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Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths

Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 13 (ANI):&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims, ignoring protests from the country's Muslim population which says the rule goes against Islamic tradition.&nbsp;

In a gazette notification cited by local daily Colombo Post, the Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services on Sunday announced the new regulations, saying that the corpse of a person, who has died or is suspected to have died of COVID-19, shall be cremated at a temperature of 800 to 1,200 degrees Celsius for a minimum period of 45 minutes to one hour for complete burning, for prevention of any potential biological threat.&nbsp;

The cremation should be done at a cemetery or place approved by the proper authority and under the supervision of such authority, according to the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services.No person shall handover the corpse of a person died of or suspected to have died of COVID-19 to any person except to persons who undertake the necessary duties of cremation, nominated by the proper authority, the gazette added.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the ministry stated that the attire and the non-reusable personal protective equipment used by persons, who handle the corpse at such cemetery or place, shall be incinerated by placing them with the coffin during cremation. The reusable equipment shall be properly decontaminated and disinfected in accordance with the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services, it said.

The ashes of the corpse may be handed over to the next of kin, at the request of such next of kin.

Three Muslims are among the seven people who have so far died from the virus in the country. Their bodies were cremated by the authorities despite protests from relatives.

So far, more than 200 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Sri Lanka, where an indefinite and nationwide curfew has been imposed. The country's main political party that represents Muslims, which make up 10 per cent of the 21 million-strong population, has accused the government of "callous disregard" for religious rituals and the families' wishes.&nbsp;

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has expressed concern over reports of forced cremation of Muslims who died after contracting the contagion under the guidelines, "a violation of Islamic burial practice which forbids cremation".

"Under @WHO guidelines, both burial and cremation are permitted," the Commission wrote on Twitter.

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 13 (ANI): Sri Lanka has made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims, ignoring protests from the country's Muslim population which says the rule goes against Islamic tradition.

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 13 (ANI): Sri Lanka has made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims, ignoring protests from the country's Muslim population which says the rule goes against Islamic tradition. In a gazette notification cited by local daily Colombo Post, the Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services on Sunday announced the new regulations, saying that the corpse of a person, who has died or is suspected to have died of COVID-19, shall be cremated at a temperature of 800 to 1,200 degrees Celsius for a minimum period of 45 minutes to one hour for complete burning, for prevention of any potential biological threat. The cremation should be done at a cemetery or place approved by the proper authority and under the supervision of such authority, according to the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services.No person shall handover the corpse of a person died of or suspected to have died of COVID-19 to any person except to persons who undertake the necessary duties of cremation, nominated by the proper authority, the gazette added. Furthermore, the ministry stated that the attire and the non-reusable personal protective equipment used by persons, who handle the corpse at such cemetery or place, shall be incinerated by placing them with the coffin during cremation. The reusable equipment shall be properly decontaminated and disinfected in accordance with the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services, it said. The ashes of the corpse may be handed over to the next of kin, at the request of such next of kin. Three Muslims are among the seven people who have so far died from the virus in the country. Their bodies were cremated by the authorities despite protests from relatives. So far, more than 200 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Sri Lanka, where an indefinite and nationwide curfew has been imposed. The country's main political party that represents Muslims, which make up 10 per cent of the 21 million-strong population, has accused the government of "callous disregard" for religious rituals and the families' wishes. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has expressed concern over reports of forced cremation of Muslims who died after contracting the contagion under the guidelines, "a violation of Islamic burial practice which forbids cremation". "Under @WHO guidelines, both burial and cremation are permitted," the Commission wrote on Twitter.

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has urged the people of his country to maintain peace following the communal riots.&nbsp;

Expressing dismay and shock at the communal riots in Sri Lanka, the country's former cricket captain said the need of the hour is peace and togetherness.

"STOP. BREATHE. THINK. OPEN YOUR EYES. If we lose ourselves in violence, racism, thuggery and hatred we lose our country. Unite as Sri Lankans, be peaceful, keep each other safe. Do not give into shameful, divisive political agendas. WE HEAL AND RISE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION," tweeted the former left-handed batsman.

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STOP. BREATHE. THINK. OPEN YOUR EYES. If we lose ourselves in violence, racism, thuggery and hatred we lose our country. Unite as Sri Lankans, be peaceful, keep each other safe. Do not give into shameful, divisive political agendas. WE HEAL AND RISE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) <a href="https://twitter.com/KumarSanga2/status/1128113249189285889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sri Lanka on May 13 declared a nationwide curfew after communal riots spread to several parts of the island nation, just three weeks after multiple suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State claimed over 250 people. 
 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a statement urged citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by rumours.

Sri Lanka has been on the edge since the April 21 horror when suicide bombers exploded themselves in three churches and three luxury hotels besides two other places. Most targets were in Colombo.

The killings were the worst to hit Sri Lanka since the end of the civil war a decade earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has urged the people of his country to maintain peace following the communal riots. Expressing dismay and shock at the communal riots in Sri Lanka, the country's former cricket captain said the need of the hour is peace and togetherness.

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has urged the people of his country to maintain peace following the communal riots. Expressing dismay and shock at the communal riots in Sri Lanka, the country's former cricket captain said the need of the hour is peace and togetherness. "STOP. BREATHE. THINK. OPEN YOUR EYES. If we lose ourselves in violence, racism, thuggery and hatred we lose our country. Unite as Sri Lankans, be peaceful, keep each other safe. Do not give into shameful, divisive political agendas. WE HEAL AND RISE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION," tweeted the former left-handed batsman. STOP. BREATHE. THINK. OPEN YOUR EYES. If we lose ourselves in violence, racism, thuggery and hatred we lose our country. Unite as Sri Lankans, be peaceful, keep each other safe. Do not give into shameful, divisive political agendas. WE HEAL AND RISE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION — Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) May 14, 2019 × Sri Lanka on May 13 declared a nationwide curfew after communal riots spread to several parts of the island nation, just three weeks after multiple suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State claimed over 250 people. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a statement urged citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by rumours. Sri Lanka has been on the edge since the April 21 horror when suicide bombers exploded themselves in three churches and three luxury hotels besides two other places. Most targets were in Colombo. The killings were the worst to hit Sri Lanka since the end of the civil war a decade earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

Kumar Sangakkara calls for peace amidst communal riots in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-sirisena-assures-hoteliers-maximum-financial-help-to-revive-tourism-214676">Maithripala Sirisena </a>has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

Maithripala Sirisena also cautioned it might be conceivable that Islamic State has propelled "another procedure" by starting to target smaller nations.

"A small group of Sri Lankans travelled abroad to receive training from Islamic State over the past decade," said Sirisena.

Investigations revealed the bombs used in the Easter attacks were made locally, the president said in an interview.

The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others.

The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Maithripala Sirisena also cautioned it might be conceivable that Islamic State has propelled "another procedure" by starting to target smaller nations. "A small group of Sri Lankans travelled abroad to receive training from Islamic State over the past decade," said Sirisena. Investigations revealed the bombs used in the Easter attacks were made locally, the president said in an interview. The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others. The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Foreign mastermind may be behind Sri Lanka bombings, says President Maithripala Sirisena

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plotters-planning-more-attacks-us-ambassador-teplitz-214704">US has warned that the terrorist threat in Sri Lanka </a>still remains as active members of the group that carried out the massive suicide attacks on Easter Sunday may still be at large, a media report said Tuesday.&nbsp;

The US Embassy here has said that at the request of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-governments-lifts-ban-on-social-media-platforms-214678">Sri Lankan Government</a>, US security experts were working closely with their Sri Lankan partners on "fulfilling short term, specific objectives" related to the recent attacks and to bringing the perpetrators to justice.&nbsp;

Nancy VanHorn, the spokesperson at the US Embassy in Colombo said that the US believes active members of the attack group that carried out the terror attacks on Easter Sunday may still be at large.

"As the (US) Ambassador (Alaina Teplitz) has previously stated and as reflected in our travel advisory, the terrorist threat is ongoing," the spokesperson told the Colombo Gazette.

Sri Lankan authorities said they believed a little-known local militant Islamist group known as National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) was behind the attack that killed 253 people and injured nearly 500 more. However, the NTJ has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, Sri Lanka's worst.

On Tuesday, the Islamic State terror group said it had carried out the attacks, and released video of men it says were the bombers, pledging allegiance to the group.

The attackers targetted three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels.

Ambassador Teplitz has said the attacks are the work of a few individuals and not of an entire community.

As Sri Lanka looks to the future and to implementing changes in security and communications procedures to prevent future atrocities, the US stands ready to assist with lessons learned from our own past tragedies and through our ongoing cooperation with local authorities, the embassy has said.

"These terrible attacks are the work of a few individuals and not of an entire community. Sri Lankans of all backgrounds and faiths have come together to condemn these atrocities. Unity is the most powerful answer to terrorism," the ambassador said recently.

Teplitz further underscored that "while we work together to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice, we must remain vigilant in defending the democratic ideals that form the pillars of a strong society.&nbsp;

"And we must do so without destroying communities of peaceful, innocent people who share the faith of the attackers, but not their warped ideology," she said.&nbsp;

"We must always respect the wonderful diversity of Sri Lanka and fortify the culture of unity that the country needs to thrive," she said.&nbsp;

On April 26, the Department of State ordered the departure of all school-age family members of US government employees in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Department also authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members from Sri Lanka.

"Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sri Lanka," the State Department said, adding that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist spots, religious places other public areas.&nbsp;

According to Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, one American national, two people holding US and UK nationalities were among 42 foriegn nationals killed in the Easter Sunday attack.

The US has warned that the terrorist threat in Sri Lanka still remains as active members of the group that carried out the massive suicide attacks on Easter Sunday may still be at large, a media report said Tuesday.

