'Thank you for your warm welcome India' tweets Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Watch video to know more.

'Thank you for your warm welcome India' tweets Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lankan Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa receives ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Watch video to know more.

Sri Lankan Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa receives ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Term As President Promises To An Eventful One With Plenty Of Challenges & Opportunities.

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WION Edit: The Importance Of Sri Lanka To India's Maritime Strategy

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Key Takeaways From Sri Lanka's New President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Ongoing Visit To India.

Gravitas: Gotabaya Rajapaksa In India: Key Highlights

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met PM Modi at Hyderabad House today as the two leaders sought to further bilateral relations between the two countries.

Fineprint: Indian PM announces $450 mn line of credit to Sri Lanka

Gotabaya's India visit: Fresh start between India and Sri Lanka? Watch video to know more.

Gotabaya's India visit: Fresh start between India and Sri Lanka?

PM Modi announces $400 million line of credit to Sri Lanka. Watch video to know more.

PM Modi announces $400 million line of credit to Sri Lanka

The stage is set for Sri Lanka's new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's</a> India visit, which will the first foreign visit by him since taking charge earlier this month.

Gotabaya arrives in Delhi today evening and Friday will be the main day of engagement when he meets PM Modi at Hyderabad house.&nbsp;

This visit is keenly awaited&nbsp;given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region.

In fact, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country last week to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with&nbsp;regards to the minority Tamils.&nbsp;

Last week, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "EAM also expected and he conveyed to President Rajapaksa India’s expectation that the Sri Lankan government will take forward the process of national reconciliation to arrive at a solution that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity."

Gotabaya&nbsp;as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns.

"Our relationship with Sri Lanka or for that matter with any other country is not dependent on a third country, it stands independently. We enjoy a historical and very close relationship with Sri Lanka and we are looking forward and we will work very closely with the new Sri Lankan government", Raveesh Kumar said.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country.

During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three&nbsp;times since 2014 -&nbsp;with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019.

The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs. &nbsp;

Under the Indian Housing Project, more than 46,000 houses have been built in northern and eastern provinces at the cost of 1,372 crores. This is also one of the largest projects undertaken by the Indian government&nbsp;abroad.

The nationwise ambulance service has also got much applause. In terms of major infrastructure projects, India will be been supplying 160 passengers coached to Sri Lankan railways and building many solar projects.

The stage is set for Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's India visit, which will the first foreign visit by him since taking charge earlier this month.

The stage is set for Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's India visit, which will the first foreign visit by him since taking charge earlier this month. Gotabaya arrives in Delhi today evening and Friday will be the main day of engagement when he meets PM Modi at Hyderabad house. This visit is keenly awaited given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region. In fact, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country last week to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils. Last week, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "EAM also expected and he conveyed to President Rajapaksa India’s expectation that the Sri Lankan government will take forward the process of national reconciliation to arrive at a solution that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity." Gotabaya as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns. "Our relationship with Sri Lanka or for that matter with any other country is not dependent on a third country, it stands independently. We enjoy a historical and very close relationship with Sri Lanka and we are looking forward and we will work very closely with the new Sri Lankan government", Raveesh Kumar said. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country. During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three times since 2014 - with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019. The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs. Under the Indian Housing Project, more than 46,000 houses have been built in northern and eastern provinces at the cost of 1,372 crores. This is also one of the largest projects undertaken by the Indian government abroad. The nationwise ambulance service has also got much applause. In terms of major infrastructure projects, India will be been supplying 160 passengers coached to Sri Lankan railways and building many solar projects.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to visit India today

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month. Rajapaksa is on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen strategic bilateral ties.

WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives in India

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month.

Rajapaksa is on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen strategic bilateral ties.

A ceremonial reception will be held in Rashtrapati Bhawan in his honour on Friday.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President will hold talks with Modi and also call on President Ram Nath Kovind.

The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work very closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation.

"India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a weekly briefing on November 21.

Last week, Jaishankar had made a brief visit to Colombo where he met Rajapaksa and announced that the latter accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29.

70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president.

His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015.

(With inputs from ANI)

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month.

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month. Rajapaksa is on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen strategic bilateral ties. A ceremonial reception will be held in Rashtrapati Bhawan in his honour on Friday. Sri Lankan President will hold talks with Modi and also call on President Ram Nath Kovind. The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work very closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation. "India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a weekly briefing on November 21. Last week, Jaishankar had made a brief visit to Colombo where he met Rajapaksa and announced that the latter accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29. 70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015. (With inputs from ANI)

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives in India

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-visit-india-today-265005">Sri Lanka's&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> said on Thursday before departing for India in his first foreign visit since taking charge as the new President of the neighbouring island country.

"Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri @narendramodi and Government&nbsp;of India,"&nbsp;Gotabaya said on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and Govt of India <a href="https://t.co/Td6MbO4PdL">pic.twitter.com/Td6MbO4PdL</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1199989845961007109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gotabaya will arrive in Delhi today evening. On Friday he will meet PM Modi at&nbsp;Hyderabad.

This visit is keenly awaited given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region.

Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country&nbsp;to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils.&nbsp;

Gotabaya as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country.

During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three&nbsp;times since 2014 -&nbsp;with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019.

The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs. &nbsp;

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Thursday before departing for India in his first foreign visit since taking charge as the new President of the neighbouring island country.

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Thursday before departing for India in his first foreign visit since taking charge as the new President of the neighbouring island country. "Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri @narendramodi and Government of India," Gotabaya said on Twitter. Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri @narendramodi and Govt of India pic.twitter.com/Td6MbO4PdL — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 28, 2019 × Gotabaya will arrive in Delhi today evening. On Friday he will meet PM Modi at Hyderabad. This visit is keenly awaited given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region. Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils. Gotabaya as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country. During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three times since 2014 - with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019. The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs.

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with India: Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan was named Governor of a Lankan province, news agencies reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Muralitharan, who scalped 800 Test wickets, has been appointed Governor of Sri Lanka's Northern Province by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">President Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> on a special invitation.

The 47-year-old is among three new Governors who were to be appointed by the newly-elected Lankan government.

