The leader of Sri Lanka's main Tamil party has questioned the legitimacy of Mahinda Rajapaksa's position as the leader of the main Opposition in Parliament.&nbsp;

The Tamil National Alliance's objection came even as Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has already announced Rajapaksa as Opposition leader.

R Sampanthan, the TNA leader and the former leader of the opposition, stressed that Rajapaksa being recognized as the leader of the second largest group in parliament had raised questions.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa is a member of President Maithripala Sirisena-led United People's Freedom Alliance (UFPA).&nbsp;

Sirisena, who leads the UPFA, is a part of the government, how could his party also sit in Opposition at the same time, he asked.

There is a clear case of constitutional conflict over Rajapaksa's appointment as the main Opposition leader.&nbsp;

Sampanthan said that his TNA remains the second largest group after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Front.&nbsp;

Sampanthan held the position of the main Opposition leader from 2015 until Rajapaksa was given the job last month.&nbsp;

The Tamil leader argued that Rajapaksa, who had obtained membership of his new party after being elected to parliament from a different party was deemed to have lost his parliamentary seat.

Sampanthan stresses that he must be restored in his position as the main opposition leader to guarantee the minority rights enshrined in the Sri Lankan Constitution. P

The leader of Sri Lanka's main Tamil party has questioned the legitimacy of Mahinda Rajapaksa's position as the leader of the main Opposition in Parliament. The Tamil National Alliance's objection came even as Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has already announced Rajapaksa as Opposition leader.

The leader of Sri Lanka's main Tamil party has questioned the legitimacy of Mahinda Rajapaksa's position as the leader of the main Opposition in Parliament. The Tamil National Alliance's objection came even as Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has already announced Rajapaksa as Opposition leader. R Sampanthan, the TNA leader and the former leader of the opposition, stressed that Rajapaksa being recognized as the leader of the second largest group in parliament had raised questions. Rajapaksa is a member of President Maithripala Sirisena-led United People's Freedom Alliance (UFPA). Sirisena, who leads the UPFA, is a part of the government, how could his party also sit in Opposition at the same time, he asked. There is a clear case of constitutional conflict over Rajapaksa's appointment as the main Opposition leader. Sampanthan said that his TNA remains the second largest group after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Front. Sampanthan held the position of the main Opposition leader from 2015 until Rajapaksa was given the job last month. The Tamil leader argued that Rajapaksa, who had obtained membership of his new party after being elected to parliament from a different party was deemed to have lost his parliamentary seat. Sampanthan stresses that he must be restored in his position as the main opposition leader to guarantee the minority rights enshrined in the Sri Lankan Constitution. P

Lanka Tamil leader questions legitimacy of Rajapaksa's position as opposition leader

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena named a 30-member cabinet Thursday to end a crippling seven-week<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/victory-for-democracy-says-reinstated-sri-lankan-pm-wickremesinghe-184636"> power struggle with his prime minister</a>, but only after a final tussle over who should control the police.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pms-termination-done-in-good-faith-reinstated-him-to-uphold-democracy-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-184631">Sirisena reinstated Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister</a> on Sunday after the Supreme Court threw out his attempt to dissolve <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-to-convene-on-tuesday-for-first-time-after-pm-wickremesinghes-reinstatement-185010">parliament</a> and hold early elections in the Indian Ocean nation.&nbsp;

"The forming of the cabinet was delayed because the president wanted to retain media and the police," government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said as the new cabinet was announced.&nbsp;

"He conceded the media ministry, but will retain control over the police for a little longer."

No law and order minister was named in the new cabinet and Sirisena, who also serves as defence minister, will take responsibility for the police. &nbsp;

The key posts of finance minister and foreign minister remained unchanged from Wickremesinghe's deposed government. Mangala Samaraweera stays as finance minister and Tilak Marapana as foreign chief.

Sirisena sparked the political crisis on October 26 when he sacked Wickremesinghe in a bid to name nationalist firebrand <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-sri-lankas-former-strongman-and-hardline-politician-184884">Mahinda Rajapakse</a> as prime minister. He had to backtrack in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-becomes-sri-lankas-main-opposition-leader-185083"> face of opposition</a> from the legislature, where he had no majority and Sri Lankan courts.

In a statement in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for "restraint" at the beginning of the crisis, welcomed its conclusion "by peaceful, constitutional means".

