R Sambanthan (below) and Mahinda Rajapaksa (above) are both staking their claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition. Sambanthan held the position at the time President Sirisena dissolved Parliament a few months ago. With the reinstating of Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister, Rajapaksa has claimed the post of Opposition Leader. Rajapaksa made an unsuccessful attempt to be the Prime Minister in October this year.