The US has warned that the terrorist threat in Sri Lanka still remains as active members of the group that carried out the massive suicide attacks on Easter Sunday may still be at large, a media report said Tuesday. The US Embassy here has said that at the request of the Sri Lankan Government, US security experts were working closely with their Sri Lankan partners on "fulfilling short term, specific objectives" related to the recent attacks and to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Nancy VanHorn, the spokesperson at the US Embassy in Colombo said that the US believes active members of the attack group that carried out the terror attacks on Easter Sunday may still be at large. "As the (US) Ambassador (Alaina Teplitz) has previously stated and as reflected in our travel advisory, the terrorist threat is ongoing," the spokesperson told the Colombo Gazette. Sri Lankan authorities said they believed a little-known local militant Islamist group known as National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) was behind the attack that killed 253 people and injured nearly 500 more. However, the NTJ has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, Sri Lanka's worst. On Tuesday, the Islamic State terror group said it had carried out the attacks, and released video of men it says were the bombers, pledging allegiance to the group. The attackers targetted three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels. Ambassador Teplitz has said the attacks are the work of a few individuals and not of an entire community. As Sri Lanka looks to the future and to implementing changes in security and communications procedures to prevent future atrocities, the US stands ready to assist with lessons learned from our own past tragedies and through our ongoing cooperation with local authorities, the embassy has said. "These terrible attacks are the work of a few individuals and not of an entire community. Sri Lankans of all backgrounds and faiths have come together to condemn these atrocities. Unity is the most powerful answer to terrorism," the ambassador said recently. Teplitz further underscored that "while we work together to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice, we must remain vigilant in defending the democratic ideals that form the pillars of a strong society. "And we must do so without destroying communities of peaceful, innocent people who share the faith of the attackers, but not their warped ideology," she said. "We must always respect the wonderful diversity of Sri Lanka and fortify the culture of unity that the country needs to thrive," she said. On April 26, the Department of State ordered the departure of all school-age family members of US government employees in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Department also authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members from Sri Lanka. "Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sri Lanka," the State Department said, adding that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist spots, religious places other public areas. According to Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, one American national, two people holding US and UK nationalities were among 42 foriegn nationals killed in the Easter Sunday attack.

US warns of more attacks in Sri Lanka by active members of terror group still at large

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-governments-lifts-ban-on-social-media-platforms-214678">Sri Lankan</a> police on Tuesday announced that three suspects were arrested along with a van connected to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-is-inspired-local-suicide-bombers-carried-out-strikes-in-sri-lanka-213502"> devastating Easter Sunday bombings</a> from the country's North Central Province.

The suspicious van was wanted over the terror attacks and was taken into custody at Sungavila in Polonnaruwa town, Ruwan Gunasekara, police spokesperson, said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/global-terrorism-has-entered-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-tells-wion-214733">Global terrorism has entered Sri Lanka, PM Wickremesinghe tells WION</a>

They said the van which bears the licence plate 'EP PX 2399' was taken into custody along with the three suspects.

The van was parked in the garden of a home in the area and further investigations are being carried out.

Last week, Sri Lanka placed all police stations in Colombo on high alert as police were hunting for an unidentified container truck and a van, believed to be carrying explosives.

A warning was issued by the Director of Security at the Colombo Harbour said intelligence had found information that an unidentified container truck and a van carrying a potential explosive device was heading towards Colombo.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts.

Powerful blasts ripped through three churches and as many luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500 others.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan police on Tuesday announced that three suspects were arrested along with a van connected to the devastating Easter Sunday bombings from the country's North Central Province.

The Sri Lankan police on Tuesday announced that three suspects were arrested along with a van connected to the devastating Easter Sunday bombings from the country's North Central Province. The suspicious van was wanted over the terror attacks and was taken into custody at Sungavila in Polonnaruwa town, Ruwan Gunasekara, police spokesperson, said. Also read: Global terrorism has entered Sri Lanka, PM Wickremesinghe tells WION They said the van which bears the licence plate 'EP PX 2399' was taken into custody along with the three suspects. The van was parked in the garden of a home in the area and further investigations are being carried out. Last week, Sri Lanka placed all police stations in Colombo on high alert as police were hunting for an unidentified container truck and a van, believed to be carrying explosives. A warning was issued by the Director of Security at the Colombo Harbour said intelligence had found information that an unidentified container truck and a van carrying a potential explosive device was heading towards Colombo. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts. Powerful blasts ripped through three churches and as many luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500 others. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.

Sri Lanka attacks: Three suspects arrested, van seized

An alleged follower of Sri Lankan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/zahran-hashim-radical-islamist-linked-to-sri-lanka-blasts-213606">bombing mastermind Zahran Hashim </a>was set to appear before an Indian court Tuesday after admitting he wanted to carry out an attack in India, investigators said.

India has been concerned about Islamist extremists on its soil for some time and the April 21 Sri Lanka bombings that killed 253 people has left authorities alarmed that India might be at risk of a jihadist attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plotters-planning-more-attacks-us-ambassador-teplitz-214704">Sri Lanka plotters planning more attacks: US ambassador Teplitz</a>

The Indian national, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), which handles counter-terrorism cases.

During interrogation, he "disclosed that he has been following speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim of Sri Lanka for more than a year", an NIA statement said.

"He admitted that he wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Kerala," a southern Indian state, it added.

Hashim was a Sri Lankan Muslim preacher who led the coordinated Easter Sunday suicide attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, in one of the world's deadliest terrorist attacks.

Military sources have said Hashim was not known to have visited Syria or Iraq, but travelled to India's Tamil Nadu state, which borders Kerala, and had been in contact with Islamists there.

Hashim also appeared in a video released by the Islamic State group, showing him leading others in pledging allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.&nbsp;

IS has claimed responsibility for the Sri Lanka attacks.

India had warned Sri Lanka that suicide attacks were possible weeks before.

The NIA said that it arrested Riyas "for conspiring to commit a terrorist act" in connection with a 2016 case against an Indian man wanted, along with others, for leaving India to join IS abroad.

Riyas had allegedly been in online contact with that suspect, Abdul Rashid Abdulla, alias Abu Isa, and followed his online audio posts including one "instigating others to carry out terror attacks in India", NIA said.

IS in India?

Aboobacker's arrest comes at a time when New Delhi is already anxious about the footprint of IS in the Hindu-majority country.

Indian authorities have already arrested several people allegedly inspired by radical Islamist ideology in recent months.

In 2016 the NIA launched an investigation into the disappearance of 15 young Indians thought to have left to join IS in Afghanistan and Syria.

Pockets of southern India have since been on the radar of Indian investigators concerned over growing radicalism.&nbsp;

Kabir Taneja, associate fellow with New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, said that the danger of attacks may have increased since the collapse of IS's "caliphate" across swathes of Iraq and Syria.

"I think some level of nervousness is expected, and it's good," Taneja told AFP.

"Until now the attraction was to travel to the caliphate. What Sri Lanka might do is push for radicalised people to commit attacks at home," he added.

The NIA recently announced that it had arrested an operative in an IS-inspired group that allegedly planned attacks in and around New Delhi.

The arrest was soon followed by raids in three different parts of Kerala as part of a separate, ongoing investigation into three people suspected of links with the people who left India to join IS.

The NIA said that its raids had recovered mobile phones, memory cards, diaries with handwritten notes and DVDs, and books of the banned Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

 
&nbsp;

An alleged follower of Sri Lankan bombing mastermind Zahran Hashim was set to appear before an Indian court Tuesday after admitting he wanted to carry out an attack in India, investigators said.

An alleged follower of Sri Lankan bombing mastermind Zahran Hashim was set to appear before an Indian court Tuesday after admitting he wanted to carry out an attack in India, investigators said. India has been concerned about Islamist extremists on its soil for some time and the April 21 Sri Lanka bombings that killed 253 people has left authorities alarmed that India might be at risk of a jihadist attack. Also read: Sri Lanka plotters planning more attacks: US ambassador Teplitz The Indian national, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), which handles counter-terrorism cases. During interrogation, he "disclosed that he has been following speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim of Sri Lanka for more than a year", an NIA statement said. "He admitted that he wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Kerala," a southern Indian state, it added. Hashim was a Sri Lankan Muslim preacher who led the coordinated Easter Sunday suicide attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, in one of the world's deadliest terrorist attacks. Military sources have said Hashim was not known to have visited Syria or Iraq, but travelled to India's Tamil Nadu state, which borders Kerala, and had been in contact with Islamists there. Hashim also appeared in a video released by the Islamic State group, showing him leading others in pledging allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. IS has claimed responsibility for the Sri Lanka attacks. India had warned Sri Lanka that suicide attacks were possible weeks before. The NIA said that it arrested Riyas "for conspiring to commit a terrorist act" in connection with a 2016 case against an Indian man wanted, along with others, for leaving India to join IS abroad. Riyas had allegedly been in online contact with that suspect, Abdul Rashid Abdulla, alias Abu Isa, and followed his online audio posts including one "instigating others to carry out terror attacks in India", NIA said. IS in India? Aboobacker's arrest comes at a time when New Delhi is already anxious about the footprint of IS in the Hindu-majority country. Indian authorities have already arrested several people allegedly inspired by radical Islamist ideology in recent months. In 2016 the NIA launched an investigation into the disappearance of 15 young Indians thought to have left to join IS in Afghanistan and Syria. Pockets of southern India have since been on the radar of Indian investigators concerned over growing radicalism. Kabir Taneja, associate fellow with New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, said that the danger of attacks may have increased since the collapse of IS's "caliphate" across swathes of Iraq and Syria. "I think some level of nervousness is expected, and it's good," Taneja told AFP. "Until now the attraction was to travel to the caliphate. What Sri Lanka might do is push for radicalised people to commit attacks at home," he added. The NIA recently announced that it had arrested an operative in an IS-inspired group that allegedly planned attacks in and around New Delhi. The arrest was soon followed by raids in three different parts of Kerala as part of a separate, ongoing investigation into three people suspected of links with the people who left India to join IS. The NIA said that its raids had recovered mobile phones, memory cards, diaries with handwritten notes and DVDs, and books of the banned Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

Follower of Sri Lanka bomber sought India attack: Police

As Sri Lanka reels in the aftermath of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plotters-planning-more-attacks-us-ambassador-teplitz-214704">suicide attacks</a>, PM Wickremesinghe in a candid interview to WION conceded that the country needs to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-airs-video-purporting-to-be-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-214624">face up to terrorism</a>" and ensure "it doesn't drag on for too long" while adding that intelligence related to the attack didn't "flow up" which could have helped to prevent the blasts.

