India welcomes resolution of Sri Lankan political crisis

India on Sunday, December 16, welcomed resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka and exuded confidence that relations between the two countries will continue to move in an upward trajectory.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the resolution of the political issues was a reflection of the maturity demonstrated by all political forces.

United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the prime minister of Sri Lanka on Sunday, December 16, ending a 51-day power tussle in the island nation that had crippled the government.

"As a close neighbour and true friend, India welcomes the resolution of the political situation in Sri Lanka. This is a reflection of the maturity demonstrated by all political forces, and also of the resilience of Sri Lankan democracy and its institutions," said Raveesh Kumar, the MEA spokesperson.

He said India remains committed to taking forward its people oriented development projects in Sri Lanka. "We are confident that India-Sri Lanka relations will continue to move on an upward trajectory," he said.

Wickremesinghe, 69, was administered the oath of office by President Maithripala Sirisena, who had sacked him on October 26 in a controversial move which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented constitutional crisis.

The UNP leader had refused to step down asserting that his sacking was illegal.

His re-appointment comes a day after former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was installed as Prime Minister by President Sirisena, resigned on Saturday, December 15, after two crucial Supreme Court decisions made his efforts to cling to premiership untenable.

On Wednesday, December 12, Parliament passed a vote of confidence in Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister.

The Supreme Court had ruled that Sirisena had acted illegally in November by dissolving Parliament and calling snap polls nearly two years ahead of the next elections.

The UNP said Wickremesinghe's dismissal by Sirisena had been unconstitutional as he held a majority at parliament.

A new cabinet under Sirisena and Wickremesinghe is expected to be sworn in on Monday.

UNP lawmakers told the media that Wickremesinghe’s appointment “had restored democracy in the country and the new government would now work towards strengthening the economy and unveiling new proposals”.