Guterres called for all sides to use the appointment of the new cabinet to "resolve outstanding political differences... in the interest of the people of Sri Lanka."

Shortly after giving Wickremesinghe his job back on Sunday, Sirisena made it clear that working with the new government would be difficult.

"I still believe that I should not have made <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ranil-wickremesinghe-sri-lankas-reformist-premiere-184790">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> the prime minister, but I bow to the wishes of the majority in parliament," Sirisena said.

"But, I don't know how far we will succeed in fulfilling the wishes of our people."

Sirisena came to power in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), but personal and political clashes came to a head with the October sacking.

The 69-year-old Wickremesinghe refused to give way to former president Rajapakse, leaving the country with two claimants to the prime minister's post and no functioning government.

The Sri Lankan parliament backed Wickremesinghe's claim that his dismissal was illegal, voting six times against Rajapakse during tumultuous sessions that at times erupted into brawls.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena named a 30-member cabinet Thursday to end a crippling seven-week power struggle with his prime minister, but only after a final tussle over who should control the police.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena named a 30-member cabinet Thursday to end a crippling seven-week power struggle with his prime minister, but only after a final tussle over who should control the police. Sirisena reinstated Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister on Sunday after the Supreme Court threw out his attempt to dissolve parliament and hold early elections in the Indian Ocean nation. "The forming of the cabinet was delayed because the president wanted to retain media and the police," government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said as the new cabinet was announced. "He conceded the media ministry, but will retain control over the police for a little longer." No law and order minister was named in the new cabinet and Sirisena, who also serves as defence minister, will take responsibility for the police. The key posts of finance minister and foreign minister remained unchanged from Wickremesinghe's deposed government. Mangala Samaraweera stays as finance minister and Tilak Marapana as foreign chief. Sirisena sparked the political crisis on October 26 when he sacked Wickremesinghe in a bid to name nationalist firebrand Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister. He had to backtrack in the face of opposition from the legislature, where he had no majority and Sri Lankan courts. In a statement in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for "restraint" at the beginning of the crisis, welcomed its conclusion "by peaceful, constitutional means". Guterres called for all sides to use the appointment of the new cabinet to "resolve outstanding political differences... in the interest of the people of Sri Lanka." Shortly after giving Wickremesinghe his job back on Sunday, Sirisena made it clear that working with the new government would be difficult. "I still believe that I should not have made Ranil Wickremesinghe the prime minister, but I bow to the wishes of the majority in parliament," Sirisena said. "But, I don't know how far we will succeed in fulfilling the wishes of our people." Sirisena came to power in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), but personal and political clashes came to a head with the October sacking. The 69-year-old Wickremesinghe refused to give way to former president Rajapakse, leaving the country with two claimants to the prime minister's post and no functioning government. The Sri Lankan parliament backed Wickremesinghe's claim that his dismissal was illegal, voting six times against Rajapakse during tumultuous sessions that at times erupted into brawls.

Sri Lanka political crisis ends as President Sirisena names new cabinet

Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister on Sunday, making a remarkable comeback weeks after being ousted by President Maithripala Sirisena under controversial circumstances.

His reinstatement to power is being expected to end a political crisis gripping the country since October when he was surprisingly sacked.

Born on 24 March 1979 in Colombo, Ranil Wickremesinghe is a lawyer by profession and comes from an affluent family. 
&nbsp; 
He was first known as the nephew of Sri Lanka's first executive president, Junius Jayewardene.&nbsp;

He also received an honorary doctorate from Deakin University in Australia in 2017, for his significant contributions in reforms in economy, education and human rights.

Wickremesinghe began his political journey in 1994 when he became the leader of the United National Party (UNP) and progressed through its ranks.

Wickremesinghe was appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new government of JR Jayewardene and was soon promoted to the post of Minister of Youth Affairs and Employment and became the youngest cabinet minister of Sri Lanka.

Under the Presidency of Ranasinghe Premadasa, Wickremasinghe was appointed as the Minister of Industry, under which he initiated industrial reforms and established the Biyagama Special Economic Zone.

In 1989 he got appointed as the Leader of the House.&nbsp;

On May 1993 Wickremesinghe came to power as he sworn in as prime minister after President Ranasinghe Premdana was assassinated by the Tamil Tigers and BV Wijetunga was appointed an acting president.

