President Maithripala Sirisena installed Sri Lanka's controversial former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse as the country's new prime minister yesterday, in a surprise move announced moments after the incumbent premier was sacked plunging the country into constitutional crisis.

Sri Lanka's former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse admits his dream of a political comeback was over after conceding defeat in parliamentary elections.

After months of negotiation and show of strength, former President Mahinda Rajapakse was finally given a ticket to contest by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which is part of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), a conglomerate of around sixteen parties.