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If President Maithripala Sirisena refuses to convene Parliament as requested by the majority of lawmakers, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya will take measures to convene Parliament under “special circumstances”, popular website Colombo Telegraph has reported. 

A final discussion to reach a conclusion in this regard is likely to take place between the President and the Speaker today it said. 

This one-on-one meeting will follow Jayasuriya’s second letter to Sirisena reiterating the Speaker’s request to convene Parliament.

In his letter, the Speaker Says over 125 MPs from the United National Party, Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress have called for reconvening Parliament.

“As the Speaker of the House, I have to heed their request,” Jayasuriya said, expressing disbelief that a leader who sought a mandate to ensure good governance had prorogued Parliament by 18 days.

Jayasuriya sent a letter to the President after a discussion he held with leaders and representatives of all political parties representing Parliament, yesterday.

At the meeting, the JVP requested the speaker to convene Parliament forthright citing a similar decision by former Speaker Joseph Michael Perera who ruled in 2003 that the President’s power to prorogue, summon and dissolve Parliament must be done in consultation with Parliament itself. (Colombo Telegraph)

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa receives blessings from Buddhist monks before assuming duties as the new Prime Minister in Colombo on Oct 29, 2018.

Sri Lanka plunged into turmoil when its prime minister was replaced with a former president who's been associated with human rights violations.

The sudden change of guard could impact policy-making and business confidence at a time of economic trouble, pushing the cash-strapped South Asian country even closer to Beijing.

President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday fired Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in Mahinda Rajapaksa, who ruled the country from 2005 to 2015 before being defeated by Sirisena.

Sirisena then forced parliament into a three-week recess, preventing lawmakers from holding a no-confidence vote on Rajapaksa, whose previous regime was dominated by the suppression of free speech and harassment of critics.

The U.S. State Department has since urged Sirisena to immediately reconvene parliament.

Rajapaksa's appointment amounts to "an anti democratic coup," Sri Lanka's Minister of Finance and Mass Media Mangala Samaraweera said in a tweet.Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, has refused to give up his title as premier, claiming the president violated parliamentary processes and the constitution.

Rajapaksa's return to power has already triggered violence and economists warn it could pose dire consequences for Sri Lanka's democratic future, credit rating and financial markets. The new prime minister's proximity to Beijing could also leave Colombo more vulnerable to increased Chinese influence, altering power dynamics around the Indian Ocean.

'A Constitutional Crisis'

With Wickremesinghe refusing to leave office and Rajapaksa officially in power, the country is poised to enter a period of policy paralysis, according to strategists. That doesn't bode well for foreign investment.

There are now "two competing power centers" that could see Sri Lanka enter "a constitutional crisis," said Pratyush Rao, lead analyst for India and South Asia at Control Risks. The Rajapaksa-Sirisena camp are now likely to call for a snap parliamentary election and because Rajapaksa remains a popular figure among Sinhala Buddhists, who account for the majority of the population, he's likely to fare well, Rao said.

The president's support has been dwindling so he may be using Rajapaksa to bolster his government, Rao added.

Sri Lanka's economy is already under duress — foreign exchange reserves have been sliding, pressuring the local currency — amid broader problems in global emerging markets. The latest political turmoil could further weaken international investor confidence.

"Investors will likely view the developments with concern because at best, it will limit the scope for economic policy/reforms, and at worst plunge the country into a prolonged political crisis," said Shailesh Kumar, South Asia director at Eurasia Group.

Sri Lanka's parliament has been suspended until 16 November. By that time, Sirisena will have amassed enough support for Rajapaksa to pass a no-confidence vote when one is eventually held, Kumar continued.

Moody's has already sounded the alarm on the situation.

Rajapaksa being appointed prime minister "significantly heightens policy uncertainty" and could be "credit negative" for Sri Lanka's sovereign rating, Matthew Circosta, Moody's analyst, wrote in a note. "Additionally, the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks would have a negative impact on the economy, which is already growing slowly."

Amid all these risks, Colombo's ability to refinance external debt in early 2019 at affordable costs has also been thrown into question, Circosta added.

A win for China

Under Rajapaksa's rule, Sri Lanka moved closer to China's orbit and further away from India, South Asia's traditional leading power. With Colombo now in urgent need of foreign capital, Rajapaksa will likely facilitate more Chinese investments.