During his term, he was credited for pushing the country through an impressive economic transformation and was generally backed by the business community for his free-market policies.

He was made the minister of industries and leader of the house and then he went on to be prime minister for 16 months until Chandrika Kumaratunga's People's Alliance coalition came to power in 1994.

In the same year, he became the leader of the United National Party when party leader Gamini Dissanayake was killed by suspected rebels of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers).

In the 1999 election, Wickremesinghe was nominated as United National Party's Presidential candidate. After a tense election campaign in the wake of the violent North Western Provincial Council election, Wickremesinghe lost in the presidential elections in what observers said was a sympathy vote for President Kumaratunga after she was injured in a bomb attack.

After the loss of the 1999 presidential elections, Wickremasinghe unsuccessfully led his party in the 2000 parliamentary elections, again losing out Kumaratunga's People's alliance.

However, in 2001 UNP/UNFGG-led by Wickremesinghe&nbsp;won 109 seats and People's Alliance was able to obtain only 77 seats. Consequently, he was able to form a new UNF government and sworn as the 17th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on 9 December 2001.

During his prime ministerial tenure, Wickremesinghe&nbsp;managed a ceasefire between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels - ending 20 years of civil war - brokered by Norwegian mediators in February 2002.

He also pushed close relations with its neighbours and West.

In July 2002 he met George W Bush, then President of the United States, the first time in 18 years&nbsp;a Sri Lankan leader met the US leader in the White House.&nbsp;

This visit was primarily focused on building new relationships based on economic links between the United States and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

He also met then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi and the Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Many of these visits were focused on the issues regarding resolving the Ethnic Problem in Sri Lanka.

Wickramasinghe again lost power in 2004 in which Kumaratunga's alliance won 105 seats, defeating former who only got eight seats.

Kumaratunga commissioned Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister.

In 2005 as well Wickramasinghe lost to Rajapaksa in the presidential election with a narrow margin.

Rajapaksa lost his bid for a third term in January 2015 after calling for an early presidential election, two years ahead of schedule, ending a decade of rule that critics say had become increasingly authoritarian and marred by nepotism and corruption.

Opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena, a one-time ally of Rajapaksa who had defected in November the previous year and derailed what the president thought would be an easy win, took 51.3 per cent of the votes polled in the election. Rajapaksa got 47.6 per cent.

Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister on August 21, 2015, and his alliance signed an agreement with President Maithripala Sirisena's party to work together in a national unity government to implement reform agenda.

Sri Lanka woke up to political uncertainty on October 27 after&nbsp;President Sirisena, who had sacked him on October 26 and installed former rival and Rajapaksa in his place.

Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister on Sunday, making a remarkable comeback weeks after being ousted by President Maithripala Sirisena under controversial circumstances.

Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister on Sunday, making a remarkable comeback weeks after being ousted by President Maithripala Sirisena under controversial circumstances. His reinstatement to power is being expected to end a political crisis gripping the country since October when he was surprisingly sacked. Born on 24 March 1979 in Colombo, Ranil Wickremesinghe is a lawyer by profession and comes from an affluent family. He was first known as the nephew of Sri Lanka's first executive president, Junius Jayewardene. He also received an honorary doctorate from Deakin University in Australia in 2017, for his significant contributions in reforms in economy, education and human rights. Wickremesinghe began his political journey in 1994 when he became the leader of the United National Party (UNP) and progressed through its ranks. Wickremesinghe was appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new government of JR Jayewardene and was soon promoted to the post of Minister of Youth Affairs and Employment and became the youngest cabinet minister of Sri Lanka. Under the Presidency of Ranasinghe Premadasa, Wickremasinghe was appointed as the Minister of Industry, under which he initiated industrial reforms and established the Biyagama Special Economic Zone. In 1989 he got appointed as the Leader of the House. On May 1993 Wickremesinghe came to power as he sworn in as prime minister after President Ranasinghe Premdana was assassinated by the Tamil Tigers and BV Wijetunga was appointed an acting president. During his term, he was credited for pushing the country through an impressive economic transformation and was generally backed by the business community for his free-market policies. He was made the minister of industries and leader of the house and then he went on to be prime minister for 16 months until Chandrika Kumaratunga's People's Alliance coalition came to power in 1994. In the same year, he became the leader of the United National Party when party leader Gamini Dissanayake was killed by suspected rebels of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers). In the 1999 election, Wickremesinghe was nominated as United National Party's Presidential candidate. After a tense election campaign in the wake of the violent North Western Provincial Council election, Wickremesinghe lost in the presidential elections in what observers said was a sympathy vote for President Kumaratunga after she was injured in a bomb attack. After the loss of the 1999 presidential elections, Wickremasinghe unsuccessfully led his party in the 2000 parliamentary elections, again losing out Kumaratunga's People's alliance. However, in 2001 UNP/UNFGG-led by Wickremesinghe won 109 seats and People's Alliance was able to obtain only 77 seats. Consequently, he was able to form a new UNF government and sworn as the 17th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on 9 December 2001. During his prime ministerial tenure, Wickremesinghe managed a ceasefire between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels - ending 20 years of civil war - brokered by Norwegian mediators in February 2002. He also pushed close relations with its neighbours and West. In July 2002 he met George W Bush, then President of the United States, the first time in 18 years a Sri Lankan leader met the US leader in the White House. This visit was primarily focused on building new relationships based on economic links between the United States and Sri Lanka. He also met then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi and the Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Many of these visits were focused on the issues regarding resolving the Ethnic Problem in Sri Lanka. Wickramasinghe again lost power in 2004 in which Kumaratunga's alliance won 105 seats, defeating former who only got eight seats. Kumaratunga commissioned Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. In 2005 as well Wickramasinghe lost to Rajapaksa in the presidential election with a narrow margin. Rajapaksa lost his bid for a third term in January 2015 after calling for an early presidential election, two years ahead of schedule, ending a decade of rule that critics say had become increasingly authoritarian and marred by nepotism and corruption. Opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena, a one-time ally of Rajapaksa who had defected in November the previous year and derailed what the president thought would be an easy win, took 51.3 per cent of the votes polled in the election. Rajapaksa got 47.6 per cent. Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister on August 21, 2015, and his alliance signed an agreement with President Maithripala Sirisena's party to work together in a national unity government to implement reform agenda. Sri Lanka woke up to political uncertainty on October 27 after President Sirisena, who had sacked him on October 26 and installed former rival and Rajapaksa in his place.

Ranil Wickremesinghe: Sri Lanka's reformist Premiere

Sri Lanka's highest court Friday banned President Maithripala Sirisena from sacking the legislature until it decides on the legality of his move last month to call snap elections.

The Supreme Court concluded hearing 10 petitions against Sirisena's move as part of a bitter power struggle with his erstwhile prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but reserved judgement for an unspecified date.

The courts reopen on Monday.

Sirisena plunged the country into crisis on October 26 when he fired Wickremesinghe and appointed the contentious Mahinda Rajapakse in his place.

He then dissolved parliament on November 9 and called elections nearly two years ahead of schedule on January 5.

Four days after he sacked parliament through a special decree, the Supreme Court issued an interim ruling suspending Sirisena's action and restoring parliament, which almost immediately passed a no-confidence motion against Rajapakse.

"The court issued a fresh order extending the ban on the president until the case is concluded," a court official told reporters after the unusually long hearing on Friday marking four days of legal arguments.

Security was stepped up outside the Supreme Court amid expectations of a final ruling on Friday evening.

The court's seven-judge bench is expected to deliver a ruling on the constitutionality of Sirisena's move as early as Monday.

Sacked premier Wickremesinghe's party and their allies, who command a majority in the 225-member assembly, have suggested they could begin impeachment proceedings against Sirisena depending on the ruling.

Wickremesinghe's party loyalists believe the court decision will go in their favour, a view held by many independent lawyers.

Problems for Sirisena were compounded on Monday when the Court of Appeal suspended the entire cabinet and asked Rajapakse to explain on what authority he was holding office.

With parliamentary proceedings degenerating into brawls, the United States, the European Union and other powers have raised concerns over the crisis in the strategically important island nation of 21 million people.

Only China has recognised the appointment of Rajapakse, who during his decade as president until 2015 relied heavily on Beijing for diplomatic and financial support.

As president from 2005 until 2015, he ended Sri Lanka's four-decade civil war in 2009 by crushing the rebel Tamil Tigers.

