A Party Leaders Meeting commenced at the Parliamentary complex a short while ago to finalise today’s agenda in Parliament.

Transparency International Sri Lanka observed with shock and dismay, the behavior of Members of Parliament over the past week.

The JVP yesterday reiterated that it would never help the UNP form a government even if the ‘purported UPFA government’ was dislodged through parliamentary means.

Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday asked an all-party meeting to hold a third vote on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, deepening the country’s political crisis.

The JVP will not attend the all party leaders meeting set to take place at 5 this evening under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena pertaining to the present political crisis.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has informed the President that he will not attend the all-party conference scheduled to be held this evening (18), stated the Office of the Speaker.

A 33-year-old suspect had been arrested with 2.79 kg of heroin valued more than Rs. 25 million at Kotahena last night by the officials of the Colombo Division Crimes Prevention Unit.

President Maithripala Sirisena has called a conference with the participation of all political parties represented in the Parliament, with the aim of bringing an end to the political crisis in Sri Lanka, Presidential Media Division said.

United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday the party which had a majority would have its say despite the incidents that took place in Parliament yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s parliament descended into chaos for a second day on Friday as lawmakers supporting newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa threw books, chili paste and water bottles at the speaker to try to disrupt a second no-confidence motion.

MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene giving a statement after a meeting with the President noted that the President informed them, that he will not appoint Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister again.

Speaker of House Karu Jayasuriya has informed President Maithripala Sirisena that a No-Confidence Motion was passed against Mahinda Rajapaksa in Parliament today.

The parliament session was adjourned till 1 pm on November 19 (Monday) after the Speaker was thrown at objects and disruptions caused by the government MPs.

President Maithripala Sirisena said he would not prorogue Parliament under any circumstances.

Police personnel have entered the Parliament chamber to control the situation due to the protest by government MPs, who are obstructing the commencement of the parliamentary session.

Parliament was set to convene at 1.30 pm this afternoon. However, proceedings of parliament are yet to officially begin. A large number of UPFA members of parliament have surrounded the Speaker’s chair. MP Arundika Fernando is currently seated in the Speaker’s chair.