Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has pardoned 16 men linked to the Tamil Tiger rebel group. A total of 94 prisoners were granted the special presidential pardon on the occasion of the Buddhist festival Poson Poya.

Sri Lanka: Prez Rajapaksa pardons 16 men linked to Tamil Tigers rebel group

A Sri Lanka court Wednesday freed on bail the country's top detective after 10 months behind bars, in a case that attracted international condemnation of Colombo's human rights record.

The Court of Appeal asked a lower court to free Shani Abeysekara and another detective who had been accused of falsifying evidence in a trial that led to the conviction of a senior policeman for murder.

"They were ordered to be released on personal bail of one million rupees ($5,000) each," a court official said.

Abeysekara was the head of the Criminal Investigation Department which was investigating high-profile corruption cases and murders involving members of the powerful Rajapaksa family and their associates.

Soon after Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidency in November 2019, Abeysekara was dismissed and was arrested on what rights activists say were false allegations.

The European Parliament last week singled out Abeysekara's incarceration as an example of Sri Lanka's persecution of individuals who were seen as a threat to the administration.

The EU parliament asked Sri Lanka to either charge Abeysekara or release him unconditionally along with two others -- human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah and poet Ahnaf Jazeem.

Their names have also figured in a United Nations Human Rights Council censure earlier this year of the South Asian nation's worsening human rights record.

The powerful Rajapaksa clan has held sway over the island nation's politics since 2005, as well as having a major influence in key state institutions.

A constitutional amendment has given Rajapaksa more powers over the judiciary as well as the public service.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet last year called for "renewed attention" to increasing intimidation of journalists, lawyers and rights activists.

A Sri Lanka court Wednesday freed on bail the country's top detective after 10 months behind bars, in a case that attracted international condemnation of Colombo's human rights record.

A Sri Lanka court Wednesday freed on bail the country's top detective after 10 months behind bars, in a case that attracted international condemnation of Colombo's human rights record. The Court of Appeal asked a lower court to free Shani Abeysekara and another detective who had been accused of falsifying evidence in a trial that led to the conviction of a senior policeman for murder. "They were ordered to be released on personal bail of one million rupees ($5,000) each," a court official said. Abeysekara was the head of the Criminal Investigation Department which was investigating high-profile corruption cases and murders involving members of the powerful Rajapaksa family and their associates. Soon after Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidency in November 2019, Abeysekara was dismissed and was arrested on what rights activists say were false allegations. The European Parliament last week singled out Abeysekara's incarceration as an example of Sri Lanka's persecution of individuals who were seen as a threat to the administration. The EU parliament asked Sri Lanka to either charge Abeysekara or release him unconditionally along with two others -- human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah and poet Ahnaf Jazeem. Their names have also figured in a United Nations Human Rights Council censure earlier this year of the South Asian nation's worsening human rights record. The powerful Rajapaksa clan has held sway over the island nation's politics since 2005, as well as having a major influence in key state institutions. A constitutional amendment has given Rajapaksa more powers over the judiciary as well as the public service. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet last year called for "renewed attention" to increasing intimidation of journalists, lawyers and rights activists.

Sri Lanka court frees top detective probing Rajapaksas

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's police arrested a top&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;legislator Saturday in connection with the 2019&nbsp;Easter&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;that killed 279 people, as pressure mounted to speed up the investigation.

Detectives took Rishad Bathiudeen,&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of the All Ceylon Makkal Party (ACMP) and a former minister, into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), police spokesman Ajith Rohana said.

Bathiudeen and his brother Riyaaj were arrested in pre-dawn raids on their homes in Colombo. "They were arrested under the PTA based on circumstantial and scientific evidence that they had connections with the suicide bombers who carried out the&nbsp;attacks," Rohana said in a statement.

A lawyer representing the brothers said a presidential inquiry had found no evidence linking them to the bombers and the&nbsp;arrests&nbsp;were a political vendetta.&nbsp;"The&nbsp;arrests&nbsp;are politically motivated," lawyer Rushdhie Habeeb said in a statement, which highlighted how the ACMP had opposed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019 elections.

The&nbsp;arrests&nbsp;came three days after the head of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, accused the government of allowing investigations to stall.&nbsp;Nearly 200 people were arrested within days of the suicide&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;on hotels and churches by local Islamist extremists, but no one has been charged.

Ranjith, who led commemorations on the second anniversary of the&nbsp;Easter&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;on Wednesday, said he was "deeply saddened" by the lack of progress in the investigation.&nbsp;He renewed his call for swift action against the perpetrators and said "political posturing and the need to safeguard alliances" was hindering the probe.

Bathiudeen's party is a member of an opposition coalition, but three of his legislators defected to the government in October to amend the constitution and give Rajapaksa wider powers&nbsp;over&nbsp;the judiciary and legislature.

&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's police arrested a top Muslim legislator Saturday in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks that killed 279 people, as pressure mounted to speed up the investigation.

Sri Lanka's police arrested a top Muslim legislator Saturday in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks that killed 279 people, as pressure mounted to speed up the investigation. Detectives took Rishad Bathiudeen, leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Party (ACMP) and a former minister, into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), police spokesman Ajith Rohana said. Bathiudeen and his brother Riyaaj were arrested in pre-dawn raids on their homes in Colombo. "They were arrested under the PTA based on circumstantial and scientific evidence that they had connections with the suicide bombers who carried out the attacks," Rohana said in a statement. A lawyer representing the brothers said a presidential inquiry had found no evidence linking them to the bombers and the arrests were a political vendetta. "The arrests are politically motivated," lawyer Rushdhie Habeeb said in a statement, which highlighted how the ACMP had opposed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019 elections. The arrests came three days after the head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, accused the government of allowing investigations to stall. Nearly 200 people were arrested within days of the suicide attacks on hotels and churches by local Islamist extremists, but no one has been charged. Ranjith, who led commemorations on the second anniversary of the Easter attacks on Wednesday, said he was "deeply saddened" by the lack of progress in the investigation. He renewed his call for swift action against the perpetrators and said "political posturing and the need to safeguard alliances" was hindering the probe. Bathiudeen's party is a member of an opposition coalition, but three of his legislators defected to the government in October to amend the constitution and give Rajapaksa wider powers over the judiciary and legislature.

Sri Lanka arrests Muslim leader over Easter attacks

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday said the recent UNHRC resolution against his country was the doing of local and foreign forces, which do not want Sri Lanka to progress, however, he vowed that his government would not succumb to such pressures.&nbsp;

On last Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's rights record, giving the UN body a mandate to collect evidence of crimes committed during the country's brutal three-decade-long civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).&nbsp;

Speaking at a gathering in the southern rural district of Matara on Sunday, Rajapaksa said, "We will never succumb to (such) pressures (UNHRC resolution); we are a free nation. We will not be a victim of big power rivalry in the Indian Ocean."&nbsp;

The president said the UNHRC resolution was the doing of 'foreign and local forces', which cannot bare to see his government making progress.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa accused the previous government led by Maithripala Sirisena of betraying Sri Lanka's sovereignty by co-sponsoring the UN rights resolution in 2015.&nbsp;

The resolution titled 'Promotion of Reconciliation Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka' was passed despite heavy lobbying by Sri Lanka. India was among 14 countries, which abstained from voting.&nbsp;

India has said its stand on the matter is governed by two considerations: support to the minority Tamils and stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The resolution calls upon the Sri Lankan government to ensure prompt thorough and impartial investigation, if warranted, prosecution of all alleged crimes relating to human rights violations and serious violations of international human rights law during the country's three-decade-long civil war. The Tamil minority has welcomed the resolution.&nbsp;

According to the Lankan government figures, over 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the three-decade brutal war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east, which claimed at least 100,000 lives.&nbsp;

The Tamils alleged that thousands were massacred during the final stages of the war that ended in 2009 when the government forces killed LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Army denies the charge, claiming it as a humanitarian operation to rid the Tamils of LTTE's control.&nbsp;

At the end of the civil war, the United Nations accused both sides of atrocities, especially during the conflict's final stages.&nbsp;

International rights groups claim at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed in the final stages of the war, but the Sri Lankan government has disputed the figures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday said the recent UNHRC resolution against his country was the doing of local and foreign forces, which do not want Sri Lanka to progress, however, he vowed that his government would not succumb to such pressures.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday said the recent UNHRC resolution against his country was the doing of local and foreign forces, which do not want Sri Lanka to progress, however, he vowed that his government would not succumb to such pressures. On last Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's rights record, giving the UN body a mandate to collect evidence of crimes committed during the country's brutal three-decade-long civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Speaking at a gathering in the southern rural district of Matara on Sunday, Rajapaksa said, "We will never succumb to (such) pressures (UNHRC resolution); we are a free nation. We will not be a victim of big power rivalry in the Indian Ocean." The president said the UNHRC resolution was the doing of 'foreign and local forces', which cannot bare to see his government making progress. Rajapaksa accused the previous government led by Maithripala Sirisena of betraying Sri Lanka's sovereignty by co-sponsoring the UN rights resolution in 2015. The resolution titled 'Promotion of Reconciliation Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka' was passed despite heavy lobbying by Sri Lanka. India was among 14 countries, which abstained from voting. India has said its stand on the matter is governed by two considerations: support to the minority Tamils and stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. The resolution calls upon the Sri Lankan government to ensure prompt thorough and impartial investigation, if warranted, prosecution of all alleged crimes relating to human rights violations and serious violations of international human rights law during the country's three-decade-long civil war. The Tamil minority has welcomed the resolution. According to the Lankan government figures, over 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the three-decade brutal war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east, which claimed at least 100,000 lives. The Tamils alleged that thousands were massacred during the final stages of the war that ended in 2009 when the government forces killed LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran. The Sri Lankan Army denies the charge, claiming it as a humanitarian operation to rid the Tamils of LTTE's control. At the end of the civil war, the United Nations accused both sides of atrocities, especially during the conflict's final stages. International rights groups claim at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed in the final stages of the war, but the Sri Lankan government has disputed the figures. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka will not succumb to UNHRC pressure, says president 

Srilanka is facing the heat at the united nations human rights council over human rights violations during the civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). And ahead of that crucial vote at UNHRC, the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking India support the telephonic conversation took place at the request of Sri Lanka which included discussion on the COVID-19 crisis and UNHRC.