According to reports, the legendary spinner was personally invited by President Rajapaksa to accept the post.&nbsp;

Cricket coach and former Sri Lankan cricketer retired from the Test format in the year 2010.&nbsp;

Crowned as the greatest Test match bowler ever by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack in 2002, Muralitharan is remembered as one of the finest spinners in the history of international cricket.&nbsp;

In his career, Muralitharan bagged many feats, broke and set many records including the world record for bagging the most wickets in both Test and ODI cricket formats.&nbsp;

He is the only Sri Lankan to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

The development follows the appointment of Sri Lanka's new leadership after&nbsp;former Lankan wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the elections last week.

Rajapaksa was sworn in as the president of the island nation last week and appointed his brother and former Lankan strongman, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-names-brother-mahinda-as-sri-lanka-pm-spokesperson-263441">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a>, as the country's Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The Rajapaksa brothers are credited for ending Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago by brutally crushing Tamil Tigers.&nbsp;

Gotabaya, known as the "Terminator" was the defence secretary when his brother Mahinda was the president of Sri Lanka (2005-15). During his tenure as defence secretary, Gotabaya was accused of allowing death squads to kill rivals, journalists and critics.

Sri Lanka spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan was named Governor of a Lankan province, news agencies reported on Wednesday. Muralitharan, who scalped 800 Test wickets, has been appointed Governor of Sri Lanka's Northern Province by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on a special invitation.

Sri Lanka spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan was named Governor of a Lankan province, news agencies reported on Wednesday. Muralitharan, who scalped 800 Test wickets, has been appointed Governor of Sri Lanka's Northern Province by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on a special invitation. The 47-year-old is among three new Governors who were to be appointed by the newly-elected Lankan government. According to reports, the legendary spinner was personally invited by President Rajapaksa to accept the post. Cricket coach and former Sri Lankan cricketer retired from the Test format in the year 2010. Crowned as the greatest Test match bowler ever by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack in 2002, Muralitharan is remembered as one of the finest spinners in the history of international cricket. In his career, Muralitharan bagged many feats, broke and set many records including the world record for bagging the most wickets in both Test and ODI cricket formats. He is the only Sri Lankan to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The development follows the appointment of Sri Lanka's new leadership after former Lankan wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the elections last week. Rajapaksa was sworn in as the president of the island nation last week and appointed his brother and former Lankan strongman, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the country's Prime Minister. The Rajapaksa brothers are credited for ending Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago by brutally crushing Tamil Tigers. Gotabaya, known as the "Terminator" was the defence secretary when his brother Mahinda was the president of Sri Lanka (2005-15). During his tenure as defence secretary, Gotabaya was accused of allowing death squads to kill rivals, journalists and critics.

Muttiah Muralitharan appointed governor of Sri Lanka's Northern Province 

In a major relief to the newly sworn-in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">Sri Lankan president</a>, a court dropped corruption charges and handed him back his passport on Friday.&nbsp;

As per the Sri Lankan constitution, no court proceeding can take place against any serving president. However, when a president leaves his office, action can be taken against him.&nbsp;

In September 2018, the High Court indicted Rajapaksa on the charge of siphoning off 33 million rupees (nearly $185,000) in state funds to build a memorial for his parents. Gotabaya was also handed over his passport which was impounded, allowing him to visit India next week at the invitation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankas-newly-elected-president-accepts-pm-modis-invitation-to-visit-india-on-november-29-263217">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan president had earlier pleaded not guilty when he was tried before a special court established by the former government in a bid to expedite high-profile corruption cases.&nbsp;

The court said that the fate of six others who were charged along with Rajapaksa will be decided when the case will go for the next hearing on January 9.&nbsp;

Official sources said that Rajapaksa was also entitled to claim foreign sovereign immunity in the two civil cases filed against him in US for causing the death of senior newspaper journalist and torture. In 2009, Gotabaya denied any involvement in the killing of editor Lasantha Wickrematunge and torturing suspects when he headed the defence ministry and his brother Mahinda was president. &nbsp;

Wickrematunge was murdered days before his testimony was due in a defamation case filed by Gotabaya after his newspaper accused him of corruption in a deal with Ukraine to buy fighter jets.&nbsp;

Last week, Gotabaya was elected president of Sri Lanka and on Thursday his brother was sworn in as the prime minister.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

In a major relief to the newly sworn-in Sri Lankan president, a court dropped corruption charges and handed him back his passport on Friday. As per the Sri Lankan constitution, no court proceeding can take place against any serving president.

In a major relief to the newly sworn-in Sri Lankan president, a court dropped corruption charges and handed him back his passport on Friday. As per the Sri Lankan constitution, no court proceeding can take place against any serving president. However, when a president leaves his office, action can be taken against him. In September 2018, the High Court indicted Rajapaksa on the charge of siphoning off 33 million rupees (nearly $185,000) in state funds to build a memorial for his parents. Gotabaya was also handed over his passport which was impounded, allowing him to visit India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Sri Lankan president had earlier pleaded not guilty when he was tried before a special court established by the former government in a bid to expedite high-profile corruption cases. The court said that the fate of six others who were charged along with Rajapaksa will be decided when the case will go for the next hearing on January 9. Official sources said that Rajapaksa was also entitled to claim foreign sovereign immunity in the two civil cases filed against him in US for causing the death of senior newspaper journalist and torture. In 2009, Gotabaya denied any involvement in the killing of editor Lasantha Wickrematunge and torturing suspects when he headed the defence ministry and his brother Mahinda was president. Wickrematunge was murdered days before his testimony was due in a defamation case filed by Gotabaya after his newspaper accused him of corruption in a deal with Ukraine to buy fighter jets. Last week, Gotabaya was elected president of Sri Lanka and on Thursday his brother was sworn in as the prime minister. (with inputs from AFP)

Sri Lankan court drops charges against new president Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka`s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday appointed the interim cabinet of the caretaker government that will remain in place till the next general election and gave important portfolios to his two brothers: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-has-been-sworn-in-as-the-prime-minister-of-sri-lanka-263600">Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa </a>and Chamal Rajapaksa.

The new interim 16-member cabinet will be a part of a caretaker government that will remain in place till the next general election scheduled for March 2020. The cabinet was sworn in today before President Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, Ceylon Today reported.