While Wickremesinghe sought to balance relations with New Delhi and Beijing, Rajapaksa made clear his willingness to accept Chinese money even in the face of unreasonable terms. In the past, Colombo has been forced to sell strategic assets to Beijing, such as the Hambantota port, when it wasn't able to meet liabilities.

While Rajapaksa will likely tap access to Chinese capital to service Sri Lanka's debt, other major foreign players operating in the island nation such as India and Japan are unlikely to experience immediate risks, according to Rao: "The government would not want to alienate these two countries through such moves."

Rajapaksa's appointment could also help the world's second-largest economy notch a win against India as the two superpowers battle for supremacy in the region.

A recent election in the Maldives saw the previous China-backed government lose power to a pro-democracy party, pushing the tropical island closer to New Delhi. So, "while China lost the Maldives to India last month, it has gained back the upper hand in Sri Lanka," said Eurasia's Kumar.

A step back for human rights

Rajapaksa, a former strongman, is credited for ending Sri Lanka's savage civil war in 2009. But he's also under intense criticism for authoritarian rule that involved excessive military power, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

"The current government's failure to bring justice to victims of war crimes under the Rajapaksa government reopens the door for past abusers to return to their terrible practices," Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

In a televised address Sunday, Sirisena said his life was threatened by an alleged assassination plot involving a member of Wickremesinghe's cabinet, which left him with no choice but to dismiss the prime minister.

But Sirisena's image has been called into question of late amid several eyebrow-raising headlines. Last month, the president raged at Sri Lankan Airlines for serving him nuts that he said weren't suitable for dogs let alone human consumption. The president also recently recalled his ambassador to Austria and other embassy staff for not answering his phone calls.

President Maithripala Sirisena is said to have ordered a gazette to be immediately issued bringing the Attorney General's Department under him. This is a similar tactic used by Mahinda Rajapaksa during his regime during which the department lost all semblance of independence. Despite Sirisena repeatedly criticized the move on the election trail in 2015 he appears to have gone the same way now. 

Rajapaksa’s in shock 

However sources say the Rajapaksa camp is now uneasy following Sirisena’s decision and are concerned regarding the new developments.

Presidential Secretariat also appears to be paying attention to Basil Rajapaksa’s moves to strengthen the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna as opposed to the illegal but new government and working to highlight Mahinda Rajapaksa instead.

he International Democrat Union (IDU) in a statement today (30) stated that the removal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is clearly 'baseless and illegal' and that is is widely denounced as unconstitutional.

"The International Democrat Union is following the latest developments in Sri Lanka with grave concern. On Friday, October 26, 2018, Sri Lankan President Sirisena removed Prime Minister Wickremesinghe from his position. This move has been widely denounced as unconstitutional. The IDU stands with its member, the United National Party of Sri Lanka, and the country’s rightful Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe. The measures taken by President Sirisena are clearly baseless and illegal."

IDU Chairman Stephen Harper stated: “We are witnessing the breakdown of democracy in Sri Lanka. This is disgraceful in that the government of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has fought to preserve one of Asia’s oldest democratic systems, to uphold the rule of law, and to fight against corruption. The lawful government of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe must be restored without further delay. The IDU also demands that the Parliament of Sri Lanka be reconvened to allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to perform their duties.

Only through the constitutional, parliamentary system of Sri Lanka can the country be saved from this perilous situation.”

For the first time in history today (31) the selling rate of a United States Dollar has hit Sri Lankan Rupees 176. Accordingly, the Central Banks daily exchange rates were reported as Buying rate of 1 USD at Rs. 172.3605 and the selling rate as Rs. 176.2547.

British MPs have urged the UK foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt to push for a "robust international response" in response to the political crisis in Sri Lanka following the unconstitutional removal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"The UK has been at the forefront of efforts to promote justice and accountability at the UN Human Rights Council. The governments of Gordon Brown and David Cameron kept human rights in Sri Lanka high on the agenda of the international community, but we are increasingly concerned that this focus has waned under Theresa May's ministry," Labour Party MPs, Wes Streeting, Mike Gapes, Siobhain McDonagh and Joan Ryan wrote.

