After Wickremesinghe's reinstatement, Lanka-Parliament to convene today for first time
Sri Lanka's Parliament is set to convene today for the first time after the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister that ended the 51-day political standoff in the country. Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena are yet to agree on Cabinet positions. Sirisena reinstated Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister on Sunday, after sacking him on October 26, and appointing ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place.
Sirisena's controversial actions started the two-month long political turmoil
Sirisena's controversial actions plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political turmoil for nearly two months after he sacked Wickremesinghe and dissolved Parliament, some 20 months early. Sirisena was left with no other option following two separate decisions by SC, which nullified his illegal moves.
Only Wickremesinghe will be assigned a seat in the Chamber
Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is scheduled to chair a meeting today to decide on the business of Parliament this week. As Cabinet ministers are yet to take oaths, only the PM will be assigned a seat in the Chamber, Parliament Deputy Secretary-General Neil Iddawela said. "We're hopeful that the list can be finalized soon," said Nalin Bandara, a parliamentarian from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP).
Sirisena demanding ministries of law and order, mass media: UNP
"We're also looking at some of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) (Sirisena's party) members to join," said Nalin. The UNP sources said Sirisena is demanding the ministries of law and order and mass media. It has been reported that UNP has been assigned seats in the government side and SLFP and United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs have been assigned seats of Opposition.
No SLPF member would join the government: Sirisena loyalist
A final decision hasn't been taken on opposition leader's position. State media reported that about 10 UPFA MPs are expected to join the UNP side. "The SLFP members decided last night that none would join the government," Nishantha Muthuhettigama, a Sirisena loyalist said. The Sirisena camp now is divided between SLFP and Rajapaksa's SLPP. They are to form a united alliance for next election.
Seats in Parliament will be allotted based on seniority
Parliamentary officials said that seats would be allocated based on the seniority this afternoon when Parliament meets for the first time since the crisis ended. Sirisena and Rajapaksa loyalists, who have been boycotting parliament since mid last month, are set to return to Parliament today.
