The United National Party (UNP) has rejected the dissolution of the Parliament while accusing the President of robbing the people of their rights and democracy.

The party said in a Twitter message that it will meet the elections commissioner to discuss the constitutionality of Mr Sirisena’s move and that it will challenge the sacking of the legislature.

“We vehemently reject the President’s dissolution of Parliament.”

“This dissolution by the President is illegal and goes against the constitution,” the UNP said on Twitter. “We will be fighting this to ensure that democracy reigns supreme in the country.”

“He has robbed the people of their rights and the democracy that we have enjoyed,” the UNP said.

“We will meet the Election Commissioner to discuss this illegal move by the President.”

President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday dissolved Parliament and called for fresh elections.

An official notification signed by the President announced the dissolution of parliament effective at midnight Friday.

The notice said the names of candidates for new elections will be called before 26 November, and the election will be held on 5 January. The new parliament is to be convened on 17 January. 

The UNP is likely to contest the move because of constitutional provisions stating a parliament cannot be dissolved until four and a half years after its inception. The current parliament was elected in August 2015. 

“It’s totally unconstitutional,” said Harsha de Silva, a member of the United National Party.

“Mr Sirisena has relegated the constitution to toilet paper. We will fight this dictator to the end.”