Sri Lanka's president on Tuesday vowed a major shake-up of the military's top brass in the wake of the deadly Easter suicide bombings, after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-had-provided-specific-intelligence-on-attack-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-213001">government admitted warnings</a> were ignored.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">defence and law and order minister</a>, said he will carry out a complete reorganisation of the security forces and the police under his control.

"I hope to make major changes in the leadership of the security forces in the next 24 hours," the president said in a nationwide address.

"The restructuring of the security forces and the police will be completed within a week."

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that police had intelligence about the suicide strikes against churches and luxury hotels before the bombings on Sunday, but failed to act on it.&nbsp;

More than 300 people have been killed in the attack with over 500 injured.

An investigation was underway to establish why police did not share intelligence with Wickremesinghe's office, he told reporters on Tuesday, shortly before the president's address.

Meanwhile, The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the series of bombings at three Catholic churches and three high-end hotels, and released a photo of the men it said were responsible.

It came after Sri Lanka's government said initial investigations suggested the attack had been carried out as "retaliation" for shootings at two mosques in New Zealand last month that killed 50 people.

The Sri Lankan government had already pointed the figure at a little-known local Islamic extremist group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), but said it was investigating whether they had international support.

"Those that carried out the attack that targeted members of the US-led coalition and Christians in Sri Lanka the day before yesterday are Islamic State group fighters," a statement released by the group's propaganda agency Amaq said.

Sri Lanka's president on Tuesday vowed a major shake-up of the military's top brass in the wake of the deadly Easter suicide bombings, after the government admitted warnings were ignored.

Sri Lanka's president on Tuesday vowed a major shake-up of the military's top brass in the wake of the deadly Easter suicide bombings, after the government admitted warnings were ignored. President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also defence and law and order minister, said he will carry out a complete reorganisation of the security forces and the police under his control. "I hope to make major changes in the leadership of the security forces in the next 24 hours," the president said in a nationwide address. "The restructuring of the security forces and the police will be completed within a week." × Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that police had intelligence about the suicide strikes against churches and luxury hotels before the bombings on Sunday, but failed to act on it. More than 300 people have been killed in the attack with over 500 injured. An investigation was underway to establish why police did not share intelligence with Wickremesinghe's office, he told reporters on Tuesday, shortly before the president's address. Meanwhile, The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the series of bombings at three Catholic churches and three high-end hotels, and released a photo of the men it said were responsible. It came after Sri Lanka's government said initial investigations suggested the attack had been carried out as "retaliation" for shootings at two mosques in New Zealand last month that killed 50 people. The Sri Lankan government had already pointed the figure at a little-known local Islamic extremist group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), but said it was investigating whether they had international support. "Those that carried out the attack that targeted members of the US-led coalition and Christians in Sri Lanka the day before yesterday are Islamic State group fighters," a statement released by the group's propaganda agency Amaq said.

I hope to make major changes in leadership of security forces in next 24 hours: President Sirisena

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-court-dismisses-plea-to-check-sirisenas-mental-health-188880">Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> on Monday said he is opposed to forming a national government only to expand the Cabinet of ministers, indicating that his rift with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was far from over.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe-led government on Friday sought the consent of the Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament to form a 'national government', a move seen as a step to get a majority in the 225-member House.

Addressing the nation at the 71st National Independence Day celebrations, Sirisena said the proposed national government is simply an attempt to increase the number of Cabinet ministers and provide privileges to the ministers at the people's expense. Calling the move unethical, the president said the people's wish is to limit the Cabinet to 25 ministers. 
&nbsp; 
"I have seen media reports of an attempt to form a national government. I stand opposed to the move as this would be an exercise only to expand the cabinet of ministers and attain more privileges," Sirisena said referring to the move by Wickremesinghe.

Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Maithripala Sirisena in October last year and strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed the prime minister. The President also removed the members of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from the national unity government.

The UNP, with 106 seats, had joined hands with the Sirisena's SLFP in 2015 to form a unity government.

Sirisena was forced to reappoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister after Rajapaksa failed to prove his majority twice in Parliament.

Since his reappointment in December last, the Wickremesinghe-led government has been functioning without the required majority of 113 in the 225-member House.

Sirisena's move to dissolve Parliament to hold a snap parliamentary poll on January 5 was turned down by the Supreme Court.

Wickremesinghe plans to set up a national government by entering into a pact with the solitary member from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress while roping in the members from Sirisena's Freedom Party.&nbsp;

The year 2019 is a crucial year for Sri Lanka as the next presidential election is scheduled to be held between November this year and early January 2020.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's party has already announced that they would not back the president again due to the ongoing rift between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa cannot contest again as he had been twice president before. The former President's new Sri Lanka People's Party is less inclined to back Sirisena.&nbsp;

The Rajapaksa-led opposition has been demanding to hold of fresh elections ahead of its schedule in August 2020.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
During the address, Sirisena also warned that international forces were working against Sri Lanka in this election year. He said international reactionary forces have arrived in the country in various disguises.&nbsp;

He also lamented that even after 71 years of independence the main national question regarding the Tamil minority still remains unresolved. Interestingly only last week that Sirisena publicly opposed the ongoing attempts to form a new Constitution aimed at addressing the issues of the Tamil community.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday said he is opposed to forming a national government only to expand the Cabinet of ministers, indicating that his rift with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was far from over.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday said he is opposed to forming a national government only to expand the Cabinet of ministers, indicating that his rift with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was far from over. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe-led government on Friday sought the consent of the Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament to form a 'national government', a move seen as a step to get a majority in the 225-member House. Addressing the nation at the 71st National Independence Day celebrations, Sirisena said the proposed national government is simply an attempt to increase the number of Cabinet ministers and provide privileges to the ministers at the people's expense. Calling the move unethical, the president said the people's wish is to limit the Cabinet to 25 ministers. "I have seen media reports of an attempt to form a national government. I stand opposed to the move as this would be an exercise only to expand the cabinet of ministers and attain more privileges," Sirisena said referring to the move by Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Maithripala Sirisena in October last year and strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed the prime minister. The President also removed the members of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from the national unity government. The UNP, with 106 seats, had joined hands with the Sirisena's SLFP in 2015 to form a unity government. Sirisena was forced to reappoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister after Rajapaksa failed to prove his majority twice in Parliament. Since his reappointment in December last, the Wickremesinghe-led government has been functioning without the required majority of 113 in the 225-member House. Sirisena's move to dissolve Parliament to hold a snap parliamentary poll on January 5 was turned down by the Supreme Court. Wickremesinghe plans to set up a national government by entering into a pact with the solitary member from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress while roping in the members from Sirisena's Freedom Party. The year 2019 is a crucial year for Sri Lanka as the next presidential election is scheduled to be held between November this year and early January 2020. Wickremesinghe's party has already announced that they would not back the president again due to the ongoing rift between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa cannot contest again as he had been twice president before. The former President's new Sri Lanka People's Party is less inclined to back Sirisena. The Rajapaksa-led opposition has been demanding to hold of fresh elections ahead of its schedule in August 2020. During the address, Sirisena also warned that international forces were working against Sri Lanka in this election year. He said international reactionary forces have arrived in the country in various disguises. He also lamented that even after 71 years of independence the main national question regarding the Tamil minority still remains unresolved. Interestingly only last week that Sirisena publicly opposed the ongoing attempts to form a new Constitution aimed at addressing the issues of the Tamil community.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena says opposed to forming national government

Sri Lanka's former president Chandrika Kumaratunga Tuesday criticised President Maithripala Sirisena for the 51-day power tussle in the island nation which ended last month, saying the party would not approve any alliance with former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In a strongly-worded letter to the President, Kumaratunga called for an urgent meeting with him to discuss the party's future.

The island nation witnessed a 51-day political crisis after Sirisena controversially sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed Rajapaksa in his place on October 26.

Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap polls. The Supreme Court, however, overturned his decisions. Wickremesinghe was last month administered the oath of office after Rajapaksa resigned.

Sirisena's alliance with Rajapaksa, who in November ended his five-decade-long association with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and joined the newly-formed Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP), has not gone down well with his party leaders.

A section of the SLFP, led by Kumaratunga who remains an SLFP loyalist even 14 years after handing over the leadership to Rajapaksa in 2005, has criticised Sirisena. Kumaratunga said the party would not approve his new alliance with Rajapaksa. Sirisena, meanwhile, departed for a four-day official visit to the Philippines, his office said, amid mounting pressure on him after his failed attempt to install Rajapaksa as the prime minister.

Sirisena succeeded Rajapaksa as the SLFP leader in January 2015 when he defeated the former strongman with electoral support coming from SLFP's arch-rival, the United National Party (UNP) of prime minister Wickremesinghe.

Rajapaksa's SLPP defeated both the SLFP and the UNP in the local-level elections held in February last year.

A wider section of the SLPP remains opposed to Sirisena's leadership and said it would not endorse him in the event of a snap presidential election which must be held before January 2020.

The SLPP's local councilors have said they would not back Sirisena's nomination for the next presidential election. They want a member of the Rajapaksa family to become the main candidate to fight a UNP challenger.

Rajapaksa, who has been Sri Lanka's President twice, cannot run for the third term.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's former president Chandrika Kumaratunga Tuesday criticised President Maithripala Sirisena for the 51-day power tussle in the island nation which ended last month, saying the party would not approve any alliance with former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka's former president Chandrika Kumaratunga Tuesday criticised President Maithripala Sirisena for the 51-day power tussle in the island nation which ended last month, saying the party would not approve any alliance with former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. In a strongly-worded letter to the President, Kumaratunga called for an urgent meeting with him to discuss the party's future. The island nation witnessed a 51-day political crisis after Sirisena controversially sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed Rajapaksa in his place on October 26. Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap polls. The Supreme Court, however, overturned his decisions. Wickremesinghe was last month administered the oath of office after Rajapaksa resigned. Sirisena's alliance with Rajapaksa, who in November ended his five-decade-long association with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and joined the newly-formed Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP), has not gone down well with his party leaders. A section of the SLFP, led by Kumaratunga who remains an SLFP loyalist even 14 years after handing over the leadership to Rajapaksa in 2005, has criticised Sirisena. Kumaratunga said the party would not approve his new alliance with Rajapaksa. Sirisena, meanwhile, departed for a four-day official visit to the Philippines, his office said, amid mounting pressure on him after his failed attempt to install Rajapaksa as the prime minister. Sirisena succeeded Rajapaksa as the SLFP leader in January 2015 when he defeated the former strongman with electoral support coming from SLFP's arch-rival, the United National Party (UNP) of prime minister Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa's SLPP defeated both the SLFP and the UNP in the local-level elections held in February last year. A wider section of the SLPP remains opposed to Sirisena's leadership and said it would not endorse him in the event of a snap presidential election which must be held before January 2020. The SLPP's local councilors have said they would not back Sirisena's nomination for the next presidential election. They want a member of the Rajapaksa family to become the main candidate to fight a UNP challenger. Rajapaksa, who has been Sri Lanka's President twice, cannot run for the third term.

Ex-Lankan president Kumaratunga warns Sirisena against alliance with Rajapaksa

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-central-bank-seen-keeping-rates-steady-despite-pressure-on-rupee-report-186681">Sri Lanka's Central Bank </a>on Wednesday said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has agreed to provide $ 400 million under a swap arrangement to boost the island nation's reserves.

"The RBI's very rapid and timely assistance will serve to boost investor confidence by supporting Sri Lanka to maintain an adequate level of external reserves while accommodating outflow related to imports, debt servicing and if necessary support for the currency to avoid disorderly adjustment," it said in a statement.

It said that a further request to the RBI for another SWAP arrangement of $ 1 billion is "under consideration". These are to be made available under the SAARC SWAP facility.

The RBI has agreed to provide the funds under its SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Swap Facility, the Central Bank said.

Analysts said the RBI's assistance would be much appreciated by Sri Lanka given that the island is still recovering from the political and constitutional crisis in October and November which had an adverse impact on the economy with poor investor sentiment and foreign outflows of capital.

Available Central Bank data showed that in 2018, foreign investors had pulled out a net Rupees 22.8 billion out of stocks, and Rupees 159.8 billion from government securities. The Sri Lankan rupee ended last Thursday at an all-time low of 183 against the $. The rupee fell 19% in 2018, making it one of the worst-performing currencies in Asia.

Central Bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy last week said that the nearly two-month-long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy.

Due to the political crisis, the big three credit rating agencies — Fitch Ratings, Standard &amp; Poor's (S&amp;P) and Moody's — downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating.

President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move on October 26 to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. However, a Supreme court verdict forced Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe.