"There have been some shortcomings in the security establishment. Let's see who is responsible," the Lankan prime minister said while informing that those responsible for the lapses will be held accountable.

"We could have prevented all the blasts or many other blasts, that is where our fault lies," he said.

The April 21st Easter bombings shook the island nation as it reverberated around the world. Authorities have said at least 253 people have died so far, the toll could still rise further as several are still critically injured.

The Lankan prime minister said there were "shortcomings" in the security establishment. President Sirisena tried has tried to shake up the security agencies in the past week by asking police chief Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando to quit to pave the way for a probe and put a new structure in place.

PM &nbsp;Ranil Wickremesinghe felt let down by the fact that no one acted on the impending threat and he too was left out of the loop.

"The problem is there are dead bodies, people have died, the economy has suffered and there was information which wasn't acted upon, that's really the issue," he said.

After the blasts there have been several angles linking the attacks, some said there was a "political conspiracy". The prime minister said if there was any evidence of a conspiracy, it will be probed.

The prime minister said the political backlash was expected after the magnitude of the attack comparing it to the LTTE era in the 80s.

"We are entering a new phase in global terrorism as against homegrown terrorism which was on domestic political issues," he said, adding, "this is internal jihad, can we tackle it? That will be answered in the coming few weeks."

The prime minister said the confidence of the people can now only be restored on the basis of how the government tackles various issues including the economy and bringing back normalcy in the country scarred by the attack.

As Sri Lanka reels in the aftermath of the suicide attacks, PM Wickremesinghe in a candid interview to WION conceded that the country needs to "face up to terrorism" and ensure "it doesn't drag on for too long" while adding that intelligence related to the attack didn't "flow up" which could have helped to prevent the blasts.

As Sri Lanka reels in the aftermath of the suicide attacks, PM Wickremesinghe in a candid interview to WION conceded that the country needs to "face up to terrorism" and ensure "it doesn't drag on for too long" while adding that intelligence related to the attack didn't "flow up" which could have helped to prevent the blasts. "There have been some shortcomings in the security establishment. Let's see who is responsible," the Lankan prime minister said while informing that those responsible for the lapses will be held accountable. "We could have prevented all the blasts or many other blasts, that is where our fault lies," he said. The April 21st Easter bombings shook the island nation as it reverberated around the world. Authorities have said at least 253 people have died so far, the toll could still rise further as several are still critically injured. The Lankan prime minister said there were "shortcomings" in the security establishment. President Sirisena tried has tried to shake up the security agencies in the past week by asking police chief Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando to quit to pave the way for a probe and put a new structure in place. PM Ranil Wickremesinghe felt let down by the fact that no one acted on the impending threat and he too was left out of the loop. "The problem is there are dead bodies, people have died, the economy has suffered and there was information which wasn't acted upon, that's really the issue," he said. After the blasts there have been several angles linking the attacks, some said there was a "political conspiracy". The prime minister said if there was any evidence of a conspiracy, it will be probed. The prime minister said the political backlash was expected after the magnitude of the attack comparing it to the LTTE era in the 80s. "We are entering a new phase in global terrorism as against homegrown terrorism which was on domestic political issues," he said, adding, "this is internal jihad, can we tackle it? That will be answered in the coming few weeks." The prime minister said the confidence of the people can now only be restored on the basis of how the government tackles various issues including the economy and bringing back normalcy in the country scarred by the attack.

Global terrorism has entered Sri Lanka, PM Wickremesinghe tells WION

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government.

Sirisena, facing criticism over the failure to thwart the attacks, blamed the inspector general of police Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemesiri Fernando for not sharing advance warnings of the attacks with him.

Fernando resigned earlier in the week, but Jayasundara was holding on, the two officials said.&nbsp;

"He has refused to resign despite the president's request," one of the sources said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, only parliament can remove the police chief through a lengthy process designed to shield officers from political interference.

The attacks in which more than 250 people were killed have exposed the divisions between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with both saying they had not seen warnings given by India's spy service about impending strikes on churches and the Indian embassy including one just hours before the attacks.

Jayasundara, the police chief, was handpicked for the job by Wickremesinghe. The first source at the president`s office said Sirisena was still expecting him to turn in his papers. The second source confirmed the situation. 
Both sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media.

Jayasundara did not answer his phone or email seeking comments. An officer at the police department said the police chief had not resigned but did not come to work on Saturday. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government.

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government. Sirisena, facing criticism over the failure to thwart the attacks, blamed the inspector general of police Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemesiri Fernando for not sharing advance warnings of the attacks with him. Fernando resigned earlier in the week, but Jayasundara was holding on, the two officials said. "He has refused to resign despite the president's request," one of the sources said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, only parliament can remove the police chief through a lengthy process designed to shield officers from political interference. The attacks in which more than 250 people were killed have exposed the divisions between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with both saying they had not seen warnings given by India's spy service about impending strikes on churches and the Indian embassy including one just hours before the attacks. Jayasundara, the police chief, was handpicked for the job by Wickremesinghe. The first source at the president`s office said Sirisena was still expecting him to turn in his papers. The second source confirmed the situation. Both sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media. Jayasundara did not answer his phone or email seeking comments. An officer at the police department said the police chief had not resigned but did not come to work on Saturday.

Sri Lanka police chief refusing to quit despite president Sirisena's request: Report

Sri Lanka's ousted defence secretary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-terror-attacks-defence-secretary-hemasiri-fernando-quits-213465"> Hemasiri Fernando</a> Friday claimed that he had to quit to "protect" his political bosses while asserting that he followed the standard procedures while dealing with advance intelligence inputs on the deadly Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Amidst public outcry over the massive intelligence failure to avert the suicide attacks, President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday sought the resignation of Fernando as well as the Inspector General of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-chief-resigns-over-bombings-sirisena-213620">Police Pujith Jayasundara</a>.&nbsp;

While Fernando quit on Thursday, Jayasundara tendered his resignation on Friday.

Sirisena said the intelligence supplied by a friendly nation was not shared with him by senior officials. "All they have done was to exchange letters among themselves," he said.

"I asked both police chief and defence secretary why the information was not shared with me, they remained silent," he said.

But in a statement prior to tendering his resignation, Fernando said he had forwarded all intelligence information regarding the Easter Sunday attacks to the relevant institutions for action following the standard procedures.

He claimed that all advice and orders had also been given and at a time when there was no Emergency or any other special situation enforced in the country, the entire responsibility was with the police, which had conducted arrests and search operations.

While Fernando came under fire over the Easter Sunday attacks, he had confided in several media heads that he had in fact immediately notified the relevant political authorities regarding the intelligence warning, the Sri Lanka Mirror reported.&nbsp;

However he said that in order to "protect these political authorities he would have to resign from his post", the report said.

Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

The Islamic State group has claimed the attacks, but the Sri Lankan government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) for the bombings that killed 253 people, including 11 Indians.

In his statement, Fernando noted that President Sirisena has appointed a special committee to inquire if the security establishments had flouted their responsibility while the Defence Ministry is also conducting an independent inquiry into the matter.

After Fernando handing in his resignation to the Presidential Secretariat, senior administrative officer Thusitha Wanigasinghe was appointed as the Acting Defence Secretary on Friday.

Sri Lanka's ousted defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando Friday claimed that he had to quit to "protect" his political bosses while asserting that he followed the standard procedures while dealing with advance intelligence inputs on the deadly Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Sri Lanka's ousted defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando Friday claimed that he had to quit to "protect" his political bosses while asserting that he followed the standard procedures while dealing with advance intelligence inputs on the deadly Easter Sunday terror attacks. Amidst public outcry over the massive intelligence failure to avert the suicide attacks, President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday sought the resignation of Fernando as well as the Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara. While Fernando quit on Thursday, Jayasundara tendered his resignation on Friday. Sirisena said the intelligence supplied by a friendly nation was not shared with him by senior officials. "All they have done was to exchange letters among themselves," he said. "I asked both police chief and defence secretary why the information was not shared with me, they remained silent," he said. But in a statement prior to tendering his resignation, Fernando said he had forwarded all intelligence information regarding the Easter Sunday attacks to the relevant institutions for action following the standard procedures. He claimed that all advice and orders had also been given and at a time when there was no Emergency or any other special situation enforced in the country, the entire responsibility was with the police, which had conducted arrests and search operations. While Fernando came under fire over the Easter Sunday attacks, he had confided in several media heads that he had in fact immediately notified the relevant political authorities regarding the intelligence warning, the Sri Lanka Mirror reported. However he said that in order to "protect these political authorities he would have to resign from his post", the report said. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday. The Islamic State group has claimed the attacks, but the Sri Lankan government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) for the bombings that killed 253 people, including 11 Indians. In his statement, Fernando noted that President Sirisena has appointed a special committee to inquire if the security establishments had flouted their responsibility while the Defence Ministry is also conducting an independent inquiry into the matter. After Fernando handing in his resignation to the Presidential Secretariat, senior administrative officer Thusitha Wanigasinghe was appointed as the Acting Defence Secretary on Friday.

