The hearing into the Fundamental Right petitions filed in the Supreme Court challenging the dissolution of Parliament resumed a short while ago.

Credit rating agency Fitch downgraded Sri Lanka on Tuesday, citing refinancing risks and an uncertain policy outlook, after President Maithripala Sirisena’s sacking of his prime minister in October triggered a political crisis.

The second discussion between President Maithreepala Sirisena and the MPs of the United national front yesterday ended without conclusion.

Some time ago the TNA MP Vijayakala Maheswaran said that the LTTE should re-emerge and now the violence has returned as she wished.

The status quo that existed before October 26 can be restored now following the interim order given by the Appeal Court as it is given against an individual and not against a post, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said that they do not agree with the interim order which was issued by Court of Appeal today and that they would file an appeal before Supreme Court against the order by tomorrow.

The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order restraining the functioning of the respondents as Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and state ministers.

Sri Lankan rupee has appreciated to Rs.180.90 against the US Dollar when compared with the previous selling rate of Rs. 182.27, the Central Bank said.

United People’s Freedom Alliance Parliamentarian Kumara Welgama says several MPs of the Joint Opposition are opposed to the Mahinda Rajapaksa group joining hands with President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Ministry of Finance has decided to reduce the Special Commodity levy on a kilogram of big onions and potatoes by Rs.20.

Consideration of the Writ of Quo Warranto filed against Mahinda Rajapaksa holding office of Prime Minister resumed before the Court of Appeal for the second day.

United National Party Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake says state officials who adhere to orders issued by Mahinda Rajapaksa should be held responsible for their actions.

Minister Bandula Gunawardena yesterday (2), challenged MP Eran Wickramaratne to prove, the statement he had made in a television programme, that Mahinda Rajapaksa and former MP Tiran Alles had given money to the LTTE when Mahinda Rajapaksa was the President.

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanyake speaking at a meeting in Tangalle said that the Tri-Forces should come forward because the Constitution is not upheld. The Tri-Forces must support the parties that protect the Constitution and not the parties that cause its desecration.

A general election is the only method to establish democracy in the country, stated Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in a special statement.

A special discussion between the President and the party representatives of the United National Front (UNF) is scheduled to be held this evening (02).