The Central Bank also announced that Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera will visit Washington next week to resume negotiations on the IMF's assistance. The IMF had held back discussions on Lanka's next loan tranche due to the political impasse.

After completion of the IMF's fifth review, Lanka would expect to receive a sixth tranche of about — 250 million. The total loan was expected to have been disbursed with a seventh tranche by mid-2019. Sri Lanka is hoping to complete a 3-year programme with the IMF this year.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Central Bank said that a further request to the RBI for another SWAP arrangement of $ 1 billion is 'under consideration'.

Sri Lanka's Central Bank on Wednesday said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has agreed to provide $ 400 million under a swap arrangement to boost the island nation's reserves. "The RBI's very rapid and timely assistance will serve to boost investor confidence by supporting Sri Lanka to maintain an adequate level of external reserves while accommodating outflow related to imports, debt servicing and if necessary support for the currency to avoid disorderly adjustment," it said in a statement. It said that a further request to the RBI for another SWAP arrangement of $ 1 billion is "under consideration". These are to be made available under the SAARC SWAP facility. The RBI has agreed to provide the funds under its SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Swap Facility, the Central Bank said. Analysts said the RBI's assistance would be much appreciated by Sri Lanka given that the island is still recovering from the political and constitutional crisis in October and November which had an adverse impact on the economy with poor investor sentiment and foreign outflows of capital. Available Central Bank data showed that in 2018, foreign investors had pulled out a net Rupees 22.8 billion out of stocks, and Rupees 159.8 billion from government securities. The Sri Lankan rupee ended last Thursday at an all-time low of 183 against the $. The rupee fell 19% in 2018, making it one of the worst-performing currencies in Asia. Central Bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy last week said that the nearly two-month-long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy. Due to the political crisis, the big three credit rating agencies — Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's — downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating. President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move on October 26 to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. However, a Supreme court verdict forced Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe. The Central Bank also announced that Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera will visit Washington next week to resume negotiations on the IMF's assistance. The IMF had held back discussions on Lanka's next loan tranche due to the political impasse. After completion of the IMF's fifth review, Lanka would expect to receive a sixth tranche of about — 250 million. The total loan was expected to have been disbursed with a seventh tranche by mid-2019. Sri Lanka is hoping to complete a 3-year programme with the IMF this year.

Sri Lanka's Central Bank gets $400 million swap from Reserve Bank of India

Sri Lanka's central bank is expected to leave its key interest rates steady on Friday, a Reuters poll showed, despite heavy pressure on the rupee from a political crisis that triggered foreign outflows from stocks and government bonds.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-meets-party-organisers-hints-2019-may-be-election-year-186363">President Maithripala Sirisena</a> was forced to reinstate Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister 51 days after sacking him, as his preferred PM, pro-China former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, failed to secure a parliamentary majority.

An uneasy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2018-will-be-remembered-for-worst-political-crisis-in-lankas-history-186606">truce between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena </a>could undermine economic policies, analysts say.

All analysts expect the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to leave key rates steady as Wickremesinghe's government aims to focus on economic growth, which has been sluggish due to tight policies, ahead of a presidential poll next year and general election in 2020.

All 10 economists surveyed, expected the central bank to keep both its standing deposit facility rate (SDFR) and standing lending facility rate (SLFR) to be left at 8.00 per cent and 9.00 per cent respectively.

The central bank raised SDFR by 75 bps and SLFR by 50 bps last month, while reduced the statutory reserve ratio (SRR) by 150 bps to 6.00 per cent.

All 10 analysts saw the SRR remaining steady.

Sirisena's abrupt change of prime minister and his decision to dissolve parliament, which was later ruled unconstitutional, created panic and uncertainty among investors.

The Sri Lankan rupee hit a fresh low of 181.85 per dollar on Wednesday while the island nation's dollar bonds have also plummeted as foreign investors sell their holdings. The rupee has fallen nearly 5 per cent since the political crisis started on October 26. It has dropped 18.4 per cent so far this year.

"Political pressure would be against increasing the rates," said Danushka Samarasinghe, the CEO at Softlogic Capital Markets.

"However, if rates are increased, it will be better for safeguarding foreign investments in the bond market and also might be favourable from a fiscal point of view."

Foreign investors have sold a net 13.7 billion rupees worth of stocks since the political crisis began and about 56.7 billion rupees worth of bonds between October 25 and December 19, bourse and central bank data showed.

Sri Lanka has seen net outflows of 149 billion rupees ($821 million) from government bonds so far this year, central bank data showed.

Sri Lanka's central bank is expected to leave its key interest rates steady on Friday, a Reuters poll showed, despite heavy pressure on the rupee from a political crisis that triggered foreign outflows from stocks and government bonds.

Sri Lanka's central bank is expected to leave its key interest rates steady on Friday, a Reuters poll showed, despite heavy pressure on the rupee from a political crisis that triggered foreign outflows from stocks and government bonds. President Maithripala Sirisena was forced to reinstate Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister 51 days after sacking him, as his preferred PM, pro-China former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, failed to secure a parliamentary majority. An uneasy truce between Wickremesinghe and Sirisena could undermine economic policies, analysts say. All analysts expect the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to leave key rates steady as Wickremesinghe's government aims to focus on economic growth, which has been sluggish due to tight policies, ahead of a presidential poll next year and general election in 2020. All 10 economists surveyed, expected the central bank to keep both its standing deposit facility rate (SDFR) and standing lending facility rate (SLFR) to be left at 8.00 per cent and 9.00 per cent respectively. The central bank raised SDFR by 75 bps and SLFR by 50 bps last month, while reduced the statutory reserve ratio (SRR) by 150 bps to 6.00 per cent. All 10 analysts saw the SRR remaining steady. Sirisena's abrupt change of prime minister and his decision to dissolve parliament, which was later ruled unconstitutional, created panic and uncertainty among investors. The Sri Lankan rupee hit a fresh low of 181.85 per dollar on Wednesday while the island nation's dollar bonds have also plummeted as foreign investors sell their holdings. The rupee has fallen nearly 5 per cent since the political crisis started on October 26. It has dropped 18.4 per cent so far this year. "Political pressure would be against increasing the rates," said Danushka Samarasinghe, the CEO at Softlogic Capital Markets. "However, if rates are increased, it will be better for safeguarding foreign investments in the bond market and also might be favourable from a fiscal point of view." Foreign investors have sold a net 13.7 billion rupees worth of stocks since the political crisis began and about 56.7 billion rupees worth of bonds between October 25 and December 19, bourse and central bank data showed. Sri Lanka has seen net outflows of 149 billion rupees ($821 million) from government bonds so far this year, central bank data showed.

Sri Lanka central bank seen keeping rates steady despite pressure on rupee: Report

<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 Lankan former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently at the centre of one of the most-watched political crises in South Asia. The abrupt removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena and Rajapaksa’s appointment stunned the world and caused international concern.

The chain of political events in the island nation has been billed to give shape to arguably the biggest political crisis in the country after the civil war that ended almost a decade ago.

On December 15, the embattled Lankan Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-resigns-as-sri-lankas-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-likely-to-take-oath-on-sunday-184207">Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned</a>, only a month and a half after taking office.

Amid fears of a government shutdown, Rajapaksa put in his papers and said in a statement that a change of government that "the people expected" has now been put off.

The development came after Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court, on December 13, pronounced a crucial verdict calling the sacking of the country's parliament by President Sirisena as illegal.

The seven-judge bench unanimously decided that Sirisena violated the country's Constitution when he dissolved parliament and called for snap polls nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Rajapaksa was previously unsuccessful in mustering a majority to instate his cabinet. President Sirisena prorogated and later dissolved the Parliament, calling for snap polls in January next year. The Sri Lankan Parliament moved two no-confidence motions against Rajapaksa which were rejected by President Sirisena. A court, earlier this month, suspended Rajapaksa's powers as Prime Minister, ruling that his cabinet would not be functional until its legitimacy is established.

Former strongman

Rajapaksa is not called Sri Lanka’s ex-strongman in vain. Born on November 18, 1945, in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota district, his first political stint came at the age of 24 as the youngest ever parliamentarian. With nearly four decades of political career under his belt and a double-term as Sri Lanka’s President (2005-2015), Rajapaksa has been a force to reckon with in Sri Lankan politics.

&nbsp;A former lawyer, Rajapaksa briefly served as Sri Lanka’s prime minister (2004-05) after which he was elected as the President in 2005 and won his second term in 2010. Under his rule, the state won over Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009, putting an end to the civil war and crushing LTTE’s two-decade-long dream to attain self-rule.

Rule marred by controversies

However, his rule has been marred by controversies, political scrutiny and criticism over allegations of corruption and human rights abuse.

One of the major concerns raised during Rajapaksa’s rule was that of human rights violations toward the end of the civil war wherein the former President was accused of overlooking the use of violence while clamping down on the Tamil rebels, as a result, many innocent civilians lost their lives.

International concern over human rights abuse led to the freezing of Western aid to Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa then turned to China.

Rajapaksa comes from a political family; his father represented Hambantota for nearly a couple of decades till 1965. The former leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Rajapaksa was also in controversy for favouring his family members for influential posts. One of the blows to the former President came when the alleged killing of a Sri Lankan newspaper editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge, was linked to his regime in 2009. Wickrematunge’s piece, published posthumously, directly accused Rajapaksa of corruption, human rights violation and misusing public money.

Hardline leader

Often described as a hardliner, Rajapaksa initiated the overhauling of Sri Lanka’s infrastructure which included the Hambantota water port to constructing an international airport and a world-class cricket stadium named after him.

Under his presidential term, Colombo signed a series of infrastructure deals with China under Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road project. However, high commercial borrowings from China only added to the already ballooning debt-share that the country was grappling with. Sri Lanka, last year, gave up the Hambantota Port and acres of land around it to Beijing.

Rajapaksa’s political charisma nosedived after Maithripala Sirisena defeated him to become the President in 2015. Rajapaksa’s effort to clinch the seat of Prime Minister that year also went in vain until this year when he was appointed the PM by Sirisena.

Road ahead

Rajapaksa’s legitimisation as Sri Lanka’s prime minister would have been an event closely watched and monitored by global powers, especially when his was the regime marred by charges of corruption and human rights abuse.

In the event of his resignation, Sri Lanka's political tension seems to de-escalate, paving way for the ousted prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who clinched his lost throne.&nbsp;Wickremesinghe took the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ranil-wickremesinghe-sworn-in-as-the-prime-minister-of-sri-lanka-184452">oath as Sri Lanka's prime minister</a> on December 16 ending two months of political impasse. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sri Lankan former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently at the centre of one of the most-watched political crises in South Asia. The abrupt removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena and Rajapaksa’s appointment stunned the world and caused international concern.

Sri Lankan former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently at the centre of one of the most-watched political crises in South Asia. The abrupt removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena and Rajapaksa’s appointment stunned the world and caused international concern. The chain of political events in the island nation has been billed to give shape to arguably the biggest political crisis in the country after the civil war that ended almost a decade ago. On December 15, the embattled Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned, only a month and a half after taking office. Amid fears of a government shutdown, Rajapaksa put in his papers and said in a statement that a change of government that "the people expected" has now been put off. The development came after Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court, on December 13, pronounced a crucial verdict calling the sacking of the country's parliament by President Sirisena as illegal. The seven-judge bench unanimously decided that Sirisena violated the country's Constitution when he dissolved parliament and called for snap polls nearly two years ahead of schedule. Rajapaksa was previously unsuccessful in mustering a majority to instate his cabinet. President Sirisena prorogated and later dissolved the Parliament, calling for snap polls in January next year. The Sri Lankan Parliament moved two no-confidence motions against Rajapaksa which were rejected by President Sirisena. A court, earlier this month, suspended Rajapaksa's powers as Prime Minister, ruling that his cabinet would not be functional until its legitimacy is established. Former strongman Rajapaksa is not called Sri Lanka’s ex-strongman in vain. Born on November 18, 1945, in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota district, his first political stint came at the age of 24 as the youngest ever parliamentarian. With nearly four decades of political career under his belt and a double-term as Sri Lanka’s President (2005-2015), Rajapaksa has been a force to reckon with in Sri Lankan politics. A former lawyer, Rajapaksa briefly served as Sri Lanka’s prime minister (2004-05) after which he was elected as the President in 2005 and won his second term in 2010. Under his rule, the state won over Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009, putting an end to the civil war and crushing LTTE’s two-decade-long dream to attain self-rule. Rule marred by controversies However, his rule has been marred by controversies, political scrutiny and criticism over allegations of corruption and human rights abuse. One of the major concerns raised during Rajapaksa’s rule was that of human rights violations toward the end of the civil war wherein the former President was accused of overlooking the use of violence while clamping down on the Tamil rebels, as a result, many innocent civilians lost their lives. International concern over human rights abuse led to the freezing of Western aid to Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa then turned to China. Rajapaksa comes from a political family; his father represented Hambantota for nearly a couple of decades till 1965. The former leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Rajapaksa was also in controversy for favouring his family members for influential posts. One of the blows to the former President came when the alleged killing of a Sri Lankan newspaper editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge, was linked to his regime in 2009. Wickrematunge’s piece, published posthumously, directly accused Rajapaksa of corruption, human rights violation and misusing public money. Hardline leader Often described as a hardliner, Rajapaksa initiated the overhauling of Sri Lanka’s infrastructure which included the Hambantota water port to constructing an international airport and a world-class cricket stadium named after him. Under his presidential term, Colombo signed a series of infrastructure deals with China under Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road project. However, high commercial borrowings from China only added to the already ballooning debt-share that the country was grappling with. Sri Lanka, last year, gave up the Hambantota Port and acres of land around it to Beijing. Rajapaksa’s political charisma nosedived after Maithripala Sirisena defeated him to become the President in 2015. Rajapaksa’s effort to clinch the seat of Prime Minister that year also went in vain until this year when he was appointed the PM by Sirisena. Road ahead Rajapaksa’s legitimisation as Sri Lanka’s prime minister would have been an event closely watched and monitored by global powers, especially when his was the regime marred by charges of corruption and human rights abuse. In the event of his resignation, Sri Lanka's political tension seems to de-escalate, paving way for the ousted prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who clinched his lost throne. Wickremesinghe took the oath as Sri Lanka's prime minister on December 16 ending two months of political impasse.

