The United National Party (UNP) led by Ranil Wickremesinghe has been taken hostage by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), former President and former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa declared yesterday (15).

The UNF Government, after re-assuming duties will review dozens of appointments and promotions granted during the seven week period after the removal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena said.

President Maithripala Sirisena has informed leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe to take oath as Prime Minister on Sunday the 16th of December at 10 am at the Presidential Secretariat.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the change of government that the people expected has now had to be put off, but pledged that the people will definitely get the “change they desire” as no one can prevent that from happening.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has informed United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentarians that he has resigned from the post of Prime Minister.

It is claimed that leaders of the United National Front had held several discussions with regard to forming the new Cabinet tomorrow.

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will resign from his post, his son said on Friday, in a move that will force President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint a replacement to avert a possible government shutdown on Jan 1.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to resign from the post of Prime Minister tomorrow.

A special meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and UPFA parliamentary group headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa was underway at the presidential Secretariat, sources said.

The Supreme Court today (December 14) refused to vacate the interim injunction issued by the Court of Appeal which restrained Mahinda Rajapaksa and 48 MPs from acting in their capacities as PM and Members of the Cabinet.

The Supreme Court has rejected the motion for a five-judge panel requested by the lawyers of Ranil Wickremesinghe to hear the appeal of Mahinda Rajapaksa on holding the Prime Minister’s Office.

Leader of the Tamil National Alliance R Sampanthan has reiterated he has not signed any agreements with United National Party Leader Ranil Wickresminghe.

The appeal filed against the interim order issued by the Court of Appeal restraining Mahinda Rajapaksa from holding office of Prime Minister and his Cabinet from functioning, is slated for support on December 14 by the Supreme Court.

Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe says he trusts that President Maithripala Sirisena will promptly respect the judgment of Court.

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