COLOMBO - 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.
Sirisena dissolved parliament last month and called a
general election for Jan. 5, days after sacking Prime Minister
Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming opposition leader Mahinda
Rajapaksa to the post.
The court said Sirisena could not dissolve parliament before
it had completed most of its five-year term.
"The president can't dissolve parliament before
four-and-half years," judge Sisira de Abrew said in summing up
the verdict of a seven-judge bench.
The ruling raises the possibility of Wickremesinghe being
reinstated as prime minister since his coalition enjoys a
majority in parliament.
Sirisena has repeatedly said he will not appoint
Wickremesinghe even if he has the backing of all 225 members of
parliament.
There was no immediate comment from Sirisena's office.
Many foreign countries have yet to recognise 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
Wickremesinghe.
"We trust that the president will promptly respect the
judgment of the courts," 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.
Rajapaksa was not immediately available for comment.
His son Namal, a lawmaker, tweeted: "We respect the decision
of .... Supreme Court, despite the fact that we have
reservations regarding its interpretation".