Sri Lanka seeks India's support ahead of UNHRC vote

The protectionist trade policy of President Gotabaya appears to be recoiling. The ban on non-essential consumer goods has resulted in sky-high prices and poor quality. So why is the government sticking to this policy? Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary: Lankan consumers reel under import ban

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Wednesday in Colombo in which the talks were focused on trade, tourism and agriculture.&nbsp;

"Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI &nbsp;this morning. The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism &amp; adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on," Rajapaksa in a tweet wrote.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had a productive discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> this morning. 
The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism &amp; adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://t.co/j6iUMRcf4f">pic.twitter.com/j6iUMRcf4f</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1364480021683789825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Imran on Tuesday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa in which he said he was looking forward to improving trade relations with Sri Lanka through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Watch |&nbsp;

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He earlier described his visit to the island nation as aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

In an address post his meeting with the Sri Lankan PM, Imran said CPEC means connectivity right up to Central Asia.&nbsp;

Imran said he and his Sri Lankan counterpart "discussed other areas where we can enhance our trading ties where Sri Lanka can benefit from Pakistan's connectivity in the future, right up to central Asia."&nbsp;

"And our trading ties will also mean that the two countries will get together," the Pakistani PM said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Imran will participate in a joint 'Trade and Investment Conference' that aims to promote trade and investment between the two countries.&nbsp;

A number of agreements to boost bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the Pakistani PM's visit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Wednesday in Colombo in which the talks were focused on trade, tourism and agriculture. "Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI this morning.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Wednesday in Colombo in which the talks were focused on trade, tourism and agriculture. "Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI this morning. The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism & adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on," Rajapaksa in a tweet wrote. Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI this morning. The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism & adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on#SriLanka #Pakistan #lka pic.twitter.com/j6iUMRcf4f — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) February 24, 2021 × Imran on Tuesday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa in which he said he was looking forward to improving trade relations with Sri Lanka through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Watch | He earlier described his visit to the island nation as aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties. In an address post his meeting with the Sri Lankan PM, Imran said CPEC means connectivity right up to Central Asia. Imran said he and his Sri Lankan counterpart "discussed other areas where we can enhance our trading ties where Sri Lanka can benefit from Pakistan's connectivity in the future, right up to central Asia." "And our trading ties will also mean that the two countries will get together," the Pakistani PM said. On Wednesday, Imran will participate in a joint 'Trade and Investment Conference' that aims to promote trade and investment between the two countries. A number of agreements to boost bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the Pakistani PM's visit.

Sri Lankan President meets Pakistan's Imran Khan

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka from 5th to 7th January. This will be EAM's first visit this year amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The visit is arranged through the air-bubble due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in both countries.

During the visit, EAM will call on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-okays-emergency-use-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-354050">Indian government okays emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine</a>

A Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry statement said, "While this official visit marks the first arrival of a high-level foreign dignitary in Sri Lanka in 2021, it becomes also the first foreign visit for External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar in the New Year."

One of the key focuses during the visit will the Covid-19 vaccine. India has assured that it will be providing the Covid-19 vaccine to its neighbours on priority. Over the weekend India's drug regulator gave approval to vaccines: Covishield and Covaxin for use.

The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said that the visit "signifies the priority both countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest."

EAM has been to UAE, Bahrain, Seychelles, Qatar, Iran, Russia and Japan in the latter half of 2020 as the pandemic impacted the world.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka from 5th to 7th January. This will be EAM's first visit this year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka from 5th to 7th January. This will be EAM's first visit this year amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The visit is arranged through the air-bubble due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in both countries. During the visit, EAM will call on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Also read | Indian government okays emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine A Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry statement said, "While this official visit marks the first arrival of a high-level foreign dignitary in Sri Lanka in 2021, it becomes also the first foreign visit for External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar in the New Year." One of the key focuses during the visit will the Covid-19 vaccine. India has assured that it will be providing the Covid-19 vaccine to its neighbours on priority. Over the weekend India's drug regulator gave approval to vaccines: Covishield and Covaxin for use. The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said that the visit "signifies the priority both countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest." EAM has been to UAE, Bahrain, Seychelles, Qatar, Iran, Russia and Japan in the latter half of 2020 as the pandemic impacted the world.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit Sri Lanka in the first visit of 2021

"Lack of partner country engagement" were the words used by the US embassy in Sri Lanka for withdrawing USD 480 million grant to the country on Thursday.

The decision was formally announced now but the fate of the aid was decided about seven months ago&nbsp;

In June, the US embassy said that Sri Lanka has not spent even a single penny from the grant with preparatory activities either being cancelled or postponed.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-politics-rajapaksa-denies-minorities-in-sri-lanka-basic-dignity-in-death-350016">Coronavirus politics: Rajapaksa denies minorities in Sri Lanka basic dignity in death</a>

A review committee report said that American aid poses a risk to Sri Lanka's sovereignty and national security.&nbsp;

The opposition raised doubts over this assessment but failed to make an impact.&nbsp;

As the US is out of the picture now, the ground is clear for China to make inroads in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The Rajapaksa administration has given green light to several Chinese projects, including building a 13 billion dollar port city on Sri Lanka's seafront.&nbsp;

It will be built on 660 acres of land near Colombo City Centre.&nbsp;

Also, a 300 million tyre plan for Shandong Haohua Tire is coming up in Sri Lanka's Hambantota with several large projects backed by Chinese in the pipeline.&nbsp;

Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka has already hinted that they are ready to invest in "many projects" in the country.

During the diplomat's meeting with the Lankan speaker, he also hoped of building another tyre factory worth 600 million dollars in Matugama.&nbsp;

All this suggests that the Rajapaksas are betting on China to take the island nation forward amid an economic crisis.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's debt crisis is far from over and the nation owed 50.8 billion dollars by June this year with China accounting 10 per cent of this debt.&nbsp;

In the next three years, Colombo has to pay four billion dollars annually on average as foreign debt payments.&nbsp;

In 2017, Sri Lanka leased the Hambantota Port to China for 99 years after failing to keep up its payments.&nbsp;

Despite this loss, the island nation has not lost appetite for Chinese debt as last year 43 per cent of its loans on major projects came from China. &nbsp;

And by giving green signal to more infrastructure projects, the Rajapaksas are pushing Sri Lanka further into Beijing's trap.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

"Lack of partner country engagement" were the words used by the US embassy in Sri Lanka for withdrawing USD 480 million grant to the country on Thursday. The decision was formally announced now but the fate of the aid was decided about seven months ago In June, the US embassy said that Sri Lanka has not spent even a single penny from the grant with preparatory activities either being cancelled or postponed.

"Lack of partner country engagement" were the words used by the US embassy in Sri Lanka for withdrawing USD 480 million grant to the country on Thursday. The decision was formally announced now but the fate of the aid was decided about seven months ago In June, the US embassy said that Sri Lanka has not spent even a single penny from the grant with preparatory activities either being cancelled or postponed. Also read | Coronavirus politics: Rajapaksa denies minorities in Sri Lanka basic dignity in death A review committee report said that American aid poses a risk to Sri Lanka's sovereignty and national security. The opposition raised doubts over this assessment but failed to make an impact. As the US is out of the picture now, the ground is clear for China to make inroads in Sri Lanka. The Rajapaksa administration has given green light to several Chinese projects, including building a 13 billion dollar port city on Sri Lanka's seafront. It will be built on 660 acres of land near Colombo City Centre. Also, a 300 million tyre plan for Shandong Haohua Tire is coming up in Sri Lanka's Hambantota with several large projects backed by Chinese in the pipeline. Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka has already hinted that they are ready to invest in "many projects" in the country. During the diplomat's meeting with the Lankan speaker, he also hoped of building another tyre factory worth 600 million dollars in Matugama. All this suggests that the Rajapaksas are betting on China to take the island nation forward amid an economic crisis. Sri Lanka's debt crisis is far from over and the nation owed 50.8 billion dollars by June this year with China accounting 10 per cent of this debt. In the next three years, Colombo has to pay four billion dollars annually on average as foreign debt payments. In 2017, Sri Lanka leased the Hambantota Port to China for 99 years after failing to keep up its payments. Despite this loss, the island nation has not lost appetite for Chinese debt as last year 43 per cent of its loans on major projects came from China. And by giving green signal to more infrastructure projects, the Rajapaksas are pushing Sri Lanka further into Beijing's trap.

As US withdraws aid, Chinese mission to push Sri Lanka further into debt succeeds

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Wednesday he had delivered on a key election promise to rebuild the island nation's intelligence network in the year since assuming office.

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence chief won the presidency after promising to end the spread of Islamist extremism in the country following deadly bombings in April 2019 that killed more than 250 people.

"After I came into power, I appointed suitable officials in charge of the security apparatus of the country and gave them the required authority to carry out their responsibilities without any compromise," Gotabaya said in a televised address to the nation, which marked a year in office.

"The intelligence services that had collapsed in the past were restructured and revitalised."

Gotabaya, as he is popularly known, is the younger brother of current Prime Minister and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the two led the country to victory against separatist Tamil rebels a decade ago after a 26-year civil war.

But Gotabaya - immensely popular among Sri Lanka's Sinhala Buddhist majority - has also been accused of war crimes, allegations he has denied.

Human rights groups have expressed fears of a surge in Buddhist nationalism and violation of fundamental rights under his administration.

On Wednesday, Gotabaya sought to allay such concerns by saying his administration would protect all citizens' rights irrespective of race or religion.

His changes to the constitution, however - which give him more power - have heightened fears among the Tamil minority, analysts say.

Sri Lanka's constitution still has "a few controversial aspects", Gotabaya said in his speech.

"We have already appointed a committee to seek public opinion to draft a new constitution," he said.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Wednesday he had delivered on a key election promise to rebuild the island nation's intelligence network in the year since assuming office.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Wednesday he had delivered on a key election promise to rebuild the island nation's intelligence network in the year since assuming office. Sri Lanka's former wartime defence chief won the presidency after promising to end the spread of Islamist extremism in the country following deadly bombings in April 2019 that killed more than 250 people. "After I came into power, I appointed suitable officials in charge of the security apparatus of the country and gave them the required authority to carry out their responsibilities without any compromise," Gotabaya said in a televised address to the nation, which marked a year in office. "The intelligence services that had collapsed in the past were restructured and revitalised." Gotabaya, as he is popularly known, is the younger brother of current Prime Minister and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the two led the country to victory against separatist Tamil rebels a decade ago after a 26-year civil war. But Gotabaya - immensely popular among Sri Lanka's Sinhala Buddhist majority - has also been accused of war crimes, allegations he has denied. Human rights groups have expressed fears of a surge in Buddhist nationalism and violation of fundamental rights under his administration. On Wednesday, Gotabaya sought to allay such concerns by saying his administration would protect all citizens' rights irrespective of race or religion. His changes to the constitution, however - which give him more power - have heightened fears among the Tamil minority, analysts say. Sri Lanka's constitution still has "a few controversial aspects", Gotabaya said in his speech. "We have already appointed a committee to seek public opinion to draft a new constitution," he said.

Sri Lanka's Gotabaya says has reassembled nation's intelligence network

A report coming in from Sri Lanka claims that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa did not want to meet United States state secretary Mike Pompeo during his recent visit to the island nation. During his brief visit to Colombo Pompeo had bilateral talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka & foreign minister.

Report: Sri Lanka PM didn't want to meet Pompeo

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa succeeded in a bid to restore sweeping executive powers to his office after his government won a super majority vote to amend the constitution. watch report.

Rajapaksa gets sweeping powers: Rajapaksa can now appoint the judges

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has largely cleared the 20th Amendment of the constitution that aimed at enhancing the Sri Lankan President’s powers.&nbsp; 
 
But it has raised a red flag over four clauses that would require approval by the people at a referendum.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The Supreme Court’s orders came after opposition parties and civil society appealed. They filed 39 petitions in all to challenge the new amendment. 
 
The controversial 20th Amendment to the Constitution is being considered as contentious by these petitioners because:&nbsp;

1: It would give President Rajapaksa unbridled powers. 
 
2: The president will be able to dissolve the parliament after one year.&nbsp;

3: He will have a say in the appointment of judges and other top officials. 
 
4: The auditor general will not be able to inspect the offices of president and prime minister and others and people with dual citizenship will be allowed to become members of parliament. 
 
So, the prime minister's office and the cabinet will be weakened. The president will be able to change ministers at will. In the case of the Rajapaksas, this may not matter because one brother is the president, the other is the prime minister. 
 
