Victory for democracy, says reinstated Sri Lankan PM

Colombo, December 16

Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday staged a triumphant comeback as Sri Lankan Prime Minister to end the unprecedented political turmoil in the country, 51 days after he was sacked by his bete noire and President Maithripala Sirisena, who also dissolved Parliament — controversial decisions which were nullified by the Supreme Court.

Wickremesinghe, the 69-year-old United National Party leader, was administered the oath of office by President Sirisena, who had sacked him on October 26 and installed former rival and ex-strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place. The UNP leader had refused to step down, asserting that his sacking was illegal. His re-appointment comes a day after Rajapaksa resigned, after two crucial Supreme Court decisions made his efforts to cling to premiership untenable.

“Today marks a victory not for myself or for the UNP, it is a victory for Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions and the sovereignty of our citizens. I thank everyone who stood firm in defending the Constitution and ensuring the triumph of democracy,” Wickremesinghe said after assuming office. A sheepish Sirisena, who had ruled out reappointing Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister, was smiling with Wickremesinghe as he handed him the letter of appointment.

Wickremesinghe’s supporters took to streets to celebrate after he took oath at the Presidential Secretariat for the record fifth time.

UNP Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanayake said that talks were held on Saturday and more discussions will take place on Sunday to select the Cabinet. The Cabinet is expected to be limited to 30 and will include a few Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members who have offered support to Wickremesinghe.

It is expected a new Cabinet will be formed by Monday and a vote on account will be passed to provide for the required provisions until a budget for 2019 is formulated, Sri Lankan media reported.

Earlier, Wickremesinghe’s party said it was ready to work with President Sirisena, who was “misled by some groups” against the unity government. Sirisena and Rajapaksa suffered reversal setbacks since October 26, forcing the President to reinstate Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa, 73, had sought to secure a majority in the 225-member Parliament, but failed. Sirisena then dissolved Parliament and called snap elections on January 5. However, the Supreme Court overturned his decision and halted the preparations for snap polls.

Most of the countries had not recognised Rajapaksa’s government. — PTI