Mahinda Rajapaksa: Sri Lanka’s former strongman and hardline politician

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that there are some differences of opinion with President Maithripala Sirisena on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-political-crisis-ends-as-president-sirisena-names-new-cabinet-185567">ministerial appointments</a>, but he is confident that the issues will be resolved.&nbsp;

President Sirisena on Thursday named a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-to-convene-on-tuesday-for-first-time-after-pm-wickremesinghes-reinstatement-185010">30-member Cabinet</a> while reportedly rejecting some of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's nominees and retained control over the security forces and police, indicating that the power tussle between them is far from over.

Wickremesinghe on Friday slammed media, saying some had reported a "fake list" claiming they were nominated for ministry portfolios but had not been approved by the President, Colombo Gazette reported.

He said that some media had claimed that Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) member Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa was in the list of MPs nominated for ministerial posts.

The Prime Minister, however, insisted that Zoysa was not on the list. 
Wickremesinghe said that some media were attempting to mislead the public and action must be taken against them.

He called for a debate next month on media which were reporting false information.

The Prime Minister said that while there were some differences of opinion with the President on the Ministerial appointments, he was confident the issues will be resolved.&nbsp;

He said he will make a statement in the House on how the Cabinet was appointed. 
The new Cabinet was appointed after an unexpected delay of three days since Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Prime Minister on December 16 following weeks of political crisis that led to government dysfunction.&nbsp;

The Cabinet formation was delayed as Sirisena reportedly did not agree with some nominees from the list submitted by Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena, who holds the Defence and Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry portfolios, has retained his control over the police, which is investigating an alleged plot to kill him.

The plot widened the gulf between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe.

On October 26, Sirisena sacked prime minister Wickremesinghe and installed Rajapaksa in his place, triggering an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Sirisena also dissolved the 225-member Parliament and called for a snap election on January 5. He publicly vowed not to reinstate Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that there are some differences of opinion with President Maithripala Sirisena on the ministerial appointments, but he is confident that the issues will be resolved.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that there are some differences of opinion with President Maithripala Sirisena on the ministerial appointments, but he is confident that the issues will be resolved. President Sirisena on Thursday named a 30-member Cabinet while reportedly rejecting some of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's nominees and retained control over the security forces and police, indicating that the power tussle between them is far from over. Wickremesinghe on Friday slammed media, saying some had reported a "fake list" claiming they were nominated for ministry portfolios but had not been approved by the President, Colombo Gazette reported. He said that some media had claimed that Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) member Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa was in the list of MPs nominated for ministerial posts. The Prime Minister, however, insisted that Zoysa was not on the list. Wickremesinghe said that some media were attempting to mislead the public and action must be taken against them. He called for a debate next month on media which were reporting false information. The Prime Minister said that while there were some differences of opinion with the President on the Ministerial appointments, he was confident the issues will be resolved. He said he will make a statement in the House on how the Cabinet was appointed. The new Cabinet was appointed after an unexpected delay of three days since Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Prime Minister on December 16 following weeks of political crisis that led to government dysfunction. The Cabinet formation was delayed as Sirisena reportedly did not agree with some nominees from the list submitted by Wickremesinghe. Sirisena, who holds the Defence and Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry portfolios, has retained his control over the police, which is investigating an alleged plot to kill him. The plot widened the gulf between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. On October 26, Sirisena sacked prime minister Wickremesinghe and installed Rajapaksa in his place, triggering an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Sirisena also dissolved the 225-member Parliament and called for a snap election on January 5. He publicly vowed not to reinstate Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe acknowledges differences with Sirisena on ministerial appointments

Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday became Sri Lanka's main opposition leader in Parliament, days after he resigned as prime minister after clinging on to power for nearly two months, amidst the unprecedented political turmoil in the country.

Rajapaksa, 73, replaced veteran Tamil leader of the main Tamil party R Sampanthan who held the position from 2015.

His appointment was announced by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya in Parliament which met for the first time after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-to-convene-on-tuesday-for-first-time-after-pm-wickremesinghes-reinstatement-185010">reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/victory-for-democracy-says-reinstated-sri-lankan-pm-wickremesinghe-184636">prime minister </a>that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country.

M A Sumanthiran of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and Rauff Hakeem of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress raised objections against Rajapaksa's appointment. They claimed that Rajapaksa has ceased to be a member of Parliament because he had joined another political party recently.

Rajapaksa, by obtaining the membership of the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP), left the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) from which he was elected to Parliament in 2015.

Speaker Jayasuriya asked Sumanthiran to make a written submission on his complaint against Rajapaksa so that a select committee could go into details.

On Sunday, President Maithripala Sirisena, whose controversial actions plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political turmoil for nearly two months, reinstated Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister, after sacking him on October 26 and appointing former president 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.

The president said he offered to reappoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister as he respects parliamentary traditions and democracy.

Ex-strongman Rajapaksa resigned from the post of prime minister on Saturday, a day after the apex court refused to stay another court order restraining him from acting as the prime minister. 
&nbsp;

Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday became Sri Lanka's main opposition leader in Parliament, days after he resigned as prime minister after clinging on to power for nearly two months, amidst the unprecedented political turmoil in the country.

Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday became Sri Lanka's main opposition leader in Parliament, days after he resigned as prime minister after clinging on to power for nearly two months, amidst the unprecedented political turmoil in the country. Rajapaksa, 73, replaced veteran Tamil leader of the main Tamil party R Sampanthan who held the position from 2015. His appointment was announced by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya in Parliament which met for the first time after the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country. M A Sumanthiran of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and Rauff Hakeem of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress raised objections against Rajapaksa's appointment. They claimed that Rajapaksa has ceased to be a member of Parliament because he had joined another political party recently. Rajapaksa, by obtaining the membership of the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP), left the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) from which he was elected to Parliament in 2015. Speaker Jayasuriya asked Sumanthiran to make a written submission on his complaint against Rajapaksa so that a select committee could go into details. On Sunday, President Maithripala Sirisena, whose controversial actions plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political turmoil for nearly two months, reinstated Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister, after sacking him on October 26 and appointing former president 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. The president said he offered to reappoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister as he respects parliamentary traditions and democracy. Ex-strongman Rajapaksa resigned from the post of prime minister on Saturday, a day after the apex court refused to stay another court order restraining him from acting as the prime minister.

Former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes Sri Lanka's main opposition leader

In a crucial verdict on Thursday, the Sri Lankan&nbsp;Supreme Court called the sacking of the&nbsp;country's parliament as illegal.

The seven-judge bench unanimously decided that President Maithripala Sirisena violated the country's Constitution when he dissolved parliament and called a snap election nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party has said it would await the outcome of Thursday's decision before deciding whether to open impeachment proceedings.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is going through a major political crisis since October 26 when President Sirisena, in a controversial move, sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place.

He also dissolved Parliament and called for a snap election on January 5.

Sirisena sacked the 225-member Parliament when it appeared that Rajapaksa would not be able to muster the support of 113 MPs. Wickremesinghe on the other hand commands a majority.

Sri Lanka's parliament had on Wednesday passed a vote of confidence in its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-passes-confidence-vote-backing-ousted-pm-183514">ousted prime minister</a>&nbsp;Ranil Wickremesinghe, as it sought his reinstatement by the president to defuse a political crisis and avoid a government shutdown.

Parliament has twice in the past few weeks voted to sack Rajapaksa but he has refused to resign.

After the Supreme Court verdict today, Rajapaksa's son Namal tweeted, "We respect the decision of #lka ‘s Supreme Court, despite the fact that we have reservations regarding its interpretation...We will continue to stand alongside those calling for a parliamentary election, without which there is no real justice for the people of #lka".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We respect the decision of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> ‘s Supreme Court, despite the fact that we have reservations regarding its interpretation. 
We will continue to stand alongside those calling for a parliamentary election, without which there is no real justice for the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a>
— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajapaksaNamal/status/1073179844437979136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As many as 13 petitions were filed against Sirisena's November 9 order sacking the Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end.

Last week, Sirisena claimed that Rajapaksa had tried to bribe politicians in order to show a majority in the country's Parliament.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a crucial verdict on Thursday, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court called the sacking of the country's parliament as illegal. The seven-judge bench unanimously decided that President Maithripala Sirisena violated the country's Constitution when he dissolved parliament and called a snap election nearly two years ahead of schedule.

In a crucial verdict on Thursday, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court called the sacking of the country's parliament as illegal. The seven-judge bench unanimously decided that President Maithripala Sirisena violated the country's Constitution when he dissolved parliament and called a snap election nearly two years ahead of schedule. Sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party has said it would await the outcome of Thursday's decision before deciding whether to open impeachment proceedings. Sri Lanka is going through a major political crisis since October 26 when President Sirisena, in a controversial move, sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place. He also dissolved Parliament and called for a snap election on January 5. Sirisena sacked the 225-member Parliament when it appeared that Rajapaksa would not be able to muster the support of 113 MPs. Wickremesinghe on the other hand commands a majority. Sri Lanka's parliament had on Wednesday passed a vote of confidence in its ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, as it sought his reinstatement by the president to defuse a political crisis and avoid a government shutdown. Parliament has twice in the past few weeks voted to sack Rajapaksa but he has refused to resign. After the Supreme Court verdict today, Rajapaksa's son Namal tweeted, "We respect the decision of #lka ‘s Supreme Court, despite the fact that we have reservations regarding its interpretation...We will continue to stand alongside those calling for a parliamentary election, without which there is no real justice for the people of #lka". We respect the decision of #lka ‘s Supreme Court, despite the fact that we have reservations regarding its interpretation. We will continue to stand alongside those calling for a parliamentary election, without which there is no real justice for the people of #lka — Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) December 13, 2018 × As many as 13 petitions were filed against Sirisena's November 9 order sacking the Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end. Last week, Sirisena claimed that Rajapaksa had tried to bribe politicians in order to show a majority in the country's Parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

Sacking of Sri Lanka parliament was illegal: Supreme Court

A Sri Lankan court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-halts-ministers-salaries-to-hinder-disputed-pm-180421">today denied Mahinda Rajapakse</a> authority to act as the prime minister.

The court suspended Rajapakse's power and said it could not function till until its legitimacy was established.

The Lankan Court of Appeal's (CA) conclusion came after it looked at all submissions in the writ petition against PM Mahinda Rajapaksa holding office of prime minister.

The CA said "irreparable damage" could be done to Sri Lanka if Rajapakse was allowed to remain as head of government.

The petitioners had sought a writ asking &nbsp;Rajapaksa to give reasons why he should remain in office despite losing the no-confidence vote.&nbsp;The petition was signed by 122 legislators who have challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office

Rajakasa has lost the vote of confidence twice, however, the country's president Maithripala Sirisena backed the current prime minister. A fortnight ago the vote of confidence took place amid confusion as lawmakers threw bottles and furniture to prevent the Speaker from holding the vote.