Mahinda, who was sworn in as the prime minister yesterday, will lead the ministries of finance, economic affairs, housing, urban development, water supply and Buddhist affairs.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has served as president from 2005 to 2015. His accession to power has come after Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his resignation from the prime ministerial post, paving a way for a caretaker cabinet.

"I congratulate the new members of the cabinet. Together with the interim cabinet that was just appointed until the #GenElecSL, we look forward to serving all Sri Lankans," tweeted Rajapaksa.

Another Rajapaksa brother, Chamal was sworn in as the minister of agriculture, irrigation, internal trade, and consumer welfare. Meanwhile, Basil, another brother, will continue to play a powerful role behind the scenes as chief strategist.

"The appointments are seen as a concentration of power into the hands of the Rajapaksa family," media reported.

The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka`s civil war, with the security services they controlled accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses.

The other members of the cabinet are---Nimal Siripala, Arumugam Thondaman, Douglas Devananda, Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, Bandula Gunawardene, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Dullas Alahapperuma, Wimal Weerawansa, Mahinda Amaraweera, SM Chandrasena, Ramesh Pathirana, and Prasanna Ranathunga.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka`s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday appointed the interim cabinet of the caretaker government that will remain in place till the next general election and gave important portfolios to his two brothers: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chamal Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka`s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday appointed the interim cabinet of the caretaker government that will remain in place till the next general election and gave important portfolios to his two brothers: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chamal Rajapaksa. The new interim 16-member cabinet will be a part of a caretaker government that will remain in place till the next general election scheduled for March 2020. The cabinet was sworn in today before President Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, Ceylon Today reported. Mahinda, who was sworn in as the prime minister yesterday, will lead the ministries of finance, economic affairs, housing, urban development, water supply and Buddhist affairs. Mahinda Rajapaksa has served as president from 2005 to 2015. His accession to power has come after Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his resignation from the prime ministerial post, paving a way for a caretaker cabinet. "I congratulate the new members of the cabinet. Together with the interim cabinet that was just appointed until the #GenElecSL, we look forward to serving all Sri Lankans," tweeted Rajapaksa. Another Rajapaksa brother, Chamal was sworn in as the minister of agriculture, irrigation, internal trade, and consumer welfare. Meanwhile, Basil, another brother, will continue to play a powerful role behind the scenes as chief strategist. "The appointments are seen as a concentration of power into the hands of the Rajapaksa family," media reported. The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka`s civil war, with the security services they controlled accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses. The other members of the cabinet are---Nimal Siripala, Arumugam Thondaman, Douglas Devananda, Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, Bandula Gunawardene, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Dullas Alahapperuma, Wimal Weerawansa, Mahinda Amaraweera, SM Chandrasena, Ramesh Pathirana, and Prasanna Ranathunga.

Sri Lanka president appoints 16 member interim cabinet

By Andreas Johansson

Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as Sri Lanka’s new president in elections on November 16 after winning 52 per cent of the votes for the Sri Lanka People’s Front party – 10 per cent more than his closet rival. This election was the first since the Easter bombing attacks that shocked the country in April 2019.

Known as Gota, Rajapaksa is a former defence minister and brother of Sri Lanka’s two-time president Mahinda Rajapaksa. After his successful presidential campaign, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who also is a US citizen, was congratulated by world leaders and promised to serve Sri Lanka’s people of all religions.

Throughout his campaign, Rajapaksa stressed that national unity is a priority and claimed he was running the first-ever carbon sensitive electoral campaign in the world. He also promised to deal with the country’s huge debt.

But Rajapaksa’s win has raised concerns among opposition and minorities in the country, who claim that it might increase ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka.

Divided history 
 
The first reason for these fears is linked to the end of the civil war, which lasted from 1982 to 2009. The war was between militant groups from the Tamil minority who wanted to create a separate Tamil nation and the Sri Lankan army. Gota was the minister of defence as the war drew to an end and he became a controversial figure when he and his brother were in charge of the brutal campaign that led to the end of the civil war in 2009.

In the last few months of the war, when the Sri Lankan army made its final offensive against Tamil militants in the northeast of the country, up to 40,000 people may have been killed, leaving Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority dealing with an immense trauma. The end of the war, May 18, is now called the remembrance day of the Tamil genocide.

Gotabaya has been accused of being a “war criminal” by international law experts because of the way the war ended and a United Nations report concluded there was credible evidence of war crimes committed by both the Tamil militants and the Sri Lankan government.

The former Rajapaksa regime might still face charges related to the end of the war, but there are now fears that the Rajapaksa family will not be held accountable for alleged human rights violations. Gotabaya was facing charges of torture in the US connected to his time as minister of defence, but the charges were dissmissed in mid-October because he had immunity under US law.

The opposition and minorities are also worried about press freedom now the Rajapaksa family has made a political comeback. Gotabaya and his brother were nicknamed the “predators of press freedom”: between 2004 and 2010, 44 journalists and media workers were killed in Sri Lanka – most of them Tamil speaking. Nevertheless, in an interview in late 2018 with the Swedish journalist, Johan Mikaelsson, Gotabaya denied that any Tamil journalists were killed during his time as minister of defence.

Muslim fears 
 
Sri Lanka’s Muslims, the country’s second-largest minority, are some of the most concerned about Gotabaya’s presidency. The Muslim population of Sri Lanka makes up 9.7 per cent&nbsp;of the nearly 22m inhabitants. Most of the Muslims in Sri Lanka are Sunni and speak Tamil as their mother tongue.

I have conducted research analysing Muslim politics in the country since 2006, and most of the politicians that I have talked with preferred other presidential candidates over Rajapaksa.

During his presidential campaign, Gotabaya promised to clamp down on Islamic extremism and said he would put national security above all else. This issue was particularly important in the election after the April 2019 terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Christian churches and luxury hotels in which at least 259 people were killed and more than 500 injured. The attacks were carried out by Sri Lankan citizens, members of local groups National Thowheeth Jama'ath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim, who had sworn alliance to Islamic State.