The opposition is up in arms against these proposals. They believe that with these changes the legislature will be reduced to a rubber-stamp parliament. They also have strong objections to allowing those who have dual citizenship to enter the parliament. 
 
The opposition claims that this provision will be used by president Rajapaksa to get his brother basil into the legislature. Basil Rajapaksa is the younger border of Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He has both American and Sri Lankan citizenship.&nbsp; 
 
Now, the proposals of the Rajapaksas has received opposition from the most unlikely of quarters. 
A section of powerful Buddhist clergy is against the constitutional changes. 
 
Two chapters of monks say the 20th amendment would "deal a death blow" to democracy in Sri Lanka. 
 
They believe the new system will not have a balance of power between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 
&nbsp; 
Since 1978, Sri Lanka has been ruled by powerful executive presidents. That changed in 2015 when an amendment strengthened the parliament and the prime minister. 
&nbsp; 
Independent commissions were put in charge of judiciary appointments, the police, public services and the conduct of elections. 
&nbsp; 
But the Rajapaksas want to change that and take Sri Lanka back to the past.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has largely cleared the 20th Amendment of the constitution that aimed at enhancing the Sri Lankan President’s powers. But it has raised a red flag over four clauses that would require approval by the people at a referendum.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has largely cleared the 20th Amendment of the constitution that aimed at enhancing the Sri Lankan President’s powers. But it has raised a red flag over four clauses that would require approval by the people at a referendum. Watch | The Supreme Court’s orders came after opposition parties and civil society appealed. They filed 39 petitions in all to challenge the new amendment. The controversial 20th Amendment to the Constitution is being considered as contentious by these petitioners because: 1: It would give President Rajapaksa unbridled powers. 2: The president will be able to dissolve the parliament after one year. 3: He will have a say in the appointment of judges and other top officials. 4: The auditor general will not be able to inspect the offices of president and prime minister and others and people with dual citizenship will be allowed to become members of parliament. So, the prime minister's office and the cabinet will be weakened. The president will be able to change ministers at will. In the case of the Rajapaksas, this may not matter because one brother is the president, the other is the prime minister. The opposition is up in arms against these proposals. They believe that with these changes the legislature will be reduced to a rubber-stamp parliament. They also have strong objections to allowing those who have dual citizenship to enter the parliament. The opposition claims that this provision will be used by president Rajapaksa to get his brother basil into the legislature. Basil Rajapaksa is the younger border of Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He has both American and Sri Lankan citizenship. Now, the proposals of the Rajapaksas has received opposition from the most unlikely of quarters. A section of powerful Buddhist clergy is against the constitutional changes. Two chapters of monks say the 20th amendment would "deal a death blow" to democracy in Sri Lanka. They believe the new system will not have a balance of power between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Since 1978, Sri Lanka has been ruled by powerful executive presidents. That changed in 2015 when an amendment strengthened the parliament and the prime minister. Independent commissions were put in charge of judiciary appointments, the police, public services and the conduct of elections. But the Rajapaksas want to change that and take Sri Lanka back to the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Certain clauses in the proposed 20th Amendment need a public referendum: Sri Lanka Supreme Court

Even after winning a two-thirds majority in Parliament, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is unable to push a bill that will give him more powers. Supreme Court has red-flagged 4 clauses, saying they need to be approved by the people. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Bill to give more powers to Sri Lankan President hits legal roadblocks

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Tuesday said four sections of a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to consolidate all power in the hands of the president will require a public referendum for them top become a law. The court said that these four sections undermined the sovereignty of the people.

These section of the proposed amendment seek to relieve the president from being responsible to the parliament, give him immunity against lawsuits. These sections also seek to give power to the president to dissolve the parliament after one year in the office.

Sri Lankan Supreme Court said that if appropriate changes were not made, a referendum would be necessary.

20th amendment in Sri Lankan constitution has been a much-debated issue in Sri Lanks and beyond. There are fears in some quarters the too much centralisation of power in the hands of the president would make prime ministerial office and the parliament ceremonial institutions.

A per current laws, Sri Lankan president can be challenged in court. He cannot dissolve the parliament until last 6 months before his five-year term ends.

The amendments are due to be debated in the parliament on Wednesday (October 21).

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Tuesday said four sections of a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to consolidate all power in the hands of the president will require a public referendum for them top become a law.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Tuesday said four sections of a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to consolidate all power in the hands of the president will require a public referendum for them top become a law. The court said that these four sections undermined the sovereignty of the people. These section of the proposed amendment seek to relieve the president from being responsible to the parliament, give him immunity against lawsuits. These sections also seek to give power to the president to dissolve the parliament after one year in the office. Sri Lankan Supreme Court said that if appropriate changes were not made, a referendum would be necessary. 20th amendment in Sri Lankan constitution has been a much-debated issue in Sri Lanks and beyond. There are fears in some quarters the too much centralisation of power in the hands of the president would make prime ministerial office and the parliament ceremonial institutions. A per current laws, Sri Lankan president can be challenged in court. He cannot dissolve the parliament until last 6 months before his five-year term ends. The amendments are due to be debated in the parliament on Wednesday (October 21).

Sri Lanka: Supreme Court says constitutional amendment need referendum

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, has announced its intention to impose a complete nation-wide ban on cow slaughter in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is reported to have obtained the approval of the parliamentary group of his party though further action on the enactment of legislation is awaited.&nbsp;

The import of beef, however, is likely to be allowed for consumption by the beef-eaters.

The estimated population of over 22 million in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Sri Lanka is comprised of Buddhists (70.2%), Hindus (12.6%) and Muslims (also described as Sri Lankan Moors)(9.7%), and Roman Catholic Christians (6.1%) with a sprinkling of Burghers who are descendants of Europeans settled in Sri Lanka and married to Sri Lankan women.

Sri Lankans are by and large meat-eaters. However, for reasons of religion and culture, the Buddhists and Hindus, who venerate cow, are opposed to beef and thus are against cow slaughter. For Muslims and Christians (particularly of European descent) on the other hand, beef is a part of their staple diet.&nbsp;

The per capita availability of beef per year is the second-highest (1.8kg) though far behind that of chicken (7.9kg) but much ahead of pork ( 0.32kg) &nbsp;and mutton ( 0.1kg).&nbsp;

Sporadic demands have been made in the past for a complete ban on cow slaughter. The net result was the Animal Protection Act of 1958 (amended in 1994) which prohibits, inter-alia, the slaughter of cows and calves below age 12.&nbsp;

The influential Sinhala-Buddhists, particularly the members of the Buddhist clergy, however, have pressurised the successive governments, albeit unsuccessfully so far, for an outright ban on cow slaughter.

Reason behind fresh proposal on cow-slaughter ban:

In recent months the Rajapaksa brothers have considerably consolidated their political power in Sri Lanka. &nbsp; 
Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as President in November 2019. More recently Mahinda Rajapaksa was reappointed as Prime Minister of the country after his party SLPP won the parliamentary elections by big margins in August 2020. It secured 145 out of 225 Seats. &nbsp;

Prima-facie, the Rajapaksa brothers do not have any compelling reasons to please or appease; neither majority Sinhala Buddhists nor Hindu minorities by announcing their intention to ban cow slaughter. The opinion of the Muslim or Christian minorities, who have very limited influence, does not seem to matter politically.

Yet, there are two plausible explanations for the announcement within less than one month of assuming power. &nbsp; 
First, this could be a way for Rajapaksas&nbsp;to say 'Thank You' to Sinhala Buddhists whose whole-hearted support to SLPP party was an important factor in the party's resounding electoral victory.&nbsp;

The announcement may also have been made to reassure them that their demand (for the ban) remains a priority for the government.&nbsp;

More importantly, however, is the need for sustained support from the Sinhala Buddhist majority in the context of the proposed 20th amendment to the Constitution which is meant to neutralise /dilute the 19th amendment of 2015 introduced by the previous government to curb the powers of the Executive President, while strengthening parliament and independent commissions.&nbsp;

As a bonus, the Sri Lankan leadership may be hoping to win some brownie points with the indigenous Sri Lankan Hindus Tamil minorities in the Northern Provincial Council, who continue to be denied some of the rights envisaged under the 13th amendment, particularly those pertaining to land and police.

It is a different matter that the ban is unlikely to please them beyond a point as they fully realise that but for the demand from the Sinhala Buddhist majority the issue would have never come on the table.&nbsp;

What next?

The ban if and when imposed may deepen the divide between the nationalist Sinhala Buddhists and Muslims. Sri Lanka has a long history of ethnic conflicts.&nbsp;

Even though the international focus was on the longest bloody conflict (1983-2009) between the Sri Lankan Tamils led by LTTE and the Sri Lankan government dominated by the Sinhala Buddhists, there have been numerous incidents of clashes between the Buddhists and Muslims in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

A certain degree of &nbsp;Islamophobia is discernible in Sri Lanka. The Buddhists&nbsp;have been adversely commenting on the Islamic religious and cultural traditions such as wearing a Burka (Veil) by Muslim women or their insistence on eating only “Halal” meat. The Buddhist claim that the process of Halal, is painful and against the Buddhist ethos of compassion.&nbsp;

The trust deficit has deepened following the attacks on Churches and luxury hotels in and around Colombo in April 2019 as the local radicalised Muslim organizations were suspected to have played a role in providing support in this act of terror which left several hundred dead.&nbsp;

The anti-Muslim anguish found reflection in the Buddhist-Muslim clashes&nbsp;the following month which lasted for almost ten days. The human rights organisations worldwide have commented upon what they say are increasing incidents of violation of human rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka.

The ban will not be without any economic implications. The import of beef would entail further strain on depleted foreign reserves, besides adding to its cost and putting a burden on the pockets of the consumers.&nbsp;

It may also cause loss of some jobs though the supporters of ban argue that it would open avenues and employment opportunities in the dairy sector.&nbsp;

There are also issues related to infrastructure for the upkeep of barren and thus economically unproductive cows. Will the Buddhists agree to the killing or export of such cows?

Will the government overlook the likely socio-economic implications and go ahead? It remains to be seen as to when and how the Sri Lankan Government would translate its declared objective into legislation.

(Achal Malhotra is a retired Indian Foreign Service officer)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, has announced its intention to impose a complete nation-wide ban on cow slaughter in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is reported to have obtained the approval of the parliamentary group of his party though further action on the enactment of legislation is awaited.

