In Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremsinghe was sworn in as Prime minister on Sunday morning by President Maithripala Sirisena thus bringing an end to weeks long political crisis in the country. Mr. Wickremesinghe after swearing in, expressed his gratitude to all citizens who demanded democracy in unison during Sri Lanka’s political crisis. He vowed that the first thing they will look to achieve is to restore normalcy in the country and kick start the development activities.
President Sirisena said he has given Premiership to Ranil Wickremesinghe while honouring Parliamentary traditions and democracy. His office said in a statement that his previous statement on not appointing Mr Wickremesinghe even if 225 MPs support him, was his personal political opinion. The statement also claimed that Mr. Wickremsinghe side assured they would not bring impeachment motion against the President and pledged to cooperate with him.
Mr. Wickremsinghe was removed as Prime minister on October 26 and replaced by Mahinda Rajapaksa who resigned yesterday after failing to garner majority in Parliament. This is the fifth time Mr. Wickremsinghe has been sworn in as Prime minister which is a record in Sri Lanka.
The cabinet of ministers will be sworn in next week and a vote of account will be presented to meet expenditure for first two months of New Year. The culmination of weeks long crisis has come as a major political victory for Mr. Wickremsinghe who emerged winner among the three key players. Mr. Rajapaksa had to resign as prime minister yesterday while President Sirisena is under criticism for this actions. (AIR)