But 40,000 ethnic Tamils were allegedly massacred in the process.

Rajapakse and his family are also alleged to have profited from his time in power through corrupt deals.

During an earlier stint as prime minister from 2001 until 2004, Wickremesinghe is credited with pulling Sri Lanka out of its first ever recession, in part with reforms that have endeared him to the West.

Sri Lanka's highest court Friday banned President Maithripala Sirisena from sacking the legislature until it decides on the legality of his move last month to call snap elections.

Sri Lanka's highest court Friday banned President Maithripala Sirisena from sacking the legislature until it decides on the legality of his move last month to call snap elections. The Supreme Court concluded hearing 10 petitions against Sirisena's move as part of a bitter power struggle with his erstwhile prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but reserved judgement for an unspecified date. The courts reopen on Monday. Sirisena plunged the country into crisis on October 26 when he fired Wickremesinghe and appointed the contentious Mahinda Rajapakse in his place. He then dissolved parliament on November 9 and called elections nearly two years ahead of schedule on January 5. Four days after he sacked parliament through a special decree, the Supreme Court issued an interim ruling suspending Sirisena's action and restoring parliament, which almost immediately passed a no-confidence motion against Rajapakse. "The court issued a fresh order extending the ban on the president until the case is concluded," a court official told reporters after the unusually long hearing on Friday marking four days of legal arguments. Security was stepped up outside the Supreme Court amid expectations of a final ruling on Friday evening. The court's seven-judge bench is expected to deliver a ruling on the constitutionality of Sirisena's move as early as Monday. Sacked premier Wickremesinghe's party and their allies, who command a majority in the 225-member assembly, have suggested they could begin impeachment proceedings against Sirisena depending on the ruling. Wickremesinghe's party loyalists believe the court decision will go in their favour, a view held by many independent lawyers. Problems for Sirisena were compounded on Monday when the Court of Appeal suspended the entire cabinet and asked Rajapakse to explain on what authority he was holding office. With parliamentary proceedings degenerating into brawls, the United States, the European Union and other powers have raised concerns over the crisis in the strategically important island nation of 21 million people. Only China has recognised the appointment of Rajapakse, who during his decade as president until 2015 relied heavily on Beijing for diplomatic and financial support. As president from 2005 until 2015, he ended Sri Lanka's four-decade civil war in 2009 by crushing the rebel Tamil Tigers. But 40,000 ethnic Tamils were allegedly massacred in the process. Rajapakse and his family are also alleged to have profited from his time in power through corrupt deals. During an earlier stint as prime minister from 2001 until 2004, Wickremesinghe is credited with pulling Sri Lanka out of its first ever recession, in part with reforms that have endeared him to the West.

Sri Lanka court extends ban on president sacking parliament

Two police officers were shot dead execution-style while manning a checkpost in Sri Lanka's former war zone, officials said Friday.&nbsp;

The victims had their hands tied behind their backs and had been shot in the head, according to authorities, and their weapons had been taken.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the shooting shattered the relative calm in the region where fighting between troops and Tamil rebels ended over a decade ago.

The country's police chief, Inspector General Pujith Jayasundara, led a team of detectives to Batticaloa, 300 kilometres (187 miles) east of Colombo after the double murder.

Sri Lanka's largest political party, the United National Party (UNP), told parliament Friday that it feared the killings had been carried out to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-halts-ministers-salaries-to-hinder-disputed-pm-180421">exploit the political instability </a>which erupted late last month.

The country has been at a virtual standstill since President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/speaker-jayasuriya-meets-president-sirisena-in-a-bid-to-end-impasse-180284">Maithripala Sirisena</a> sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with former strongman president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-bars-rajapaksa-from-using-state-funds-after-cutting-budget-180216">Mahinda Rajapakse</a>.

But parliament, where the UNP enjoys a majority, has refused to acknowledge the Rajapakse government.

Sri Lanka's parliament has already voted to stop spending by Rajapakse and his disputed cabinet ministers until the political crisis is resolved.

Two police officers were shot dead execution-style while manning a checkpost in Sri Lanka's former war zone, officials said Friday. The victims had their hands tied behind their backs and had been shot in the head, according to authorities, and their weapons had been taken.