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, has announced its intention to impose a complete nation-wide ban on cow slaughter in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is reported to have obtained the approval of the parliamentary group of his party though further action on the enactment of legislation is awaited. The import of beef, however, is likely to be allowed for consumption by the beef-eaters. The estimated population of over 22 million in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Sri Lanka is comprised of Buddhists (70.2%), Hindus (12.6%) and Muslims (also described as Sri Lankan Moors)(9.7%), and Roman Catholic Christians (6.1%) with a sprinkling of Burghers who are descendants of Europeans settled in Sri Lanka and married to Sri Lankan women. Sri Lankans are by and large meat-eaters. However, for reasons of religion and culture, the Buddhists and Hindus, who venerate cow, are opposed to beef and thus are against cow slaughter. For Muslims and Christians (particularly of European descent) on the other hand, beef is a part of their staple diet. The per capita availability of beef per year is the second-highest (1.8kg) though far behind that of chicken (7.9kg) but much ahead of pork ( 0.32kg) and mutton ( 0.1kg). Sporadic demands have been made in the past for a complete ban on cow slaughter. The net result was the Animal Protection Act of 1958 (amended in 1994) which prohibits, inter-alia, the slaughter of cows and calves below age 12. The influential Sinhala-Buddhists, particularly the members of the Buddhist clergy, however, have pressurised the successive governments, albeit unsuccessfully so far, for an outright ban on cow slaughter. Reason behind fresh proposal on cow-slaughter ban: In recent months the Rajapaksa brothers have considerably consolidated their political power in Sri Lanka. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as President in November 2019. More recently Mahinda Rajapaksa was reappointed as Prime Minister of the country after his party SLPP won the parliamentary elections by big margins in August 2020. It secured 145 out of 225 Seats. Prima-facie, the Rajapaksa brothers do not have any compelling reasons to please or appease; neither majority Sinhala Buddhists nor Hindu minorities by announcing their intention to ban cow slaughter. The opinion of the Muslim or Christian minorities, who have very limited influence, does not seem to matter politically. Yet, there are two plausible explanations for the announcement within less than one month of assuming power. First, this could be a way for Rajapaksas to say 'Thank You' to Sinhala Buddhists whose whole-hearted support to SLPP party was an important factor in the party's resounding electoral victory. The announcement may also have been made to reassure them that their demand (for the ban) remains a priority for the government. More importantly, however, is the need for sustained support from the Sinhala Buddhist majority in the context of the proposed 20th amendment to the Constitution which is meant to neutralise /dilute the 19th amendment of 2015 introduced by the previous government to curb the powers of the Executive President, while strengthening parliament and independent commissions. As a bonus, the Sri Lankan leadership may be hoping to win some brownie points with the indigenous Sri Lankan Hindus Tamil minorities in the Northern Provincial Council, who continue to be denied some of the rights envisaged under the 13th amendment, particularly those pertaining to land and police. It is a different matter that the ban is unlikely to please them beyond a point as they fully realise that but for the demand from the Sinhala Buddhist majority the issue would have never come on the table. What next? The ban if and when imposed may deepen the divide between the nationalist Sinhala Buddhists and Muslims. Sri Lanka has a long history of ethnic conflicts. Even though the international focus was on the longest bloody conflict (1983-2009) between the Sri Lankan Tamils led by LTTE and the Sri Lankan government dominated by the Sinhala Buddhists, there have been numerous incidents of clashes between the Buddhists and Muslims in Sri Lanka. A certain degree of Islamophobia is discernible in Sri Lanka. The Buddhists have been adversely commenting on the Islamic religious and cultural traditions such as wearing a Burka (Veil) by Muslim women or their insistence on eating only “Halal” meat. The Buddhist claim that the process of Halal, is painful and against the Buddhist ethos of compassion. The trust deficit has deepened following the attacks on Churches and luxury hotels in and around Colombo in April 2019 as the local radicalised Muslim organizations were suspected to have played a role in providing support in this act of terror which left several hundred dead. The anti-Muslim anguish found reflection in the Buddhist-Muslim clashes the following month which lasted for almost ten days. The human rights organisations worldwide have commented upon what they say are increasing incidents of violation of human rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka. The ban will not be without any economic implications. The import of beef would entail further strain on depleted foreign reserves, besides adding to its cost and putting a burden on the pockets of the consumers. It may also cause loss of some jobs though the supporters of ban argue that it would open avenues and employment opportunities in the dairy sector. There are also issues related to infrastructure for the upkeep of barren and thus economically unproductive cows. Will the Buddhists agree to the killing or export of such cows? Will the government overlook the likely socio-economic implications and go ahead? It remains to be seen as to when and how the Sri Lankan Government would translate its declared objective into legislation. (Achal Malhotra is a retired Indian Foreign Service officer) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sri Lanka: Ban on cow slaughter may deepen Buddhist-Muslim divide

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power.

His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week.

Gotabaya and Mahinda will control the key defence and finance portfolios, respectively, in the new 26-member cabinet.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-the-rajapaksa-dynasty-patriarch-terminator-mr-ten-percent-bodyguard-and-scion-318857">Meet the Rajapaksa dynasty: Patriarch, 'Terminator', 'Mr Ten Percent', 'bodyguard' and scion</a>

Their elder brother Chamal kept his place in the cabinet and was joined by Mahinda's eldest son, Namal, who was named sports minister.

The growing dynastic imprint was strengthened by one of their nephews, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who joined the government as a state agriculture minister though he will not be in the cabinet.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, became president in November last year and named Mahinda, a 74-year-old former president, as prime minister.

Pursuing a nationalist agenda, their party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, which allows them to change the constitution and tighten their hold on power.

The brothers want to scrap a 2015 constitutional amendment which transferred some executive powers from the president to the prime minister, along with independent institutions to run public services and the judiciary.

In the new cabinet, Mahinda was given three portfolios -- finance, culture and housing -- while their eldest brother Chamal, 77, was given irrigation, a powerful position in largely rural Sri Lanka.

Chamal was also made the state minister for defence, a non-cabinet position responsible for internal security and disaster management.

The swearing-in of ministers was carried out at the Temple of the Tooth, the holiest Buddhist shrine, in the presence of saffron-robed monks and other guests in Kandy, 115 kilometres (71 miles) east of Colombo.

The venue was carefully chosen to reinforce the Rajapaksa family's appeal to their majority Sinhala-Buddhist constituency.

The president took his oath after his November landslide in front of a pagoda built by a legendary Sinhala king known to have vanquished a rival from the minority Tamil community.

Mahinda was sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday at the Kelaniya temple which Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe to have been visited by the Buddha himself.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power. His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power. His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week. Gotabaya and Mahinda will control the key defence and finance portfolios, respectively, in the new 26-member cabinet. Also see: Meet the Rajapaksa dynasty: Patriarch, 'Terminator', 'Mr Ten Percent', 'bodyguard' and scion Their elder brother Chamal kept his place in the cabinet and was joined by Mahinda's eldest son, Namal, who was named sports minister. The growing dynastic imprint was strengthened by one of their nephews, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who joined the government as a state agriculture minister though he will not be in the cabinet. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, became president in November last year and named Mahinda, a 74-year-old former president, as prime minister. Pursuing a nationalist agenda, their party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, which allows them to change the constitution and tighten their hold on power. The brothers want to scrap a 2015 constitutional amendment which transferred some executive powers from the president to the prime minister, along with independent institutions to run public services and the judiciary. In the new cabinet, Mahinda was given three portfolios -- finance, culture and housing -- while their eldest brother Chamal, 77, was given irrigation, a powerful position in largely rural Sri Lanka. Chamal was also made the state minister for defence, a non-cabinet position responsible for internal security and disaster management. The swearing-in of ministers was carried out at the Temple of the Tooth, the holiest Buddhist shrine, in the presence of saffron-robed monks and other guests in Kandy, 115 kilometres (71 miles) east of Colombo. The venue was carefully chosen to reinforce the Rajapaksa family's appeal to their majority Sinhala-Buddhist constituency. The president took his oath after his November landslide in front of a pagoda built by a legendary Sinhala king known to have vanquished a rival from the minority Tamil community. Mahinda was sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday at the Kelaniya temple which Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe to have been visited by the Buddha himself.

Sri Lanka president strengthens Rajapaksa dynasty in new government

The Sri Lankan government on Friday appointed an ex-commander of the Navy and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's key aide Admiral Jayanath Colombage as the new Foreign Secretary, becoming the first non-foreign service person to hold the top diplomatic post.

His appointment came days after the new Cabinet took the oath with President Rajapaksa retaining the key defence ministry.

The&nbsp;62-year-old headed the Sri Lanka Navy between 2012 and 2014, and since November last year, he has been the foreign affairs advisor to President Rajapaksa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-strengthens-rajapaksa-dynasty-in-new-government-319952" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka president strengthens Rajapaksa dynasty in new government</a>

This is the first time that a non-foreign service person has been appointed as the Secretary of the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry.

Colombage is one of the four ex-military officers appointed by the president to key positions in the bureaucracy after the Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held on August 5 that allowed the influential family to consolidate power for the next five years.

The SLPP and its allies won a record 150 seats in the 225-member Parliament.

Since Rajapaksa assumed the presidency, many ex-service personnel have been picked for key positions.

President Gotabaya administered the oath of office to the 28-member Cabinet which is two less than the 30 allowed by the Constitution on Wednesday. He retained the Ministry of Defence while his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were assigned finance, urban development and Buddhist affairs ministries.

Colombage served the Sri Lanka Navy for 36 years and retired as the Commander of the Navy in 2014. Under the repatriation programme initiated by him, nearly 19,000 stranded Sri Lankans were repatriated from 94 countries.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday appointed an ex-commander of the Navy and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's key aide Admiral Jayanath Colombage as the new Foreign Secretary, becoming the first non-foreign service person to hold the top diplomatic post.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday appointed an ex-commander of the Navy and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's key aide Admiral Jayanath Colombage as the new Foreign Secretary, becoming the first non-foreign service person to hold the top diplomatic post. His appointment came days after the new Cabinet took the oath with President Rajapaksa retaining the key defence ministry. The 62-year-old headed the Sri Lanka Navy between 2012 and 2014, and since November last year, he has been the foreign affairs advisor to President Rajapaksa. Also read: Sri Lanka president strengthens Rajapaksa dynasty in new government This is the first time that a non-foreign service person has been appointed as the Secretary of the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry. Colombage is one of the four ex-military officers appointed by the president to key positions in the bureaucracy after the Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held on August 5 that allowed the influential family to consolidate power for the next five years. The SLPP and its allies won a record 150 seats in the 225-member Parliament. Since Rajapaksa assumed the presidency, many ex-service personnel have been picked for key positions. President Gotabaya administered the oath of office to the 28-member Cabinet which is two less than the 30 allowed by the Constitution on Wednesday. He retained the Ministry of Defence while his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were assigned finance, urban development and Buddhist affairs ministries. Colombage served the Sri Lanka Navy for 36 years and retired as the Commander of the Navy in 2014. Under the repatriation programme initiated by him, nearly 19,000 stranded Sri Lankans were repatriated from 94 countries.

Sri Lanka appoints Admiral Jayanath Colombage as new Foreign Secretary

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on August 12 appointed a 26-member Cabinet and a team of junior Ministers, following the ruling party’s resounding victory in the August 5 general elections.

Sri Lanka new cabinet: President Rajapaksa retains Defence Ministry | World News

Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaka was sworn in on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple, days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election.

The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) leader was administered the oath of office for the ninth Parliament by his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-strongman-mahinda-rajapaksa-to-take-oath-of-prime-minister-on-sunday-319094">Also read|&nbsp;Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa to take oath of Prime Minister on Sunday</a>

Mahinda Rajapaksa completed 50 years of parliamentary politics in July this year. He was elected as a Member of Parliament at the young age of 24 in 1970. He has since been elected President twice and has been appointed Prime Minister thrice.

The SLPP, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, registered a landslide victory in the August 5 general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power.

Mahinda Rajapaksa polled over 500,000 individual preference votes -- the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections.

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Watch the live streaming of the swearing in ceremony of the new PM <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PresRajapaksa</a> at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya from below link <a href="https://t.co/NKuf1CVT1L">https://t.co/NKuf1CVT1L</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1292299443144802305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The SLPP won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament.

