Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe issuing a message in lieu of the constitutional coupe ensued a year ago urged all to put their political differences aside and work toward protecting the democracy of the country. On October 26, 2018 President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickramasinghe and appointed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. The illegal government ran for 52 days until the Supreme Court ruled that the decision was unconstitutional. "We were able to win the political crisis as a result of the 19^th amendment to the constitution." Wickramasinghe asserted, that through this amendment, independence of the court was strengthened. He said, accordingly, the Supreme Court and the Appeal Court were able to deliver a verdict without any external influence. He added, the court in its ruling pointed out that the parliament had the power to appoint the Prime Minister and that the Prime Minister was accountable to the Parliament. The Premier said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya was instrumental in restoring democracy amidst challenges and threats faced during the 52 day constitutional crisis. “I urge everyone to make it their duty and responsibility to protect democracy and the future of the country regardless of your political views," Wickramasinghe said. Meanwhile State Minister of Finance Eran Wickramaratne who took to his twitter handle said, the power of the people, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the strength of the independent democratic institutions ensured the perseverance of democracy during the constitutional coup. "Today the same dictatorial parties that held the country hostage for 52 days are attempting to regain power of the institutions they undermined," he said. "We must ask our selves if those who cannot respect the constitution and abide by the laws should even be considered for a position responsible of protecting it," Wickramaratne stressed.