United National Party deputy general secretary Ruwan Wijewardene&nbsp;has expressed his desire to lead the party after his cousin and Sri Lanka's former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to resign from the UNP leadership after 26 years at the helm following its crushing defeat in the parliamentary election.

The UNP, the oldest party in the country, suffered a humiliating defeat in the August 5 election won by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP). The party polled only 2 per cent of the total votes and failed to win a seat in the 225-member Parliament from any of the 22 electoral districts.

UNP chief and former prime minister Wickremesinghe also failed to become a member of parliament for the first time since 1977. 
"Following demands from many, I have decided to step in to lead UNP with the blessings of the party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe," 45-year-old Wijewardena told reporters in the north central town of Anuradhapura on Saturday.

Wickremesinghe, 71, has been leading UNP since December 1994. During his 26-year tenure, Wickremesinghe was blamed for repeated election losses. He was accused of being aloof with the common man and being too West oriented in his policies.

UNP's political fortunes further nosedived after its deputy leader Sajith Premadasa formed his own party to contest the August parliamentary polls. His Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party won 54 seats in the election and emerged as the largest Opposition party, relegating the UNP to fifth position.

Earlier this month, Wickremesinghe's announced his decision to resign from the UNP leadership following his party's crushing defeat. 
Following the announcement, party general secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam named himself and three others as possible contenders to the post.

Former Assembly speaker Karu Jayasuriya, a former UNP deputy leader, last week also announced his desire to lead the party. 
Wijewardena said though several party members have already staked a claim for UNP leadership, he is ready to take over the party leadership.

"I am confident that we can lead the UNP to victory by restructuring and strengthening the party," he said, adding that UNP's election defeat is an opportunity to identify the loopholes in the party and to restore confidence in party supporters.

Wijewardene said Sri Lanka is likely to face an economic crisis in the coming years, resulting in a need for an alternative force for the people.

"We must be prepared to come forward as an alternative for the people," he said.

Wijewardena is the son of Lankan media mogul Ranjith Wijewardena who owned the English dailies -- Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Financial Times -- as well as the largest Sinhala language daily 'Lankadeepa'.&nbsp;

United National Party deputy general secretary Ruwan Wijewardene has expressed his desire to lead the party after his cousin and Sri Lanka's former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to resign from the UNP leadership after 26 years at the helm following its crushing defeat in the parliamentary election.

United National Party deputy general secretary Ruwan Wijewardene has expressed his desire to lead the party after his cousin and Sri Lanka's former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to resign from the UNP leadership after 26 years at the helm following its crushing defeat in the parliamentary election. The UNP, the oldest party in the country, suffered a humiliating defeat in the August 5 election won by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP). The party polled only 2 per cent of the total votes and failed to win a seat in the 225-member Parliament from any of the 22 electoral districts. UNP chief and former prime minister Wickremesinghe also failed to become a member of parliament for the first time since 1977. "Following demands from many, I have decided to step in to lead UNP with the blessings of the party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe," 45-year-old Wijewardena told reporters in the north central town of Anuradhapura on Saturday. Wickremesinghe, 71, has been leading UNP since December 1994. During his 26-year tenure, Wickremesinghe was blamed for repeated election losses. He was accused of being aloof with the common man and being too West oriented in his policies. UNP's political fortunes further nosedived after its deputy leader Sajith Premadasa formed his own party to contest the August parliamentary polls. His Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party won 54 seats in the election and emerged as the largest Opposition party, relegating the UNP to fifth position. Earlier this month, Wickremesinghe's announced his decision to resign from the UNP leadership following his party's crushing defeat. Following the announcement, party general secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam named himself and three others as possible contenders to the post. Former Assembly speaker Karu Jayasuriya, a former UNP deputy leader, last week also announced his desire to lead the party. Wijewardena said though several party members have already staked a claim for UNP leadership, he is ready to take over the party leadership. "I am confident that we can lead the UNP to victory by restructuring and strengthening the party," he said, adding that UNP's election defeat is an opportunity to identify the loopholes in the party and to restore confidence in party supporters. Wijewardene said Sri Lanka is likely to face an economic crisis in the coming years, resulting in a need for an alternative force for the people. "We must be prepared to come forward as an alternative for the people," he said. Wijewardena is the son of Lankan media mogul Ranjith Wijewardena who owned the English dailies -- Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Financial Times -- as well as the largest Sinhala language daily 'Lankadeepa'.