The cabinet ministers, state and deputy ministers are expected to be sworn-in on Monday.

The Rajapaksa family -- including SLPP founder and its National Organiser 69-year-old Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, and Mahinda Rajapaksa -- has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades.

Mahinda Rajapaksa previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the November presidential election on the SLPP ticket.

In the parliamentary election, he was seeking 150 seats mandatory to execute constitutional changes, including to repeal the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which had curbed the presidential powers while strengthening the role of Parliament.

Activists, already alarmed by the diminishing space for dissent and criticism in the island nation, fear such a move could lead to authoritarianism.

The biggest casualty from the election outcome was the United National Party (UNP) of former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe which managed to win only one seat. The country''s grand old party failed to win a single seat from any of the 22 districts.

UNP leader and four-time prime minister Wikremesinghe was unseated for the first time since he entered Parliament in 1977.

Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaka was sworn in on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple, days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election.

Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaka was sworn in on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple, days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election. The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) leader was administered the oath of office for the ninth Parliament by his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb. Also read| Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa to take oath of Prime Minister on Sunday Mahinda Rajapaksa completed 50 years of parliamentary politics in July this year. He was elected as a Member of Parliament at the young age of 24 in 1970. He has since been elected President twice and has been appointed Prime Minister thrice. The SLPP, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, registered a landslide victory in the August 5 general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power. Mahinda Rajapaksa polled over 500,000 individual preference votes -- the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections. Watch the live streaming of the swearing in ceremony of the new PM @PresRajapaksa at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya from below link https://t.co/NKuf1CVT1L — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) August 9, 2020 × The SLPP won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament. The cabinet ministers, state and deputy ministers are expected to be sworn-in on Monday. The Rajapaksa family -- including SLPP founder and its National Organiser 69-year-old Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, and Mahinda Rajapaksa -- has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades. Mahinda Rajapaksa previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the November presidential election on the SLPP ticket. In the parliamentary election, he was seeking 150 seats mandatory to execute constitutional changes, including to repeal the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which had curbed the presidential powers while strengthening the role of Parliament. Activists, already alarmed by the diminishing space for dissent and criticism in the island nation, fear such a move could lead to authoritarianism. The biggest casualty from the election outcome was the United National Party (UNP) of former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe which managed to win only one seat. The country''s grand old party failed to win a single seat from any of the 22 districts. UNP leader and four-time prime minister Wikremesinghe was unseated for the first time since he entered Parliament in 1977.

Mahinda Rajapaksa takes oath as Sri Lankan Prime Minister

As predicted by several pollsters, the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP or People’s Party) led by Rajapaksa &nbsp;brothers &nbsp;has gained a majority in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election. This verdict is no surprise, particularly considering the anxiety of Sri Lankan citizens, who want strong leadership.

While Rajapaksas’ have gained an overwhelming majority, this does not really mean that majority of the people are entirely satisfied with the style of governance of Rajapaksas’ during the last few years.

Obviously, Sri Lankan people, owing allegiance to different religions and lifestyle, &nbsp;must have carefully weighed the options before them and must have decided that Rajapaksas’ are the best option in the given circumstances, though they very well know that Rajapaksas’ are not blemishless leaders.

It is a fact that most of the Sri Lankans including Sinhalese and section of Tamils feel grateful towards Rajapaksas’ for decisively defeating the secessionist forces and restoring the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. What Rajapaksas’ achieved is what several Presidents and Prime Ministers before them could not do.&nbsp;

Perhaps, this gratitude of Sri Lankans will be there for all time to come.

The fact is that majority of people have voted for Rajapaksas’ giving the President and Prime Minister brothers the benefit of doubt, in spite of their nearly unimpressive governance. Obviously, this will be the last time that such benefit of the doubt would be given to them and certainly people will not react in the same way in the future elections if Rajapaksas’ would not deliver in the coming years.

As it happens in several democracies, many political leaders win elections by securing negative votes, as the votes in their favour may really be more the votes against their opponents in the elections. &nbsp;

One conspicuous factor that one should not miss about the politics in Sri Lanka is that the leaders of the political parties in the Tamil region were not united and were more fighting the elections against each other rather than against Rajapaksas’. This too has helped Rajapaksas’ to some extent.

Certainly, people are deeply aware that Rajapaksas’ have reduced the government of Sri Lanka virtually to a family rule in the past. &nbsp;

This “family ownership” &nbsp;of the government may become even more obvious and cause concern, as one brother would be the President and the other brother would be the Prime Minister. Both these brothers would be accompanied by a few other family members in the pivotal positions in the government. &nbsp;This may lead to a disturbing situation, where no one can get &nbsp;top positions in the government or government-owned institutions or even in judiciary, if they would not show their loyalty outwardly to the family of Rajapaksas’.

People who have given the benefit of doubt to Rajapaksas’ in the election would be keenly watching the emerging scenario and would view the scenario disapprovingly if Rajapaksas’ family members would become the be-all and end-all of Sri Lankan government.

In the past, it is a fact that Sri Lanka has not been governed at the best of standards and Sri Lanka has been made into a debt-ridden country, in spite of the several advantageous resources that the country has and the talent at an individual level that many Sri Lankans possess.

With the poorly managed economy due to misgovernance, Sri Lanka is now facing a debt trap, with Chinese government hanging like a Damocles’ Sword over the country. Sri Lankan government has been forced to hand over the Hambantota port to the Chinese company over the 99-year lease and this means that Chinese government would be occupying the port for many many years to come and would be breathing down the neck of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Like putting all eggs in the same basket, Rajapaksas’ have entertained several projects with Chinese support and money, which is bound to cost Sri Lanka’s sovereignty dearly in the coming years, if corrective steps would not be initiated.

&nbsp;In the present situation, when it is obvious that Sri Lankan government would not be able to repay the debt &nbsp;to China in the foreseeable future, it is a big challenge for Rajapaksas’ &nbsp;and one wonders whether they would be able to extricate Sri Lanka from the vice-like grip of China.

Rajapaksas’ &nbsp;should clearly understand the challenges before them and understand that hard and intelligent work needed to make Sri Lanka realize it’s full potentials, instead of rejoicing over their victory in the parliamentary election, assuming that the family can be in power for all time to come.

The primary requisite now is that Rajapaksas’ should erase the impression that it is the family rule in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

They should also clearly ensure that they would not continue to appease China and continued appeasement would inevitably mean sacrificing the interests of Sri Lanka in favour of a foreign country. China is already deeply entrenched in one way or the other.

Congratulations to Rajapaksas’ for the victory in the election and the fervent hope is that they would not repeat the mistakes of the past and provide quality governance to Sri Lanka, which the Sri Lankans deserve. &nbsp;

Taking along all Sri Lankans including Tamils in governance is a compulsive need to make Sri Lanka a vibrant country.

Opportunities before Sri Lanka are plenty and what is needed is a long term and lofty vision for the leaders in the Sri Lankan government. &nbsp;Rajapaksas’ have the &nbsp;challenges and opportunities before them and they will be tested.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As predicted by several pollsters, the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP or People’s Party) led by Rajapaksa brothers has gained a majority in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election.

As predicted by several pollsters, the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP or People’s Party) led by Rajapaksa brothers has gained a majority in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election. This verdict is no surprise, particularly considering the anxiety of Sri Lankan citizens, who want strong leadership. While Rajapaksas’ have gained an overwhelming majority, this does not really mean that majority of the people are entirely satisfied with the style of governance of Rajapaksas’ during the last few years. Obviously, Sri Lankan people, owing allegiance to different religions and lifestyle, must have carefully weighed the options before them and must have decided that Rajapaksas’ are the best option in the given circumstances, though they very well know that Rajapaksas’ are not blemishless leaders. It is a fact that most of the Sri Lankans including Sinhalese and section of Tamils feel grateful towards Rajapaksas’ for decisively defeating the secessionist forces and restoring the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. What Rajapaksas’ achieved is what several Presidents and Prime Ministers before them could not do. Perhaps, this gratitude of Sri Lankans will be there for all time to come. The fact is that majority of people have voted for Rajapaksas’ giving the President and Prime Minister brothers the benefit of doubt, in spite of their nearly unimpressive governance. Obviously, this will be the last time that such benefit of the doubt would be given to them and certainly people will not react in the same way in the future elections if Rajapaksas’ would not deliver in the coming years. As it happens in several democracies, many political leaders win elections by securing negative votes, as the votes in their favour may really be more the votes against their opponents in the elections. One conspicuous factor that one should not miss about the politics in Sri Lanka is that the leaders of the political parties in the Tamil region were not united and were more fighting the elections against each other rather than against Rajapaksas’. This too has helped Rajapaksas’ to some extent. Certainly, people are deeply aware that Rajapaksas’ have reduced the government of Sri Lanka virtually to a family rule in the past. This “family ownership” of the government may become even more obvious and cause concern, as one brother would be the President and the other brother would be the Prime Minister. Both these brothers would be accompanied by a few other family members in the pivotal positions in the government. This may lead to a disturbing situation, where no one can get top positions in the government or government-owned institutions or even in judiciary, if they would not show their loyalty outwardly to the family of Rajapaksas’. People who have given the benefit of doubt to Rajapaksas’ in the election would be keenly watching the emerging scenario and would view the scenario disapprovingly if Rajapaksas’ family members would become the be-all and end-all of Sri Lankan government. In the past, it is a fact that Sri Lanka has not been governed at the best of standards and Sri Lanka has been made into a debt-ridden country, in spite of the several advantageous resources that the country has and the talent at an individual level that many Sri Lankans possess. With the poorly managed economy due to misgovernance, Sri Lanka is now facing a debt trap, with Chinese government hanging like a Damocles’ Sword over the country. Sri Lankan government has been forced to hand over the Hambantota port to the Chinese company over the 99-year lease and this means that Chinese government would be occupying the port for many many years to come and would be breathing down the neck of Sri Lanka. Like putting all eggs in the same basket, Rajapaksas’ have entertained several projects with Chinese support and money, which is bound to cost Sri Lanka’s sovereignty dearly in the coming years, if corrective steps would not be initiated. In the present situation, when it is obvious that Sri Lankan government would not be able to repay the debt to China in the foreseeable future, it is a big challenge for Rajapaksas’ and one wonders whether they would be able to extricate Sri Lanka from the vice-like grip of China. Rajapaksas’ should clearly understand the challenges before them and understand that hard and intelligent work needed to make Sri Lanka realize it’s full potentials, instead of rejoicing over their victory in the parliamentary election, assuming that the family can be in power for all time to come. The primary requisite now is that Rajapaksas’ should erase the impression that it is the family rule in Sri Lanka. They should also clearly ensure that they would not continue to appease China and continued appeasement would inevitably mean sacrificing the interests of Sri Lanka in favour of a foreign country. China is already deeply entrenched in one way or the other. Congratulations to Rajapaksas’ for the victory in the election and the fervent hope is that they would not repeat the mistakes of the past and provide quality governance to Sri Lanka, which the Sri Lankans deserve. Taking along all Sri Lankans including Tamils in governance is a compulsive need to make Sri Lanka a vibrant country. Opportunities before Sri Lanka are plenty and what is needed is a long term and lofty vision for the leaders in the Sri Lankan government. Rajapaksas’ have the challenges and opportunities before them and they will be tested. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Sri Lankan electorate gives benefit of doubt to Rajapaksas

Meet the Rajapaksa dynasty: Patriarch, 'Terminator', 'Mr Ten Percent', 'bodyguard' and scion

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's party is on course to secure a massive victory in the parliamentary elections.

