Sri Lanka’s parliament has descended into chaos as politicians supporting disputed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa prevented proceedings from taking place.

One politician sat on the speaker’s chair, while others shouted support for the embattled leader.

Parliament was to begin its proceedings on Friday, a day after the speaker announced there is no prime minister or government following a no-confidence motion against Mr Rajapaksa.

Mr Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him. On Thursday, rival politicians exchanged blows, leaving one injured.

Sri Lanka has been in political crisis since October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed the former strongman Mr Rajapaksa.

Mr Wickremsinghe says he has the majority support in the house.