Sri Lanka's former PM Wickremesinghe's cousin expresses desire to lead UNP

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attackers-of-sri-lanka-easter-sunday-bombings-were-inspire-by-isis-238342">the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people</a>, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth.

Many are rooting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who despite fighting allegations of war crimes, is expected to be announced as the presidential candidate of the opposition nationalist Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, as early as Sunday.

The Rajapaksa brothers, Gotabaya and Mahinda, were credited with bringing peace to Sri Lanka in 2009 by defeating the Tamil Tigers in a brutal end to the 26-year-long civil war between the Sinhalese Buddhist majority and minority Tamil groups. Gotabaya was the defence secretary at the time and Mahinda the nation's president.

'The people have requested a leader who can ensure their security,' Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the SLPP and youngest brother of Gotabaya and Mahinda told reporters on Thursday.

Gotabaya is facing lawsuits in the United States for instigating and authorising the extrajudicial killing of a journalist and of war crimes against the Tamils during his time as defence secretary.

He has denied the allegations and said the lawsuits, brought by torture survivors and the daughter of the slain journalist, were timed to thwart his possible presidential run. The final date for the presidential elections has not been decided but must be held before Dec 9.

Ignored warnings

Sri Lanka's constitution is modelled on the French system of government where the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament.

The current government is headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is from the centre-right United National Party (UNP), which has a majority in the parliament.

Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who have been at loggerheads since last October, have blamed one another for ignoring warnings from India and failing to stop the attacks.

Calls for a nationalist leader like Gotabaya, who has strong support from within Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese Buddhist community, echo similar choices made by voters in other Asian nations including India and Bangladesh.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elected for a second term in May in a landslide victory, rallied his Hindu nationalist base and turned the campaign into a fight for national security and an aggressive stance against Pakistan.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won a third straight term in an election last December, has been criticised for suppressing dissent and jailing critics.

Echoes of Duterte

Reuters spoke to about 60 people, many of whom were victims of the terror attacks or affected by communal violence over the past year, and while some plan to abstain from voting, many of those who will vote to say they want a more authoritarian figure.

Many Sri Lankan Catholics will not vote for Sirisena if he stands, said a senior Sri Lankan priest.

He is looking at Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs as an example of the kind of behaviour that is required despite evidence that it involved extrajudicial killings by police.

"A third world country like us needs a tough leader like Duterte - he is doing whatever is needed to rid his country of evils," said the priest who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject.

"Gotabaya is accused of crimes but he is tough and that is what we need right now to bring back some order," he said.

Father Jude Chrysantha Fernando, director of social communication at the Archdiocese of Colombo, said the church did not take political sides and would not ask people to vote for one candidate over another.

“What the cardinal said was that the political leaders and some security officials had prior information about attacks, but they have not taken any action," he said. "That’s why the cardinal expressed his displeasure. But he did not take any political side. What he is asking is justice for the victims.”

Minorities divided&nbsp;

A country of 21 million, Sri Lanka has been a tinder box of sectarian and ethnic tensions, first between the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population and Tamil groups, and in recent years between the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Muslim minority.

While most Tamils are unlikely to vote for Gotabaya, the Muslim community may be divided.

SHM Thameem, a government employee who is a Muslim, said he will vote for Gotabaya because the current government has failed to deliver.

"When there were anti-Muslim riots when he was the defence secretary, they were controlled within a day or two but Sirisena and Wickremesinghe have failed to control it. That adversely impacted the Muslim businesses and overall economy," said Thameem who lives in the north-central district of Anuradhapura.

JM Faleel, a Muslim autorickshaw driver in Colombo feels differently.