As per the latest updates on Thursday, over 60 per cent of the 11.3 million votes were counted and Rajapaksas' Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) had 57 per cent of the votes.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-elections-advantage-rajapaksas-in-early-rounds-over-60-votes-for-slpp-in-early-rounds-318676/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Results showed that the party had won 72 out of the 98 seats that have declared their results and set for a two-thirds majority in the the 225-member parliament.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-presidents-party-ahead-in-election-vote-count-318667">Sri Lankan president's party ahead in election vote count</a>

"Results so far indicate an excellent victory for the SLPP," the president said on Twitter.&nbsp;

His older brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already congratulated him for victory that looks inevitable now.&nbsp;

The results have been very disappointing for opposition parties and ex-PM Ranil Wickremesinghe's party has failed to win any seat so far.

His party had 106 seats in the outgoing parliament.

Another party headed by Sajith Premadasa that split from Wikremesinghe's party secured 20 per cent of the votes and is emerging as a distant second.&nbsp;

The final results are expected late on Thursday.&nbsp;

The elections that were delayed twice because of the coronavirus outbreak still managed to bring a turnout of 70 per cent out of 16 million voters.&nbsp;

Rajapaksas follow a Sinhalese nationalistic politics and their support rose immensely following 2019 Easter bombings by Muslim extremists that killed 279 people.&nbsp;

They are also seen as heroes to end decades-long Tamil separatists war in 2009 through muscular military powers.

(With AFP inputs)

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's party is on course to secure a massive victory in the parliamentary elections. As per the latest updates on Thursday, over 60 per cent of the 11.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's party is on course to secure a massive victory in the parliamentary elections. As per the latest updates on Thursday, over 60 per cent of the 11.3 million votes were counted and Rajapaksas' Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) had 57 per cent of the votes. Watch | Results showed that the party had won 72 out of the 98 seats that have declared their results and set for a two-thirds majority in the the 225-member parliament. Also read | Sri Lankan president's party ahead in election vote count "Results so far indicate an excellent victory for the SLPP," the president said on Twitter. His older brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already congratulated him for victory that looks inevitable now. The results have been very disappointing for opposition parties and ex-PM Ranil Wickremesinghe's party has failed to win any seat so far. His party had 106 seats in the outgoing parliament. Another party headed by Sajith Premadasa that split from Wikremesinghe's party secured 20 per cent of the votes and is emerging as a distant second. The final results are expected late on Thursday. The elections that were delayed twice because of the coronavirus outbreak still managed to bring a turnout of 70 per cent out of 16 million voters. Rajapaksas follow a Sinhalese nationalistic politics and their support rose immensely following 2019 Easter bombings by Muslim extremists that killed 279 people. They are also seen as heroes to end decades-long Tamil separatists war in 2009 through muscular military powers. (With AFP inputs)

Sri Lanka elections 2020: Rajapaksas set towards landslide victory

The counting of votes in Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary election began amidst tight security on Thursday with the powerful Rajapaksa family-run Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) saying it is confident of recording a historic victory by securing a two-thirds majority.

The election, conducted amidst COVID-19 pandemic fears, concluded in a peaceful manner on Wednesday, with a voter turnout of over 70 per cent, according to Chairman of the National Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya.

Deshapriya said counting had started at 9 a.m. local time (0330 GMT) and the first results were expected late afternoon with the final tally coming in around midnight.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/weak-opposition-gives-an-edge-to-rajapaksas-in-sri-lankan-polls-318419" hreflang="en">Weak Opposition gives an edge to Rajapaksas in Sri Lankan polls</a>

Nearly 71 per cent of the 16.2 million eligible voters exercised their franchise which was significant in the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

The counting of ballots was underway at all the 64 counting centers across the country under heavy security.

Rajapaksa is hoping to install his older brother who is also a former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as prime minister. The brothers are best known for crushing Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils during the elder Rajapaksa's presidency in 2009.

President Rajapaksa said he was pleased by the voting on Wednesday. "As the first South Asian country to hold general elections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it reflects the confidence that the people have in our efforts to control this pandemic,” he said."

The tourism-dependent island nation of 21 million people has been struggling since deadly Islamist militant attacks on hotels and churches last year followed by lockdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The counting of votes in Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary election began amidst tight security on Thursday with the powerful Rajapaksa family-run Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) saying it is confident of recording a historic victory by securing a two-thirds majority.

The counting of votes in Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary election began amidst tight security on Thursday with the powerful Rajapaksa family-run Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) saying it is confident of recording a historic victory by securing a two-thirds majority. The election, conducted amidst COVID-19 pandemic fears, concluded in a peaceful manner on Wednesday, with a voter turnout of over 70 per cent, according to Chairman of the National Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya. Deshapriya said counting had started at 9 a.m. local time (0330 GMT) and the first results were expected late afternoon with the final tally coming in around midnight. Also read: Weak Opposition gives an edge to Rajapaksas in Sri Lankan polls Nearly 71 per cent of the 16.2 million eligible voters exercised their franchise which was significant in the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. The counting of ballots was underway at all the 64 counting centers across the country under heavy security. Rajapaksa is hoping to install his older brother who is also a former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as prime minister. The brothers are best known for crushing Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils during the elder Rajapaksa's presidency in 2009. President Rajapaksa said he was pleased by the voting on Wednesday. "As the first South Asian country to hold general elections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it reflects the confidence that the people have in our efforts to control this pandemic,” he said." The tourism-dependent island nation of 21 million people has been struggling since deadly Islamist militant attacks on hotels and churches last year followed by lockdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Lanka general election: Counting begins, Rajapaksa clan eyes landslide win

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called and congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for leading his party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to victory in parliamentary polls in the country.&nbsp;

Mahinda Rajapaksa took to Twitter and thanked Narendra&nbsp;Modi for his wishes. He said: "Thank you PM @narendramodi for your congratulatory phone call. With the strong support of the people of #SriLanka, I look forward to working with you closely to further enhance the long-standing cooperation between our two countries. Sri Lanka &amp; India are friends &amp; relations."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> for your congratulatory phone call. With the strong support of the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>, I look forward to working with you closely to further enhance the long-standing cooperation between our two countries. Sri Lanka &amp; India are friends &amp; relations. <a href="https://t.co/9YPLAQuVlE">pic.twitter.com/9YPLAQuVlE</a>
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa/status/1291387408856936449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rajapaksa's party is set to achieve a landslide victory as the results are being declared in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa hopes to install his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa - also a former President - as the next Prime Minister. The brothers are best known for crushing the Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils during the elder Rajapaksa's presidency in 2009.

Early counting showed that the Rajapaksas, who have long championed the cause of the island's Sinhalese Buddhist majority, are on track to win 70 per cent of the vote in the Sinhalese-dominated south.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called and congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for leading his party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to victory in parliamentary polls in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called and congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for leading his party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to victory in parliamentary polls in the country. Mahinda Rajapaksa took to Twitter and thanked Narendra Modi for his wishes. He said: "Thank you PM @narendramodi for your congratulatory phone call. With the strong support of the people of #SriLanka, I look forward to working with you closely to further enhance the long-standing cooperation between our two countries. Sri Lanka & India are friends & relations." Thank you PM @narendramodi for your congratulatory phone call. With the strong support of the people of #SriLanka, I look forward to working with you closely to further enhance the long-standing cooperation between our two countries. Sri Lanka & India are friends & relations. pic.twitter.com/9YPLAQuVlE — Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) August 6, 2020 × Rajapaksa's party is set to achieve a landslide victory as the results are being declared in Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa hopes to install his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa - also a former President - as the next Prime Minister. The brothers are best known for crushing the Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils during the elder Rajapaksa's presidency in 2009. Early counting showed that the Rajapaksas, who have long championed the cause of the island's Sinhalese Buddhist majority, are on track to win 70 per cent of the vote in the Sinhalese-dominated south.

Sri Lanka's front runner Mahinda Rajapaksa thanks PM Modi for congratulatory call

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ruling party on Thursday took an early lead in vote counting after a parliamentary election that he hopes will clear the way for constitutional changes to make the presidency more powerful.

Close to 70% of eligible Sri Lankans voted in Wednesday's election to the 225-member parliament, shrugging off their fears of the coronavirus. Counting of votes began early on Thursday, and the final tally is expected by midnight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lanka-general-election-counting-begins-rajapaksa-clan-eyes-landslide-win-318541">Lanka general election: Counting begins, Rajapaksa clan eyes landslide win</a>

Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) was leading in nine out of 13 electoral districts from which early counting trends were available, the information department said. There are in all 22 districts.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-elections-will-mahindra-rajapaksa-become-prime-minister-318625/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rajapaksa hopes to install his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa - also a former president - as the next prime minister. The brothers are best known for crushing the Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils during the elder Rajapaksa's presidency in 2009.

Early counting showed that the Rajapaksas, who have long championed the cause of the island's Sinhalese Buddhist majority, were on track to win 70% of the vote in the Sinhalese-dominated south.

The SLPP was trailing a regional group in the minority Tamil-dominated north of the island.

The tourism-dependent nation of 21 million people has been struggling since deadly Islamist militant attacks on hotels and churches last year followed by lockdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

President Rajapaksa needs a two-thirds majority in parliament to be able to restore full executive powers to the presidency, which he says are necessary to implement his agenda to make the country economically and militarily secure.

A previous government led by the opposition had amended the constitution and set up independent commissions to oversee the police and the judiciary among other arms of the government.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ruling party on Thursday took an early lead in vote counting after a parliamentary election that he hopes will clear the way for constitutional changes to make the presidency more powerful.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ruling party on Thursday took an early lead in vote counting after a parliamentary election that he hopes will clear the way for constitutional changes to make the presidency more powerful. Close to 70% of eligible Sri Lankans voted in Wednesday's election to the 225-member parliament, shrugging off their fears of the coronavirus. Counting of votes began early on Thursday, and the final tally is expected by midnight. Also read | Lanka general election: Counting begins, Rajapaksa clan eyes landslide win Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) was leading in nine out of 13 electoral districts from which early counting trends were available, the information department said. There are in all 22 districts. Watch | Rajapaksa hopes to install his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa - also a former president - as the next prime minister. The brothers are best known for crushing the Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils during the elder Rajapaksa's presidency in 2009. Early counting showed that the Rajapaksas, who have long championed the cause of the island's Sinhalese Buddhist majority, were on track to win 70% of the vote in the Sinhalese-dominated south. The SLPP was trailing a regional group in the minority Tamil-dominated north of the island. The tourism-dependent nation of 21 million people has been struggling since deadly Islamist militant attacks on hotels and churches last year followed by lockdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus. President Rajapaksa needs a two-thirds majority in parliament to be able to restore full executive powers to the presidency, which he says are necessary to implement his agenda to make the country economically and militarily secure. A previous government led by the opposition had amended the constitution and set up independent commissions to oversee the police and the judiciary among other arms of the government.

Sri Lankan president's party ahead in election vote count

Sri Lanka is the first South Asian nation to go to polls during the pandemic as the country voted for a new parliament today. The election could change the political dynamics of the island nation.

The Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa used his presidential powers to dissolve the parliament and called for snap polls.

70 per cent turn out was recorded against 77.66 recorded during the last parliamentary election.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's party was a clear winner even before the polling booths opened as there was no compelling opposition.

