TEHRAN, November 05 -Thousands of Sri Lankans marched Monday in support of a new government under the country's former strongman, highlighting the political polarization in the Indian Ocean island nation.
TEHRAN, Young Journalists Club (YJC) - The rally near Parliament comes amid a constitutional crisis sparked by President Maithripala Sirisena's move to oust Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, replace him with ex-leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, and suspend Parliament.
Supporters at the rally chanted "Whose power is this? Mahinda's power!"
Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate his official residence claiming he is the lawful prime minister. Thousands of his supporters have been keeping vigil.
Critics say the suspension of Parliament was meant to give Rajapaksa time to gather enough support to survive a no-confidence vote when lawmakers reconvene Nov. 14.
Wickremesinghe said in an interview with The Associated Press last week that there is credible evidence that Rajapaksa's party is attempting to buy support in Parliament.
Palitha Range Bandara, a United National Party lawmaker, has said that he was offered millions of dollars and a minister portfolio if he crossed over.
Lawmakers from Rajapaksa's party have denied the allegations.
Seven members from Wickremesinghe's United National Front have defected to Rajapaksa's government.
Source: AP
Your Comment