"We need a dictator, but I will not vote for Gotabaya as he is partially responsible for most of the suffering we see today," said Faleel, referring to anti-Muslim riots and alleged abuses against the Tamils.

Keheliya Rambukwella, a spokesman for SLPP, said Gotabaya was out of the country when the worst violence against Muslims took place.

"But still he was able to prevent it within a day. This government could not control the spreading of anti-Muslim riots for a week last," he told Reuters.

The lawsuit allegations in the United States may not hurt Gotabaya's chances of winning because he has the overwhelming support of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, said Kusal Perera, a political columnist in Sri Lanka.

"This election will be decided by the large majority of Sinhalese Buddhists who believe they need a hardline president to put things right. The Tamils and Muslims will be left out in deciding the president," said Perera.

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth.

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth. Many are rooting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who despite fighting allegations of war crimes, is expected to be announced as the presidential candidate of the opposition nationalist Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, as early as Sunday. The Rajapaksa brothers, Gotabaya and Mahinda, were credited with bringing peace to Sri Lanka in 2009 by defeating the Tamil Tigers in a brutal end to the 26-year-long civil war between the Sinhalese Buddhist majority and minority Tamil groups. Gotabaya was the defence secretary at the time and Mahinda the nation's president. 'The people have requested a leader who can ensure their security,' Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the SLPP and youngest brother of Gotabaya and Mahinda told reporters on Thursday. Gotabaya is facing lawsuits in the United States for instigating and authorising the extrajudicial killing of a journalist and of war crimes against the Tamils during his time as defence secretary. He has denied the allegations and said the lawsuits, brought by torture survivors and the daughter of the slain journalist, were timed to thwart his possible presidential run. The final date for the presidential elections has not been decided but must be held before Dec 9. Ignored warnings Sri Lanka's constitution is modelled on the French system of government where the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament. The current government is headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is from the centre-right United National Party (UNP), which has a majority in the parliament. Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who have been at loggerheads since last October, have blamed one another for ignoring warnings from India and failing to stop the attacks. Calls for a nationalist leader like Gotabaya, who has strong support from within Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese Buddhist community, echo similar choices made by voters in other Asian nations including India and Bangladesh. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elected for a second term in May in a landslide victory, rallied his Hindu nationalist base and turned the campaign into a fight for national security and an aggressive stance against Pakistan. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won a third straight term in an election last December, has been criticised for suppressing dissent and jailing critics. Echoes of Duterte Reuters spoke to about 60 people, many of whom were victims of the terror attacks or affected by communal violence over the past year, and while some plan to abstain from voting, many of those who will vote to say they want a more authoritarian figure. Many Sri Lankan Catholics will not vote for Sirisena if he stands, said a senior Sri Lankan priest. He is looking at Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs as an example of the kind of behaviour that is required despite evidence that it involved extrajudicial killings by police. "A third world country like us needs a tough leader like Duterte - he is doing whatever is needed to rid his country of evils," said the priest who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject. "Gotabaya is accused of crimes but he is tough and that is what we need right now to bring back some order," he said. Father Jude Chrysantha Fernando, director of social communication at the Archdiocese of Colombo, said the church did not take political sides and would not ask people to vote for one candidate over another. “What the cardinal said was that the political leaders and some security officials had prior information about attacks, but they have not taken any action," he said. "That’s why the cardinal expressed his displeasure. But he did not take any political side. What he is asking is justice for the victims.” Minorities divided A country of 21 million, Sri Lanka has been a tinder box of sectarian and ethnic tensions, first between the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population and Tamil groups, and in recent years between the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Muslim minority. While most Tamils are unlikely to vote for Gotabaya, the Muslim community may be divided. SHM Thameem, a government employee who is a Muslim, said he will vote for Gotabaya because the current government has failed to deliver. "When there were anti-Muslim riots when he was the defence secretary, they were controlled within a day or two but Sirisena and Wickremesinghe have failed to control it. That adversely impacted the Muslim businesses and overall economy," said Thameem who lives in the north-central district of Anuradhapura. JM Faleel, a Muslim autorickshaw driver in Colombo feels differently. "We need a dictator, but I will not vote for Gotabaya as he is partially responsible for most of the suffering we see today," said Faleel, referring to anti-Muslim riots and alleged abuses against the Tamils. Keheliya Rambukwella, a spokesman for SLPP, said Gotabaya was out of the country when the worst violence against Muslims took place. "But still he was able to prevent it within a day. This government could not control the spreading of anti-Muslim riots for a week last," he told Reuters. The lawsuit allegations in the United States may not hurt Gotabaya's chances of winning because he has the overwhelming support of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, said Kusal Perera, a political columnist in Sri Lanka. "This election will be decided by the large majority of Sinhalese Buddhists who believe they need a hardline president to put things right. The Tamils and Muslims will be left out in deciding the president," said Perera.

