Sri Lanka's disputed premier Mahinda Rajapakse steps down

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse will step down from his disputed position of premier, his son said Friday, signalling an end to a crippling seven-week long power struggle.

Rajapakse's legislator son Namal Rajapakse said he will quit Saturday "to ensure stability of the nation", after the Supreme Court ordered that he should not exercise the powers of the office he has claimed since October 26.