Sri Lanka: President adjourns parliament until May 8

Event

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena adjourned the parliament on Thursday, April 12, until May 8. The move comes during a period of political uncertainty, following an unsuccessful no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the defection of several ministers, which forced a cabinet reshuffle. A new cabinet will be sworn in on April 23. Lawmakers and ministers from Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) voted in favor of the no-confidence motion, before resigning and sitting with the opposition coalition, led by the United National Party (UNP). Both pro- and anti-government protests are likely in the coming days weeks. 

Context

In recent weeks, President Sirisena has reduced the powers of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, removing from his sphere of control the central bank, the policy-making National Operations Room, and several other institutions. Sirisena has also demanded Wickremesinghe's resignation to allow him to appoint a prime minister of his choice. The next general elections (presidential and legislative) are currently scheduled to take place in 2020.

Advice

Individuals present in Sri Lanka are advised to keep abreast of the domestic political climate and to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence. .