Days after the attack, Gotabaya criticised the former president, Maithripala Sirisena, and the national security in the country, and promised that he was the right man for the job of keeping Sri Lankans safe.

After the Easter bombings, Muslims were attacked by angry mobs several times. There are now fears that Gotabaya’s hard line against Islamic extremism could spark more anti-Muslim sentiment.

In the years after the war, hardline Buddhist groups such as the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) targeted Muslims and Christians in different campaigns, some of theWhile the presidential elections were largely peaceful, there were some incidents of violence, including a gun attack on a bus full of Muslim voters.

Rajapaksa’s lack of support among minority groups could be seen in the breakdown of the election results. In the northeast of Sri Lanka, where most of the Tamil and Muslim minorities live, Rajapaksa’s main opponent Sajith Premadasa received most votes. Still, the Rajapaksa brothers remain popular in Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese majority areas.

The first sign of changes in parliament are already here, the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, resigned and Gotabaya named his brother, Mahinda, to take over. In 2020, Sri Lanka will have parliamentary elections and there is a good chance that the Rajapaksa family will strengthen its power base. By then, it should have become a bit clearer what Gotabaya’s victory will mean for the country’s minorities.m violent. In the past, Gotabaya had publicly appeared at a BBS event, but more recently has denied links with the group. The agenda of these Buddhist groups is to protect what they consider the holy land of Buddhism, Sri Lanka, from foreign elements. In 2014, the ethnic tension lead to riots between Muslims and Buddhists, and four Muslims were killed in the south of the country.&nbsp;

(Andreas Johansson is Director of Swedish South Asian Studies Network (SASNET), Lund University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/sri-lanka-gotabaya-rajapaksas-election-victory-sparks-fear-among-minorities-127302"> original article</a>) 
&nbsp; 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
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By Andreas Johansson Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as Sri Lanka’s new president in elections on November 16 after winning 52 per cent of the votes for the Sri Lanka People’s Front party – 10 per cent more than his closet rival.

By Andreas Johansson Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as Sri Lanka’s new president in elections on November 16 after winning 52 per cent of the votes for the Sri Lanka People’s Front party – 10 per cent more than his closet rival. This election was the first since the Easter bombing attacks that shocked the country in April 2019. Known as Gota, Rajapaksa is a former defence minister and brother of Sri Lanka’s two-time president Mahinda Rajapaksa. After his successful presidential campaign, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who also is a US citizen, was congratulated by world leaders and promised to serve Sri Lanka’s people of all religions. Throughout his campaign, Rajapaksa stressed that national unity is a priority and claimed he was running the first-ever carbon sensitive electoral campaign in the world. He also promised to deal with the country’s huge debt. But Rajapaksa’s win has raised concerns among opposition and minorities in the country, who claim that it might increase ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka. Divided history The first reason for these fears is linked to the end of the civil war, which lasted from 1982 to 2009. The war was between militant groups from the Tamil minority who wanted to create a separate Tamil nation and the Sri Lankan army. Gota was the minister of defence as the war drew to an end and he became a controversial figure when he and his brother were in charge of the brutal campaign that led to the end of the civil war in 2009. In the last few months of the war, when the Sri Lankan army made its final offensive against Tamil militants in the northeast of the country, up to 40,000 people may have been killed, leaving Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority dealing with an immense trauma. The end of the war, May 18, is now called the remembrance day of the Tamil genocide. Gotabaya has been accused of being a “war criminal” by international law experts because of the way the war ended and a United Nations report concluded there was credible evidence of war crimes committed by both the Tamil militants and the Sri Lankan government. The former Rajapaksa regime might still face charges related to the end of the war, but there are now fears that the Rajapaksa family will not be held accountable for alleged human rights violations. Gotabaya was facing charges of torture in the US connected to his time as minister of defence, but the charges were dissmissed in mid-October because he had immunity under US law. The opposition and minorities are also worried about press freedom now the Rajapaksa family has made a political comeback. Gotabaya and his brother were nicknamed the “predators of press freedom”: between 2004 and 2010, 44 journalists and media workers were killed in Sri Lanka – most of them Tamil speaking. Nevertheless, in an interview in late 2018 with the Swedish journalist, Johan Mikaelsson, Gotabaya denied that any Tamil journalists were killed during his time as minister of defence. Muslim fears Sri Lanka’s Muslims, the country’s second-largest minority, are some of the most concerned about Gotabaya’s presidency. The Muslim population of Sri Lanka makes up 9.7 per cent of the nearly 22m inhabitants. Most of the Muslims in Sri Lanka are Sunni and speak Tamil as their mother tongue. I have conducted research analysing Muslim politics in the country since 2006, and most of the politicians that I have talked with preferred other presidential candidates over Rajapaksa. During his presidential campaign, Gotabaya promised to clamp down on Islamic extremism and said he would put national security above all else. This issue was particularly important in the election after the April 2019 terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Christian churches and luxury hotels in which at least 259 people were killed and more than 500 injured. The attacks were carried out by Sri Lankan citizens, members of local groups National Thowheeth Jama'ath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim, who had sworn alliance to Islamic State. Days after the attack, Gotabaya criticised the former president, Maithripala Sirisena, and the national security in the country, and promised that he was the right man for the job of keeping Sri Lankans safe. After the Easter bombings, Muslims were attacked by angry mobs several times. There are now fears that Gotabaya’s hard line against Islamic extremism could spark more anti-Muslim sentiment. In the years after the war, hardline Buddhist groups such as the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) targeted Muslims and Christians in different campaigns, some of theWhile the presidential elections were largely peaceful, there were some incidents of violence, including a gun attack on a bus full of Muslim voters. Rajapaksa’s lack of support among minority groups could be seen in the breakdown of the election results. In the northeast of Sri Lanka, where most of the Tamil and Muslim minorities live, Rajapaksa’s main opponent Sajith Premadasa received most votes. Still, the Rajapaksa brothers remain popular in Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese majority areas. The first sign of changes in parliament are already here, the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, resigned and Gotabaya named his brother, Mahinda, to take over. In 2020, Sri Lanka will have parliamentary elections and there is a good chance that the Rajapaksa family will strengthen its power base. By then, it should have become a bit clearer what Gotabaya’s victory will mean for the country’s minorities.m violent. In the past, Gotabaya had publicly appeared at a BBS event, but more recently has denied links with the group. The agenda of these Buddhist groups is to protect what they consider the holy land of Buddhism, Sri Lanka, from foreign elements. In 2014, the ethnic tension lead to riots between Muslims and Buddhists, and four Muslims were killed in the south of the country. (Andreas Johansson is Director of Swedish South Asian Studies Network (SASNET), Lund University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election victory sparks fear among minorities

