THE KEY PLAYERS

FOREIGN PLAYERS

Maithripala Sirisena

In 2015, he became president by quitting the Rajapaksa government and forming a coalition with the party of Ranil Wickremesinghe

Interest: An alliance with Rajapaksa, the most popular politician, is his best chance of staying in power until 2020

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Former PM fighting for reinstatement. Seen as close to India. Was in New Delhi on a threeday state visit on October 18, just a week before he was sacked

Interest: Wants to keep rival Rajapaksa out of power

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Authoritarian former president who ruled for 10 years, played a decisive role in crushing the LTTE in 2009. Drew the country closer to China. Bounced back with appointment as PM

Interest: Wants to return to power. Had registered popularity in local body elections

India

The MEA statement on Oct. 29 calls for ‘democratic values and the constitutional process to be respected’.

Interest: Sri Lanka is one of India’s closest neighbours. Wants a proIndia regime to keep China out of the neighbourhood

China

The foreign ministry called for ‘relevant parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and maintain their nation’s stability and development’.

Interest: Lanka is key to the Indian Ocean part of Belt and Road projects. Infrastructure projects worth billions

United States

The US state department has asked for parliament to reconvene so that MPs can pick new PM

Interest: Wants to keep China out of Sri Lanka as it alters the power dynamic in the Indian Ocean