Sri Lanka in turmoil after Rajapaksa becomes PM

Maithripala Sirisena installed Sri Lanka’s controversial former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country’s new prime minister yesterday, in a shock move that plunged the island into an unprecedented constitutional crisis.

Sirisena’s office announced the surprise decision after the president sacked incumbent premier Ranil Wickremesinghe — who insisted that he was still the legitimate prime minister and would fight his dismissal in court.

“I am addressing you as the prime minister of Sri Lanka,” Wickremesinghe told reporters at a nationally televised press conference. “I remain as prime minister and I will function as the prime minister.”

There was no comment from Rajapaksa, who worshipped at a Buddhist temple shortly after he was sworn in by Sirisena at his office in a ceremony broadcast by a private TV channel loyal to the ex-president.

Rajapaksa ally and opposition legislator Wimal Weerawansa asked Wickremesinghe to step down and allow a smooth transition of power.