Sri Lanka's new president named his elder brother&nbsp;Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of prime ministership, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's new President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">Gotabaya Rajapaksa </a>will swear in his elder brother and former president Mahinda, Government spokesman Vijayananda Herath said, reports AFP. Herath added that Mahinda will take charge as PM soon after Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation on Thursday morning.&nbsp;

"Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in at 1.00 pm&nbsp;(0730 GMT) and assume office at 3.00 pm," Keheliya Rambukwella, the spokesman for Mahinda-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) told Reuters.

Both brothers are credited for ending Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago by brutally crushing Tamil Tigers.&nbsp;

Gotabaya, known as the "Terminator" was the defence secretary when his brother Mahinda was the president of Sri Lanka (2005-15). During his tenure as defence secretary, Gotabaya was accused of allowing death squads to kill rivals, journalists and critics.&nbsp;

During the "dark decade" of the Rajapaksas' in office, at least 14 journalists "were murdered in connection with their work", reports press watchdog Reporters Without Borders

The new president is revered by the Sinhalese majority but a section of Tamil minorities also detest the 70-year-old strongman. As per reports, 40,000 civilians from Tamil community were killed during the end of Tamil war.&nbsp;

Gotabaya also faces a civil suit in the US where he has been accused of ordering the torture of a Tamil man and others when he was in power.&nbsp;

The presidential campaign of the Rajapaksas was based on strengthening national security and weeding out corruption.&nbsp;Wickremesinghe's government faced a lot of flak for failing to prevent April Easter bombings in which killed at least 269 people.&nbsp;

The 70-year-old did not have political experience but his elder brother's charismatic campaigning appealed to the Lankans.

During the term of Rajapaksas, Sri Lanka's proximity to China was increased, in which the island borrowed heavily from the Asian giant for infrastructure projects. Many of the infrastructure projects backed by China have turned into white elephants due to corruption allegations.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka was also forced to hand over its Hambantota port for 99 years lease to China in 2017 for failing to repay a loan of $1.4 billion, alarming western countries and traditional ally India.&nbsp;

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Sri Lanka's new president named his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of prime ministership, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will swear in his elder brother and former president Mahinda, Government spokesman Vijayananda Herath said, reports AFP.

Sri Lanka's new president named his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of prime ministership, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will swear in his elder brother and former president Mahinda, Government spokesman Vijayananda Herath said, reports AFP. Herath added that Mahinda will take charge as PM soon after Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation on Thursday morning. "Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in at 1.00 pm (0730 GMT) and assume office at 3.00 pm," Keheliya Rambukwella, the spokesman for Mahinda-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) told Reuters. Both brothers are credited for ending Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago by brutally crushing Tamil Tigers. Gotabaya, known as the "Terminator" was the defence secretary when his brother Mahinda was the president of Sri Lanka (2005-15). During his tenure as defence secretary, Gotabaya was accused of allowing death squads to kill rivals, journalists and critics. During the "dark decade" of the Rajapaksas' in office, at least 14 journalists "were murdered in connection with their work", reports press watchdog Reporters Without Borders The new president is revered by the Sinhalese majority but a section of Tamil minorities also detest the 70-year-old strongman. As per reports, 40,000 civilians from Tamil community were killed during the end of Tamil war. Gotabaya also faces a civil suit in the US where he has been accused of ordering the torture of a Tamil man and others when he was in power. The presidential campaign of the Rajapaksas was based on strengthening national security and weeding out corruption. Wickremesinghe's government faced a lot of flak for failing to prevent April Easter bombings in which killed at least 269 people. The 70-year-old did not have political experience but his elder brother's charismatic campaigning appealed to the Lankans. During the term of Rajapaksas, Sri Lanka's proximity to China was increased, in which the island borrowed heavily from the Asian giant for infrastructure projects. Many of the infrastructure projects backed by China have turned into white elephants due to corruption allegations. Sri Lanka was also forced to hand over its Hambantota port for 99 years lease to China in 2017 for failing to repay a loan of $1.4 billion, alarming western countries and traditional ally India.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa names brother Mahinda as Sri Lanka PM

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is scheduled to visit India on November 29; this would be his first overseas visit after winning the Presidential elections held on November 18, defeating his UNP rival Sujitha Premdasa comfortably. He is the younger brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (2005-15) under whom he had served as Defence Secretary and played his own role in putting an end to prolonged civil war by neutralising the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) &nbsp;in 2009.&nbsp;

The election of Gotabaya as President and the possibility of Mahinda Rajapaksa returning to power as Prime Minister has rung alarm bells amongst a section of foreign policy analysts in India on a possible adverse impact on India-Sri Lanka relations. Going by the track record of Rajapaksas, their apprehensions are not fully unjustified for a variety of reasons. &nbsp;

To recapitulate briefly, India’s relations with Sri Lanka during the later part of &nbsp;Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second tenure had witnessed a significant set-back. Though India had extended tacit support to Rajapaksa during his war against the LTTE, it decided to support the US-sponsored &nbsp; Resolutions in 2012 and 2013 criticising Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government for not taking enough steps to ensure accountability for the alleged violations of human rights, particularly during the last phase of the war against the LTTE. India’s decision apparently did not go well with Mahinda Rajapaksa and he used it as a pretext to turn his economic and security policies China-centric, often ignoring India’s sensitivities. It was thus during his regime that China was able to make deep inroads into Sri Lanka. 
 
