Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena convenes Parliament on Nov 14

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has issued a gazette for convening Parliament on the 14th of this month, two days before schedule. The President had, earlier, prorogued Parliament till 16th November after swearing in Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister. However, the ousted PM Ranil Wickremsinghe maintained that he has majority in the House and demanded an early session to prove it.

118 of 225 MPs in Parliament have brought a no confidence motion against Mr Rajapaksa.

Yesterday, the President sworn-in four new ministers including one MP who crossed over from the side of Mr Wickremsinghe. Meanwhile, the alliance supporting Mr. Rajapaksa is organizing a big rally near Parliament in Colombo today to show their strength.



Hundreds of security personnel are being deployed.

Supporters of MrWickremsinghe had gathered in Colombo yesterday to protest against his removal and demand for early Parliament session.

The new date of convening parliament has come as a setback for all those who were expecting early session to decide who holds majority in house. A minister in Mr. Wickremsinghe government termed it an eyewash to appease the increasing pressure both locally and internationally.

Parliament speaker is also reportedly unhappy with the decision and is expected to issue a statement today. Amidst this, supporters of Mr. Rajapaksa have planned a huge rally near parliament in Colombo where thousands are expected to participate.