Two police officers were shot dead execution-style while manning a checkpost in Sri Lanka's former war zone, officials said Friday. The victims had their hands tied behind their backs and had been shot in the head, according to authorities, and their weapons had been taken. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the shooting shattered the relative calm in the region where fighting between troops and Tamil rebels ended over a decade ago. The country's police chief, Inspector General Pujith Jayasundara, led a team of detectives to Batticaloa, 300 kilometres (187 miles) east of Colombo after the double murder. Sri Lanka's largest political party, the United National Party (UNP), told parliament Friday that it feared the killings had been carried out to exploit the political instability which erupted late last month. The country has been at a virtual standstill since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse. But parliament, where the UNP enjoys a majority, has refused to acknowledge the Rajapakse government. Sri Lanka's parliament has already voted to stop spending by Rajapakse and his disputed cabinet ministers until the political crisis is resolved.

Execution-style killing of two policemen shocks Sri Lanka

Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's alliance on Friday won control of a powerful panel in Parliament, dealing a major blow to President Maithripala Sirisena and his prime ministerial appointee Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sirisena's party members walked out of Parliament, which resumed its session on Friday after being adjourned on Monday, protesting against Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's move to appoint five members of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) which is led by the President.

The Speaker named five members from the United National Front (UNF) of Wickremesinghe, and one each from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sri-lanka-state-banks-to-borrow-up-to-1-billion-abroad-before-end-of-2018-178833">Sri Lanka state banks to borrow up to $1 billion abroad before </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sri-lanka-state-banks-to-borrow-up-to-1-billion-abroad-before-end-of-2018-178833">end</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sri-lanka-state-banks-to-borrow-up-to-1-billion-abroad-before-end-of-2018-178833"> of 2018</a>

This is in continuation of the political unrest plaguing the country since October 26.

Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament.

Jayasuriya, at the start of the session, announced that following a meeting of all party leaders which ended without an agreement over the composition of the committee, he had decided to grant five members each to the UPFA and the UNF.

The committee would comprise 12 members, he said.

Senior UPFA member Dinesh Gunawardena slammed the speaker's conduct as biased.

"I urge you to recognise us as the government and give us the majority in the select committee.

"We have precedents that even during the minority governments in the past the government had been given majority in the select committee," he said.

Lakshman Kiriella on behalf of the ousted government said that Jayasuriya has declared the members based on two previous votes that there was no government and the purported government does not exist.

Wimal Weerawansa, another Sirisena backer, said that if Jayasuriya was not recognising the government, they would not recognise Jayasuriya as the Speaker.

"We will leave the chamber allowing you to conduct a meeting of the United National Party," Weerawansa said and led Sirisena's side out of the chamber.

Jayasuriya then proceeded to take a vote on his decision on the select committee composition after a vote was moved by JVP's Vijitha Herath.

The proposal was adopted with 121 votes for and nothing against. The members of the UNF, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and the Tamil National Alliance voted in favour.

Sri Lanka is witnessing a political crisis since President Sirisena abruptly sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26.

Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls.

Speaker Jayasuriya then ordered a floor test in the 225-member assembly to end the ongoing political crisis, a move which invited the wrath of the government of Rajapaksa.

The UNF has already moved two motions of no trust against Rajapaksa and they are to move a third vote again, perhaps Friday. Rajapaksa, however, has refused to step down.

On Wednesday, Wickremesinghe's party handed Parliament another motion, demanding suspension of funds of all ministry secretaries whom they claim had been illegally appointed since October 26.

Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's alliance on Friday won control of a powerful panel in Parliament, dealing a major blow to President Maithripala Sirisena and his prime ministerial appointee Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's alliance on Friday won control of a powerful panel in Parliament, dealing a major blow to President Maithripala Sirisena and his prime ministerial appointee Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena's party members walked out of Parliament, which resumed its session on Friday after being adjourned on Monday, protesting against Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's move to appoint five members of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) which is led by the President. The Speaker named five members from the United National Front (UNF) of Wickremesinghe, and one each from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Also read: Sri Lanka state banks to borrow up to $1 billion abroad before end of 2018 This is in continuation of the political unrest plaguing the country since October 26. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament. Jayasuriya, at the start of the session, announced that following a meeting of all party leaders which ended without an agreement over the composition of the committee, he had decided to grant five members each to the UPFA and the UNF. The committee would comprise 12 members, he said. Senior UPFA member Dinesh Gunawardena slammed the speaker's conduct as biased. "I urge you to recognise us as the government and give us the majority in the select committee. "We have precedents that even during the minority governments in the past the government had been given majority in the select committee," he said. Lakshman Kiriella on behalf of the ousted government said that Jayasuriya has declared the members based on two previous votes that there was no government and the purported government does not exist. Wimal Weerawansa, another Sirisena backer, said that if Jayasuriya was not recognising the government, they would not recognise Jayasuriya as the Speaker. "We will leave the chamber allowing you to conduct a meeting of the United National Party," Weerawansa said and led Sirisena's side out of the chamber. Jayasuriya then proceeded to take a vote on his decision on the select committee composition after a vote was moved by JVP's Vijitha Herath. The proposal was adopted with 121 votes for and nothing against. The members of the UNF, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and the Tamil National Alliance voted in favour. Sri Lanka is witnessing a political crisis since President Sirisena abruptly sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26. Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. Speaker Jayasuriya then ordered a floor test in the 225-member assembly to end the ongoing political crisis, a move which invited the wrath of the government of Rajapaksa. The UNF has already moved two motions of no trust against Rajapaksa and they are to move a third vote again, perhaps Friday. Rajapaksa, however, has refused to step down. On Wednesday, Wickremesinghe's party handed Parliament another motion, demanding suspension of funds of all ministry secretaries whom they claim had been illegally appointed since October 26.

Sri Lanka crisis: Wickremsinghe's alliance wins control of parliament panel

Sri Lanka has been reeling from a turbulent political crisis for almost a month, when President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 abruptly sacked then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed the now-ousted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's former President, as the new premier.

The power struggle has left the Sri Lankan democratic system in tatters, with massive protests being held by the United National Party (UNP), where its members and supporters of Wickremesinghe have repeatedly called President Sirisena's move as "unconstitutional".

Even Wickremesinghe voiced his views, asserting that he was legally still the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He and his supporters have accused Sirisena of staging an "undemocratic coup".

Sirisena further suspended the country's Parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Amid rising demands by legislators to end the political crisis in the South Asian island nation, the Sri Lankan President preponed the date to reconvene the Parliament on November 14.

Defending his decision to oust Wickremesinghe, the Sri Lankan President claimed that the former's political conduct was unbecoming of civilised politics, as he grossly violated the principles of good governance. Sirisena asserted that political change was necessary, as Wickremesinghe "destroyed the concept and the noble expectations of good governance by his actions during the last few years."

Sirisena then called for a snap election to be held on January 5. Amidst the political chaos, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court stepped in and suspended Sirisena's order to dissolve the island nation's Parliament and call a snap general election. The court will hear more arguments and would deliver a verdict next month.

The Sri Lankan President remained defiant, saying that he would not re-appoint Wickremesinghe, in what was a move, considered by many, to allow Rajapaksa to buy more time to gain legislators, in order to prove his majority in the Parliament.

China, whose protege is Rajapaksa, was bankrolling this entire process.

The political turmoil in Sri Lanka turned topsy-turvy, when Rajapaksa, was defeated in the Parliament during a 'No-Confidence' motion on November 15. The No-Confidence motion against Rajapaksa was passed after 122 members voted against him in the 225-member House. In an unusual turn of events, the Parliament became a virtual war-zone, when the legislators got into fistfights, hurled objects at each other and even tried to attack Speaker Karu Jayasuriya following Rajapaksa's loss in the trust vote.

The Parliament was reconvened in Colombo after the UNP lawmakers approved a motion of no-confidence in Rajapaksa's "purported" cabinet. They even passed motions declaring President Sirisena's move as illegal.

Following this major upset for Mahinda Rajapaksa, he is using his money and muscle power to obstruct the functioning of the House, and also intimidating his opponents and their supporters. An atmosphere of absolute terror now prevails in the country, with the complicity of President Sirisena, who is allowing Mahinda Rajapaksa's goons a free run.

Legislators supporting Rajapaksa, hurled chairs at police officers and throw chilli powder at the leaders of opposing parties.

"They (MPs of Sirisena - Rajapaksa faction) have assaulted me by using a copy of the Constitution, and they have used chilli powder mixed with water to attack the MPs," The Guardian quoted Member of Parliament, Vijitha Herath, as saying on Friday.

