Sri Lanka’s ousted PM sets deadline to end crisis
Sri Lanka’s ousted prime minister promised Monday to bring tens of thousands of supporters to the capital next week for a massive demonstration unless President Maithripala Sirisena reinstated him imminently.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose dismissal in October plunged Sri Lanka into crisis, said he still commanded the support of parliament and Sirisena had until Friday to recognise that.
Sri Lanka has been trapped in a bitter power feud since Sirisena replaced Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapakse, a controversial former strongman leader.
Parliament has twice voted against Rajapakse but Sirisena has refused to reinstate his former ally Wickremesinghe — even if he has the numbers on the floor.
The country’s Supreme Court is ruling this week on whether Sirisena’s sacking of parliament in November was unconstitutional.
Wickremesinghe — who is confident of a ruling against Sirisena — said tens of thousands of the party faithful would rally in Colombo if the president did not heed the court.
“After the court ruling, we will launch our “People Power’ campaign to force the president to end the crisis,” he said in a statement.
Wickremesinghe has cobbled together a majority in parliament, which has twice voted against Rajapakse.
A court of appeal last week also stripped Rajapakse and his cabinet of their authority until he could prove his right to hold office.
The war-era strongman, backed by the president, has ignored parliament, and has named a cabinet and assumed the duties of prime minister.
But the 225-member legislature has blocked his office from spending any funds, worsening the acrimony between the factions.
The chamber has witnessed violence in recent weeks as the power struggle dragged on, with brawls between warring sides.
Last week, Wickremesinghe likened Sirisena to Hitler, his strongest comment yet directed at his former ally.
(AFP)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Audit reveals misuse of electric vehicle permits for migrant workers in Sri Lanka November 23, 2024
- IMF approves third review: Sri Lanka secures $333 million tranche under EFF November 23, 2024
- Sri Lankan President urges accountability and unity for a better future November 23, 2024
- IMF third review talks with Sri Lanka successfully conclude November 22, 2024
- Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya appointed Senior Advisor to President on Science and Technology November 22, 2024
An ordinary citizen has filed action in the Appeal Court to order the IGP and OIC Fort Police Station to take the man in the Golden Chair to the Angoda Mental Hospital for a check-up.
I support this action.
Not only the man in the Golden Chair, all 223 persons representing us in Parliament should also be taken to the Angoda Mental Hospital for a check-up.
The two exempted from this action are:
FIELD MARSHALL SARATH FONSEKA
MP KUMARA WELGAMA
I agree and support the lady who filed court action to question the mental status of the mad-man Maithree. I feel more and more similar should be brought against this person whose actions since 26 Sept is equal to a lunatic. This mad guy should be impeached and sent back to his native place Polonaruwa,[ TNA and JVP shou,d overwhelmingly support the motion to impeach this scoundrel. God save Sri lanka.
The eyeballs of the men in the Picture above are popping out.
They appear to be suffering from the ‘Restore Democracy’ disease.
Guys, take it easy; it is not the end of the world; handover power to Mahinda and Namal and Basil and Gota.
They will dig their own deep grave in no time.