Many Sri Lankans want a strongman leader, and that favours Gotabaya Rajapaksa

A collegial leadership of ten members has been tabled for the new political front to be formed by the United National Party.

The leadership will be formed along with the like-minded parties such as Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), the Jathika Hela Urumya and the Tamil Progressive Alliance TPA.

According to the Daily Mirror, the constitution of the new alliance Democratic National Front has already been drafted.

The democratic front will have a collegial leadership with UNP holding the chairmanship of the body.

Daily Mirror quoted a political source stating that the front would be formed in view of elections due next year.

"There is a body of leaders to take decisions instead of a single individual calling the shots," the source said.&nbsp;

A collegial leadership of ten members has been tabled for the new political front to be formed by the United National Party. The leadership will be formed along with the like-minded parties such as Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), the Jathika Hela Urumya and the Tamil Progressive Alliance TPA.

A collegial leadership of ten members has been tabled for the new political front to be formed by the United National Party. The leadership will be formed along with the like-minded parties such as Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), the Jathika Hela Urumya and the Tamil Progressive Alliance TPA. According to the Daily Mirror, the constitution of the new alliance Democratic National Front has already been drafted. The democratic front will have a collegial leadership with UNP holding the chairmanship of the body. Daily Mirror quoted a political source stating that the front would be formed in view of elections due next year. "There is a body of leaders to take decisions instead of a single individual calling the shots," the source said.

Sri Lanka: Collegial leadership in talks for new UNP-led front

The sharp political differences between Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have been further reflected in the allocation of key departments under various ministries.

According to the subjects gazette published on Saturday, Sirisena has kept control of the police department under him as the minister of defence.

The UNP led by Wickremesinghe argues that the police cannot be controlled by Sirisena whereas the 19th amendment to the Constitution has restricted the president to just one ministry in addition to the defence ministry.

Sirisena had also kept the government printer under him which is the authority which publishes government-gazetted decrees.

Sirisena's differences with Wickremesinghe led to a collapse of the unity government between the two leaders on October 26 as Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe as premier and withdrew his

UPFA alliance from the unity government, triggering a constitutional and political crisis never before seen in the island nation.

Both Wickremesinghe and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa who was appointed prime minister by Sirisena, were claiming the premiership.

Wickremesinghe citing the 19A said Sirisena had no power to sack him. After a 50-day standoff, Wickremesinghe was restored to office.

The country's highest court has termed Sirisena's action to dismiss parliament and his call for a fresh election as illegal.

Since Wickremesinghe's reinstatement a new Cabinet was sworn in. The UNP wants the Cabinet to consist of 30 members apart from Sirisena and Wickremesinghe.

"We have asked for the opinion of the attorney general on the number of ministers. The president and prime minister who hold portfolios must be excluded in our view," minister Mano Ganesan said.

The 19A amendment has restricted the Cabinet to 30 members when a single political party holds power without any coalition arrangement with another party. Sirisena had ignored the names of those who had crossed over from his SLFP to join Wickremesinghe when the prime minister recommended them for ministerial posts.

Under the Constitution, Cabinet ministers are appointed by the president under advise from the prime minister.

Significantly, Sirisena has also appointed his own representatives to state media directorates while giving Wickremesinghe's UNP control over institutions.

