Colombo | The Sri Lankan Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to suspend the parliament, reports said.
Earlier on Monday Sri Lanka’s main political parties had filed petitions challenging President Maithripala Sirisena’s sacking of parliament and asked the Supreme Court to restore the legislature
Three parties, which together enjoy an absolute majority in the assembly, asked the highest court to also declare Sirisena’s October 26 sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe illegal. Sri Lanka has been gripped by an unprecedented constitutional crisis since Sirisena appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse to replace Wickremesinghe, who insists he is still prime minister.
President Maithripala Sirisena had dissolved Parliament and announced snap polls on January 5 after it became evident that he did not have enough support in the House for Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was appointed by him under controversial circumstances.
UN chief Antonio Guterres had also expressed his concern over Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to dissolve the nation’s Parliament, underlining the “utmost importance” of respecting democratic processes and resolving differences in accordance with the rule of law.
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