Heightening the political drama, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe responded to President Maithripala  Sirisena saying he is the constitutionally appointed Prime minister. 

In the same letter, Wickremesinghe he commanded the support of a majority in Parliament, as per the article (42)4 of the constitution.

Wickremesinghe has signed the letter as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. 

This comes after President Maithripala Sirisena's letter to Wickremesinghe informing he has been sacked from the position of Prime Minister. 

Sirisena has said he, as the appointing authority, has decided to remove Prime Minister Wickremesinghe from the post according to Article 42(4) of the constitution.