Resigned to 'protect' political bosses: Ex-Lankan Defence Secretary

Following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-releases-photos-of-suspects-of-church-hotel-bombing-that-killed-nearly-250-213584">deadly attacks in Sri Lanka </a>that claimed the lives of around 250 people, the country's finance minister on Friday feared a decline in its tourism.

Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Friday that the country fears its lucrative tourism industry could decline by up to 30 per cent and incur losses of $1.5 billion this year.

"Tourism will be the worst affected. We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange", Samaraweera told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/survivors-of-sri-lankan-bombings-mourn-empty-future-without-loved-ones-213674">Survivors of Sri Lankan bombings mourn empty future without loved ones</a>

Samaraweera said the country could take up to two years to fully recover from Sunday's attacks, which devastated three luxury hotels and three Christian churches and killed 253 people killed, among them many foreigners.

"Typically, countries that suffer isolated IS-style attacks see tourism recovering within one-to-two years, as long as root causes are addressed and security measures taken are well communicated," the minister said.

He pointed to Belgium, France, Spain and Tunisia as countries which recovered their tourism markets within a short time.

Samaraweera said tourism was emerging as Sri Lanka's success story when Sunday's blast shattered hopes of reaching a revenue of $5.0 billion, up from last year's $4.4 billion.

He said he was hoping to unveil a package of concessions to help the tourism sector overcome&nbsp;the impact of the suicide bombings.

Most of the deluxe hotels in Colombo have stepped up security and curtailed bookings amid fears of more attacks.

Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday revised the toll from Easter bombings down to 253, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted.

Sri Lankan authorities have taken 76 people in custody in connection to their role in the attacks.

The authorities have released photographs of six suspects, including three women, wanted for their involvement in the deadly Easter attacks.

Police on Thursday released the names and pictures of the suspects and sought information regarding them from the public.

Nine suicide bombers, believed to be the members of a local terror group called National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on Easter Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka that claimed the lives of around 250 people, the country's finance minister on Friday feared a decline in its tourism. Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Friday that the country fears its lucrative tourism industry could decline by up to 30 per cent and incur losses of $1.

Following the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka that claimed the lives of around 250 people, the country's finance minister on Friday feared a decline in its tourism. Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Friday that the country fears its lucrative tourism industry could decline by up to 30 per cent and incur losses of $1.5 billion this year. "Tourism will be the worst affected. We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange", Samaraweera told reporters. Also read: Survivors of Sri Lankan bombings mourn empty future without loved ones Samaraweera said the country could take up to two years to fully recover from Sunday's attacks, which devastated three luxury hotels and three Christian churches and killed 253 people killed, among them many foreigners. "Typically, countries that suffer isolated IS-style attacks see tourism recovering within one-to-two years, as long as root causes are addressed and security measures taken are well communicated," the minister said. He pointed to Belgium, France, Spain and Tunisia as countries which recovered their tourism markets within a short time. Samaraweera said tourism was emerging as Sri Lanka's success story when Sunday's blast shattered hopes of reaching a revenue of $5.0 billion, up from last year's $4.4 billion. He said he was hoping to unveil a package of concessions to help the tourism sector overcome the impact of the suicide bombings. Most of the deluxe hotels in Colombo have stepped up security and curtailed bookings amid fears of more attacks. Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday revised the toll from Easter bombings down to 253, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted. Sri Lankan authorities have taken 76 people in custody in connection to their role in the attacks. The authorities have released photographs of six suspects, including three women, wanted for their involvement in the deadly Easter attacks. Police on Thursday released the names and pictures of the suspects and sought information regarding them from the public. Nine suicide bombers, believed to be the members of a local terror group called National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka fears up to $1.5 billion tourism losses due to attack

Sri Lanka's president met leaders from all religious group on Thursday as he assured the situation in the country is under control as police are looking for 140 people believed to have links with the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bombings of churches and hotels.

Nearly 10,000 soldiers were being deployed across the Indian Ocean island state to carry out searches and provide security for religious centres, the military said on Friday.

In the meeting, Maithripala Sirisena told religious leaders that the government is in touch with foreign intelligence on the investigations. Police have detained at least 76 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt, in their investigations so far.

Islamic State has provided no evidence to back its claim that it was behind the attacks. If true, it would be one of the worst attacks carried out by the group outside Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lanka's president met leaders from all religious group on Thursday as he assured the situation in the country is under control as police are looking for 140 people believed to have links with the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bombings of churches and hotels.

Sri Lanka's president met leaders from all religious group on Thursday as he assured the situation in the country is under control as police are looking for 140 people believed to have links with the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bombings of churches and hotels. Nearly 10,000 soldiers were being deployed across the Indian Ocean island state to carry out searches and provide security for religious centres, the military said on Friday. In the meeting, Maithripala Sirisena told religious leaders that the government is in touch with foreign intelligence on the investigations. Police have detained at least 76 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt, in their investigations so far. Islamic State has provided no evidence to back its claim that it was behind the attacks. If true, it would be one of the worst attacks carried out by the group outside Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lankan president 'confident' armed forces could 'destroy' group behind bombings

Thoughts and prayers pour into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-looking-for-140-with-islamic-state-links-president-sirisena-213636">Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Easter Sunday's bombings</a>, however, the survivors of the attacks are left wondering why they survived and their families and friends didn't.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-releases-photos-of-suspects-of-church-hotel-bombing-that-killed-nearly-250-213584">Sri Lanka releases photos of suspects of church, hotel bombings that killed nearly 250&nbsp;</a>

Anusha Kumar, a mother who lost her husband and two children on Easter Sunday at the St Sebastian Church, sees no hope left after the attack.

Now the picture of her family has become her bedfellow as she feels the emptiness of not having her children around. She is angry at the lack of action, but her grief weighs heavier on her heart.

"If they had informed us, our cardinal would have protected us. We would have been vigilant of our surroundings. I saw the bomber but didn't realize until the explosion. If I knew he was bomber I would have hugged my daughter to protect her. I would have saved my child, she was right next to me," said Kumar.

Kumar's mother-in-law Teresa witnessed the bodies of her son, daughter and five grandkids being brought to her house after the attacks.

"I am under shock and I have no words to express my pain. I am completely alone. I am hurting a lot," said Teresa.

Teresa's son-in-law feels as alone as her. Pradeep Sushanta was waiting at the gate of the church for his family to come out after mass concluded, and in a fraction of a second his wait has become endless. He was one of the first to go in after the blast to find his children dead and his wife half-alive, who later passed away at the hospital.

"I am not alive. I wish I died with them when it happened. They were my family they were my life. Now that they have gone I am lifeless," said Sushanta.

These explosions have left behind many lifeless families. With the death toll rising every day, a stream of funerals and burials are taking place everyday.

Sri Lankan security services are continuing their investigation to eliminate potential second-or-third-round attacks after Easter Sunday's bombings, as the undetected terrorists may prepare to strike again. 
&nbsp;

Thoughts and prayers pour into Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Easter Sunday's bombings, however, the survivors of the attacks are left wondering why they survived and their families and friends didn't.

Thoughts and prayers pour into Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Easter Sunday's bombings, however, the survivors of the attacks are left wondering why they survived and their families and friends didn't. Also read: Sri Lanka releases photos of suspects of church, hotel bombings that killed nearly 250 Anusha Kumar, a mother who lost her husband and two children on Easter Sunday at the St Sebastian Church, sees no hope left after the attack. Now the picture of her family has become her bedfellow as she feels the emptiness of not having her children around. She is angry at the lack of action, but her grief weighs heavier on her heart. "If they had informed us, our cardinal would have protected us. We would have been vigilant of our surroundings. I saw the bomber but didn't realize until the explosion. If I knew he was bomber I would have hugged my daughter to protect her. I would have saved my child, she was right next to me," said Kumar. Kumar's mother-in-law Teresa witnessed the bodies of her son, daughter and five grandkids being brought to her house after the attacks. "I am under shock and I have no words to express my pain. I am completely alone. I am hurting a lot," said Teresa. Teresa's son-in-law feels as alone as her. Pradeep Sushanta was waiting at the gate of the church for his family to come out after mass concluded, and in a fraction of a second his wait has become endless. He was one of the first to go in after the blast to find his children dead and his wife half-alive, who later passed away at the hospital. "I am not alive. I wish I died with them when it happened. They were my family they were my life. Now that they have gone I am lifeless," said Sushanta. These explosions have left behind many lifeless families. With the death toll rising every day, a stream of funerals and burials are taking place everyday. Sri Lankan security services are continuing their investigation to eliminate potential second-or-third-round attacks after Easter Sunday's bombings, as the undetected terrorists may prepare to strike again.

Survivors of Sri Lankan bombings mourn empty future without loved ones

Sri Lanka President seeks fresh no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa

Chaotic Sri Lankan parliament rejects President's chosen PM

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on the legality of the January 5, 2019 snap polls announced by President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday, after 13 fundamental rights petitions were filed against the dissolution of the Parliament.

The decision came after the court adjourned hearing on the 13 fundamental rights petitions filed by several political parties including the United National Party (UNP), Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Tamil National Alliance (TNA), All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), civil organization Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), former MP Mano Ganesan and Attorney Aruna Laksiri on November 12. A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Nalin Perera, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena and Justice Prasanna Jayawardene heard the petitions filed during November 12th's hearing.