According to the subjects gazette published on Saturday, Sirisena has kept control of the police department under him as the minister of defence.

The sharp political differences between Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have been further reflected in the allocation of key departments under various ministries. According to the subjects gazette published on Saturday, Sirisena has kept control of the police department under him as the minister of defence. The UNP led by Wickremesinghe argues that the police cannot be controlled by Sirisena whereas the 19th amendment to the Constitution has restricted the president to just one ministry in addition to the defence ministry. Sirisena had also kept the government printer under him which is the authority which publishes government-gazetted decrees. Sirisena's differences with Wickremesinghe led to a collapse of the unity government between the two leaders on October 26 as Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe as premier and withdrew his UPFA alliance from the unity government, triggering a constitutional and political crisis never before seen in the island nation. Both Wickremesinghe and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa who was appointed prime minister by Sirisena, were claiming the premiership. Wickremesinghe citing the 19A said Sirisena had no power to sack him. After a 50-day standoff, Wickremesinghe was restored to office. The country's highest court has termed Sirisena's action to dismiss parliament and his call for a fresh election as illegal. Since Wickremesinghe's reinstatement a new Cabinet was sworn in. The UNP wants the Cabinet to consist of 30 members apart from Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. "We have asked for the opinion of the attorney general on the number of ministers. The president and prime minister who hold portfolios must be excluded in our view," minister Mano Ganesan said. The 19A amendment has restricted the Cabinet to 30 members when a single political party holds power without any coalition arrangement with another party. Sirisena had ignored the names of those who had crossed over from his SLFP to join Wickremesinghe when the prime minister recommended them for ministerial posts. Under the Constitution, Cabinet ministers are appointed by the president under advise from the prime minister. Significantly, Sirisena has also appointed his own representatives to state media directorates while giving Wickremesinghe's UNP control over institutions.

Sirisena keeps control of police as Lanka political crisis festers

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-45000-people-hit-by-flash-floods-in-northern-sri-lanka-186046">Sri Lankan </a>President Maithripala Sirisena has held a meeting with his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wickremesinghe-acknowledges-differences-with-sirisena-on-ministerial-appointments-185841">party's electoral organisers</a>, fuelling speculation that the SLPF Chairman, who was recently at the centre of an unprecedented political standoff, may be hoping for a possible presidential re-run in 2019.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPF) organisers were summoned on Monday for the special meeting at the President's house and were briefed about the party's future plans and restructuring activities.

"We discussed the party's future reform drive which will be kick-started in January," said party's general secretary Rohana Laxman.

"The president told the organisers that they need to be dedicated to the reform programme," Laxman said.

Sirisena could call a snap presidential election after January 8 next year. It was not clear if the organisers' meeting was to gear the party for the eventuality of a snap presidential poll.

Sri Lanka's English daily 'Daily News', however, reported that Sirisena instructed the SLFP electoral organisers to get ready for an "election year", stating that the provincial and presidential elections would be held next year.

He had also indicated the possibility of even a general election next year, it said.

By the schedule,&nbsp;the next presidential election must be called by November 2019 and held before January 2020.

President Sirisena, who is also the SLFP Chairman, found himself at the centre of an unprecedented political and constitutional crisis after he took a controversial decision and sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in an alleged illegal power grab and replaced him with ex-strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa was defeated by Sirisena with Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) support in the 2015 presidential election, ending Rajapaksa's 10-year rule.

However, after 3 years of bitter opposition, Rajapaksa and Sirisena patched up and Sirisena ditched Wickremesinghe, the man who elevated him to become the president.

Rajapaksa has formed his own party and did well in the local elections held early this year by defeating both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe's parties.

Rajapaksa wants a snap parliamentary election well ahead of its schedule in August 2020 as he is confident of winning it. He is constitutionally barred from running for president again.

Sirisena's dissolution of parliament to call for a snap parliamentary election for January 5 next year was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. The court ruling forced him to restore Wickremesinghe in office after compelling Rajapaksa to resign who failed to prove his majority in Parliament.

