Will Mahindra Rajapaksa be crowned as the Prime Minister again? The ruling SLPP gave a shocking answer

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party on Monday dismissed rumors that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa would be reappointed as prime minister of the cash-strapped island nation. Rajapaksa has previously served as both the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on separate occasions. He resigned as the island nation’s premier in May last year amid massive anti-government protests due to an economic crisis. Apart from Mahinda Rajapaksa, his younger brother and the then President of the country, Gotabaya Rajapaksa also had to resign. The public accused the entire Rajapaksa family of ruining the economy and rampant corruption, leading the country into a deep financial crisis.

There was speculation that Rajapaksa would take oath on 12 May. However, SLPP on Monday denied any such possibility or development. Party general secretary Sagar Kariyawasam told reporters that there is no move to make Mahinda Rajapaksa the prime minister and the SLPP has not made such a request to the President. A special security operation deployed in the capital and nearby suburbs fueled the rumours.

Armed soldiers were seen manning the streets conducting surprise security checks while security at important government installations was beefed up. Police sources said the security deployment was based on intelligence that a group was planning to create trouble in the city. Mahinda Rajapaksa was replaced by the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was the Rajapaksa’s rival as Prime Minister.