The petitioners said that the President does not have the power to dissolve the Parliament under the 19th amendment of the constitution and have requested the Supreme Court to issue an order to nullify the gazette notification issued by Sirisena, wherein the dissolved the Sri Lankan Parliament, reports Colombo Page.

They further requested the apex court to suspend the January 5 snap polls until the passing of the verdict. A submission made on behalf of TNA leader R. Sampanthan on Monday noted that the gazette notification issued by Sirisena on November 9 was in violation of the Constitution while outlining that conditions under which a President can dissolve the Parliament.&nbsp;

According to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the first situation in which a President can order for dissolution is when a motion is passed by the Parliament with a two-thirds majority, while the other situation is when a Parliament`s term is beyond four and a half years.

These arguments made by President`s Counsel K. Kanaga Eeshawaran on behalf of the TNA leader were echoed across most submissions made.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, UNP`s Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa told Colombo Page, "We firmly believe that we will receive justice and the fair play from the Supreme Court rightly since it is the most honourable place. We have a constitution. We do everything according to that. But the President dissolving the Parliament is a violation of the constitution. If the constitution is continually being violated, the country would become anarchy."Furthermore, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the General Secretary of UNP remarked, "The court will determine the constitutionality of the matter we have presented. That is why we came to the court," while reaffirming their faith in the judiciary.&nbsp;

On November 11, Sirisena had addressed the nation while mentioning the reasons behind his decision to dissolve the Sri Lankan Parliament and hold snap elections. He noted that the horse-trading of ministers to prove a majority was his first reason to dissolve the Parliament while mentioning former Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya`s behaviour as his second reason.&nbsp;

Lastly, Sirisena claimed to have dissolved the Parliament to avert a physical fight between members once the Parliament reconvened on November 14. He stated, "It appeared to me that, if I allowed the Parliament to be convened on the 14th, without dissolving it, it could have brought about commotion and fights, in every city and every village would lead to very unpleasant and difficult situation for the average citizens of my beloved country."The Asian island-nation is currently facing a political turmoil, that was set into motion when the incumbent President sacked UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe from the post of Prime Minister.&nbsp;

Wartime strongman and ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa was brought in place of Wickremesinghe, leading to political upheaval in the neighbouring nation. Sirisena`s party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), later admitted to not having the votes to confirm Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister, leading to latter`s exit from SLFP. Rajapaksa, his son and several prominent political figures joined the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), vowing to come out victorious under the leadership of both Sirisena and Rajapaksa in the 2019 elections. Earlier on Monday, Wickremesinghe said the UNF and other political parties will forge a new alliance to "pull the nation out of the present curse". He also urged all political parties to join this new political force, Daily Mirror reported.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on the legality of the January 5, 2019 snap polls announced by President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday, after 13 fundamental rights petitions were filed against the dissolution of the Parliament.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on the legality of the January 5, 2019 snap polls announced by President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday, after 13 fundamental rights petitions were filed against the dissolution of the Parliament. The decision came after the court adjourned hearing on the 13 fundamental rights petitions filed by several political parties including the United National Party (UNP), Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Tamil National Alliance (TNA), All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), civil organization Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), former MP Mano Ganesan and Attorney Aruna Laksiri on November 12. A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Nalin Perera, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena and Justice Prasanna Jayawardene heard the petitions filed during November 12th's hearing. The petitioners said that the President does not have the power to dissolve the Parliament under the 19th amendment of the constitution and have requested the Supreme Court to issue an order to nullify the gazette notification issued by Sirisena, wherein the dissolved the Sri Lankan Parliament, reports Colombo Page. They further requested the apex court to suspend the January 5 snap polls until the passing of the verdict. A submission made on behalf of TNA leader R. Sampanthan on Monday noted that the gazette notification issued by Sirisena on November 9 was in violation of the Constitution while outlining that conditions under which a President can dissolve the Parliament. According to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the first situation in which a President can order for dissolution is when a motion is passed by the Parliament with a two-thirds majority, while the other situation is when a Parliament`s term is beyond four and a half years. These arguments made by President`s Counsel K. Kanaga Eeshawaran on behalf of the TNA leader were echoed across most submissions made. Earlier on Monday, UNP`s Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa told Colombo Page, "We firmly believe that we will receive justice and the fair play from the Supreme Court rightly since it is the most honourable place. We have a constitution. We do everything according to that. But the President dissolving the Parliament is a violation of the constitution. If the constitution is continually being violated, the country would become anarchy."Furthermore, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the General Secretary of UNP remarked, "The court will determine the constitutionality of the matter we have presented. That is why we came to the court," while reaffirming their faith in the judiciary. On November 11, Sirisena had addressed the nation while mentioning the reasons behind his decision to dissolve the Sri Lankan Parliament and hold snap elections. He noted that the horse-trading of ministers to prove a majority was his first reason to dissolve the Parliament while mentioning former Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya`s behaviour as his second reason. Lastly, Sirisena claimed to have dissolved the Parliament to avert a physical fight between members once the Parliament reconvened on November 14. He stated, "It appeared to me that, if I allowed the Parliament to be convened on the 14th, without dissolving it, it could have brought about commotion and fights, in every city and every village would lead to very unpleasant and difficult situation for the average citizens of my beloved country."The Asian island-nation is currently facing a political turmoil, that was set into motion when the incumbent President sacked UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe from the post of Prime Minister. Wartime strongman and ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa was brought in place of Wickremesinghe, leading to political upheaval in the neighbouring nation. Sirisena`s party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), later admitted to not having the votes to confirm Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister, leading to latter`s exit from SLFP. Rajapaksa, his son and several prominent political figures joined the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), vowing to come out victorious under the leadership of both Sirisena and Rajapaksa in the 2019 elections. Earlier on Monday, Wickremesinghe said the UNF and other political parties will forge a new alliance to "pull the nation out of the present curse". He also urged all political parties to join this new political force, Daily Mirror reported.

Sri Lanka crisis: Supreme Court to decide snap poll legality today

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is attempting to guarantee authenticity as the nation's chief, after President Maithripala Sirisena selected former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and therefore prorogued Parliament until November 16.

Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said yesterday that he wanted a floor test in parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa.

As two prime ministers struggle to cobble up a majority, WION speaks to sacked Prime Minister- Ranil Wickremesinghe on who is to blame.

Blaming President Maithripala Sirisena for the political crisis in Sri Lanka Wickremesinghe said: Sirisena eyeing a second term and his decision led to this crisis.

"Insulting remarks made by Sirisena is a sign of desperation. I never insulted him. It shows how desperate he is," he said.

'This political crisis hurts people's right to franchise. Sri Lankans did not want Rajapaksa in power. People wanted parliamentary democracy," he added.

"I am confident of gaining a majority in parliament, I have enough support. I have the support of more than 113 lawmakers," said Ranil.

On the question of expectations from India he said that the international community wants the constitution to be followed and want parliament to convene as soon as possible.

"We can always put our economy on the right path. But it has cost us a lot. We have to tackle economic issues," said Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is attempting to guarantee authenticity as the nation's chief, after President Maithripala Sirisena selected former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and therefore prorogued Parliament until November 16.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is attempting to guarantee authenticity as the nation's chief, after President Maithripala Sirisena selected former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and therefore prorogued Parliament until November 16. Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said yesterday that he wanted a floor test in parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa. As two prime ministers struggle to cobble up a majority, WION speaks to sacked Prime Minister- Ranil Wickremesinghe on who is to blame. Blaming President Maithripala Sirisena for the political crisis in Sri Lanka Wickremesinghe said: Sirisena eyeing a second term and his decision led to this crisis. "Insulting remarks made by Sirisena is a sign of desperation. I never insulted him. It shows how desperate he is," he said. 'This political crisis hurts people's right to franchise. Sri Lankans did not want Rajapaksa in power. People wanted parliamentary democracy," he added. "I am confident of gaining a majority in parliament, I have enough support. I have the support of more than 113 lawmakers," said Ranil. On the question of expectations from India he said that the international community wants the constitution to be followed and want parliament to convene as soon as possible. "We can always put our economy on the right path. But it has cost us a lot. We have to tackle economic issues," said Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena's decision led to the political crisis in Sri Lanka: Ranil Wickremesinghe to WION

Sri Lankan police chief Pujith Jayasundera said on Wednesday that he was taking orders from President Maithripala Sirisena and he was not in a position to take orders from the law and order minister of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayasundera was responding to a letter sent to him by Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the Wickremesinghe government's law and order minister, who had directed that all ministers who were in office before October 26 be provided police security.

Jayasundera said that the Ministerial Security could only be provided on the recommendations of President Sirisena. He added that it could not be provided based on requests made by Ministers or other officials.

President Sirisena on October 26 sacked Wickremesinghe as the prime minister and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, triggering a constitutional crisis in the island.

Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test.

Madduma Bandara had written to Jayasundera following Jayasuriya's recognition of the Wickremesinghe government.

Several MPs of Wickremesinghe's camp have also requested the police chief to provide them with Ministerial Security, saying they were still ministers of the government. 
Rajapaksa needs 113 seats in the 225-member assembly to prove simple majority.

In a setback to President Sirisena, deputy minister Manusha Nanayakkara of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis.

Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature.

Meanwhile, the main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - said Sirisena met the party leaders this morning to urge them to change their stance of opposing the Rajapaksa appointment.

The TNA leader MA Sumanthiran said they told Sirisena that their stance stood and there will be no reversal.