Several infrastructure development projects awarded to China by Mahinda Rajapaksa included some such projects as Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City, which posed a challenge for India from the perspective of its security concerns in the Indian Ocean. Defying India’s sensitivities, Sri Lanka allowed the Chinese submarines to dock at the Colombo Port. China on its part was liberal in extending loans as well as political support to defend Sri Lanka in its international censure over the alleged violations of human rights during the war against LTTE.&nbsp;

The change of regime in Sri Lanka in 2015 applied brakes and to some extent reversed the pro-China thrust in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. President Maithripala Sirisena ordered a review of projects awarded to China and was quick in the reset of relations with India. Mahinda Rajapaksa accused India of interference by its intelligence agencies to influence the outcome of election results to ensure his defeat. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has also been critical of India and has accused it of exerting too much influence in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. &nbsp;

Against this backdrop, the sceptical question being asked is: Will Sri Lanka go the China-way once again, and do so at India’s cost? &nbsp;

By available indications, the history this time may perhaps not repeat itself for at least two or three reasons. First of all, there is a widespread realisation in Sri Lanka on the pitfalls of China’s debt trap, which has already resulted in handing over of the Hambantota Port to China on 99 years lease, being unable to pay off the loans. Sri Lanka must, therefore, tread with caution. Further, Gotabaya Rajapaksa does not enjoy the confidence of minorities, including Sri Lankan Tamils, who are believed to have voted against him; this is one factor which may influence his approach towards India. And finally, India also appears to have proceeded more judiciously and pro-actively in conveying the right messages. It is apparent that India had not ruled out the possibility of Rajapaksas returning to power and had thus been engaging the senior Rajapaksa for some time. Within a span of six months (after his election as Leader of Opposition) Mahinda Rajapaksa visited India twice ( September’ 18/ February’19) when he, besides others also met PM Modi. Modi was quick in felicitating Gotabaya on his election and conveying that he was looking forward to “working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region”. Gotabaya reciprocated promptly and accepted the invitation to visit India. PM Modi was also quick in despatching his Foreign Minister to Colombo and he was the first high-level foreign dignitary to meet the newly elected President. &nbsp;

The note must also be taken of the post-election public statements by Gotabaya wherein he has given the impression that Sri Lanka would remain neutral in the regional power struggle and maintain equidistance from India and China; in other words, Sri Lanka will engage both India and China. &nbsp;

Times are changing. Pragmatism would dictate that despite symbiotic relations, India can no longer expect the immediate neighbourhood to remain as an exclusive sphere of its influence; this applies as much to Sri Lanka as to Nepal, Maldives and others. The push to keep China at bay and not fall in its debt trap must come from within the region, while India should continue to engage the region in mutual interests of ensuring peace and tranquillity and securing development and prosperity in the region. India at the same time reserves the right to react and intervene if and when a member in the neighbourhood acts in a manner which has implications for India’s security and strategic interests. &nbsp;

It remains to be seen as to how Sri Lanka will behave in the coming years. However, the beginning of a new chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations appears to have been made on a good note and the forthcoming visit of President Gotabaya may hopefully lead to an explicit understanding that Sri Lanka will remain sensitive to India’s sensitivities while engaging with third countries. &nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
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The newly elected President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is scheduled to visit India on November 29; this would be his first overseas visit after winning the Presidential elections held on November 18, defeating his UNP rival Sujitha Premdasa comfortably.

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is scheduled to visit India on November 29; this would be his first overseas visit after winning the Presidential elections held on November 18, defeating his UNP rival Sujitha Premdasa comfortably. He is the younger brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (2005-15) under whom he had served as Defence Secretary and played his own role in putting an end to prolonged civil war by neutralising the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009. The election of Gotabaya as President and the possibility of Mahinda Rajapaksa returning to power as Prime Minister has rung alarm bells amongst a section of foreign policy analysts in India on a possible adverse impact on India-Sri Lanka relations. Going by the track record of Rajapaksas, their apprehensions are not fully unjustified for a variety of reasons. To recapitulate briefly, India’s relations with Sri Lanka during the later part of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second tenure had witnessed a significant set-back. Though India had extended tacit support to Rajapaksa during his war against the LTTE, it decided to support the US-sponsored Resolutions in 2012 and 2013 criticising Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government for not taking enough steps to ensure accountability for the alleged violations of human rights, particularly during the last phase of the war against the LTTE. India’s decision apparently did not go well with Mahinda Rajapaksa and he used it as a pretext to turn his economic and security policies China-centric, often ignoring India’s sensitivities. It was thus during his regime that China was able to make deep inroads into Sri Lanka. Several infrastructure development projects awarded to China by Mahinda Rajapaksa included some such projects as Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City, which posed a challenge for India from the perspective of its security concerns in the Indian Ocean. Defying India’s sensitivities, Sri Lanka allowed the Chinese submarines to dock at the Colombo Port. China on its part was liberal in extending loans as well as political support to defend Sri Lanka in its international censure over the alleged violations of human rights during the war against LTTE. The change of regime in Sri Lanka in 2015 applied brakes and to some extent reversed the pro-China thrust in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. President Maithripala Sirisena ordered a review of projects awarded to China and was quick in the reset of relations with India. Mahinda Rajapaksa accused India of interference by its intelligence agencies to influence the outcome of election results to ensure his defeat. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has also been critical of India and has accused it of exerting too much influence in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. Against this backdrop, the sceptical question being asked is: Will Sri Lanka go the China-way once again, and do so at India’s cost? By available indications, the history this time may perhaps not repeat itself for at least two or three reasons. First of all, there is a widespread realisation in Sri Lanka on the pitfalls of China’s debt trap, which has already resulted in handing over of the Hambantota Port to China on 99 years lease, being unable to pay off the loans. Sri Lanka must, therefore, tread with caution. Further, Gotabaya Rajapaksa does not enjoy the confidence of minorities, including Sri Lankan Tamils, who are believed to have voted against him; this is one factor which may influence his approach towards India. And finally, India also appears to have proceeded more judiciously and pro-actively in conveying the right messages. It is apparent that India had not ruled out the possibility of Rajapaksas returning to power and had thus been engaging the senior Rajapaksa for some time. Within a span of six months (after his election as Leader of Opposition) Mahinda Rajapaksa visited India twice ( September’ 18/ February’19) when he, besides others also met PM Modi. Modi was quick in felicitating Gotabaya on his election and conveying that he was looking forward to “working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region”. Gotabaya reciprocated promptly and accepted the invitation to visit India. PM Modi was also quick in despatching his Foreign Minister to Colombo and he was the first high-level foreign dignitary to meet the newly elected President. The note must also be taken of the post-election public statements by Gotabaya wherein he has given the impression that Sri Lanka would remain neutral in the regional power struggle and maintain equidistance from India and China; in other words, Sri Lanka will engage both India and China. Times are changing. Pragmatism would dictate that despite symbiotic relations, India can no longer expect the immediate neighbourhood to remain as an exclusive sphere of its influence; this applies as much to Sri Lanka as to Nepal, Maldives and others. The push to keep China at bay and not fall in its debt trap must come from within the region, while India should continue to engage the region in mutual interests of ensuring peace and tranquillity and securing development and prosperity in the region. India at the same time reserves the right to react and intervene if and when a member in the neighbourhood acts in a manner which has implications for India’s security and strategic interests. It remains to be seen as to how Sri Lanka will behave in the coming years. However, the beginning of a new chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations appears to have been made on a good note and the forthcoming visit of President Gotabaya may hopefully lead to an explicit understanding that Sri Lanka will remain sensitive to India’s sensitivities while engaging with third countries. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Change of regime in Sri Lanka: Implications for India-Lanka relations