The parties contesting against them are fractured. United National Party led by former prime minister Wickremesinghe and its breakaway group SJN s led by Sajith Premadasa. There are smaller parties like the Tamil National Alliance and the NPP.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-understanding-the-sri-lankan-parliamentary-elections-318447/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

7,452 candidates from 54 political parties contested for 225 seats in the Lankan parliament.

The key issue in the polls is Wuhan virus pandemic took a lot of space. Mahinda Rajapaksa's party may have earned brownie points for the government's handling of the Wuhan virus. Sri Lanka has fared much better than its South Asian neighbours.

The total number of COVID-19 cases is 2,834 as of this evening. The ruling party SLPP asked voters for a 2/3rd majority as, the said, Lanka needs a strong government. A 2/3rd majority for Mahinda Rajapaksa could seal the fate of democracy. The Rajapaksa will repeal the 19th amendment which reduced the power of the president. This was back in 2015. If his party gets an absolute majority, it is likely to extend the term of the president. It would also give the president tighter control of the judiciary.

The result will be you will have the Rajapaksas controlling the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. This would spell an end to the checks and balances that democracies are based on. If Mahinda Rajapaksa gets a 2/3rd majority, those seeking justice against war crimes can forget about it.

As a former military leader, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is accused of war crimes during the civil war. His presidential team is full of present and former military leaders. They are also accused of war crimes. If the president controls the judiciary, he will elect judges to Lanka's top court and they are unlikely to bring military leaders to justice.

It is no secret that Sri Lanka is divided along ethnic and religious lines. There are the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Tamil minorities. The Buddhists are vote bank of the Rajapaksa brothers and account for 75% of the Lankan population. They support Gotabaya for his role in crushing the Tamil separatist movement LTTE. Gotabaya came to power by promising a more unified Sri Lanka. He has worked in the opposite direction since assuming power.

What does his victory mean for India?

A lot has been said about the Rajapaksa leaning towards China. Many of the Chinese infra projects began when Mahinda Rajapaksa was the president of Sri Lanka. He allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014.

However, going forward, the Rajapaksa brothers will try to strike a balance between India and China. India was the first country that Gotabaya visited after his victory in the presidential election. He has spoken highly of the Indian leadership.

The results will be out tomorrow.

Sri Lanka is the first South Asian nation to go to polls during the pandemic as the country voted for a new parliament today. The election could change the political dynamics of the island nation.

Sri Lanka is the first South Asian nation to go to polls during the pandemic as the country voted for a new parliament today. The election could change the political dynamics of the island nation. The Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa used his presidential powers to dissolve the parliament and called for snap polls. 70 per cent turn out was recorded against 77.66 recorded during the last parliamentary election. Gotabaya Rajapaksa's party was a clear winner even before the polling booths opened as there was no compelling opposition. The parties contesting against them are fractured. United National Party led by former prime minister Wickremesinghe and its breakaway group SJN s led by Sajith Premadasa. There are smaller parties like the Tamil National Alliance and the NPP. 7,452 candidates from 54 political parties contested for 225 seats in the Lankan parliament. The key issue in the polls is Wuhan virus pandemic took a lot of space. Mahinda Rajapaksa's party may have earned brownie points for the government's handling of the Wuhan virus. Sri Lanka has fared much better than its South Asian neighbours. The total number of COVID-19 cases is 2,834 as of this evening. The ruling party SLPP asked voters for a 2/3rd majority as, the said, Lanka needs a strong government. A 2/3rd majority for Mahinda Rajapaksa could seal the fate of democracy. The Rajapaksa will repeal the 19th amendment which reduced the power of the president. This was back in 2015. If his party gets an absolute majority, it is likely to extend the term of the president. It would also give the president tighter control of the judiciary. The result will be you will have the Rajapaksas controlling the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. This would spell an end to the checks and balances that democracies are based on. If Mahinda Rajapaksa gets a 2/3rd majority, those seeking justice against war crimes can forget about it. As a former military leader, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is accused of war crimes during the civil war. His presidential team is full of present and former military leaders. They are also accused of war crimes. If the president controls the judiciary, he will elect judges to Lanka's top court and they are unlikely to bring military leaders to justice. It is no secret that Sri Lanka is divided along ethnic and religious lines. There are the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Tamil minorities. The Buddhists are vote bank of the Rajapaksa brothers and account for 75% of the Lankan population. They support Gotabaya for his role in crushing the Tamil separatist movement LTTE. Gotabaya came to power by promising a more unified Sri Lanka. He has worked in the opposite direction since assuming power. What does his victory mean for India? A lot has been said about the Rajapaksa leaning towards China. Many of the Chinese infra projects began when Mahinda Rajapaksa was the president of Sri Lanka. He allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014. However, going forward, the Rajapaksa brothers will try to strike a balance between India and China. India was the first country that Gotabaya visited after his victory in the presidential election. He has spoken highly of the Indian leadership. The results will be out tomorrow.

Weak Opposition gives an edge to Rajapaksas in Sri Lankan polls

Sri Lankans have started&nbsp;voting&nbsp;in the twice-postponed parliamentary election on Wednesday with the powerful Rajapaksa family-run party expected to gain control of the assembly that could allow them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers.

Over 16 million people are eligible to vote to elect 196 out of a total of 225 lawmakers for the next five years. Twenty-nine others will be named from a national list according to the number of votes received by each party.

The counting will&nbsp;take place only on the following morning, a departure from the practice of counting the ballots from 8 pm on the election night.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/masking-the-politics-sri-lanka-gears-up-for-parliamentary-elections-amid-pandemic-317229" hreflang="en">Masking the politics: Sri Lanka gears up for parliamentary elections amid pandemic</a>

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hopes for a two-thirds majority for the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) in the general election so that he can amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers curbed by a 2015 constitutional change.

His older brother and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is seeking reelection as prime minister, is assured of a sweeping victory as the main Opposition is badly divided.

As many as five members of the Rajapaksa family are in the fray, Mahinda Rajapaksa, his elder son Namal Rajapaksa, the older brother Chamal Rajapaksa and nephews Shasheendra Rajapaksa and Nipuna Ranawaka.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-to-vote-today-in-high-stakes-election-318175" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka to vote today in high-stakes election</a>

Basil Rajapaksa, the powerful national organiser of the SLPP, said that the entire Opposition would poll less than half of the SLPP's total votes.

"We will record a sweeping victory at the election and our opponent will not be able to muster even half our votes,&nbsp;Basil said. 
According to many political watchers, the Rajapaksas' victory is only a matter of how many seats and not if they would win it.

This may seem an almost unthinkable return to the pinnacle of power for the family who had been electorally disgraced by the unexpected loss of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2015.

In 2015, the Rajapaksas were battling arrests and corruption cases in court. There were scores of cases filed against them for alleged misappropriation and the cases are still pending with no conclusions to them.

Gotabaya's victory in the November presidential election was the second reversal of their fortunes for the better. The first was in 2018 when their fledgling SLPP recorded a resounding win in the local council election, which to all intents and purposes signalled their return to power.

President Gotabaya has campaigned for unbridled power to him through the repealing of the nineteenth amendment (19A) to the Constitution.

In 2015, President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government moved the 19A which brought in a stream of reforms that strengthened the post of the prime minister.

The reforms also ensured the independence of judiciary and elections. However, the Rajapaksas' saw the amendment as a move to curb them politically some of its provisions such as those which barred dual citizens from holding political office.

Gotabaya had to renounce his US citizenship to contest the November election.

The Rajapaksa campaign in this election was for parliamentary control to give Sri Lanka a strong government. They cashed in on failings of the last government and&nbsp;the power struggle between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who headed rival parties while in government.

Sirisena, the man who ended the family grip of power in 2015, has mended fences with the family and he is contesting a seat from his north central district home base from SLPP while for Wickremesinghe it had been downhill since he became the prime minister in a fragile coalition.

Wickremesinghe had to give in to his deputy Sajith Premadasa to run for presidency in November. After Premadasa's loss, the chorus for Wickremesinghe's exit from being the leader of the country's oldest political party became louder. He held on as he had done over the last 26 years,&nbsp;only to face a challenge from Premadasa's newly formed SJB who are expected to win more seats than the UNP.

The Marxist JVP, a key ally of the then opposition against Rajapaksa in 2015, is going on their own. Their campaign is based on blaming both the two major political parties which ruled the country since 1948. They seek to increase their numbers by posing as the alternative to the parties&nbsp;who had bungled for 70 years.

In the north and east, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), who were also part of the 2015 pro-democracy alliance against Mahinda Rajapaksa, seeks the Tamil support to pursue their struggle for political autonomy to the Tamils. They are facing stiff resistance by the hardline Tamil bandwagon led by the former northern chief minister CV Wigneswaran.

A total of 7,452 candidates from 54 political parties and independent groups are contesting the election in 22 districts. The polls are being&nbsp;held under strict COVID-19 health guidelines.

Mahinda Deshapriya, the Chair of the Elections Commission, has said that there is no threat of the coronavirus at polling centres. 
"Voters can cast their vote without any fear during the poll," he said.&nbsp;

Sri Lankans have started voting in the twice-postponed parliamentary election on Wednesday with the powerful Rajapaksa family-run party expected to gain control of the assembly that could allow them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers.

Sri Lankans have started voting in the twice-postponed parliamentary election on Wednesday with the powerful Rajapaksa family-run party expected to gain control of the assembly that could allow them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers. Over 16 million people are eligible to vote to elect 196 out of a total of 225 lawmakers for the next five years. Twenty-nine others will be named from a national list according to the number of votes received by each party. The counting will take place only on the following morning, a departure from the practice of counting the ballots from 8 pm on the election night. Also see: Masking the politics: Sri Lanka gears up for parliamentary elections amid pandemic President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hopes for a two-thirds majority for the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) in the general election so that he can amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers curbed by a 2015 constitutional change. His older brother and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is seeking reelection as prime minister, is assured of a sweeping victory as the main Opposition is badly divided. As many as five members of the Rajapaksa family are in the fray, Mahinda Rajapaksa, his elder son Namal Rajapaksa, the older brother Chamal Rajapaksa and nephews Shasheendra Rajapaksa and Nipuna Ranawaka. Also read: Sri Lanka to vote today in high-stakes election Basil Rajapaksa, the powerful national organiser of the SLPP, said that the entire Opposition would poll less than half of the SLPP's total votes. "We will record a sweeping victory at the election and our opponent will not be able to muster even half our votes, Basil said. According to many political watchers, the Rajapaksas' victory is only a matter of how many seats and not if they would win it. This may seem an almost unthinkable return to the pinnacle of power for the family who had been electorally disgraced by the unexpected loss of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2015. In 2015, the Rajapaksas were battling arrests and corruption cases in court. There were scores of cases filed against them for alleged misappropriation and the cases are still pending with no conclusions to them. Gotabaya's victory in the November presidential election was the second reversal of their fortunes for the better. The first was in 2018 when their fledgling SLPP recorded a resounding win in the local council election, which to all intents and purposes signalled their return to power. President Gotabaya has campaigned for unbridled power to him through the repealing of the nineteenth amendment (19A) to the Constitution. In 2015, President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government moved the 19A which brought in a stream of reforms that strengthened the post of the prime minister. The reforms also ensured the independence of judiciary and elections. However, the Rajapaksas' saw the amendment as a move to curb them politically some of its provisions such as those which barred dual citizens from holding political office. Gotabaya had to renounce his US citizenship to contest the November election. The Rajapaksa campaign in this election was for parliamentary control to give Sri Lanka a strong government. They cashed in on failings of the last government and the power struggle between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who headed rival parties while in government. Sirisena, the man who ended the family grip of power in 2015, has mended fences with the family and he is contesting a seat from his north central district home base from SLPP while for Wickremesinghe it had been downhill since he became the prime minister in a fragile coalition. Wickremesinghe had to give in to his deputy Sajith Premadasa to run for presidency in November. After Premadasa's loss, the chorus for Wickremesinghe's exit from being the leader of the country's oldest political party became louder. He held on as he had done over the last 26 years, only to face a challenge from Premadasa's newly formed SJB who are expected to win more seats than the UNP. The Marxist JVP, a key ally of the then opposition against Rajapaksa in 2015, is going on their own. Their campaign is based on blaming both the two major political parties which ruled the country since 1948. They seek to increase their numbers by posing as the alternative to the parties who had bungled for 70 years. In the north and east, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), who were also part of the 2015 pro-democracy alliance against Mahinda Rajapaksa, seeks the Tamil support to pursue their struggle for political autonomy to the Tamils. They are facing stiff resistance by the hardline Tamil bandwagon led by the former northern chief minister CV Wigneswaran. A total of 7,452 candidates from 54 political parties and independent groups are contesting the election in 22 districts. The polls are being held under strict COVID-19 health guidelines. Mahinda Deshapriya, the Chair of the Elections Commission, has said that there is no threat of the coronavirus at polling centres. "Voters can cast their vote without any fear during the poll," he said.