The provincial polls are due in the country. They have been held back due to legal issues as amendments are needed to hold them under a new system of a hybrid first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has held a meeting with his party's electoral organisers, fuelling speculation that the SLPF Chairman, who was recently at the centre of an unprecedented political standoff, may be hoping for a possible presidential re-run in 2019.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has held a meeting with his party's electoral organisers, fuelling speculation that the SLPF Chairman, who was recently at the centre of an unprecedented political standoff, may be hoping for a possible presidential re-run in 2019. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPF) organisers were summoned on Monday for the special meeting at the President's house and were briefed about the party's future plans and restructuring activities. "We discussed the party's future reform drive which will be kick-started in January," said party's general secretary Rohana Laxman. "The president told the organisers that they need to be dedicated to the reform programme," Laxman said. Sirisena could call a snap presidential election after January 8 next year. It was not clear if the organisers' meeting was to gear the party for the eventuality of a snap presidential poll. Sri Lanka's English daily 'Daily News', however, reported that Sirisena instructed the SLFP electoral organisers to get ready for an "election year", stating that the provincial and presidential elections would be held next year. He had also indicated the possibility of even a general election next year, it said. By the schedule, the next presidential election must be called by November 2019 and held before January 2020. President Sirisena, who is also the SLFP Chairman, found himself at the centre of an unprecedented political and constitutional crisis after he took a controversial decision and sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in an alleged illegal power grab and replaced him with ex-strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa was defeated by Sirisena with Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) support in the 2015 presidential election, ending Rajapaksa's 10-year rule. However, after 3 years of bitter opposition, Rajapaksa and Sirisena patched up and Sirisena ditched Wickremesinghe, the man who elevated him to become the president. Rajapaksa has formed his own party and did well in the local elections held early this year by defeating both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe's parties. Rajapaksa wants a snap parliamentary election well ahead of its schedule in August 2020 as he is confident of winning it. He is constitutionally barred from running for president again. Sirisena's dissolution of parliament to call for a snap parliamentary election for January 5 next year was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. The court ruling forced him to restore Wickremesinghe in office after compelling Rajapaksa to resign who failed to prove his majority in Parliament. The provincial polls are due in the country. They have been held back due to legal issues as amendments are needed to hold them under a new system of a hybrid first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena meets party organisers, hints 2019 may be election year

Sri Lanka's Parliament is set to convene on Tuesday for the first time after the reinstatement of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-to-work-with-sirisena-again-wickremesinghes-united-national-party-184455">Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister </a>that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country, but he and President Maithripala Sirisena are yet to agree on Cabinet positions.

Sirisena, whose controversial actions plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political turmoil for nearly two months, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/victory-for-democracy-says-reinstated-sri-lankan-pm-wickremesinghe-184636">reinstated Wickremesinghe </a>as Prime Minister on Sunday, after sacking him on October 26 and appointing ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and also dissolving Parliament, some 20 months early.&nbsp;

Sirisena was left with no other option following two separate decisions by the Supreme Court, which nullified his illegal moves.&nbsp;

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is scheduled to chair a meeting on Tuesday to decide on the business of Parliament this week.

As Cabinet ministers are yet to take oaths, only the Prime Minister will be assigned a seat in the Chamber, Parliament Deputy Secretary-General Neil Iddawela said.

"We are hopeful that the list can be finalised soon. We are also looking at some of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Sirisena's party) members to join," Nalin Bandara, a parliamentarian from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), said.&nbsp;

The UNP sources said Sirisena is demanding the ministries of law and order and mass media.&nbsp;It has been reported that the UNP has been assigned seats in the government side and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs have been assigned seats of the Opposition.

A final decision has not been taken on the opposition leader's position. State newspaper Daily News reported that about 10 UPFA MPs are expected to join the UNP side.&nbsp;

"The SLFP members decided last night that none would join the government," Nishantha Muthuhettigama, a Sirisena loyalist said.&nbsp;

The Sirisena camp now is divided between the SLFP and Rajapaksa's SLPP.&nbsp;They are to join together to form a united alliance at the next election.

