Seasoned politician Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking to reporters a short while ago, rejected President Maithripala Sirisena's appointment of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister, stating, "I am still the Prime Minister."

He said the appointment was unconstitutional and he would retain the position of Prime Minister. 

President Maithripala Sirisena, in a surprise move approximately an hour ago, swore in former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister, even while Ranil Wickremesinghe functioned in the position. 

The move has been met with mixed reactions. 

Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the appointment was unconstitutional and illegal, and called it an anti-democratic coup.