Sri Lanka: Voting for parliamentary election underway after being delayed twice

Sri Lanka is heading for parliamentary polls today, August 5. There is a lot at stake in these elections being held in middle of the Wuhan virus pandemic. There are 16 million registered voters in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is the political party with the highest stake in these elections.

The party is led by the Rajapaksa brothers -- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and caretaker Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaska. Rajapaksa brothers are looking at is a 2/3rd majority in the parliament.

Sri Lanka does not have the tradition of opinion polls but experts say the opposition currently looks pretty fractured. There is the United National Party by former prime minister Wickremesinghe. Its breakaway group SJN s being led by Sajith Premadasa. There are smaller parties like Tamil National Alliance and the NPP.

The Lankan parliament has 225 seats and the election will be held under proportional representation system.

196 members will be elected from 22 electoral districts. The remaining 29 parliamentarians will be appointed based on each party's cumulative votes tally. 
&nbsp; 
The Rajapaksa brothers will go ahead and make constitutional changes if they win the polls. They would look at repealing the 19th amendment- which had reduced the power of the lankan president. Gotabaya Rajapaksa veiws this as a hurdle. 
&nbsp; 
It could mean the end of road for those seeking justice for war crime. Gotabaya is surrounded by current and former members of the Lanka military. Many of them are accused of war time abuses during the Lankan civil war. A 2/3rd majority in favour of the Rajapaksa could spell bad news for the minorities. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidential elections promising a united Lanka, he has walked in the opposite direction ever since.

The voters have been instructed to wear masks,carry their pens and maintaint physical distancing.

The votes will be counted on Thursday.

Polling booths will open at 7 am local time and voting will go on till 5 pm.

The counting will take place on Thursday. This is the first election since the 1970s when the counting has veen deferred to the next day... 
If Mahinda Rajapaksa wins, the brothers will be able to chnage the lankan constitution.

Sri Lanka is heading for parliamentary polls today, August 5. There is a lot at stake in these elections being held in middle of the Wuhan virus pandemic. There are 16 million registered voters in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is heading for parliamentary polls today, August 5. There is a lot at stake in these elections being held in middle of the Wuhan virus pandemic. There are 16 million registered voters in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is the political party with the highest stake in these elections. The party is led by the Rajapaksa brothers -- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and caretaker Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaska. Rajapaksa brothers are looking at is a 2/3rd majority in the parliament. Sri Lanka does not have the tradition of opinion polls but experts say the opposition currently looks pretty fractured. There is the United National Party by former prime minister Wickremesinghe. Its breakaway group SJN s being led by Sajith Premadasa. There are smaller parties like Tamil National Alliance and the NPP. The Lankan parliament has 225 seats and the election will be held under proportional representation system. 196 members will be elected from 22 electoral districts. The remaining 29 parliamentarians will be appointed based on each party's cumulative votes tally. The Rajapaksa brothers will go ahead and make constitutional changes if they win the polls. They would look at repealing the 19th amendment- which had reduced the power of the lankan president. Gotabaya Rajapaksa veiws this as a hurdle. It could mean the end of road for those seeking justice for war crime. Gotabaya is surrounded by current and former members of the Lanka military. Many of them are accused of war time abuses during the Lankan civil war. A 2/3rd majority in favour of the Rajapaksa could spell bad news for the minorities. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidential elections promising a united Lanka, he has walked in the opposite direction ever since. The voters have been instructed to wear masks,carry their pens and maintaint physical distancing. The votes will be counted on Thursday. Polling booths will open at 7 am local time and voting will go on till 5 pm. The counting will take place on Thursday. This is the first election since the 1970s when the counting has veen deferred to the next day... If Mahinda Rajapaksa wins, the brothers will be able to chnage the lankan constitution.

Sri Lanka to vote today in high-stakes election

Sri Lanka's August 5 general election will be held at a cost of 10 billion rupees, becoming the costliest poll in the country's history, according to a media report.

Over 16 million voters are registered for next week's election to form the 225-member Parliament for a 5-year term. The election commission has been struggling to make arrangements for a free and fair poll due to the health risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/masking-the-politics-sri-lanka-gears-up-for-parliamentary-elections-amid-pandemic-317229">Masking the politics: Sri Lanka gears up for parliamentary elections amid pandemic</a>

Speaking to Daily Mirror Lanka, Election Chief Mahinda Deshapriya said the entire poll process will cost at least 10 billion rupees, an inflated budget compared to other years mostly due to several health precautions and deployment of additional staff.

"We are trying to limit it. This is the most expensive election in history as we have to deploy additional staff along with face masks, sanitisers and all other health guidelines. We hope we can reduce the cost and keep it at 10 billion rupees," Deshapriya said.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 had dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25.

However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the election by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation.

The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the coronavirus pandemic and the new date was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the commission.

Sri Lanka's coronavirus tally currently stands at 2,815 with 11 deaths.

Sri Lanka's August 5 general election will be held at a cost of 10 billion rupees, becoming the costliest poll in the country's history, according to a media report.

Sri Lanka's August 5 general election will be held at a cost of 10 billion rupees, becoming the costliest poll in the country's history, according to a media report. Over 16 million voters are registered for next week's election to form the 225-member Parliament for a 5-year term. The election commission has been struggling to make arrangements for a free and fair poll due to the health risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also see: Masking the politics: Sri Lanka gears up for parliamentary elections amid pandemic Speaking to Daily Mirror Lanka, Election Chief Mahinda Deshapriya said the entire poll process will cost at least 10 billion rupees, an inflated budget compared to other years mostly due to several health precautions and deployment of additional staff. "We are trying to limit it. This is the most expensive election in history as we have to deploy additional staff along with face masks, sanitisers and all other health guidelines. We hope we can reduce the cost and keep it at 10 billion rupees," Deshapriya said. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 had dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25. However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the election by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation. The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the coronavirus pandemic and the new date was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the commission. Sri Lanka's coronavirus tally currently stands at 2,815 with 11 deaths.

Sri Lanka's August 5 general poll to be costliest ever

Among other factors, India and Sri Lanka's history is also knit by a Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

Its protagonist is Lord Ram and antagonist, the demon-king of Lanka, Ravana.

In Ramayana, Ravana abducts Lord Rama's wife Sita, takes her to Lanka, where she was kept as a prisoner.&nbsp;

In India, by and large, Ravana is considered as a symbol of evil and Lord Rama is celebrated.

The Hindu deity is often mentioned in Indian election rallies too, where voters are promised of building a Ram temple.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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On August 5, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the temple town of Ayodhya to lay the foundation for the Lord Rama temple.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-drops-plan-to-conduct-advance-polling-for-people-under-quarantine-316452">Sri Lanka drops plan to conduct advance polling for people under quarantine</a>

On the same day, Sri Lanka will vote, but unlike India, it is heading to elections by celebrating Ravana.

Sri Lanka considers him a great ruler and a learned scholar.

Interestingly, the name of Sri Lanka's first indigenous satellite is Ravana-1.

In this island nation, a Buddhist monk-led political organisation is called Ravana Balaya.

And now, the Sinhalese Buddhists are trying to build a cult around Ravana.&nbsp;

They are projecting him as an embodiment of Sri Lanka's fight against India and the West.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabay Rajapaksa's nationalist government is trying to cash on this narrative.

Recently, the Lankan Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation issued a newspaper advertisement, which urged people to share research and documents on Ravana.&nbsp;

The government said it is conducting research on the lost aerial routes.

In mythology, Ravana is said to have built an aircraft, which he used to fly to India and other overseas lands.

So, what is being presented as scientific research is nothing but an attempt to stir-up nationalistic sentiments.&nbsp;

It is also being used to unite the Sinhalese Buddhist, who Rajapaksas see as their vote bank.

As they seek votes with the promise of unity, it is Ravana, who is once again emerging as a charismatic leader, and a symbol of Lankan power.&nbsp;

Among other factors, India and Sri Lanka's history is also knit by a Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Its protagonist is Lord Ram and antagonist, the demon-king of Lanka, Ravana.

Among other factors, India and Sri Lanka's history is also knit by a Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Its protagonist is Lord Ram and antagonist, the demon-king of Lanka, Ravana. In Ramayana, Ravana abducts Lord Rama's wife Sita, takes her to Lanka, where she was kept as a prisoner. In India, by and large, Ravana is considered as a symbol of evil and Lord Rama is celebrated. The Hindu deity is often mentioned in Indian election rallies too, where voters are promised of building a Ram temple. Watch | On August 5, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the temple town of Ayodhya to lay the foundation for the Lord Rama temple. Also read | Sri Lanka drops plan to conduct advance polling for people under quarantine On the same day, Sri Lanka will vote, but unlike India, it is heading to elections by celebrating Ravana. Sri Lanka considers him a great ruler and a learned scholar. Interestingly, the name of Sri Lanka's first indigenous satellite is Ravana-1. In this island nation, a Buddhist monk-led political organisation is called Ravana Balaya. And now, the Sinhalese Buddhists are trying to build a cult around Ravana. They are projecting him as an embodiment of Sri Lanka's fight against India and the West. Sri Lankan President Gotabay Rajapaksa's nationalist government is trying to cash on this narrative. Recently, the Lankan Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation issued a newspaper advertisement, which urged people to share research and documents on Ravana. The government said it is conducting research on the lost aerial routes. In mythology, Ravana is said to have built an aircraft, which he used to fly to India and other overseas lands. So, what is being presented as scientific research is nothing but an attempt to stir-up nationalistic sentiments. It is also being used to unite the Sinhalese Buddhist, who Rajapaksas see as their vote bank. As they seek votes with the promise of unity, it is Ravana, who is once again emerging as a charismatic leader, and a symbol of Lankan power.

Sri Lanka: Can Ravana ensure a victory for Rajapaksas?