The party also urged Sirisena to reconvene parliament at an earlier date than the scheduled November 14. Sirisena said their request would be considered.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan police chief Pujith Jayasundera said on Wednesday that he was taking orders from President Maithripala Sirisena and he was not in a position to take orders from the law and order minister of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan police chief Pujith Jayasundera said on Wednesday that he was taking orders from President Maithripala Sirisena and he was not in a position to take orders from the law and order minister of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayasundera was responding to a letter sent to him by Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the Wickremesinghe government's law and order minister, who had directed that all ministers who were in office before October 26 be provided police security. Jayasundera said that the Ministerial Security could only be provided on the recommendations of President Sirisena. He added that it could not be provided based on requests made by Ministers or other officials. President Sirisena on October 26 sacked Wickremesinghe as the prime minister and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, triggering a constitutional crisis in the island. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. Madduma Bandara had written to Jayasundera following Jayasuriya's recognition of the Wickremesinghe government. Several MPs of Wickremesinghe's camp have also requested the police chief to provide them with Ministerial Security, saying they were still ministers of the government. Rajapaksa needs 113 seats in the 225-member assembly to prove simple majority. In a setback to President Sirisena, deputy minister Manusha Nanayakkara of his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government resigned Tuesday and backed ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe in the ongoing political crisis. Nanayakkara's defection came hours after Sirisena announced publicly that people should not doubt his majority - 113 in the 225-member legislature. Meanwhile, the main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - said Sirisena met the party leaders this morning to urge them to change their stance of opposing the Rajapaksa appointment. The TNA leader MA Sumanthiran said they told Sirisena that their stance stood and there will be no reversal. The party also urged Sirisena to reconvene parliament at an earlier date than the scheduled November 14. Sirisena said their request would be considered.

Sri Lanka police chief says he's taking orders from President

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament said on Monday he would not accept a former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the new prime minister until he proves he commands a majority in parliament.

President Maithripala Sirisena fired the sitting prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, on October 26 and appointed Rajapaksa in his place, drawing criticism from political parties and the international community.

"The majority of the members are of the view that the changes done in the parliament are unconstitutional and against the traditions," the speaker of parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, said in a statement.

"Therefore, I am requested by the majority of the parliament to accept the position which was prior to these changes. Until the new group shows the majority, I will have to accept the status quo prior to the changes."

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament said on Monday he would not accept a former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the new prime minister until he proves he commands a majority in parliament.

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament said on Monday he would not accept a former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the new prime minister until he proves he commands a majority in parliament. President Maithripala Sirisena fired the sitting prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, on October 26 and appointed Rajapaksa in his place, drawing criticism from political parties and the international community. "The majority of the members are of the view that the changes done in the parliament are unconstitutional and against the traditions," the speaker of parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, said in a statement. "Therefore, I am requested by the majority of the parliament to accept the position which was prior to these changes. Until the new group shows the majority, I will have to accept the status quo prior to the changes."

Sri Lanka speaker says he won't accept Rajapaksa as PM without majority support

Sri Lanka crisis: Speaker refuses to accept Rajapaksa as PM until he proves majority

Sirisena announces reconvening of Sri Lanka’s Parliament on November 14

Sirisena, Jayasuriya fail to break Sri Lanka deadlock

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday defending his sudden political move said the main elective he was left with to set up another government was to name Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister.&nbsp;

Addressing the nation, President categorically stated that the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister was totally in accordance with the Constitution and on the advice of legal experts. He totally rejected that charge that his action was a violation of the Constitution.&nbsp;

Full text of the President Maithripala Sirisena's address to the nation:&nbsp;

I have decided to address the nation today in the context of the recent political developments in the country, I thought it was essential to clarify the path we have to take in the future and to describe the reasons and the background, why the current political change was necessary.&nbsp;

Today, we are at the dawn of another year. On January 08, 2015, it was with so many expectations what nearly six million and two hundred thousand (6.25 million) people of my country chose me as your first servant and the leader of this nation. I wish to pledge that I will always fulfil the expectations and honour the trust and faith you have placed on me, even at the cost of my life.

Politicians like us who are committed to serve the people, should always look at what is right for the people and will usher prosperity to the nation, instead of one's political affiliations. I believe that you remember the circumstances under which I became the common candidate in 2014 and the dangers I had to face in consequence. It was a risk and a challenge that no politician in the history of the country wanted to accept. I faced this challenge despite the dangers to me and my family. I hope you will believe that the decision I took on 26th of October 2018, is a decision that is far more challenging and risky than the decision I took in November 21, 2014. I must state with respect, honour, and humility that I took both those decisions for the sake of the people and the country.&nbsp;

However, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe's political conduct was unbecoming of civilized politics and belittled the victory achieved risking my life in 2015. I believe that Mr Wickremesinghe and his group of closest friends, who belonged to a privileged class and did not understand the pulse of the people conducted themselves as if shaping the future of the country was a fun game they played. I feel that Hon Wickremesinghe grossly violated the very principles of good governance we pledged to uphold.

I am sure you remember that on the evening of January 09th, 2015, moments after taking oaths as President, I appointed Mr Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka although he had only 47 members in the Parliament. However, I am sure you know that Mr Wickremesinghe destroyed the concept and the noble expectations of good governance by his actions during the last few years. Corruption and fraud spread widely in the country. Thereby, he destroyed the pure and noble expectations of the 49 political parties, organisations, trade unions, and civil society groups including the UNP, who signed an agreement in support of the common candidate. I hope you remember a statement I made recently at a Senanayake commemoration event. The political visions of great leaders such as D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, J.R. Jayewardene, and Ranasinghe Premadasa made the UNP a mighty political party, enriched with indigenous thinking, our cultural heritage. They stood for the national identity and territorial integrity of the country. They were committed to protect everything what could be called 'ours'. It is my sincere hope that the present leadership of the UNP be blessed with the wisdom of those great leaders to embrace a vision with noble objectives that can take our country to the new world.

Once in the government, Mr Wickremesinghe arrogantly and stubbornly avoided collective decisions, and tended to take individual decisions. This behaviour led to many conflicts. Due to his lack of collective decision making through discussion, our country had to face harsh consequences when he used to take decisions with a group of his very close associates. I must state that, there was also a policy conflict between Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe and me, during the last three and half years. Apart from a policy differences, I noted that there were also differences of culture between Mr Wickremesinghe and me. I believe that all those differences in policy, culture, personality and conduct aggravated this political and economic crisis.

When many senior leaders were around, I have suggested to him to work together and work collectively. I suggested to him that we should take our decisions after proper discussion to achieve the goals of good governance. However, he ignored the aspirations of over six million and two hundred thousand people. I am very worried about that. I accepted the leadership of this country to ensure creative governance upholding the principles of good governance and that is free of corruption or fraud. I always tried to bring in past experiences to understand present challenges and build a better tomorrow that in terms of our noble expectations. I committed myself to them fully. However, I had to take a few steps back many times. As you have seen, I had to speak somewhat aggressively from time to time during the last three years. On such occasions, you may have blamed me, called me immature, or getting too aggressive. However, it is my conscience that best knows how much patience and tolerance I have practiced in the internal discussions and at Cabinet meetings.

I made all those sacrifices for the sake of the people of Sri Lanka. However, you know how those noble expectations of the people who espoused the concept of good governance were betrayed even before three months elapsed since we were elected. The robbery of the Central Bank dragged our country into a deep crisis. As you know, we had not heard about such a big fraud of public finances in the history of Sri Lanka. The Central Bank robbery was an abortion of the pledge of good governance we had given to the people to eliminate corruption and fraud. I remember that there came a lot of resistance and protests from people, opposition parties, political groups, civil society and responsible people in the society, when the Central Bank robbery was committed. That led to a lot of tensions within the government. At that time, Mr Wickremesinghe behaved very impatiently and restlessly. When I decided to visit the Central Bank and meet the staff of the Bank, I remember, he suddenly came to my residence and asked me "the Central Bank belongs to me, why do you want to go there?" At that moment, I told him, "It is true that it has been gazetted under your purview, but as the President of the country, I have the right to visit that place." And I told him that I was planning to go to the Bank in a while anyway. Mr. Wirckremesinghe left immediately. When I got there, Mr. Arjun Mahendran, who has been sent on leave pending investigation, came to welcome me with a bunch of beetle leaves. I was surprised to see how he had got there all of a sudden. I saw how disturbed, restless and panicking they were. This shameless robbery led to a serious economic crisis and a political crisis. Then, I appointed a commission to investigate into the Central Bank issue in response to people's demand. When the Commission was carrying on the investigations independently, leaders of the UNP started pointing fingers at me. They asked why I appointed this commission. They considered this move was a disgrace to the UNP. But I assured them that the appointment of the Commission was necessary to clear those who are not involved and to bring to book those who were culprits. As you know, this robbery has dragged our country into deep economic crisis, from which it is difficult come out.

I believe that the result of the Local Government elections that was held last February was a warning by the people to correct the course of this government. At that moment, I called the Mr Wickremesinghe and other leaders of UNP and explained "People have taught us a lesson about the way we have governed, and we must correct ourselves now". And I told Mr Wickremesinghe "You have acquired my powers to do what you did, and I silently gave you that power in gratitude as you took leadership to bring me to power." As a result of my gratefulness, which is a noble human quality, the country had to suffer very bad consequences. That was because I allowed him to conduct freely, sometime even acquiring my powers. I do not wish to go into a detailed account of the negative consequences of his tenure. I wish to explain those consequences to you from time to time. I would now like to explain the most proximate and powerful reason that made me appoint the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister and remove Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe from the post of Prime Minister.

My political life is now spans over 51 years. Recently, a person called Namal kumara came before the media and disclosed about a plot to assassinate me and Mr Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. I handed over the task of investigations to Criminal Investigations Department. However, Inspector General of Police did not assign the investigations to CID. Instead it was given to another division. Then I realized that there was an issue of trust about the investigations. Within 48 hours of the disclosure made to the media by the person called Namal Kumara and investigations could be commenced on the plot, Inspector General of Police made a statement stating that there was a doubt about the voices in the tape recording provided by that person. I would like to raise the question, with respect, is it suitable for a Police chief to behave in such a shameless manner and express doubts about the recording, without seeking any technical expert advice on the tape recording, when there was a revelation that a plot was hatched to assassinate the President of the country?