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar makes an unscheduled visit to Sri Lanka to meet the newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Sri Lankan President is also scheduled to visit India on November 29. This has been confirmed by the Rajapaksa's office. This will be the Rajapaksa's first visit after taking charge as a President of Sri Lanka. Watch this complete video to find out more in detail.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar makes an unscheduled visit to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's New President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Career Is Filled With Controversies

Gravitas: The Story of Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka's new ''controversial'' President. Watch his full story.

Sri Lanka's new ''controversial'' President

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation.

"A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GotabayaR</a>. Conveyed PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity &amp; security. Confident that under his leadership, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaSriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaSriLanka</a> relations would reach greater heights. <a href="https://t.co/pDxZf0ZM3A">pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1196789834536423425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2019</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>

"President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added.

Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday.

He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation. "A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted. A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity & security. Confident that under his leadership, #IndiaSriLanka relations would reach greater heights. pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 19, 2019 × "President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added. Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who won the election on Sunday, was sworn in as president of the island nation on Monday. 
 
Rajapaksa, who oversaw the military defeat of Tamil separatists under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa 10 years ago, has promised strong leadership to secure the island of 22 million people, the majority of whom are Sinhalese Buddhists.

Rajapaksa will succeed&nbsp;Maithripala Sirisena whose tenure was marred by a terrorist attack on churches and luxury hotels in April 2019.&nbsp; 
 
Rajapaksa, 70, would be the latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/its-my-duty-to-serve-all-sri-lankans-without-race-religious-discrimination-says-newly-elected-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-262769">nationalist leader</a> swept to power across the world, tapping into the anger and fears of majority communities. 
 
He and his brothers, who are expected to get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-elected-sri-lankan-president-official-results-262724">key positions</a>, are also seen as closer to China, which has invested billions of dollars building ports, expressways and power stations. 
 
But these projects have also led to high debt levels for Sri Lanka. 
 
Premadasa, a housing minister in the current government that has faced criticism for failing to protect Sri Lankans in the wake of the suicide bombings in April, conceded defeat. 
 
"After a hard-fought and spirited election campaign, It is my privilege to honour the decision of the people and congratulate Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka," Premadasa said.

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who won the election on Sunday, was sworn in as president of the island nation on Monday. Rajapaksa, who oversaw the military defeat of Tamil separatists under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa 10 years ago, has promised strong leadership to secure the island of 22 million people, the majority of whom are Sinhalese Buddhists.

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who won the election on Sunday, was sworn in as president of the island nation on Monday. Rajapaksa, who oversaw the military defeat of Tamil separatists under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa 10 years ago, has promised strong leadership to secure the island of 22 million people, the majority of whom are Sinhalese Buddhists. Rajapaksa will succeed Maithripala Sirisena whose tenure was marred by a terrorist attack on churches and luxury hotels in April 2019. Rajapaksa, 70, would be the latest nationalist leader swept to power across the world, tapping into the anger and fears of majority communities. He and his brothers, who are expected to get key positions, are also seen as closer to China, which has invested billions of dollars building ports, expressways and power stations. But these projects have also led to high debt levels for Sri Lanka. Premadasa, a housing minister in the current government that has faced criticism for failing to protect Sri Lankans in the wake of the suicide bombings in April, conceded defeat. "After a hard-fought and spirited election campaign, It is my privilege to honour the decision of the people and congratulate Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka," Premadasa said.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa sworn in as new Sri Lankan president

Gravitas: Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa Takes Charge

Implications Of Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Victory In SL Elections On India, China & The I.O.R

WION Edit: Sri Lanka: Battle for Influence Between India and China

After the results of Sri Lanka presidential election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa will shortly sworn-in as the President. Understand, What does Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory mean for India?

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory in Sri Lanka: What does it mean for India?

After the results of Sri Lanka presidential election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa will shortly sworn-in as the President.

Sri Lanka presidential election: Gotabaya Rajapaksa will shortly sworn-in as the President

On WION Edit, we will explore what does Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory mean for India, China and the region at large?

First, there is no sugar-coating the fact that the Rajapaksas are close to China.

The rise of Chinese influence in Sri Lanka ran parallel to the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Under him, they sealed infrastructure deals worth billions of dollars. Between 2008 and 2012, 60 per cent of Sri Lanka's foreign borrowing came from China.

No wonder, India and the US were alarmed. However, this closeness to china did not mean that Rajapaksa was not cordial with India.

But china began having the larger say in a country where India was traditionally a major player.

Then Sirisena came to power. Under his presidency, India's influence rose.

New Delhi entered major port and airport projects - even though there was no matching the Chinese money.

Now another Rajapaksa is in power. India can only hope that he won't undo the gains made over the last 4 years.

China - on the other hand - will have a clear advantage. They share a Buddhist link and an old friendship.

When the world slammed Sri Lanka over human rights violations, China backed it.