President Sirisena had last month removed and replaced Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa as prime minister plunging the country into political turmoil.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's party meanwhile has said it was ready for the "floor test" to prove its majority. Wickremesinghe had refused to vacate the official prime minister's residence saying he was the prime minister and had a parliamentary majority.

Speaker Jayasuriya had said that the country was "politically rudderless" with no functioning prime minister or cabinet. The political upheaval has hit the country's economy as its the currency fell last week.

The Lankan rupee dropped to a fresh record low of 176.30 against the dollar last week, the rupee has lost 14 per cent of its value this year.

The country's economic growth is likely to remain subdued and below the envisaged levels in 2018, the central bank said.

President Maithripala Sirisena had dissolved parliament last month and instituted Rajakasa as prime minister. The president had also called for general election for January 5th, a move which was rejected by the country's Supreme Court.

Sirisena's announcement was criticised by the world community with the US issuing a statement saying it was "deeply concerned at the further deepening the political crisis"&nbsp;

European Union's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini had said that the the move "risks undermining public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and processes and further deepens the political and economic crisis in the country."

A Sri Lankan court today denied Mahinda Rajapakse authority to act as the prime minister. The court suspended Rajapakse's power and said it could not function till until its legitimacy was established.

A Sri Lankan court today denied Mahinda Rajapakse authority to act as the prime minister. The court suspended Rajapakse's power and said it could not function till until its legitimacy was established. The Lankan Court of Appeal's (CA) conclusion came after it looked at all submissions in the writ petition against PM Mahinda Rajapaksa holding office of prime minister. The CA said "irreparable damage" could be done to Sri Lanka if Rajapakse was allowed to remain as head of government. The petitioners had sought a writ asking Rajapaksa to give reasons why he should remain in office despite losing the no-confidence vote. The petition was signed by 122 legislators who have challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office Rajakasa has lost the vote of confidence twice, however, the country's president Maithripala Sirisena backed the current prime minister. A fortnight ago the vote of confidence took place amid confusion as lawmakers threw bottles and furniture to prevent the Speaker from holding the vote. President Sirisena had last month removed and replaced Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa as prime minister plunging the country into political turmoil. Wickremesinghe's party meanwhile has said it was ready for the "floor test" to prove its majority. Wickremesinghe had refused to vacate the official prime minister's residence saying he was the prime minister and had a parliamentary majority. Speaker Jayasuriya had said that the country was "politically rudderless" with no functioning prime minister or cabinet. The political upheaval has hit the country's economy as its the currency fell last week. The Lankan rupee dropped to a fresh record low of 176.30 against the dollar last week, the rupee has lost 14 per cent of its value this year. The country's economic growth is likely to remain subdued and below the envisaged levels in 2018, the central bank said. President Maithripala Sirisena had dissolved parliament last month and instituted Rajakasa as prime minister. The president had also called for general election for January 5th, a move which was rejected by the country's Supreme Court. Sirisena's announcement was criticised by the world community with the US issuing a statement saying it was "deeply concerned at the further deepening the political crisis" European Union's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini had said that the the move "risks undermining public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and processes and further deepens the political and economic crisis in the country."

Lankan court restrains PM Rajapaksa, cabinet from functioning

Sri Lanka's current political crisis due to President Maithripala Sirsena's "irresponsible" action of sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the country on the brink of an "economic anarchy" never experienced before, the ousted finance minister said.

On October 26, Sirisena, in a controversial action, sacked Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, plunging the island nation into political chaos.

Wickremesinghe has demanded a floor test to prove his majority. Sirisena's party did not cooperate with parliamentary Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to hold the floor test.

Ousted finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said: "As a result of these actions, Sri Lanka is on the brink of an economic anarchy and chaos as never experienced before".

"The cavalier and irresponsible actions of the president starting on October 26th based on personal animosities and precipitating a series of illegal acts, places at risk Sri Lanka's ability to meet its immediate debt obligations.

"In early January 2019, we have to repay USD 1 billion of Rajapaksa's debt taken in January 2014, the repayment of which is also under the purview of Parliament," he said Tuesday.

Samaraweera said as per Article 148 of the Constitution, Parliament shall have full control over public finance.

In the absence of a legitimate government, a grave situation has now arisen as there is no legal way to meet public expenditure and obligations of the state from 2019, he said.

"The Constitution does not provide for any alternative arrangements for public finance, even with the intervention of the executive envisaged under the limited circumstances of article 150(3) under which the President can only allocate finances for the first three months of a new parliament.

"Thus, under the current circumstances, from January 1st 2019 until a new parliament is convened, the spending power of the state ceases to exist," Samaraweera said.

A legitimate government with an adequate majority in parliament would have had the opportunity to present at least a vote on the account which would have covered at least the first three months of the new year enabling payment of pensions, salaries and settlement of debts, he said.

Rajapaksa, at the time of appointing, said a vote on the account would be presented. However, Sirisena suspended the assembly until November 16, seen as a move to allow Rajapaksa buy time to obtain a majority by engineering defections from Wickremesinghe's UNP. He managed to win nine of them, leaving him at 105, still eight needed for a simple majority.

Later on the realisation of lack of numbers, Sirisena dissolved the assembly and set fresh parliamentary polls for January 5, 2019. A legal challenge against this was temporary upheld throwing the whole administration into disarray.

"This illegal government has no majority and are pirating the government benches through force and violence, and they cannot muster a majority to even pass a vote on account, they are forcibly preventing the lawful government from taking the critical steps to provide funding for 2019," Samaraweera said.

Samaraweera said Sri Lanka had never defaulted its debt obligations.

"The actions of October 26 have irreversibly undermined Sri Lanka's credibility in global markets - risking our ability to service future debt as well. We are being pushed towards a state of economic collapse as we stumble on to a road of a Greece like situation," he said.

The only way to rescue Sri Lanka from this unfortunate and unnecessary crisis is for the President to recognise the Prime Minister and the government that was in place prior to October 26, he said.

It is necessary for all like-minded people, regardless of political affiliation, to come forward to save the country from an otherwise impending economic collapse by supporting efforts to reestablish the supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution, he said.

The purported government's spokesman Bandula Gunawardena dismissed Samaraweera's claims and said Sri Lanka was still capable of meeting its debt repayment due in January.

Last week, Parliament witnessed unprecedented violence as lawmakers threw furniture and chilli powder at each other after Rajapaksa lost a no-trust vote.

The political imbroglio has created much uncertainty with work in state institutions being hampered. Sirisena last week urged top bureaucrats to carry on as usual.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party has warned officials that carrying out "illegal orders" from an "illegal" government could spell trouble for them.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's current political crisis due to President Maithripala Sirsena's "irresponsible" action of sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the country on the brink of an "economic anarchy" never experienced before, the ousted finance minister said.

Sri Lanka's current political crisis due to President Maithripala Sirsena's "irresponsible" action of sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the country on the brink of an "economic anarchy" never experienced before, the ousted finance minister said. On October 26, Sirisena, in a controversial action, sacked Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, plunging the island nation into political chaos. Wickremesinghe has demanded a floor test to prove his majority. Sirisena's party did not cooperate with parliamentary Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to hold the floor test. Ousted finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said: "As a result of these actions, Sri Lanka is on the brink of an economic anarchy and chaos as never experienced before". "The cavalier and irresponsible actions of the president starting on October 26th based on personal animosities and precipitating a series of illegal acts, places at risk Sri Lanka's ability to meet its immediate debt obligations. "In early January 2019, we have to repay USD 1 billion of Rajapaksa's debt taken in January 2014, the repayment of which is also under the purview of Parliament," he said Tuesday. Samaraweera said as per Article 148 of the Constitution, Parliament shall have full control over public finance. In the absence of a legitimate government, a grave situation has now arisen as there is no legal way to meet public expenditure and obligations of the state from 2019, he said. "The Constitution does not provide for any alternative arrangements for public finance, even with the intervention of the executive envisaged under the limited circumstances of article 150(3) under which the President can only allocate finances for the first three months of a new parliament. "Thus, under the current circumstances, from January 1st 2019 until a new parliament is convened, the spending power of the state ceases to exist," Samaraweera said. A legitimate government with an adequate majority in parliament would have had the opportunity to present at least a vote on the account which would have covered at least the first three months of the new year enabling payment of pensions, salaries and settlement of debts, he said. Rajapaksa, at the time of appointing, said a vote on the account would be presented. However, Sirisena suspended the assembly until November 16, seen as a move to allow Rajapaksa buy time to obtain a majority by engineering defections from Wickremesinghe's UNP. He managed to win nine of them, leaving him at 105, still eight needed for a simple majority. Later on the realisation of lack of numbers, Sirisena dissolved the assembly and set fresh parliamentary polls for January 5, 2019. A legal challenge against this was temporary upheld throwing the whole administration into disarray. "This illegal government has no majority and are pirating the government benches through force and violence, and they cannot muster a majority to even pass a vote on account, they are forcibly preventing the lawful government from taking the critical steps to provide funding for 2019," Samaraweera said. Samaraweera said Sri Lanka had never defaulted its debt obligations. "The actions of October 26 have irreversibly undermined Sri Lanka's credibility in global markets - risking our ability to service future debt as well. We are being pushed towards a state of economic collapse as we stumble on to a road of a Greece like situation," he said. The only way to rescue Sri Lanka from this unfortunate and unnecessary crisis is for the President to recognise the Prime Minister and the government that was in place prior to October 26, he said. It is necessary for all like-minded people, regardless of political affiliation, to come forward to save the country from an otherwise impending economic collapse by supporting efforts to reestablish the supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution, he said. The purported government's spokesman Bandula Gunawardena dismissed Samaraweera's claims and said Sri Lanka was still capable of meeting its debt repayment due in January. Last week, Parliament witnessed unprecedented violence as lawmakers threw furniture and chilli powder at each other after Rajapaksa lost a no-trust vote. The political imbroglio has created much uncertainty with work in state institutions being hampered. Sirisena last week urged top bureaucrats to carry on as usual. Wickremesinghe's United National Party has warned officials that carrying out "illegal orders" from an "illegal" government could spell trouble for them.

Sri Lankan economy on brink of 'anarchy' due to Wickremesinghe's sacking: Ousted finance minister

Sri Lanka's largest party warned Tuesday that the island could default on its debt as Moody's slashed its credit rating and a bitter power struggle dragged into the fourth week.

The South Asian nation has been gripped by an unprecedented political crisis since the president sacked his prime minister on October 26 and appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse in his place.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, the ousted premier and leader of the United National Party -- the largest single party in parliament -- refused to step down, declaring his sacking illegal.

President Maithripala Sirisena then dissolved parliament and called snap elections for January 5 -- a decision later suspended by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The parliament, restored by court order, voted twice to topple Rajapakse last week but he has also refused to step down, leaving Sri Lanka without a government since November 15.

Mangala Samaraweera, a member of Wickremesinghe's party who served as finance minister until the chaos broke out, said he was worried the crisis could lead the country into an "economic abyss".

"If we don't have a budget approved unveiled in the next few weeks, the government will not be able to spend any money from January 1, 2019," he told reporters in Colombo.

International ratings agency Moody said its decision to downgrade Sri Lanka's credit rating from B1 to B2 reflected external and internal issues, which were "exacerbated most recently by a political crisis which seems likely to have a lasting impact on policy even if ostensibly resolved quickly."

A credit downgrade means Sri Lanka would have to pay more by way of interest on its foreign borrowings, because of a greater risk of default.

The political unrest also saw the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suspend a tranche of a $1.5-billion bailout loan agreed to in 2016.

Samaraweera said there was a serious risk of the country defaulting on a $1-billion sovereign bond that matures on January 10.

"We are now in uncharted territory," he said. "We have never been in a situation where we were unable to meet our foreign debt."

Sri Lanka's largest party warned Tuesday that the island could default on its debt as Moody's slashed its credit rating and a bitter power struggle dragged into the fourth week.

