Sri Lankan media organisations reported on Saturday the police headquarters had cancelled leave for all personnel until further notice given the tense situation in the country after the dramatic removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday issued two extraordinary gazette notices making controversial strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa the new prime minister and formally recognising Ranil Wickremesinghe's dramatic dismissal, leading to a constitutional crisis in the island nation.
The Colombo Gazette reported Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara ordered the cancellation of leave of all police personnel shortly after meeting new Prime Minister Rajapaksa.
Supporters of Rajapaksa's Joint Opposition threatened to storm Temple Trees, the official residence of the prime minister in Colombo, if Wickremesinghe did not voluntarily leave the premises. Joint Opposition lawmaker Wimal Weerawansa warned Rajapaksa supporters would attempt to rally public support to force Wickremesinghe out of Temple Trees.
Another lawmaker, Keheliya Rambukwella, claimed a large number of Rajapaksa supporters had gathered in Colombo and would go to Temple Trees if Wickremesinghe did not leave.
Political analysts said Sirisena's move to install Rajapaksa as the prime minister could lead to a constitutional crisis as the 19th amendment to the Constitution would not allow the sacking of Wickremesinghe as the premier without a majority.
Wickremesinghe on Friday declared his dismissal was illegal and he would remain at Temple Trees. "I will continue to be the prime minister. Mahinda Rajapaksa's appointment is unconstitutional," Wickremesinghe said.
After Rajapaksa took oath at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday, Sirisena wrote to Wickremesinghe, saying he had been removed. The sudden development came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters. The president has been critical of Wickremsinghe and his policies, especially on the economy and security.
Parliamentary Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said he will decide on Saturday whether to recognise Rajapaksa, after seeking legal advice.
(With PTI inputs)