The reports provided by the CID and other investigating authorities including the Intelligence Bureau showed that this is a very serious matter. In this plot, there is a wide range of information which has not been disclosed to the public.

There is also an involvement of a Cabinet Minister in this plot to assassinate me. Furthermore, there have been tremendous pressure on investigations. There were instances of some responsible officers of the Attorney General’s Department evading the investigation duties. Under these political problems, economic troubles and the strong plot to assassinate me, the only alternative open to me was to invite former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and appoint him as prime Minister to form a new government. I extend an open invitation to all 225 honourable Members of parliament to join the new government. I do this with the pure intention of taking the country out of the present political crisis and economic problems. Now, the political crisis has been somewhat declined. I appeal to everybody to extend fullest cooperation to the new government formed by me with Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime minister to strengthen democratic governance, freedom of the people, human rights and fundamental rights and media freedom and take our Motherland towards prosperity and make a better and decent society.

While referring to past bitter experiences, I wish to reiterate here that Mr Ranil wickremesinghe must take the responsibility to bring Mr Arjuna Mahendran to Sri Lanka and produce him before courts. That is because, as everybody knows, Mr Arjuna Mahendran is a very close friend of Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe. Local industries of the country were weakened in the last few years and for them to recover, the blessings from the government alone are not enough.

In the last few years, the economic policy kept the trust merely on foreign investments and that weakened our local industries. On one side, the there were these weaknesses of the economic policy. At the same time, I ask you to examine what has happened to the amendments presented last week to the Commission I appointed to probe Bribery or corruption to bring to book those who are guilty of Central Bank Bond robbery. All those legal experts, Attorney-General’s Department, the members of the Commission on Bribery or Corruption and those who made investigations informed me earlier this year that it would take at least 15 years to punish the perpetrators of Central Bank Bond robbery under the existing laws in the country. Legal experts explained that more than 15 years will take to prosecute and punish the guilty and recover the money stolen by them. The Commission on Bribery or Corruption and Attorney-General’s Department recommended to make some amendments to the Commission Act, so that the guilty persons could be sentenced within one year and recover the huge amount of money they had stolen. Accordingly, we have drafted the amendments to the Act at the Presidential Secretariat and sent to the Parliament six months ago.

However, the amendment was not submitted for five months. It got buried in the Office of the Leader of House. I made serious inquiries into this. I asked the officials of the Commission on Bribery or Corruption. I asked the officers in the Attorney-General’s Department. Finally, the Amendment Bill to Act on Commission on Bribery or Corruption was presented to Parliament. I am sad to say that the Parliament postponed the approval of the Amendments Act indefinitely. Why was it deferred? For whose benefit? Due to pressure from whom? This will result in the country losing a large sum of money that belongs to the people.

It would take 15 to 20 years to mete out punishment to the guilty persons. That is why the Amendments Act was postponed indefinitely. You must have seen in media about the monetary deal of EAP company. That company was given to a foreigner. That deal was done fraudulently without calling for tenders. There will be a thorough investigation on this in near future. Many valuable assets were given to foreigners without tenders. Construction awards were also given without tenders. The emergency cabinet papers were presented to award such tenders and massive construction awards were given despite objections at the cabinet. One such example is the Kandy Highway project. Another is the Land Ordinance Special Act, which was presented to Cabinet last week. Then there was the paper on establishing a Land Bank. I lodged strong protests and postponed those cabinet papers. Majority of Cabinet Ministers were against these proposals.

If the last week’s Land Ordinance Special Act was passed by the Cabinet and then by the Parliament, all the lands of our Motherland could be bought outright by foreigners without any difficulty. All the agricultural settlements established by honourable leaders like D S Senanayake, Bandaranaike and Gamini Dissanayake will be destroyed. This bill presented under the political and economic vision of Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe to adversely affect the land rights of the country must be totally blocked by us.

I must also tell you that the committee set up by Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe to manage economy was totally fraudulent. The decisions taken by that committee were fraudulent. It was a major challenge to abolish it. As an alternative to that committee, I have established the National Economic Council. Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken everything possible to weaken that Commission. The monthly emoluments for the economic expert, who was appointed the head the Commission was paid by an international monetary institution respected by all of us. On Mr Wickremesinghe’s advise, that payment was stopped. Mr Wickremesinghe took steps to prevent the Commission from functioning. I clearly state that this crisis situation has emerged due to Mr Wickremesinghe’s stubborn decisions. 
Because of all these issues, the only alternative I was left with was to establish a new government with Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. Mr Ranil wickremesinghe and the UNP complain that the establishment of a new government and appointment of Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister was contradictory to the provisions of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. I categorically state that the appointments were made totally in accordance with the Constitution and the on advice of legal experts. No constitutional violation was done when appointments were made and removal was enacted. With all respect, I completely reject the charge that what was done was a violation of the Constitution.

