WEB DESK
In Sri Lanka UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has said he would continue to function as the Prime Minster claiming that the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa was unconstitutional.
“I am still the Prime Minister of this country” he said in a statement. Mr. Wickremesinghe said he will show majority in Parliament soon.
Meanwhile the political turmoil continues in the islan nation after President Maithripala Sirisena appointed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as new Prime minister, replacing Mr. Ranil Wickremsinghe. The latter has challenged his removal saying the parliamentary majority is still with him and requested parliament to be convened immediately.
However, President Sirisena issued orders to prorogue the parliament till 16th of November. Mr. Wickremsinghe today addressed a press conference with leaders of smaller parties in coalition, indicating that it is still intact.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rajapaksa held a meeting with his MPs to brief them on circumstances leading to his swearing in. There was no decision of a cabinet formation at the meeting and his side will meet President Sirisena in the evening to chalk out future strategy. His side has maintained that the cabinet under Ranil Wickremsinghe got dissolved automatically after party led by President Sirisena decided to quit the unity government last evening.
However, supporters of Ranil and several civil society members have maintained that PM cannot be removed under the 19th amendment of constitution till he loses the majority support in Parliament.
In related development, the United States and Britain has urged Sri Lanka to act according to the Constitution and also and follow due process.