In this file photo taken on Oct 3, 2015 Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena makes a televised statement from his official residence in Colombo. Sirisena has agreed to summon parliament on Nov 7, speaker Karu Jayasuriya said on Nov 2, 2018. (LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP)
COLOMBO - Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has agreed to summon parliament on Nov 7, speaker Karu Jayasuriya said on Friday, following calls by political parties for a floor test to determine which party held the majority.
The country was thrown into political turmoil after Sirisena appointed opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister last week after abruptly dismissing the government of Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa waves to people after assuming duties as finance minister in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct 31, 2018. (ERANGA JAYAWARDENA / AP)
Wickremesinghe has said his removal is unconstitutional and has demanded he be allowed to prove his majority in the 225-member parliament.
"President called me over the phone and stated to call the parliament on Nov 7," Jayasuriya told lawmakers.
On Thursday, Rajapaksa said president Sirisena had told him that parliament will be reconvened on Nov 5.
READ MORE: Sri Lankan president to summon parliament on Nov 5
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