prevent him proving his majority on the floor of the House. Just five days before parliament was due to reconvene, Sirisena dissolved it and called snap elections for January 5. Shortly before sacking the legislature, Sirisena also took over the police department by attaching it to his defence ministry. He also took control of the state printer, a crucial institution that publishes decrees and proclamations. He had already taken control of all state media outlets soon after dismissing Wickremesinghe. (With inputs from news agencies)

Sri Lanka crisis: Parties file petitions challenging President Sirisena's sacking

sri-lanka-parliament

Sri Lanka Parliament, News on Sri Lanka Parliament, stories on Sri Lanka Parliament, articles on Sri Lanka Parliament, Sri Lanka Parliament stories at Wion, Sri Lanka Parliament news, Sri Lanka Parliament latest news

sri lanka-parliament