In Sri Lanka, differences have surfaced between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe over future of the national unity government. <br/><br/>President has reportedly asked Prime minister to step down taking responsibility for the poor results of his United National Party (UNP), which is leading the unity government. <br/><br/>President office also issued a statement this evening that no agreement has been reached with UNP on the future political activities of the government or on forming coalition at local government bodies, where there is no clear cut majority to any side.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, a section of UNP MPs are planning to form their own government by parting ways with Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by President. <br/><br/>UNP sources said, they are discussing the possibilities and an announcement can be expected in coming days. <br/><br/>In the 225 member Parliament, UNP has 104 members. However, SLFP having 95 members is divided between President and former President Mahinda Rajapakse, whose alliance had won majority seats in local body elections held on Saturday. <br/><br/>Mr. Rajapakse today demanded snap general elections by dissolving the Parliament claiming that the incumbent government has lost its mandate.<br/><br/>
News On AIR | February 12, 2018 9:11 PM
Sri Lanka: Differences surface between President Sirisena, PM Wickremsinghe over future of National unity govt