With Sirisena vehemently rejecting the no-confidence vote against Rajapaksa, Speaker Jayasuriya said that Sri Lanka as of now does not have a Prime Minister or a Cabinet.

While the Parliament is expected to be reconvened on November 19, there is still no clear sign on whether the political turmoil would come to an end soon.

The political parties are now waiting for the Supreme Court's verdict next month to see if the House will be dissolved and elections will be announced or whether the Wickremesinghe-led government will continue in office.

Many countries, including India and the United States, are closely watching the developments in the island nation, and have called on the Sirisena government to act as per the Constitution and refrain from committing violence and to restore democracy.

Sri Lanka has been reeling from a turbulent political crisis for almost a month, when President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 abruptly sacked then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed the now-ousted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's former President, as the new premier.

Sri Lanka has been reeling from a turbulent political crisis for almost a month, when President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 abruptly sacked then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed the now-ousted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's former President, as the new premier. The power struggle has left the Sri Lankan democratic system in tatters, with massive protests being held by the United National Party (UNP), where its members and supporters of Wickremesinghe have repeatedly called President Sirisena's move as "unconstitutional". Even Wickremesinghe voiced his views, asserting that he was legally still the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He and his supporters have accused Sirisena of staging an "undemocratic coup". Sirisena further suspended the country's Parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Amid rising demands by legislators to end the political crisis in the South Asian island nation, the Sri Lankan President preponed the date to reconvene the Parliament on November 14. Defending his decision to oust Wickremesinghe, the Sri Lankan President claimed that the former's political conduct was unbecoming of civilised politics, as he grossly violated the principles of good governance. Sirisena asserted that political change was necessary, as Wickremesinghe "destroyed the concept and the noble expectations of good governance by his actions during the last few years." Sirisena then called for a snap election to be held on January 5. Amidst the political chaos, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court stepped in and suspended Sirisena's order to dissolve the island nation's Parliament and call a snap general election. The court will hear more arguments and would deliver a verdict next month. The Sri Lankan President remained defiant, saying that he would not re-appoint Wickremesinghe, in what was a move, considered by many, to allow Rajapaksa to buy more time to gain legislators, in order to prove his majority in the Parliament. China, whose protege is Rajapaksa, was bankrolling this entire process. The political turmoil in Sri Lanka turned topsy-turvy, when Rajapaksa, was defeated in the Parliament during a 'No-Confidence' motion on November 15. The No-Confidence motion against Rajapaksa was passed after 122 members voted against him in the 225-member House. In an unusual turn of events, the Parliament became a virtual war-zone, when the legislators got into fistfights, hurled objects at each other and even tried to attack Speaker Karu Jayasuriya following Rajapaksa's loss in the trust vote. The Parliament was reconvened in Colombo after the UNP lawmakers approved a motion of no-confidence in Rajapaksa's "purported" cabinet. They even passed motions declaring President Sirisena's move as illegal. Following this major upset for Mahinda Rajapaksa, he is using his money and muscle power to obstruct the functioning of the House, and also intimidating his opponents and their supporters. An atmosphere of absolute terror now prevails in the country, with the complicity of President Sirisena, who is allowing Mahinda Rajapaksa's goons a free run. Legislators supporting Rajapaksa, hurled chairs at police officers and throw chilli powder at the leaders of opposing parties. "They (MPs of Sirisena - Rajapaksa faction) have assaulted me by using a copy of the Constitution, and they have used chilli powder mixed with water to attack the MPs," The Guardian quoted Member of Parliament, Vijitha Herath, as saying on Friday. With Sirisena vehemently rejecting the no-confidence vote against Rajapaksa, Speaker Jayasuriya said that Sri Lanka as of now does not have a Prime Minister or a Cabinet. While the Parliament is expected to be reconvened on November 19, there is still no clear sign on whether the political turmoil would come to an end soon. The political parties are now waiting for the Supreme Court's verdict next month to see if the House will be dissolved and elections will be announced or whether the Wickremesinghe-led government will continue in office. Many countries, including India and the United States, are closely watching the developments in the island nation, and have called on the Sirisena government to act as per the Constitution and refrain from committing violence and to restore democracy.

Explainer: Sri Lanka's escalating political turmoil