COLOMBO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Leader of Sri Lanka's United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was once sacked from the post of prime minister in late October, was sworn in as the prime minister by President Maithripala Sirisena again on Sunday, ending a nearly two-month political crisis which erupted after his surprising dismissal.

Wickremesinghe took his oath at the Presidential Secretariat in the capital of Colombo, as hundreds of his supporters gathered outside.

UNP lawmakers told journalists that Wickremesinghe's appointment had restored democracy in the country and the new government would now work towards strengthening the economy and unveiling new proposals.

Sri Lanka had been in a state of political turmoil after Wickremesinghe was suddenly sacked from his post late October and was replaced by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

A new caretaker government was also sworn in thereafter.

The UNP said Wickremesinghe's dismissal by Sirisena had been unconstitutional as he held a majority at parliament.

Rajapaksa on Saturday stepped down as the prime minister after the Supreme Court last Friday ordered to continue a temporary suspension on him and his government till the case was further heard in January.

Rajapaksa, noting the Supreme Court verdict, said he was stepping down to pave way for the establishment of a new government under President Sirisena.

A new cabinet under President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is expected to be sworn in on Monday.