Sri Lanka's largest party warned Tuesday that the island could default on its debt as Moody's slashed its credit rating and a bitter power struggle dragged into the fourth week. The South Asian nation has been gripped by an unprecedented political crisis since the president sacked his prime minister on October 26 and appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse in his place. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the ousted premier and leader of the United National Party -- the largest single party in parliament -- refused to step down, declaring his sacking illegal. President Maithripala Sirisena then dissolved parliament and called snap elections for January 5 -- a decision later suspended by the Supreme Court. The parliament, restored by court order, voted twice to topple Rajapakse last week but he has also refused to step down, leaving Sri Lanka without a government since November 15. Mangala Samaraweera, a member of Wickremesinghe's party who served as finance minister until the chaos broke out, said he was worried the crisis could lead the country into an "economic abyss". "If we don't have a budget approved unveiled in the next few weeks, the government will not be able to spend any money from January 1, 2019," he told reporters in Colombo. International ratings agency Moody said its decision to downgrade Sri Lanka's credit rating from B1 to B2 reflected external and internal issues, which were "exacerbated most recently by a political crisis which seems likely to have a lasting impact on policy even if ostensibly resolved quickly." A credit downgrade means Sri Lanka would have to pay more by way of interest on its foreign borrowings, because of a greater risk of default. The political unrest also saw the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suspend a tranche of a $1.5-billion bailout loan agreed to in 2016. Samaraweera said there was a serious risk of the country defaulting on a $1-billion sovereign bond that matures on January 10. "We are now in uncharted territory," he said. "We have never been in a situation where we were unable to meet our foreign debt."

Sri Lanka risks debt default, warns largest party

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

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

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

Sri Lanka reinstates top detective after outcry

Sri Lanka's president ordered the removal of a police chief investigating alleged crimes by the family and associates of his preferred candidate for prime minister Mahinda Rajapakse, officials said Monday.

The Indian Ocean nation has been paralysed since October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena controversially sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former rival Rajapakse.

Wickremesinghe insists he is still prime minister, leading to a constitutional deadlock in the Indian Ocean nation.

In the latest twist in the ongoing crisis, Chief Inspector Nishantha Silva was transferred from the Criminal Investigation Department on Sunday as he pursued inquiries into the close family and allies of Rajapakse, an official told AFP.

Since sacking Wickremesinghe, Sirisena has taken the police under his direct control.

Silva investigated the killing of 11 children between 2008-2009 and had secured an arrest order last week against the country's top military official when he was shifted on Sunday, an official said.

"He was about to arrest Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne when his marching orders came," a senior police official told AFP.&nbsp;

"This is a serious blow to half a dozen high profile investigations."

Wijegunaratne has remained the chief of defence staff.

Silva was also pursuing the killers of editor Lasantha Wickrematunga and investigating Rajapakse's former defence secretary brother Gotabhaya, who is accused of defrauding the state.

Gotabhaya Rajapakse was indicted in September on charges of siphoning off over US $250,000 in state funds to build a memorial for his parents.

Silva was also investigating an alleged corrupt aircraft purchase from Ukraine when Gotabhaya Rajapakse was in power between 2005 and 2015.

Sacked PM Wickremesinghe has accused Rajapakse of seeking to grab power again in order to sabotage the court cases against his family and associates.

In August, a special court charged Rajapakse's chief of staff with embezzling millions of dollars from a state insurance firm.

Rajapakse's top civil servant, Lalith Weeratunga, was convicted of misappropriating US $4 million and sentenced to three years in prison.

Two of the former president's three sons have also been charged with money-laundering and other relatives face corruption allegations.

The former president was questioned in August over the 2008 abduction and torture of a journalist. He denies any wrongdoing and has accused the government of a witch-hunt.

Sri Lanka's president ordered the removal of a police chief investigating alleged crimes by the family and associates of his preferred candidate for prime minister Mahinda Rajapakse, officials said Monday.

Sri Lanka's president ordered the removal of a police chief investigating alleged crimes by the family and associates of his preferred candidate for prime minister Mahinda Rajapakse, officials said Monday. The Indian Ocean nation has been paralysed since October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena controversially sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former rival Rajapakse. Wickremesinghe insists he is still prime minister, leading to a constitutional deadlock in the Indian Ocean nation. In the latest twist in the ongoing crisis, Chief Inspector Nishantha Silva was transferred from the Criminal Investigation Department on Sunday as he pursued inquiries into the close family and allies of Rajapakse, an official told AFP. Since sacking Wickremesinghe, Sirisena has taken the police under his direct control. Silva investigated the killing of 11 children between 2008-2009 and had secured an arrest order last week against the country's top military official when he was shifted on Sunday, an official said. "He was about to arrest Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne when his marching orders came," a senior police official told AFP. "This is a serious blow to half a dozen high profile investigations." Wijegunaratne has remained the chief of defence staff. Silva was also pursuing the killers of editor Lasantha Wickrematunga and investigating Rajapakse's former defence secretary brother Gotabhaya, who is accused of defrauding the state. Gotabhaya Rajapakse was indicted in September on charges of siphoning off over US $250,000 in state funds to build a memorial for his parents. Silva was also investigating an alleged corrupt aircraft purchase from Ukraine when Gotabhaya Rajapakse was in power between 2005 and 2015. Sacked PM Wickremesinghe has accused Rajapakse of seeking to grab power again in order to sabotage the court cases against his family and associates. In August, a special court charged Rajapakse's chief of staff with embezzling millions of dollars from a state insurance firm. Rajapakse's top civil servant, Lalith Weeratunga, was convicted of misappropriating US $4 million and sentenced to three years in prison. Two of the former president's three sons have also been charged with money-laundering and other relatives face corruption allegations. The former president was questioned in August over the 2008 abduction and torture of a journalist. He denies any wrongdoing and has accused the government of a witch-hunt.

Sri Lanka removes top Rajapakse investigator amid crisis

Speaking shortly after the no-trust vote in the parliament on Wednesday, ousted Sri Lankan prime minister Wickremesinghe claimed that his government had been restored after extra-constitutional action by President Sirisena to sack him as the premier. Wickremesinghe added that he will now take steps to ensure that the government "in place before October 26 will continue."

"We will now take steps to ensure that the government in place before October 26 will continue. I wish to inform all government servants and police that you should not carry out illegal orders from the purported government that has failed to demonstrate the confidence of the people," news agency PTI quoted Wickremesinghe.

Senior leader of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) Sajith Premadasa said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-votes-against-rajapakse-177250">Government headed by Rajapaksa clearly lost the floor test</a>, demanding Prime Minister Rajapaksa to step down.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's reaction came shortly after Sri Lanka's Parliament on Wednesday passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who was installed by President Maithripala Sirisena in a controversial move.

Meanwhile, Deputies from Rajapaksa's party rejected the voice vote as illegal, saying it wasn't scheduled and that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-rajapaksa-deputies-say-he-will-stay-in-office-177314">the former strongman would remain in office</a>.

President Maithripala Sirisena's next move is being contemplated now as it remains unclear what he would do next.

Government officials said there was confusion about who was in charge.

"We need cabinet approvals to go ahead with large value projects," one told Reuters. "We don't know if a cabinet exists or not."

Sri Lanka, the island nation, plunged into crisis last month when President Sirisena fired Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and named Rajapaksa to the job.

Sirisena dissolved parliament last week and ordered elections as a way to break the deadlock but the Supreme Court ordered a suspension of that decree on Tuesday until it had heard petitions challenging the decree as unconstitutional.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Speaking shortly after the no-trust vote in the parliament on Wednesday, ousted Sri Lankan prime minister Wickremesinghe claimed that his government had been restored after extra-constitutional action by President Sirisena to sack him as the premier.

Speaking shortly after the no-trust vote in the parliament on Wednesday, ousted Sri Lankan prime minister Wickremesinghe claimed that his government had been restored after extra-constitutional action by President Sirisena to sack him as the premier. Wickremesinghe added that he will now take steps to ensure that the government "in place before October 26 will continue." "We will now take steps to ensure that the government in place before October 26 will continue. I wish to inform all government servants and police that you should not carry out illegal orders from the purported government that has failed to demonstrate the confidence of the people," news agency PTI quoted Wickremesinghe. Senior leader of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) Sajith Premadasa said that the Government headed by Rajapaksa clearly lost the floor test, demanding Prime Minister Rajapaksa to step down. Wickremesinghe's reaction came shortly after Sri Lanka's Parliament on Wednesday passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who was installed by President Maithripala Sirisena in a controversial move. Meanwhile, Deputies from Rajapaksa's party rejected the voice vote as illegal, saying it wasn't scheduled and that the former strongman would remain in office. President Maithripala Sirisena's next move is being contemplated now as it remains unclear what he would do next. Government officials said there was confusion about who was in charge. "We need cabinet approvals to go ahead with large value projects," one told Reuters. "We don't know if a cabinet exists or not." Sri Lanka, the island nation, plunged into crisis last month when President Sirisena fired Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and named Rajapaksa to the job. Sirisena dissolved parliament last week and ordered elections as a way to break the deadlock but the Supreme Court ordered a suspension of that decree on Tuesday until it had heard petitions challenging the decree as unconstitutional. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksa, Wickremesinghe and Sirisena camps on the road ahead

Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced Monday to forge a new political alliance to fight the January 5 general elections even as he dismissed President Maithripala Sirisena's justification for dissolving Parliament, saying no one had feared any bloodshed.

Sirisena dissolved Parliament on November 9 and announced snap polls to be held on January 5 next year after it became evident that he did not have enough support in the House to prove the premiership of 72-year-old Mahinda Rajapaksa, whom he appointed prime minister after abruptly sacking Wickremesinghe on October 26.

The President said the decision to dissolve Parliament was taken to prevent clashes among rival lawmakers and blamed Speaker Karu Jayasuriya for not accepting his presidential powers.

Wickremesinghe, the leader of the United National Party (UNP), said his party will form a new alliance with the other parties with a new face to pull the nation out of the present crisis, Daily Mirror reported.

He also responded to Sirisena's address in which he blamed Speaker Jayasuriya for creating a situation to force snap polls, saying no one had feared any bloodshed in Parliament or murder inside the chamber.

"If the President had any information, he should have informed the Speaker then it would be the Speaker's duty to take necessary steps," Wickremesinghe said.

On Sirisena's charge that parliamentarians were being traded for large sums of money to extend support, Wickremesinghe said: "it was the President who took some of our people to his side and gave them ministerial posts, so he should know about members of Parliament being traded for money".

Recalling his uneasy three-year alliance with Sirisena, the ousted premier said: "I faced various challenges, slander and heartburn. I tolerated them with patience because I wanted to uphold the mandate we received in 2015".

"It is not possible to build up a nation through undemocratic and destructive means. We will not allow anyone to destroy this nation which we have managed to safeguard at the risk of our lives.

"I promise to pull this nation through the present curse by associating myself in a new and a broad alliance. Therefore I invite everyone to join this new political force," Wickremesinghe was quoted as saying by the daily.

Rajapaksa, who ruled Lanka for a nearly decade from 2005, was unexpectedly defeated by his deputy Sirisena in the presidential election held in January 2015 with the support from Wickremesinghe's UNP.

However, the power-sharing arrangement between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe became increasingly tenuous on several policy matters, especially on issues like the economy and security. And subsequently, Sirisena abruptly ousted Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa.

The island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis following the move.

Sirisena suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Later, owing to domestic and global pressure, he issued a notice to reconvene Parliament on November 14. Last week, he dissolved Parliament and announced snap polls in January 2019.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced Monday to forge a new political alliance to fight the January 5 general elections even as he dismissed President Maithripala Sirisena's justification for dissolving Parliament, saying no one had feared any bloodshed.

Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced Monday to forge a new political alliance to fight the January 5 general elections even as he dismissed President Maithripala Sirisena's justification for dissolving Parliament, saying no one had feared any bloodshed. Sirisena dissolved Parliament on November 9 and announced snap polls to be held on January 5 next year after it became evident that he did not have enough support in the House to prove the premiership of 72-year-old Mahinda Rajapaksa, whom he appointed prime minister after abruptly sacking Wickremesinghe on October 26. The President said the decision to dissolve Parliament was taken to prevent clashes among rival lawmakers and blamed Speaker Karu Jayasuriya for not accepting his presidential powers. Wickremesinghe, the leader of the United National Party (UNP), said his party will form a new alliance with the other parties with a new face to pull the nation out of the present crisis, Daily Mirror reported. He also responded to Sirisena's address in which he blamed Speaker Jayasuriya for creating a situation to force snap polls, saying no one had feared any bloodshed in Parliament or murder inside the chamber. "If the President had any information, he should have informed the Speaker then it would be the Speaker's duty to take necessary steps," Wickremesinghe said. On Sirisena's charge that parliamentarians were being traded for large sums of money to extend support, Wickremesinghe said: "it was the President who took some of our people to his side and gave them ministerial posts, so he should know about members of Parliament being traded for money". Recalling his uneasy three-year alliance with Sirisena, the ousted premier said: "I faced various challenges, slander and heartburn. I tolerated them with patience because I wanted to uphold the mandate we received in 2015". "It is not possible to build up a nation through undemocratic and destructive means. We will not allow anyone to destroy this nation which we have managed to safeguard at the risk of our lives. "I promise to pull this nation through the present curse by associating myself in a new and a broad alliance. Therefore I invite everyone to join this new political force," Wickremesinghe was quoted as saying by the daily. Rajapaksa, who ruled Lanka for a nearly decade from 2005, was unexpectedly defeated by his deputy Sirisena in the presidential election held in January 2015 with the support from Wickremesinghe's UNP. However, the power-sharing arrangement between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe became increasingly tenuous on several policy matters, especially on issues like the economy and security. And subsequently, Sirisena abruptly ousted Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa. The island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis following the move. Sirisena suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Later, owing to domestic and global pressure, he issued a notice to reconvene Parliament on November 14. Last week, he dissolved Parliament and announced snap polls in January 2019.