I wish to thank the people of the country, public officials, Police, security forces, Army, Navy and Air Force and others for the support extended to me by strengthening law and order, strengthening democratic structure and facilitating the day-to-day needs of the people. While concluding the speech, I appeal to UNPers who made a broad commitment to make me President to jointly commit ourselves to achieve that beautiful vision for our Motherland. I am confident that if a leader with a vision, who values what is local, who understands the common man’s feelings, values the vision and policies of Senanayakes, Jayewardene and Premadasa becomes the leader of your UNP in the future, we will be able to achieve those noble objectives. Finally, I appeal to the Mahasangha, other religious leaders, politicians, all the publc servants, and all the citizens to give your blessings and support to the political decision I have taken on behalf of the country and the people to end the economic crisis and political turbulence and build a prosperous economy and a decent, spiritual, enlightened society.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday defending his sudden political move said the main elective he was left with to set up another government was to name Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday defending his sudden political move said the main elective he was left with to set up another government was to name Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. Addressing the nation, President categorically stated that the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister was totally in accordance with the Constitution and on the advice of legal experts. He totally rejected that charge that his action was a violation of the Constitution. Full text of the President Maithripala Sirisena's address to the nation: I have decided to address the nation today in the context of the recent political developments in the country, I thought it was essential to clarify the path we have to take in the future and to describe the reasons and the background, why the current political change was necessary. Today, we are at the dawn of another year. On January 08, 2015, it was with so many expectations what nearly six million and two hundred thousand (6.25 million) people of my country chose me as your first servant and the leader of this nation. I wish to pledge that I will always fulfil the expectations and honour the trust and faith you have placed on me, even at the cost of my life. Politicians like us who are committed to serve the people, should always look at what is right for the people and will usher prosperity to the nation, instead of one's political affiliations. I believe that you remember the circumstances under which I became the common candidate in 2014 and the dangers I had to face in consequence. It was a risk and a challenge that no politician in the history of the country wanted to accept. I faced this challenge despite the dangers to me and my family. I hope you will believe that the decision I took on 26th of October 2018, is a decision that is far more challenging and risky than the decision I took in November 21, 2014. I must state with respect, honour, and humility that I took both those decisions for the sake of the people and the country. However, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe's political conduct was unbecoming of civilized politics and belittled the victory achieved risking my life in 2015. I believe that Mr Wickremesinghe and his group of closest friends, who belonged to a privileged class and did not understand the pulse of the people conducted themselves as if shaping the future of the country was a fun game they played. I feel that Hon Wickremesinghe grossly violated the very principles of good governance we pledged to uphold. I am sure you remember that on the evening of January 09th, 2015, moments after taking oaths as President, I appointed Mr Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka although he had only 47 members in the Parliament. However, I am sure you know that Mr Wickremesinghe destroyed the concept and the noble expectations of good governance by his actions during the last few years. Corruption and fraud spread widely in the country. Thereby, he destroyed the pure and noble expectations of the 49 political parties, organisations, trade unions, and civil society groups including the UNP, who signed an agreement in support of the common candidate. I hope you remember a statement I made recently at a Senanayake commemoration event. The political visions of great leaders such as D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, J.R. Jayewardene, and Ranasinghe Premadasa made the UNP a mighty political party, enriched with indigenous thinking, our cultural heritage. They stood for the national identity and territorial integrity of the country. They were committed to protect everything what could be called 'ours'. It is my sincere hope that the present leadership of the UNP be blessed with the wisdom of those great leaders to embrace a vision with noble objectives that can take our country to the new world. Once in the government, Mr Wickremesinghe arrogantly and stubbornly avoided collective decisions, and tended to take individual decisions. This behaviour led to many conflicts. Due to his lack of collective decision making through discussion, our country had to face harsh consequences when he used to take decisions with a group of his very close associates. I must state that, there was also a policy conflict between Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe and me, during the last three and half years. Apart from a policy differences, I noted that there were also differences of culture between Mr Wickremesinghe and me. I believe that all those differences in policy, culture, personality and conduct aggravated this political and economic crisis. When many senior leaders were around, I have suggested to him to work together and work collectively. I suggested to him that we should take our decisions after proper discussion to achieve the goals of good governance. However, he ignored the aspirations of over six million and two hundred thousand people. I am very worried about that. I accepted the leadership of this country to ensure creative governance upholding the principles of good governance and that is free of corruption or fraud. I always tried to bring in past experiences to understand present challenges and build a better tomorrow that in terms of our noble expectations. I committed myself to them fully. However, I had to take a few steps back many times. As you have seen, I had to speak somewhat aggressively from time to time during the last three years. On such occasions, you may have blamed me, called me immature, or getting too aggressive. However, it is my conscience that best knows how much patience and tolerance I have practiced in the internal discussions and at Cabinet meetings. I made all those sacrifices for the sake of the people of Sri Lanka. However, you know how those noble expectations of the people who espoused the concept of good governance were betrayed even before three months elapsed since we were elected. The robbery of the Central Bank dragged our country into a deep crisis. As you know, we had not heard about such a big fraud of public finances in the history of Sri Lanka. The Central Bank robbery was an abortion of the pledge of good governance we had given to the people to eliminate corruption and fraud. I remember that there came a lot of resistance and protests from people, opposition parties, political groups, civil society and responsible people in the society, when the Central Bank robbery was committed. That led to a lot of tensions within the government. At that time, Mr Wickremesinghe behaved very impatiently and restlessly. When I decided to visit the Central Bank and meet the staff of the Bank, I remember, he suddenly came to my residence and asked me "the Central Bank belongs to me, why do you want to go there?" At that moment, I told him, "It is true that it has been gazetted under your purview, but as the President of the country, I have the right to visit that place." And I told him that I was planning to go to the Bank in a while anyway. Mr. Wirckremesinghe left immediately. When I got there, Mr. Arjun Mahendran, who has been sent on leave pending investigation, came to welcome me with a bunch of beetle leaves. I was surprised to see how he had got there all of a sudden. I saw how disturbed, restless and panicking they were. This shameless robbery led to a serious economic crisis and a political crisis. Then, I appointed a commission to investigate into the Central Bank issue in response to people's demand. When the Commission was carrying on the investigations independently, leaders of the UNP started pointing fingers at me. They asked why I appointed this commission. They considered this move was a disgrace to the UNP. But I assured them that the appointment of the Commission was necessary to clear those who are not involved and to bring to book those who were culprits. As you know, this robbery has dragged our country into deep economic crisis, from which it is difficult come out. I believe that the result of the Local Government elections that was held last February was a warning by the people to correct the course of this government. At that moment, I called the Mr Wickremesinghe and other leaders of UNP and explained "People have taught us a lesson about the way we have governed, and we must correct ourselves now". And I told Mr Wickremesinghe "You have acquired my powers to do what you did, and I silently gave you that power in gratitude as you took leadership to bring me to power." As a result of my gratefulness, which is a noble human quality, the country had to suffer very bad consequences. That was because I allowed him to conduct freely, sometime even acquiring my powers. I do not wish to go into a detailed account of the negative consequences of his tenure. I wish to explain those consequences to you from time to time. I would now like to explain the most proximate and powerful reason that made me appoint the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister and remove Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe from the post of Prime Minister. My political life is now spans over 51 years. Recently, a person called Namal kumara came before the media and disclosed about a plot to assassinate me and Mr Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. I handed over the task of investigations to Criminal Investigations Department. However, Inspector General of Police did not assign the investigations to CID. Instead it was given to another division. Then I realized that there was an issue of trust about the investigations. Within 48 hours of the disclosure made to the media by the person called Namal Kumara and investigations could be commenced on the plot, Inspector General of Police made a statement stating that there was a doubt about the voices in the tape recording provided by that person. I would like to raise the question, with respect, is it suitable for a Police chief to behave in such a shameless manner and express doubts about the recording, without seeking any technical expert advice on the tape recording, when there was a revelation that a plot was hatched to assassinate the President of the country? The reports provided by the CID and other investigating authorities including the Intelligence Bureau showed that this is a very serious matter. In this plot, there is a wide range of information which has not been disclosed to the public. There is also an involvement of a Cabinet Minister in this plot to assassinate me. Furthermore, there have been tremendous pressure on investigations. There were instances of some responsible officers of the Attorney General’s Department evading the investigation duties. Under these political problems, economic troubles and the strong plot to assassinate me, the only alternative open to me was to invite former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and appoint him as prime Minister to form a new government. I extend an open invitation to all 225 honourable Members of parliament to join the new government. I do this with the pure intention of taking the country out of the present political crisis and economic problems. Now, the political crisis has been somewhat declined. I appeal to everybody to extend fullest cooperation to the new government formed by me with Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime minister to strengthen democratic governance, freedom of the people, human rights and fundamental rights and media freedom and take our Motherland towards prosperity and make a better and decent society. While referring to past bitter experiences, I wish to reiterate here that Mr Ranil wickremesinghe must take the responsibility to bring Mr Arjuna Mahendran to Sri Lanka and produce him before courts. That is because, as everybody knows, Mr Arjuna Mahendran is a very close friend of Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe. Local industries of the country were weakened in the last few years and for them to recover, the blessings from the government alone are not enough. In the last few years, the economic policy kept the trust merely on foreign investments and that weakened our local industries. On one side, the there were these weaknesses of the economic policy. At the same time, I ask you to examine what has happened to the amendments presented last week to the Commission I appointed to probe Bribery or corruption to bring to book those who are guilty of Central Bank Bond robbery. All those legal experts, Attorney-General’s Department, the members of the Commission on Bribery or Corruption and those who made investigations informed me earlier this year that it would take at least 15 years to punish the perpetrators of Central Bank Bond robbery under the existing laws in the country. Legal experts explained that more than 15 years will take to prosecute and punish the guilty and recover the money stolen by them. The Commission on Bribery or Corruption and Attorney-General’s Department recommended to make some amendments to the Commission Act, so that the guilty persons could be sentenced within one year and recover the huge amount of money they had stolen. Accordingly, we have drafted the amendments to the Act at the Presidential Secretariat and sent to the Parliament six months ago. However, the amendment was not submitted for five months. It got buried in the Office of the Leader of House. I made serious inquiries into this. I asked the officials of the Commission on Bribery or Corruption. I asked the officers in the Attorney-General’s Department. Finally, the Amendment Bill to Act on Commission on Bribery or Corruption was presented to Parliament. I am sad to say that the Parliament postponed the approval of the Amendments Act indefinitely. Why was it deferred? For whose benefit? Due to pressure from whom? This will result in the country losing a large sum of money that belongs to the people. It would take 15 to 20 years to mete out punishment to the guilty persons. That is why the Amendments Act was postponed indefinitely. You must have seen in media about the monetary deal of EAP company. That company was given to a foreigner. That deal was done fraudulently without calling for tenders. There will be a thorough investigation on this in near future. Many valuable assets were given to foreigners without tenders. Construction awards were also given without tenders. The emergency cabinet papers were presented to award such tenders and massive construction awards were given despite objections at the cabinet. One such example is the Kandy Highway project. Another is the Land Ordinance Special Act, which was presented to Cabinet last week. Then there was the paper on establishing a Land Bank. I lodged strong protests and postponed those cabinet papers. Majority of Cabinet Ministers were against these proposals. If the last week’s Land Ordinance Special Act was passed by the Cabinet and then by the Parliament, all the lands of our Motherland could be bought outright by foreigners without any difficulty. All the agricultural settlements established by honourable leaders like D S Senanayake, Bandaranaike and Gamini Dissanayake will be destroyed. This bill presented under the political and economic vision of Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe to adversely affect the land rights of the country must be totally blocked by us. I must also tell you that the committee set up by Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe to manage economy was totally fraudulent. The decisions taken by that committee were fraudulent. It was a major challenge to abolish it. As an alternative to that committee, I have established the National Economic Council. Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken everything possible to weaken that Commission. The monthly emoluments for the economic expert, who was appointed the head the Commission was paid by an international monetary institution respected by all of us. On Mr Wickremesinghe’s advise, that payment was stopped. Mr Wickremesinghe took steps to prevent the Commission from functioning. I clearly state that this crisis situation has emerged due to Mr Wickremesinghe’s stubborn decisions. Because of all these issues, the only alternative I was left with was to establish a new government with Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. Mr Ranil wickremesinghe and the UNP complain that the establishment of a new government and appointment of Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister was contradictory to the provisions of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. I categorically state that the appointments were made totally in accordance with the Constitution and the on advice of legal experts. No constitutional violation was done when appointments were made and removal was enacted. With all respect, I completely reject the charge that what was done was a violation of the Constitution. I wish to thank the people of the country, public officials, Police, security forces, Army, Navy and Air Force and others for the support extended to me by strengthening law and order, strengthening democratic structure and facilitating the day-to-day needs of the people. While concluding the speech, I appeal to UNPers who made a broad commitment to make me President to jointly commit ourselves to achieve that beautiful vision for our Motherland. I am confident that if a leader with a vision, who values what is local, who understands the common man’s feelings, values the vision and policies of Senanayakes, Jayewardene and Premadasa becomes the leader of your UNP in the future, we will be able to achieve those noble objectives. Finally, I appeal to the Mahasangha, other religious leaders, politicians, all the publc servants, and all the citizens to give your blessings and support to the political decision I have taken on behalf of the country and the people to end the economic crisis and political turbulence and build a prosperous economy and a decent, spiritual, enlightened society.

Mahinda Rajapaksa as PM totally in accordance with constitution: Sri Lanka President

At least five Indian fishermen belonging to Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy from Neduntheevu in northern Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

The navy authorities also recovered a mechanised boat from the fishermen.

Straying of Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen into each other's waters is a recurrent problem as territories on the sea are not clearly demarcated.

According to media reports, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami last week wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to secure the release of eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu lodged in Sri Lankan prisons.

At least five Indian fishermen belonging to Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy from Neduntheevu in northern Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

At least five Indian fishermen belonging to Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy from Neduntheevu in northern Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The navy authorities also recovered a mechanised boat from the fishermen. Straying of Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen into each other's waters is a recurrent problem as territories on the sea are not clearly demarcated. According to media reports, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami last week wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to secure the release of eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu lodged in Sri Lankan prisons.

5 Indian fishermen apprehended by Sri Lankan Navy

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