Srilanka: Mahinda Rajpaksa sworn in as the Prime Minister

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday took oath as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka before President Maithripala Sirisena.

It is being reported that the sudden development comes after the United People's Freedom Alliance decided to withdraw from the Unity Government formed in August 2015 following the general elections in the country. Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) were part of the Unity Government.

Sri Lankan media outlet Ada Derana, quoted UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera stating that the Speaker of Parliament has been notified of the decision in writing.

Last week the media reports were rife with unconfirmed reports of growing rift between different leaders of the unity government on a number of issues including development of ports and foreign investments in the island country.

Sri Lankan media reported that the coalition government was going through a tough phase following heavy defeats by the two parties in the local elections which were held in February.