Solution to the economic crisis top priority, says new PM

United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Prime Minister for the sixth time since he first took up the job 29 years ago.

After a brief swearing-in ceremony and two religious events at the Gangaramaya temple and the Walukaramaya temple on Thursday, the new premier assumed duties on Friday.

Speaking to the media, Mr Wickremesinghe vowed to give top priority to finding a solution to the economic issues and ending gas, fuel, medicine and fertiliser shortages.