Sri Lanka: Wickremesinghe vows new alliance to face impending elections

Sri Lanka's strongman leader Mahinda Rajapaksa&nbsp;on Sunday called his five-decade-long association with &nbsp;Sri Lanka Freedom Party, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, Rajapaksa&nbsp;has now joined hands with the newly-formed Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP).

Rajapaksa's move hint at the possibility of him contesting the snap polls on January 5.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa&nbsp;on Sunday vowed snap elections would go ahead to "seek a mandate from the people". He claimed that he is confident of sweeping the elections that are due on January 5.

"The election will go ahead and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-rajapakse-vows-to-hold-polls-despite-challenge-176648">I am confident we will sweep the election</a>," he told reporters.

"The international community must realise that this is a democracy. They must understand our position. We are seeking a mandate from the people," Rajapaksa&nbsp;was quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

According to PTI, the former president obtained the membership of the SLPP, launched by his supporters, Sunday morning. SLFP was founded in 1951, his father Don Alwin Rajapaksa was a founding member of the party.

The SLPP was formed last year by Rajapaksa's supporters to create a platform for his re-entry into politics. The party in February's local council election won two-thirds of the total 340 seats.&nbsp;

The ongoing political turmoil in Sri Lanka began around two weeks ago after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, replacing him with Rajapaksa. The power swap move was described as illegal by rivals.

Sirisena dismissed parliament on Friday and called new polls for January 5, throwing the island into fresh chaos as the United States urged Sri Lanka to respect democratic processes, news agency AFP reported.

Wickremesinghe's party had wanted parliament reconvened to prove he commanded a majority, but Sirisena refused and sacked the legislature instead, escalating a standoff between the rival factions.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's strongman leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday called his five-decade-long association with Sri Lanka Freedom Party, news agency PTI reported. According to reports, Rajapaksa has now joined hands with the newly-formed Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP).

Sri Lanka's strongman leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday called his five-decade-long association with Sri Lanka Freedom Party, news agency PTI reported. According to reports, Rajapaksa has now joined hands with the newly-formed Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP). Rajapaksa's move hint at the possibility of him contesting the snap polls on January 5. Rajapaksa on Sunday vowed snap elections would go ahead to "seek a mandate from the people". He claimed that he is confident of sweeping the elections that are due on January 5. "The election will go ahead and I am confident we will sweep the election," he told reporters. "The international community must realise that this is a democracy. They must understand our position. We are seeking a mandate from the people," Rajapaksa was quoted by AFP. According to PTI, the former president obtained the membership of the SLPP, launched by his supporters, Sunday morning. SLFP was founded in 1951, his father Don Alwin Rajapaksa was a founding member of the party. The SLPP was formed last year by Rajapaksa's supporters to create a platform for his re-entry into politics. The party in February's local council election won two-thirds of the total 340 seats. The ongoing political turmoil in Sri Lanka began around two weeks ago after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, replacing him with Rajapaksa. The power swap move was described as illegal by rivals. Sirisena dismissed parliament on Friday and called new polls for January 5, throwing the island into fresh chaos as the United States urged Sri Lanka to respect democratic processes, news agency AFP reported. Wickremesinghe's party had wanted parliament reconvened to prove he commanded a majority, but Sirisena refused and sacked the legislature instead, escalating a standoff between the rival factions. (With inputs from agencies)

Confident of 'sweeping' January 5 snap polls, Rajapaksa ends 50-year association with Sirisena's party

Sri Lanka's largest party announced Saturday a legal challenge to President Maithripala Sirisena's sacking of parliament, a move that has plunged the Indian Ocean island nation into fresh turmoil and alarmed the international community.

Sirisena announced on Friday night that he was dissolving parliament and called fresh elections on January 5, two weeks after sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with the controversial Mahinda Rajapakse.

Mangala Samaraweera, finance minister in Wickremesinghe's sacked cabinet, said Saturday that their United National Party (UNP) would file a challenge with Sri Lanka's top court next week, saying the president had "kicked the constitution in the teeth".

"We will go to the courts," Samaraweera told reporters in Colombo. "We will fight in the courts, we will fight in parliament and we will fight at the polls."

Shortly before sacking the legislature, Sirisena also took over the police department by attaching it to his defence ministry. He also took control of the state printer, a crucial institution that publishes decrees and proclamations.

He had already taken control of all state media outlets soon after dismissing Wickremesinghe on October 26.

Sirisena set the election date, almost two years ahead of schedule, after it became clear that his designated prime minister Rajapakse could not prove his majority when the assembly was set to reconvene on Wednesday.

This is despite several legislators saying they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance.

Rajapakse, 72, was prime minister for two weeks without ever stepping into parliament. He will now continue as a caretaker premier until a new parliament meets on January 17.

A leader of Rajapakse's party, Susil Premajayantha, said Sirisena sacked the legislature to end the power struggle and allow people to elect a new parliament.

"Now we have a caretaker government with limited functions," Premajayantha said. "We will conduct a free and fair election."

He accused Wickremesinghe of causing instability by refusing to vacate his official residence.

Power struggle

Rajapakse and the ousted Wickremesinghe have been battling for power for two weeks as international concern grew over the mounting turmoil in the strategically important island nation.

Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the legislature in a bid to head off any revolt against his actions which included suspending parliament for nearly three weeks.

Rajapakse was yet to address the nation after his disputed elevation, but early Saturday attempted to justify the dissolution.

"... A general election will truly establish the will of the people and make way for a stable country," he said on Twitter.

US 'deeply concerned'

Washington's criticism of Sirisena's move was swift.

"The US is deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis," the US State Department said in a statement.

"As a committed partner of Sri Lanka, we believe democratic institutions and processes need to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity," it said.

Just before sacking the parliament, Sirisena also inducted more ministers into his cabinet. The move was seen as giving them access to state resources in the run up to the January vote.

The leftist People's Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab.

"Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution," JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters.

Wickremesinghe had late Thursday thanked his supporters in a Facebook video for not letting Sri Lanka be "plunged into the darkness of dictatorship".

It was not immediately clear if he would vacate the official Temple Trees residence following the dissolution of parliament.

The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Sri Lanka's largest party announced Saturday a legal challenge to President Maithripala Sirisena's sacking of parliament, a move that has plunged the Indian Ocean island nation into fresh turmoil and alarmed the international community.

Sri Lanka's largest party announced Saturday a legal challenge to President Maithripala Sirisena's sacking of parliament, a move that has plunged the Indian Ocean island nation into fresh turmoil and alarmed the international community. Sirisena announced on Friday night that he was dissolving parliament and called fresh elections on January 5, two weeks after sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with the controversial Mahinda Rajapakse. Mangala Samaraweera, finance minister in Wickremesinghe's sacked cabinet, said Saturday that their United National Party (UNP) would file a challenge with Sri Lanka's top court next week, saying the president had "kicked the constitution in the teeth". "We will go to the courts," Samaraweera told reporters in Colombo. "We will fight in the courts, we will fight in parliament and we will fight at the polls." Shortly before sacking the legislature, Sirisena also took over the police department by attaching it to his defence ministry. He also took control of the state printer, a crucial institution that publishes decrees and proclamations. He had already taken control of all state media outlets soon after dismissing Wickremesinghe on October 26. Sirisena set the election date, almost two years ahead of schedule, after it became clear that his designated prime minister Rajapakse could not prove his majority when the assembly was set to reconvene on Wednesday. This is despite several legislators saying they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance. Rajapakse, 72, was prime minister for two weeks without ever stepping into parliament. He will now continue as a caretaker premier until a new parliament meets on January 17. A leader of Rajapakse's party, Susil Premajayantha, said Sirisena sacked the legislature to end the power struggle and allow people to elect a new parliament. "Now we have a caretaker government with limited functions," Premajayantha said. "We will conduct a free and fair election." He accused Wickremesinghe of causing instability by refusing to vacate his official residence. Power struggle Rajapakse and the ousted Wickremesinghe have been battling for power for two weeks as international concern grew over the mounting turmoil in the strategically important island nation. Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the legislature in a bid to head off any revolt against his actions which included suspending parliament for nearly three weeks. Rajapakse was yet to address the nation after his disputed elevation, but early Saturday attempted to justify the dissolution. "... A general election will truly establish the will of the people and make way for a stable country," he said on Twitter. US 'deeply concerned' Washington's criticism of Sirisena's move was swift. "The US is deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis," the US State Department said in a statement. "As a committed partner of Sri Lanka, we believe democratic institutions and processes need to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity," it said. Just before sacking the parliament, Sirisena also inducted more ministers into his cabinet. The move was seen as giving them access to state resources in the run up to the January vote. The leftist People's Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab. "Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution," JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters. Wickremesinghe had late Thursday thanked his supporters in a Facebook video for not letting Sri Lanka be "plunged into the darkness of dictatorship". It was not immediately clear if he would vacate the official Temple Trees residence following the dissolution of parliament. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Legal challenge looms as Sri Lankan main party readies to challenge parliament sacking

Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said Wednesday he wanted a floor test in parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Speaker's remarks came two days after he slammed President Maithripala Sirisena, saying it was "anti-democratic" to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspend the Parliament, and asserted that he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the premier unless it is proved by a floor test.

Jayasuriya said he had met party representatives to finalise the agenda for November 14 when the current suspension of parliament by President Sirisena would end.

He said the government argued that parliament should not vote for a floor test on the day and should limit its sessions to day's business.

"After giving a fair hearing to both sides, the speaker expressed his stand. The need for the determination of majority, as requested by 116 members previously in writing to suspend standing orders of parliament, after the conclusion of the day's business to allow each side to display their majorities in order to have a stable government," a statement from Jayasuriya's office said.

When contacted a Sirisena source denied that they had agreed with Jayasuriya for a floor test.

Jayasuriya, earlier in the week, said when parliament was to be reconvened he would have to consider the pre-26 October status quo with regard to the two prime ministers.

Jayasuriya's stance has caused ire among the Sirisena and Rajapaksa factions.

He accuses the Speaker of being biased towards his party, the United National Party (UNP) led by the ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena suspended parliament immediately after his October 26 sacking of Wickremesinghe, a move that was being seen as to allow Rajapaksa to muster the 113 seats required for majority.

Rajapaksa has so far won 9 defections, still short of 113 to prove his majority in the 225-member House.

Wickremesinghe continues to claim he is the lawful prime minister citing the 19th amendment to the Constitution under which the president's powers to sack the Prime Minister had been stripped.

The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said Wednesday he wanted a floor test in parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said Wednesday he wanted a floor test in parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Speaker's remarks came two days after he slammed President Maithripala Sirisena, saying it was "anti-democratic" to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspend the Parliament, and asserted that he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the premier unless it is proved by a floor test. Jayasuriya said he had met party representatives to finalise the agenda for November 14 when the current suspension of parliament by President Sirisena would end. He said the government argued that parliament should not vote for a floor test on the day and should limit its sessions to day's business. "After giving a fair hearing to both sides, the speaker expressed his stand. The need for the determination of majority, as requested by 116 members previously in writing to suspend standing orders of parliament, after the conclusion of the day's business to allow each side to display their majorities in order to have a stable government," a statement from Jayasuriya's office said. When contacted a Sirisena source denied that they had agreed with Jayasuriya for a floor test. Jayasuriya, earlier in the week, said when parliament was to be reconvened he would have to consider the pre-26 October status quo with regard to the two prime ministers. Jayasuriya's stance has caused ire among the Sirisena and Rajapaksa factions. He accuses the Speaker of being biased towards his party, the United National Party (UNP) led by the ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe. Sirisena suspended parliament immediately after his October 26 sacking of Wickremesinghe, a move that was being seen as to allow Rajapaksa to muster the 113 seats required for majority. Rajapaksa has so far won 9 defections, still short of 113 to prove his majority in the 225-member House. Wickremesinghe continues to claim he is the lawful prime minister citing the 19th amendment to the Constitution under which the president's powers to sack the Prime Minister had been stripped. The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka assembly Speaker presses for floor test to end political crisis

In a setback to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, a deputy minister of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis.

