The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to Parliamentary procedures and allow the Parliament to vote on the Prime Minister's appointment as soon as possible. 

The UN, in a statement, said that the Secretary-General informed the President that he was following developments in Sri Lanka and offered assistance in facilitating a dialogue with all parties to resolve the current situation. 

The UN Secretary-General has also emphasized the government's responsibility to ensure peace, security, and respect for the rule of law. 

The statement issued by the UN Secretary-General's Office contradicted a communique issued by President Sirisena yesterday, where he said he had a "highly successful" discussion with the UN Chief. 

 “I assured him that the appointment of the new Prime Minister has been done in keeping with the Constitution of Sri Lanka,” the President said