Former Sri Lankan prez Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes new Prime Minister

[Godman]

So...what happens now?

Basically as far as i know, currently Sri lanka has either 2 prime minister or nobody knows who the PM is.

Constitutionally Rajapaksa is PM however he needs to get a parliamentary majority before Nov16. If he doesn't then Ranil will be PM again

 

[Godman]

Don't know for sure yet. Everyone is in a shock. Political arena is in turmoil.

Nah things would most likely go as normal. A new cabinet should be formed before the next week and MR should try to get parliamentary majority. MR should show he is capable of working together with MS and build investor confidence.

 

[HeinzG]

Basically as far as i know, currently Sri lanka has either 2 prime minister or nobody knows who the PM is.

Yes your statement is mostly correct. Though Rajapaksha has shaky legal backing as of yet he is who the majority people want to see as the PM. Ranil W is somewhat legit in his claim to the Premiership but it will depend upon his ability to hold the majority of MPs in parliament.

 

[Aryan0395]

Yes your statement is mostly correct. Though Rajapaksha has shaky legal backing as of yet he is who the majority people want to see as the PM. Ranil W is somewhat legit in his claim to the Premiership but it will depend upon his ability to hold the majority of MPs in parliament.

Sirisena has pulled out so that means his supporters votes dont go to RW. And he doesnt have the majority alone, neither does the coalition of MR and MS.
It all depends on their ability to poach the members from opposite camp now. (I don't know if there is any law prohibiting that in Sri Lanka)

 

[HeinzG]

Sirisena has pulled out so that means his supporters votes dont go to RW. And he doesnt have the majority alone, neither does the coalition of MR and MS.
It all depends on their ability to poach the members from opposite camp now. (I don't know if there is any law prohibiting that in Sri Lanka)

Sirisena never had a strong vote bank in the first place. Therefore, votes he can garner is of no concern. MR already has 100 MPs now. RW has around 101 currently. TNA with its 16 MPs would go with the RW but there are strong indication of UNP stalwart will break away and join MR. It just a matter of time now.