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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has to fight his way through crowds at Colombo airport after returning from the United States to tackle a crisis caused by the president's declaration of a state of emergency.

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Thousands of supporters of Mr Wickramasinghe's United National Party turn out on the streets of the capital to welcome him back.

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They are countered by supporters of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who on Friday lifted the state of emergency in favour of less draconian measures.

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The pro-Kumaratunga rally drew an estimated 30,000 people, marching under the banner of the newly formed Patriotic National Movement.

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The opponents of the prime minister fear the concessions given to the Tamil Tigers will lead to a federal Sri Lanka.

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Mr Wickramasinghe says the parliament suspended by Mrs Kumaratunga must be reconvened immediately to restart the peace process.

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Many fear a protracted power struggle between the president and prime minister could ultimately jeopardise the peace process - and spill over into violence on the streets.