Asia-Pacific

Sri Lankan court rules dissolution of parliament was illegal

Ruling is a setback for embattled president Maithripala Sirisena in his dispute with ousted PM

Supporters of Sri Lanka’s ousted prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, celebrate outside the supreme court in Colombo on Thursday after it ruled the president’s dissolution of parliament was illegal. Photograph: Reuters

Thu Dec 13 2018 - 15:59

Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to dissolve parliament ahead of its term is unconstitutional, the country’s supreme court ruled on Thursday, in a setback for the embattled leader in his dispute with an ousted prime minister.

Mr Sirisena dissolved parliament last month and called a general election for January 5th, days after sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa to the post.

The court said Mr Sirisena could not dissolve parliament before it had completed most of its five-year term.

“The president can’t dissolve parliament before 4½ years,” judge Sisira de Abrew said in summing up the verdict of a seven-judge bench.

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The ruling raises the possibility of Mr Wickremesinghe being reinstated as prime minister since his coalition enjoys a majority in parliament.

Mr Sirisena has repeatedly said he will not appoint Mr Wickremesinghe even if he has the backing of all 225 members of parliament.

There was no immediate comment from Mr Sirisena’s office.

Many foreign countries have yet to recognise Mr Rajapaksa's government. Credit rating agencies Fitch and Standard & Poor's have downgraded Sri Lanka, citing refinancing risks and an uncertain policy outlook.

On Wednesday, parliament passed a vote of confidence in Mr Wickremesinghe. “We trust that the president will promptly respect the judgment of the courts,” Mr Wickremesinghe tweeted after the ruling.

“The legislature, judiciary, and the executive are equally important pillars of a democracy and the checks and balances that they provide are crucial to ensuring the sovereignty of its citizens,” he said.

Mr Rajapaksa was not immediately available for comment.

His son Namal, a member of parliament, tweeted: “We respect the decision of ... Supreme Court, despite the fact that we have reservations regarding its interpretation.” – Reuters

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