"We urge you to use your good offices to ensure a robust international response to developing events in Sri Lanka and to ensure that human rights in Sri Lanka at the top of the agenda at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva," British MPs said.

The MPs further state that the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister would threaten to set back the progress Sri Lanka has made since his ouster at the last presidential elections.

"This is a man whose ten-year rule of Sri Lanka is associated with authoritarianism, forced disappearances and widespread human rights abuses. We beleive his place is in the dock, answering allegations of war crimes at the Hague, rather than back enjoying the trappings of power in Colombo."

Slamming the President’s decision to appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa who once headed the much feared Rajapaksa regime, wife of missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda says all hopes of justice and truth have disappeared. 

“We risked our lives to get on stages and call for a new change to get Sirisena appointed and defeat the Rajapaksa government,” she said adding that she along with other families of the missing believed at the time that justice will be delivered. 

According to her, however, the President has now endangered their lives and is acting like a dictator. “The President we appointed has taken this decision unilaterally like a dictator and endangered our lives,” she said. 

“Families of the missing are now wondering what will happen to them, the legal cases of their loved ones and if the perpetrators will be released” Sandhya added. She says the families are now living in fear after Rajapaksa’s appointment. 

“As the people who appointed him, we ask the President to convene parliament and revert this decision made to ensure democracy and justice” she concluded.

Police officers have surrounded the Ministry of Finance a short while ago, sources within the Ministry said. Officers have also taken over files and computers under their custody.

It is reported that the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Communications Unit (TJRCU) headed by Senior Advisor to the Ministry, Mano Tittawella has also been sealed by officers from the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID).

Opposition leader R.Sampanthan is said to have stated the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa by the President is illegal. Sampanthan had made these comments while meeting Rajapaksa at his Wijerama residence yesterday during a courtesy call.  

Sampanthan had refused the invitation to meet Rajapaksa at the Prime Minister’s Office and instead opted to meet him at his residence. 

“He was only met as an MP” M.A Sumanthiran told the media after attending a party leaders meeting with the Speaker in parliament.

“The way you were appointed is against the constitution, illegal and undemocratic” Sampanthan had told Rajapaksa according to TNA MP Sumanthiran. 

According to sources, Rajapaksa had requested to meet Sampanthan in a bid to gain the support of the TNA which holds 16 seats in parliament. Sumanthiran also disclaimed rumours that discussions were held regarding the post of the opposition leader warning that the TNA’s vote at the next parliamentary session will be highly influenced by the unilateral decision made by the President. 

 “We will not do anyone's bidding according to their hurry or happiness,” he said adding that the TNA does not have a tradition of making decisions based on who will win like others who crossover. 

Sumanthiran also pointed out that no legitimate international leader congratulating Mahinda Rajapaksa following his appointment is evidence enough to the illegality of his appointment. (Radio Gagana)

The Sri Lankan rupee dropped to a record low on Tuesday with the selling price surpassing the 175 mark for the first time in history.

The current selling price is 175.56 against the US Dollar while the buying rate is recorded as 171.67 by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. (Ada Derana)

Tens of thousands of supporters of Sri Lanka's deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have protested in the capital, Colombo, as political turmoil on the island enters its fifth day.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) workers staged the protest on Tuesday outside his official residence, where he has remained since President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed him last week and appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as his replacement.

"We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage.

"We will resist what the president has done," he said, as crowds chanted "down with the rogue PM", referring to Rajapaksa, and "respect the mandate, recall parliament."

Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president's move, which has been described by many local newspapers as a "constitutional coup".

Large crowds, many wearing caps in green, the UNP party colour, took part in the hurriedly arranged rally that forced the closure of several roads.

Wickremesinghe arrives at the protest against his removal near the PM's official residence in Colombo [Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters] 

Colombo on edgeSri Lanka was plunged into crisis on Friday when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe and suspended parliament, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the South Asian country.

"This is a coup. It has all the characteristics of a coup," one of the protesters, Deepanjalie Abeywardene, told the Reuters news agency on Tuesday, while holding a sign which read "reconvene the parliament"

"This is a third-grade act by Sirisena. We voted him as the president to ensure democracy," said P Ariyadasa, a 62-year-old farmer from Mesawachchiya, 230km from Colombo.

Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets unless Sirisena ends the suspension of parliament to let MPs choose between Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa.

Wickremesinghe has demanded that parliament meet so that he can prove he has majority backing.

Some of Wickremesinghe's removed ministers have refused to accept his sacking. On Sunday, former oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga attempted to enter his office, leading to violence that left two dead.

Sirisena named a new cabinet on Monday with Rajapaksa in charge of finance.

Sri Lanka is a key state in the battle for influence in South Asia between traditional ally India and China.

(Al Jazeera)

Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the nation as the Prime Minister from Temple Trees today, categorically denied claims made by President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday on his removal, and said, “even a child will not believe such lies.”

Expressing his opinion on the current political crisis, Wickremesinghe said the way out of it is through the constitutional process, and added that the international support lied with him.

The full speech made by Wickremesinghe is as follows:

Venerable Maha Sanga, Venerable Priests of All Other Religions, Friends

On 8th of January 2015, 62 Lakhs of people of this country got together as a common front to re-establish democracy in the country and to re-establish peace and reconciliation. We rallied together, against corruption, fraud and thuggery, and at the same time to economically develop this country.

8th of January 2015 all the political parties and the forces including Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha maha Thero and other priests, Civil society as well as former President Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga got together and made Maithripala Sirisena the President of this country. Thereafter, I was appointed as the Prime Minister and we continued as the Government. In August 2015 after the General Elections I became the Prime Minister as the Member of Parliament who commands the confidence of the majority of the Parliament.

Our Government functioned as a National Government. We took various measures to re-establish Democratic Freedom in this Country. We appointed Independent commissions. Through the enactment of Right to Information Act, National Audit Act, we created the democratic freedoms which we never enjoyed in this country. We Protected human rights of all. We established the Freedom of Media. We provided various relieves to the people. We increased the salaries. We have implemented mega development projects to economically develop the Country.

Friends,

Yesterday afternoon President Maithripala Sirisena addressed the Nation and levelled few allegations against me and the cabinet. I refuse all those allegations. We all know that the powers of the President of this country were curtailed under the 19th amendment of the Constitution. According to article 42(4) of the Constitution the member of the Parliament who commands the confidence of the house should be appointed as the Prime Minister. In his address to the Nation President Sirisena said that in view of the political crisis, Economic crisis and assassination plot against him the only option left to him was nominating former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister.

According to article 42(4) of the Constitution the Member of the Parliament who commands the confidence of the house should be appointed as the Prime Minister. Accordingly, I wish to express my regret to President Maithripala Sirisena declaring that he nominated the Prime Minister who has no command of the majority of the House. He is talking of assassination plots to cover up his misdeed. He tells stories even a kid would not believe.

In the history of Sri Lanka, we never heard of a crisis situation like this in our country. What happened on last Friday was an illegal, anti-constitutional and opportunistic act. The ill effects of this act were visible immediately. The incidents took place at ITN, Rupavahini and the Lake House during Friday night indicated what is going to happen to Freedom of the Media in this country.

The solution for this unfortunate situation prevailing in this country lies with the Parliament. Honorable Speaker, by a letter has informed the President that the prorogation of Parliament is against the traditions. Today, all political parties and civil society are requesting to summon the Parliament immediately. International community has informed to act within the available legal framework and the Constitution.

Therefore, I would like to earnestly request honorable speaker to summon the Parliament immediately.

The instability prevailing in this country is not good. We witness today the problems people have to face due to this situation. The era of queues has commenced. The Government machinery has come to a halt. The economy we controlled with greater difficulty has crashed.

This unfortunate situation is affecting adversely to the future of this country and future of our children.

I would like to clearly state that United National Party, all the other parties belong to United National Front and all other political parties represented in the Parliament are standing firm to re-establish the democracy in this country. We will never allow anti-constitutional dictatorship to rule this country.

Not only people of this small island, rest of the world is with us at this moment. I would like to finally request from all of you to forget political differences and rally around us to re-establish the democracy in this country in order to ensure a better future for our younger generations. We request Honorable Speaker to summon the Parliament immediately. We can save our country from this unfortunate and difficult situation only through re-establishing democracy within the Parliamentary system.

Thank you.

Source : Colombo Telegraph