President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, a controversial former president, and suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16.

Manusha Nanayakkara, who was in Sirisena/Rajapaksa original list of 96 MPs, said in a letter to Sirisena Tuesday that in his opinion Wickremesinghe was still the legitimate prime minister as accepted by the parliamentary speaker Karu Jayasuriya.

He resigned as the deputy minister of Labour and Foreign Employment to leave the Sirisena camp and join Wickremesinghe. He was sworn in as the deputy minister only on November 1.

In a video message, Nanayakkara said that he does not approve of the arbitrary political appointments that have taken place and will support the struggle to protect and uphold democracy.&nbsp;

Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature.

Legislators have been switching sides ever since the island nation was plunged into a political and constitutional crisis with Sirisena's move to sack Wickremesinghe last month.

Rajapaksa had been bolstered by at least 9 defections from Wickremesinghe's United National Party and Tamil National Alliance.

Since the crisis broke out there have been media reports that MPs were offered up to 500 million rupees to switch sides.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test.

He asked the president to reconvene the parliament for a floor test and end the ongoing political crisis.

Sirisena's side charged that Jayasuriya, a UNP senior, was backing his party leader Wickremesinghe by compromising the neutral position of speaker of parliament.&nbsp;

In a setback to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, a deputy minister of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis.

In a setback to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, a deputy minister of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis. President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, a controversial former president, and suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Manusha Nanayakkara, who was in Sirisena/Rajapaksa original list of 96 MPs, said in a letter to Sirisena Tuesday that in his opinion Wickremesinghe was still the legitimate prime minister as accepted by the parliamentary speaker Karu Jayasuriya. He resigned as the deputy minister of Labour and Foreign Employment to leave the Sirisena camp and join Wickremesinghe. He was sworn in as the deputy minister only on November 1. In a video message, Nanayakkara said that he does not approve of the arbitrary political appointments that have taken place and will support the struggle to protect and uphold democracy. Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature. Legislators have been switching sides ever since the island nation was plunged into a political and constitutional crisis with Sirisena's move to sack Wickremesinghe last month. Rajapaksa had been bolstered by at least 9 defections from Wickremesinghe's United National Party and Tamil National Alliance. Since the crisis broke out there have been media reports that MPs were offered up to 500 million rupees to switch sides. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. He asked the president to reconvene the parliament for a floor test and end the ongoing political crisis. Sirisena's side charged that Jayasuriya, a UNP senior, was backing his party leader Wickremesinghe by compromising the neutral position of speaker of parliament.

Lanka political crisis: Deputy minister Nanayakkara resigns Sirisena govt, joins Ranil Wickremsinghe

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena Sunday announced that he would lift the suspension of parliament in 10 days as international pressure mounted on him to open the legislature and resolve a leadership struggle.

Sirisena had on Friday promised the parliamentary speaker that he would recall the assembly on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He shut parliament a day after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and appointing former president Mahinda Rajapakse to the post.

However, Wickremesinghe insisted he was still prime minister and demanded a vote in parliament to prove his majority. The closure of the assembly prevented a vote to decide who enjoyed the majority of the 225-member assembly.

The United Nations had led a chorus of international voices demanding an early resumption of parliament to end the bitter power struggle between Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse.

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party on Sunday urged the president to reconvene parliament and end a worsening political crisis, as the minority ethnic community emerge as kingmakers in the power struggle.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sVHGoprdUlU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wickremesinghe says his dismissal was illegal as he commands a greater majority in parliament than Mahinda Rajapakse, the former strongman president controversially installed in his place.

The TNA has already said it would vote against Rajapakse in a no-confidence motion when parliament reconvenes.

Both rivals have been marshalling numbers behind the scenes, worrying civil society groups who protested Sunday in the capital Colombo against the horse-trading.

TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan said the president had called the Tamil legislators to a meeting Wednesday -- the same day parliament was expected to reconvene.

"We have asked the president to immediately call parliament and end this crisis," TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan told AFP.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena Sunday announced that he would lift the suspension of parliament in 10 days as international pressure mounted on him to open the legislature and resolve a leadership struggle.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena Sunday announced that he would lift the suspension of parliament in 10 days as international pressure mounted on him to open the legislature and resolve a leadership struggle. Sirisena had on Friday promised the parliamentary speaker that he would recall the assembly on Wednesday. He shut parliament a day after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and appointing former president Mahinda Rajapakse to the post. However, Wickremesinghe insisted he was still prime minister and demanded a vote in parliament to prove his majority. The closure of the assembly prevented a vote to decide who enjoyed the majority of the 225-member assembly. The United Nations had led a chorus of international voices demanding an early resumption of parliament to end the bitter power struggle between Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse. Sri Lanka's main Tamil party on Sunday urged the president to reconvene parliament and end a worsening political crisis, as the minority ethnic community emerge as kingmakers in the power struggle. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal was illegal as he commands a greater majority in parliament than Mahinda Rajapakse, the former strongman president controversially installed in his place. The TNA has already said it would vote against Rajapakse in a no-confidence motion when parliament reconvenes. Both rivals have been marshalling numbers behind the scenes, worrying civil society groups who protested Sunday in the capital Colombo against the horse-trading. TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan said the president had called the Tamil legislators to a meeting Wednesday -- the same day parliament was expected to reconvene. "We have asked the president to immediately call parliament and end this crisis," TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan told AFP.

Sri Lanka to lift parliament suspension in 10 days: President Maithripala Sirisena

The banquet hall at Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister's official residence is packed with supporters -- many sleeping on chairs and the floor -- who have come to stand guard as he tussles for power with an old rival.

Thousands of loyalists from across the country are camped out at the Temple Trees residence in Colombo, a colonial-era bungalow where Ranil Wickremesinghe has been holed up since his shock dismissal more than a week ago.

Day and night they top up coconut oil lamps and keep jasmine-perfumed incense sticks burning in the 5,000-capacity banquet hall -- usually reserved for state dinners and VIP weddings -- while the 69-year-old plots his next move.

President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26 but he has refused to accept the decision or to leave the residence so former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse -- who was named in his place -- can move in.

SM&nbsp;Faheed, a 73-year-old diehard supporter of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), vowed to stay there until the constitutional crisis is resolved.

"I will not leave until Ranil is given the PM's chair," Faheed said. "We are here to support him and make sure no one tries to throw him out of Temple Trees."

"If I have to, I will stay here till I die."

Wickremesinghe has asked lawmakers to vote to decide between him and Rajapakse and end the crisis, but parliament has been suspended since his sacking.

"If I win... (Rajapakse) must stand down. If he wins, I will leave Temple Trees and move away," Wickremesinghe told AFP on Friday.

But he will have trouble convincing his followers to give way.

Prayers for victory

Shakuntala Devi travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Tamil city of Jaffna in the north of the country to join the crowd that grows each day.

Volunteers bring meals to Devi and others while Buddhist monks chant prayers that are broadcast on a public address system within the premises.

Devi said she wanted to show solidarity after Wickremesinghe's government built 5,000 homes for people like her who were displaced by the civil war that ended in 2009.

"I came to show my gratitude to the prime minister," she said.

Another protester who gave her name as Sandya said: "We want to tell Sirisena: If you have any shame, call parliament and let our leader take back his seat."&nbsp;

Others in the huge crowd echoed her views, with one person saying Sri Lanka had "become the laughing stock of the world".

"Sirisena is the most ungrateful man. May he be cursed and be struck by lightning," said Jayanthi Jayewardena, an elderly supporter.

Sirisena won the presidency from Rajapakse in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe and his UNP. The two formed a coalition, but have since fallen out badly.&nbsp;

Matters came to a head with the sacking, which Wickremesinghe acknowledged had surprised him.

'Desperate people'

Sirisena has cut Wickremesinghe's official bodyguard retinue and pool of limousines. A depleted plain clothes contingent now keeps watch over the residence while a private cleaning company has also been hired.

A few police commandos in camouflage uniform can also be seen.&nbsp;

Legislators loyal to Wickremesinghe keep up back-to-back press conferences at the residence which has become the centre of media attention, with crowds mobbing visiting politicians and asking for selfies.

In comparison Rajapakse has remained low-key, quietly organising a campaign to win over MPs to support him when parliament eventually meets.&nbsp;

Huge sums have allegedly been offered to potential defectors and some lawmakers have already left the UNP.

Wickremesinghe, who has been speaking to local and foreign journalists while conducting talks with allies, said he was concerned that the power struggle could degenerate into street violence.

"There can be trouble in the country if this goes on," he said.&nbsp;

"We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence... but you don't know what arises in a situation like this. A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath." 
&nbsp;

The banquet hall at Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister's official residence is packed with supporters -- many sleeping on chairs and the floor -- who have come to stand guard as he tussles for power with an old rival.

The banquet hall at Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister's official residence is packed with supporters -- many sleeping on chairs and the floor -- who have come to stand guard as he tussles for power with an old rival. Thousands of loyalists from across the country are camped out at the Temple Trees residence in Colombo, a colonial-era bungalow where Ranil Wickremesinghe has been holed up since his shock dismissal more than a week ago. Day and night they top up coconut oil lamps and keep jasmine-perfumed incense sticks burning in the 5,000-capacity banquet hall -- usually reserved for state dinners and VIP weddings -- while the 69-year-old plots his next move. President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26 but he has refused to accept the decision or to leave the residence so former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse -- who was named in his place -- can move in. SM Faheed, a 73-year-old diehard supporter of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), vowed to stay there until the constitutional crisis is resolved. "I will not leave until Ranil is given the PM's chair," Faheed said. "We are here to support him and make sure no one tries to throw him out of Temple Trees." "If I have to, I will stay here till I die." Wickremesinghe has asked lawmakers to vote to decide between him and Rajapakse and end the crisis, but parliament has been suspended since his sacking. "If I win... (Rajapakse) must stand down. If he wins, I will leave Temple Trees and move away," Wickremesinghe told AFP on Friday. But he will have trouble convincing his followers to give way. Prayers for victory Shakuntala Devi travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Tamil city of Jaffna in the north of the country to join the crowd that grows each day. Volunteers bring meals to Devi and others while Buddhist monks chant prayers that are broadcast on a public address system within the premises. Devi said she wanted to show solidarity after Wickremesinghe's government built 5,000 homes for people like her who were displaced by the civil war that ended in 2009. "I came to show my gratitude to the prime minister," she said. Another protester who gave her name as Sandya said: "We want to tell Sirisena: If you have any shame, call parliament and let our leader take back his seat." Others in the huge crowd echoed her views, with one person saying Sri Lanka had "become the laughing stock of the world". "Sirisena is the most ungrateful man. May he be cursed and be struck by lightning," said Jayanthi Jayewardena, an elderly supporter. Sirisena won the presidency from Rajapakse in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe and his UNP. The two formed a coalition, but have since fallen out badly. Matters came to a head with the sacking, which Wickremesinghe acknowledged had surprised him. 'Desperate people' Sirisena has cut Wickremesinghe's official bodyguard retinue and pool of limousines. A depleted plain clothes contingent now keeps watch over the residence while a private cleaning company has also been hired. A few police commandos in camouflage uniform can also be seen. Legislators loyal to Wickremesinghe keep up back-to-back press conferences at the residence which has become the centre of media attention, with crowds mobbing visiting politicians and asking for selfies. In comparison Rajapakse has remained low-key, quietly organising a campaign to win over MPs to support him when parliament eventually meets. Huge sums have allegedly been offered to potential defectors and some lawmakers have already left the UNP. Wickremesinghe, who has been speaking to local and foreign journalists while conducting talks with allies, said he was concerned that the power struggle could degenerate into street violence. "There can be trouble in the country if this goes on," he said. "We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence... but you don't know what arises in a situation like this. A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath."

Sacked Sri Lankan PM's residence becomes symbol of power struggle

Sri Lanka's deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island.

The move to hold back project financing, along with the EU's warning it could withdraw duty-free concessions for Sri Lankan exports if it didn't stick to commitments on national reconciliation, will further strain the economy, Wickremesinghe told Reuters in an interview.

President Maithripala Sirisena fired him last month after months of tensions within the government and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as premier in a shock move that has plunged the nation into a political crisis.

Rajapaksa is a former president who led the country to a military defeat of Tamil separatist guerrillas in 2009 but who has since faced widespread allegations of human rights abuse and targeting of Tamil civilians.

