The decision was the latest dramatic twist in the crisis that has gripped Sri Lanka since Sirisena sacked PM Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena on Sunday stoutly defended his move to dissolve Parliament, saying it was taken to prevent clashes among rival lawmakers.

Rajapaksa's move signaled that he would contest snap polls, to be held on Jan 5, under his own party banner and not that of SLFP.

Sirisena had called for January polls after it was clear Rajapaksa wouldn't command majority in legislature.

Sirisena called for January polls after it was clear Rajapaksa wouldn't command majority in legislature, a move opponents called illegal.

Her conviction in blasphemy case was overturned, but she had remained in prison as govt negotiated with hardliners demanding her execution.

His remarks come soon after he slammed President Sirisena, saying it was 'anti-democratic' to sack PM Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament.

The entire matter was pre-planned and the events can only be described as a coup, albeit one without the use of tanks and guns, he said.

“I am requesting the President of the United States to help us exit from Pakistan,” Ashiq Masih, said.

Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26 but he has refused to accept the decision or to leave the residence.