Parliamentary officials said that seats would be allocated based on the seniority this afternoon when parliament meets for the first time since the crisis ended.&nbsp;

Sirisena and Rajapaksa loyalists, who have been boycotting parliament since mid last month, are set to return to Parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Parliament is set to convene on Tuesday for the first time after the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country, but he and President Maithripala Sirisena are yet to agree on Cabinet positions.

Sri Lanka's Parliament is set to convene on Tuesday for the first time after the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country, but he and President Maithripala Sirisena are yet to agree on Cabinet positions. Sirisena, whose controversial actions plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political turmoil for nearly two months, reinstated Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister on Sunday, after sacking him on October 26 and appointing ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and also dissolving Parliament, some 20 months early. Sirisena was left with no other option following two separate decisions by the Supreme Court, which nullified his illegal moves. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is scheduled to chair a meeting on Tuesday to decide on the business of Parliament this week. As Cabinet ministers are yet to take oaths, only the Prime Minister will be assigned a seat in the Chamber, Parliament Deputy Secretary-General Neil Iddawela said. "We are hopeful that the list can be finalised soon. We are also looking at some of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Sirisena's party) members to join," Nalin Bandara, a parliamentarian from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), said. The UNP sources said Sirisena is demanding the ministries of law and order and mass media. It has been reported that the UNP has been assigned seats in the government side and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs have been assigned seats of the Opposition. A final decision has not been taken on the opposition leader's position. State newspaper Daily News reported that about 10 UPFA MPs are expected to join the UNP side. "The SLFP members decided last night that none would join the government," Nishantha Muthuhettigama, a Sirisena loyalist said. The Sirisena camp now is divided between the SLFP and Rajapaksa's SLPP. They are to join together to form a united alliance at the next election. Parliamentary officials said that seats would be allocated based on the seniority this afternoon when parliament meets for the first time since the crisis ended. Sirisena and Rajapaksa loyalists, who have been boycotting parliament since mid last month, are set to return to Parliament on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka parliament to convene for first time after reinstatement of PM Wickremesinghe

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's UNP won the secret ballot in parliament today for the deputy speaker's position left vacant by the resignation of Thilanga Sumathipala, a loyalist of President Maithripala Sirisena.

UNP nominee Ananda Kumarasiri was elected deputy speaker with 97 for and 53 against in the 225-member assembly while 25 members were absent from the house. Kumarasiri's defeated rival Sudarshani Fernandopulle is another Sirisena loyalist.

Sumathipala and 15 other Sirisena loyalists had walked out of the government in April after they voted against Wickremesinghe in a no-trust vote.

"We have gone on the basis that two for the government and one for the opposition in parliamentary positions. We want to retain that position," Wickremesinghe said referring to an argument by R Sampanthan, the main opposition leader, that

Sirisena loyalists should be appointed for the vacancy by consensus.

The group of 16 Sirisena loyalists now align with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's joint opposition. However all three Rajapaksas - Mahinda, brother Chamal and son Namal - were not present in the house when the secret vote was taken.

The parliamentary competition between Sirisena loyalists and the president's unity government partner UNP followed last week's anti-UNP outburst from Sirisena who blamed the UNP for bungling in governance.

The ruling party however has chosen not to respond to the president's public criticism.&nbsp

UNP nominee Ananda Kumarasiri was elected deputy speaker with 97 for and 53 against in the 225-member assembly while 25 members were absent from the house. Kumarasiri's defeated rival Sudarshani Fernandopulle is another Sirisena loyalist

