Sri Lanka : Speaker requests President to reconvene Parliament immediately

In a letter addressed to President Maithripala Sirisena, Jayasuriya said over 125 parliamentarians representing different parties have submitted a request to protect their privileges as members of Parliament by reconvening the Parliament.

Speaker also held a party leaders meeting to discuss the future course of action. However, a government spokesman rejected the demand saying President has the prerogative to prorogue the parliament and it has been done on valid grounds.

The spokesman also challenged ousted Prime minister Ranil Wiclremsinghe and his party to approach Supreme Court if they believe any constitutional provisions have been violated.

Meanwhile, supporters of Mr Wickremsinghe are holding a protest march in Colombo against the President decision and to demand early session of Parliament to prove their majority.

Before the protests, police got a court order to restrain the protestors from entering offices and inconveniencing the public.

In another development, new government led by Prime minister Mahinda Rajapakse held its first Cabinet meeting this morning with the participation of President Sirisena.

Twelve ministers were sworn in to the new cabinet last evening.

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