Sri Lanka's sacked PM: Time running out to avert 'bloodbath'

Sri Lanka's sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned that a power struggle could imminently turn into a “bloodbath”, while expressing hope that parliament will resolve a constitutional crisis soon.

“A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath," he warned, echoing fears of parliament speaker, Karu Jayasuriya, who said earlier this week that the crisis could turn into a “huge bloodshed” on the streets if a vote is not held by lawmakers to decide between the two leaders.

According to Press TV, Wickremesinghe has been holed up at the prime minister’s official residence for more than a week. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the residence.

The power struggle that some observers say has created a constitutional crisis – and has already sparked protests and deadly violence – was triggered when Wickremesinghe was suddenly dismissed from power on October 26.

President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly ousted him and his cabinet, suspended the parliament until November 16 and appointed the man he had once ousted from the presidency, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the new premier, replacing Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena lambasted Wickremesinghe, saying they could not work together because of serious personal and cultural differences. The sacked prime minister said his ouster was illegal.

Rajapaksa is a controversial Buddhist nationalist, who is said to be the most popular politician in the country. He is the same man against whom Sirisena and Wickremasingh formed a surprise coalition in 2015 presidential elections.

Wickremesinghe said he hoped the showdown could be ended peacefully and expressed optimism that a solution to the crisis would soon be found.

Wickramasinghe, who is also the head of the United National Party, the biggest group in parliament, has called for a vote and is trying to rally allies to the cause.

ME