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's UNP won the secret ballot in parliament today for the deputy speaker's position left vacant by the resignation of Thilanga Sumathipala, a loyalist of President Maithripala Sirisena. UNP nominee Ananda Kumarasiri was elected deputy speaker with 97 for and 53 against in the 225-member assembly while 25 members were absent from the house. Kumarasiri's defeated rival Sudarshani Fernandopulle is another Sirisena loyalist. Sumathipala and 15 other Sirisena loyalists had walked out of the government in April after they voted against Wickremesinghe in a no-trust vote. "We have gone on the basis that two for the government and one for the opposition in parliamentary positions. We want to retain that position," Wickremesinghe said referring to an argument by R Sampanthan, the main opposition leader, that Sirisena loyalists should be appointed for the vacancy by consensus. The group of 16 Sirisena loyalists now align with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's joint opposition. However all three Rajapaksas - Mahinda, brother Chamal and son Namal - were not present in the house when the secret vote was taken. The parliamentary competition between Sirisena loyalists and the president's unity government partner UNP followed last week's anti-UNP outburst from Sirisena who blamed the UNP for bungling in governance. The ruling party however has chosen not to respond to the president's public criticism.

Lanka PM's party wins secret ballot to consolidate parliamentary power

Sri Lanka's main party in the ruling unity government United National Party today unanimously decided to back its leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the no-confidence motion submitted against him by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa-backed Joint Opposition.

The motion scheduled for April 4 was handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya by the Joint Opposition (JO) last week against Wickremesinghe, accusing him of financial mismanagement and failing to tackle anti-Muslim riots early this month in the central Kandy district.

"At the policy-making working committee meeting this morning, it was unanimously decided to back the Prime Minister in the no-confidence motion," Education Minister Akila Viraj said.

He said the party will meet for three days to deliberate on the reforms needed to implement them within two months.

Wickremesinghe, 68, had resisted a call from President Maithripala Sirisena to resign following a crushing defeat to Rajapaksa's new party Sri Lanka People's Front in the February 10 local election.

According to analysts, the no-confidence motion against Wickremesinghe is being secretly backed by Sirisena against the man who sponsored him to be the President after Rajapaksa's defeat in 2015.

The motion calls for the removal of Wickremesinghe for appointing a non-Sri Lankan as the governor of the Central Bank, allegedly protecting those responsible for the bank Bond issues scam and failing in his duty as the law and order minister to tackle anti-Muslim riots early this month.

Wickremesinghe was recently replaced as law and order minister after clashes erupted in the central Kandy district.

Anti-Muslim violence in Kandy and Ampara districts left three people dead.

Sirisena last night removed key institutions from the control of Wickremesinghe, including the Central Bank.

He had appointed a committee to probe the bank's bond issues scam under Wickremesinghe's friend and former Governor Arjuna Mahendran.

The party will meet for three days to deliberate on the reforms needed to implement them within two months

Sri Lanka's main party in the ruling unity government United National Party today unanimously decided to back its leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the no-confidence motion submitted against him by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa-backed Joint Opposition. The motion scheduled for April 4 was handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya by the Joint Opposition (JO) last week against Wickremesinghe, accusing him of financial mismanagement and failing to tackle anti-Muslim riots early this month in the central Kandy district. "At the policy-making working committee meeting this morning, it was unanimously decided to back the Prime Minister in the no-confidence motion," Education Minister Akila Viraj said. He said the party will meet for three days to deliberate on the reforms needed to implement them within two months. Wickremesinghe, 68, had resisted a call from President Maithripala Sirisena to resign following a crushing defeat to Rajapaksa's new party Sri Lanka People's Front in the February 10 local election. According to analysts, the no-confidence motion against Wickremesinghe is being secretly backed by Sirisena against the man who sponsored him to be the President after Rajapaksa's defeat in 2015. The motion calls for the removal of Wickremesinghe for appointing a non-Sri Lankan as the governor of the Central Bank, allegedly protecting those responsible for the bank Bond issues scam and failing in his duty as the law and order minister to tackle anti-Muslim riots early this month. Wickremesinghe was recently replaced as law and order minister after clashes erupted in the central Kandy district. Anti-Muslim violence in Kandy and Ampara districts left three people dead. Sirisena last night removed key institutions from the control of Wickremesinghe, including the Central Bank. He had appointed a committee to probe the bank's bond issues scam under Wickremesinghe's friend and former Governor Arjuna Mahendran.

Sri Lanka's UNP backs its leader in no-confidence motion

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

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

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

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

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