Wickremesinghe, who has challenged his dismissal and vowed to remain, prime minister, until parliament voted him out, said there were international concerns about a government led by Rajapaksa.

"Countries are sensitive, they have concerns (about a government led by Rajapaksa) democratic countries have concerns," he said in the interview conducted in the prime minister's official residence in a colonial-era bungalow where Wickremesinghe is camping along with his supporters.

The United States has held off on a nearly $500 million aid programme for building of highways and improving land administration by the government-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Wickremesinghe said.

Japan had also put on hold plans to extend a soft loan of $1.4 billion for a light railway project, he said. "A lot of projects are held up, the Millennium Challenge, the Japanese loan," he said.

The Sri Lankan embassy in Washington has been informally told by the MCC that around $480 million will be on hold because of the latest situation in the country, a Sri Lankan foreign ministry official separately confirmed to Reuters.

An official at the Sri Lankan ministry of Megapolis and Western Development also confirmed the freeze to Reuters on the Japanese loan, imperilling the project.

An official at the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the agency was closely monitoring political developments and the railway project loan had been withheld.

The US&nbsp;embassy in Colombo had no immediate comment when asked if Washington is taking any measures due to the Sri Lankan political crisis.

The United States and the EU have urged the president to immediately summon parliament and let deputies decide who is to lead the country. Sirisena suspended parliament until Nov. 16 and has made no public statement on his plans.

While Wickremesinghe is staying on in the premier's residence called Temple Trees, Rajapaksa has taken over the offices of the prime minister following his swearing-in.

Wickremesinghe said his party will step up a public campaign for parliament to be called and he be allowed to prove his majority. "We are all contemplating alternative actions, this includes a big mobilisation of people. Ultimately this has to be decided in parliament."

Soon after taking over Rajapaksa said he wanted to end the "politics of hate" in the country and that his government will work for justice for all citizens.

Sri Lanka's deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island.

Sri Lanka's deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island. The move to hold back project financing, along with the EU's warning it could withdraw duty-free concessions for Sri Lankan exports if it didn't stick to commitments on national reconciliation, will further strain the economy, Wickremesinghe told Reuters in an interview. President Maithripala Sirisena fired him last month after months of tensions within the government and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as premier in a shock move that has plunged the nation into a political crisis. Rajapaksa is a former president who led the country to a military defeat of Tamil separatist guerrillas in 2009 but who has since faced widespread allegations of human rights abuse and targeting of Tamil civilians. Wickremesinghe, who has challenged his dismissal and vowed to remain, prime minister, until parliament voted him out, said there were international concerns about a government led by Rajapaksa. "Countries are sensitive, they have concerns (about a government led by Rajapaksa) democratic countries have concerns," he said in the interview conducted in the prime minister's official residence in a colonial-era bungalow where Wickremesinghe is camping along with his supporters. The United States has held off on a nearly $500 million aid programme for building of highways and improving land administration by the government-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Wickremesinghe said. Japan had also put on hold plans to extend a soft loan of $1.4 billion for a light railway project, he said. "A lot of projects are held up, the Millennium Challenge, the Japanese loan," he said. The Sri Lankan embassy in Washington has been informally told by the MCC that around $480 million will be on hold because of the latest situation in the country, a Sri Lankan foreign ministry official separately confirmed to Reuters. An official at the Sri Lankan ministry of Megapolis and Western Development also confirmed the freeze to Reuters on the Japanese loan, imperilling the project. An official at the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the agency was closely monitoring political developments and the railway project loan had been withheld. The US embassy in Colombo had no immediate comment when asked if Washington is taking any measures due to the Sri Lankan political crisis. The United States and the EU have urged the president to immediately summon parliament and let deputies decide who is to lead the country. Sirisena suspended parliament until Nov. 16 and has made no public statement on his plans. While Wickremesinghe is staying on in the premier's residence called Temple Trees, Rajapaksa has taken over the offices of the prime minister following his swearing-in. Wickremesinghe said his party will step up a public campaign for parliament to be called and he be allowed to prove his majority. "We are all contemplating alternative actions, this includes a big mobilisation of people. Ultimately this has to be decided in parliament." Soon after taking over Rajapaksa said he wanted to end the "politics of hate" in the country and that his government will work for justice for all citizens.

Sri Lanka's ousted PM Wickremesinghe says US, Japan freeze aid over political crisis

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena appointed newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the finance minister, the president's media division said on Monday.

He also appointed Rajapaksa along with several other legislators to the cabinet.

Sirisena on Friday night had sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa as the new prime minister in a surprise move that is being debated as a constitutional coup.

Sirisena also suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority.

Rajapaksa was defeated in the 2015 presidential election by Sirisena who had the backing of Wickremesinghe's UNP. After a unity government, the political relationship soured between the two, leading to Wickremesinghe's sacking by Sirisena.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena appointed newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the finance minister, the president's media division said on Monday.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena appointed newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the finance minister, the president's media division said on Monday. He also appointed Rajapaksa along with several other legislators to the cabinet. Sirisena on Friday night had sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa as the new prime minister in a surprise move that is being debated as a constitutional coup. Sirisena also suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Rajapaksa was defeated in the 2015 presidential election by Sirisena who had the backing of Wickremesinghe's UNP. After a unity government, the political relationship soured between the two, leading to Wickremesinghe's sacking by Sirisena.

Sri Lanka president appoints new PM Rajapaksa as finance minister

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

After its electoral debacle in local council elections, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe&#39;s United National Party has been plunged into a crisis with the premier facing pressure to give up the party leadership, UNP sources said.

This was following a reported request by President Maithripala Sirisena to the UNP leader to step down as premier.

Party sources said Wickremesinghe has come under pressure from within the party to handover the party leadership to someone else.

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa&#39;s new party - Sri Lanka People&#39;s Party (SLPP) - defeated Sirisena&#39;s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the UNP, winning 225 councils or two-thirds of the 340 councils which went to the polls on Saturday.

The UNP won only 41 councils while the SLFP was a distant third with just 11 in the first electoral test of the unity government headed by Sirisena.

Rajapaksa&#39;s SLPP swept the polls in a massive wave of support to the former strongman.

Sirisena&#39;s SLFP suffered its worst drubbing with just 13 per cent of the vote.

UNP sources said Sirisena&#39;s request to Wickremesinghe to step down was unfair given that the president&#39;s party had fared much worse.

Meanwhile, a media report said the UNP, the majority party in parliament, is close to a decision on forming a government on its own, ending the coalition arrangement.

A UNP minister said following the discussion with Sirisena yesterday, senior UNP members met at Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera&#39;s house last night and discussed forming a UNP government at length, the Colombo Page reported.

According sources, no decision was taken at the meeting to remove Wickremesinghe as prime minister. The UNP said it reserved the right to take any decision on the premier&#39;s future.

&quot;We will form our own government independent of the president&#39;s party,&quot; a UNP backbencher said. 
The next parliamentary election is due only in August, 2020 and the current government&#39;s term will run until then.

The UNP said their policies could not be implemented without hindrance as Sirisena&#39;s SLFP was blocking them at every move. The UNP has 106 seats in the 225-member parliament, seven short of a working majority.

Rajapaksa, buoyed by the unexpected success, called for immediate dissolution of parliament claiming both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe had lost their 2015 mandate.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party has been plunged into a crisis with the premier facing pressure to give up the party leadership, UNP sources said.

After its electoral debacle in local council elections, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party has been plunged into a crisis with the premier facing pressure to give up the party leadership, UNP sources said. This was following a reported request by President Maithripala Sirisena to the UNP leader to step down as premier. Party sources said Wickremesinghe has come under pressure from within the party to handover the party leadership to someone else. Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's new party - Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) - defeated Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the UNP, winning 225 councils or two-thirds of the 340 councils which went to the polls on Saturday. The UNP won only 41 councils while the SLFP was a distant third with just 11 in the first electoral test of the unity government headed by Sirisena. Rajapaksa's SLPP swept the polls in a massive wave of support to the former strongman. Sirisena's SLFP suffered its worst drubbing with just 13 per cent of the vote. UNP sources said Sirisena's request to Wickremesinghe to step down was unfair given that the president's party had fared much worse. Meanwhile, a media report said the UNP, the majority party in parliament, is close to a decision on forming a government on its own, ending the coalition arrangement. A UNP minister said following the discussion with Sirisena yesterday, senior UNP members met at Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera's house last night and discussed forming a UNP government at length, the Colombo Page reported. According sources, no decision was taken at the meeting to remove Wickremesinghe as prime minister. The UNP said it reserved the right to take any decision on the premier's future. "We will form our own government independent of the president's party," a UNP backbencher said. The next parliamentary election is due only in August, 2020 and the current government's term will run until then. The UNP said their policies could not be implemented without hindrance as Sirisena's SLFP was blocking them at every move. The UNP has 106 seats in the 225-member parliament, seven short of a working majority. Rajapaksa, buoyed by the unexpected success, called for immediate dissolution of parliament claiming both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe had lost their 2015 mandate.

Sri Lanka's UNP in crisis after Rajapaksa comeback win

Sri Lanka should bring in international prosecutors and judges to help investigate alleged atrocities in the civil war that ended in 2009, a task force said on Thursday in recommendations that were welcomed by the United Nations.

The Consultation Task Force (CTF), appointed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, said foreign involvement was needed because of a lack of confidence in the local judiciary, which it said did not have the expertise and capacity to prosecute war crimes.

However, President Maithripala Sirisena opposes the involvement of foreign judges, and cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senarathne said on Wednesday the government had clearly told the UN&nbsp;that it would not allow them.

The war crimes issue is highly divisive, seven years after the end of the 26-year conflict between government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The UN&nbsp;and rights groups have accused the military of killing thousands of civilians, mostly Tamils, during its final weeks.

The office of UN&nbsp;human rights chief Zeid Ra&#39;ad Al Hussein said on Twitter that he welcomed the CTF&#39;&nbsp;recommendations, especially its &quot;clear backing of a hybrid court&quot; with local and foreign judges.

The opposition led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was president when the government finally defeated the LTTE, has held out against foreign judicial involvement and said his successor is betraying the military for a &quot;Western agenda&quot;.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which is the main political party representing Tamils and backed Sirisena in the 2015 presidential election, has demanded foreign judges be brought in, as most similar investigations in the past have failed to prosecute wrongdoers.&nbsp;

The Tamil Tigers were also accused of widespread abuses during the war, such as using child soldiers and targeting civilians with suicide bombers, including an attack on the central bank in 1996 which killed nearly 100 people.

The UN&nbsp;launched a probe in 2014 into war crimes allegedly committed by both Sri Lankan state forces and Tamil rebels, saying the government had failed to investigate properly.

But&nbsp;Rajapaksa&#39;s government resisted the probe and denied UN&nbsp;officials entry to the island nation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Team appointed by PM?Wickremesinghe suggests foreign involvement to probe war crimes in the civil war that ended in 2009, President opposes

Sri Lanka should bring in international prosecutors and judges to help investigate alleged atrocities in the civil war that ended in 2009, a task force said on Thursday in recommendations that were welcomed by the United Nations. The Consultation Task Force (CTF), appointed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, said foreign involvement was needed because of a lack of confidence in the local judiciary, which it said did not have the expertise and capacity to prosecute war crimes. However, President Maithripala Sirisena opposes the involvement of foreign judges, and cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senarathne said on Wednesday the government had clearly told the UN that it would not allow them. The war crimes issue is highly divisive, seven years after the end of the 26-year conflict between government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The UN and rights groups have accused the military of killing thousands of civilians, mostly Tamils, during its final weeks. The office of UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said on Twitter that he welcomed the CTF' recommendations, especially its "clear backing of a hybrid court" with local and foreign judges. The opposition led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was president when the government finally defeated the LTTE, has held out against foreign judicial involvement and said his successor is betraying the military for a "Western agenda". The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which is the main political party representing Tamils and backed Sirisena in the 2015 presidential election, has demanded foreign judges be brought in, as most similar investigations in the past have failed to prosecute wrongdoers. The Tamil Tigers were also accused of widespread abuses during the war, such as using child soldiers and targeting civilians with suicide bombers, including an attack on the central bank in 1996 which killed nearly 100 people. The UN launched a probe in 2014 into war crimes allegedly committed by both Sri Lankan state forces and Tamil rebels, saying the government had failed to investigate properly. But Rajapaksa's government resisted the probe and denied UN officials entry to the island nation. (Reuters)

Divide in Sri Lanka as panel backs foreign judges to probe war crimes

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