It is no surprise that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has signalled at a revival of the China-Sri Lanka ties. Now, here's an important question--&nbsp;does advantage China mean disadvantage India?

The answer is no. India still has a higher share than China in trade imports to Sri Lanka. The relationship is older, beyond the framework of trade and economy.

Moreover, there's America. Sri Lanka cannot pigeonhole itself with china and face the wrath of the west.

It must consciously maintain balance. India, on its part, must expand ties with Sri Lanka irrespective of the Chinese presence.

Many Sri Lankans view China with suspicion. This election doesn't end the debate on Chinese debt.

It's very much a concern. India must come in here. If India backs good intentions with action, then it's a win-win influence in Sri Lanka and influence in the Indian ocean.

This is an opportunity for India to start on the same page with Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 
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(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

On WION Edit, we will explore what does Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory mean for India, China and the region at large? First, there is no sugar-coating the fact that the Rajapaksas are close to China.

On WION Edit, we will explore what does Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory mean for India, China and the region at large? First, there is no sugar-coating the fact that the Rajapaksas are close to China. The rise of Chinese influence in Sri Lanka ran parallel to the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa. Under him, they sealed infrastructure deals worth billions of dollars. Between 2008 and 2012, 60 per cent of Sri Lanka's foreign borrowing came from China. No wonder, India and the US were alarmed. However, this closeness to china did not mean that Rajapaksa was not cordial with India. But china began having the larger say in a country where India was traditionally a major player. Then Sirisena came to power. Under his presidency, India's influence rose. New Delhi entered major port and airport projects - even though there was no matching the Chinese money. Now another Rajapaksa is in power. India can only hope that he won't undo the gains made over the last 4 years. China - on the other hand - will have a clear advantage. They share a Buddhist link and an old friendship. When the world slammed Sri Lanka over human rights violations, China backed it. It is no surprise that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has signalled at a revival of the China-Sri Lanka ties. Now, here's an important question-- does advantage China mean disadvantage India? The answer is no. India still has a higher share than China in trade imports to Sri Lanka. The relationship is older, beyond the framework of trade and economy. Moreover, there's America. Sri Lanka cannot pigeonhole itself with china and face the wrath of the west. It must consciously maintain balance. India, on its part, must expand ties with Sri Lanka irrespective of the Chinese presence. Many Sri Lankans view China with suspicion. This election doesn't end the debate on Chinese debt. It's very much a concern. India must come in here. If India backs good intentions with action, then it's a win-win influence in Sri Lanka and influence in the Indian ocean. This is an opportunity for India to start on the same page with Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: What does Sri Lanka election results mean for India?

The winner of Sri Lanka's presidential election, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-congratulates-gotabaya-rajapaksa-for-winning-sri-lanka-presidential-election-262770">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> made national security his top priority after being sworn in on Monday at an ancient temple in the north-central city of Anuradhapura where he received blessings from Buddhist monks.

Nicknamed "The Terminator" within his own powerful political family, the 70-year-old former defence chief had made security his top campaign issue for a nation traumatised by the Easter bomb attacks by Islamist militants earlier this year.

Seen as a champion of the Indian Ocean island's Buddhist Sinhalese majority, Rajapaksa oversaw the military defeat of Tamil separatists under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa 10 years ago.

"I consider the foremost responsibility of my government is to ensure the national security of my country," Rajapaksa said in a televised speech at his swearing in ceremony attended by thousands of supporters.

"We will rebuild the state security machineries to secure the country from terrorism, underworld activities, robbers, extortionists."

Rajapaksa also promised to protect Sinhala culture and heritage and provide state sponsorship to safeguard the morals, and traditional ways.

"As your new president, I request again to join as true Sri Lankans to develop this country," Rajapaksa, who was dressed in a white short-sleeves shirt and a trouser.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">Rajapaksa was declared winner</a> in the presidential polls on Sunday after he defeated Sajith Premadasa, a housing minister in the current government.

Millions voted to elect a new president to lead the country out of its deepest economic slump in over 15 years, dragged down by its tourism sector following the April attacks on hotels and churches in which more than 250 people were killed. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

The previous government was heavily criticised over the failure of its intelligence agencies to act on information that attacks were being planned.

Some 70 per cent&nbsp;of Sri Lanka's 22 million people are Buddhist Sinhalese, 14 per cent&nbsp;are Tamil Hindus, Muslims make up 10 per cent, while the rest are Catholics and other religions.

Rajapaksa, who is seen as close to China, requested all countries to respect Sri Lanka's sovereignty.

"We want to remain neutral in our foreign relations and stay out of any conflicts amongst the world powers," he said in English during his speech that he gave largely in local Sinhala language.

The winner of Sri Lanka's presidential election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa made national security his top priority after being sworn in on Monday at an ancient temple in the north-central city of Anuradhapura where he received blessings from Buddhist monks.

The winner of Sri Lanka's presidential election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa made national security his top priority after being sworn in on Monday at an ancient temple in the north-central city of Anuradhapura where he received blessings from Buddhist monks. Nicknamed "The Terminator" within his own powerful political family, the 70-year-old former defence chief had made security his top campaign issue for a nation traumatised by the Easter bomb attacks by Islamist militants earlier this year. Seen as a champion of the Indian Ocean island's Buddhist Sinhalese majority, Rajapaksa oversaw the military defeat of Tamil separatists under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa 10 years ago. "I consider the foremost responsibility of my government is to ensure the national security of my country," Rajapaksa said in a televised speech at his swearing in ceremony attended by thousands of supporters. "We will rebuild the state security machineries to secure the country from terrorism, underworld activities, robbers, extortionists." Rajapaksa also promised to protect Sinhala culture and heritage and provide state sponsorship to safeguard the morals, and traditional ways. "As your new president, I request again to join as true Sri Lankans to develop this country," Rajapaksa, who was dressed in a white short-sleeves shirt and a trouser. Rajapaksa was declared winner in the presidential polls on Sunday after he defeated Sajith Premadasa, a housing minister in the current government. Millions voted to elect a new president to lead the country out of its deepest economic slump in over 15 years, dragged down by its tourism sector following the April attacks on hotels and churches in which more than 250 people were killed. Islamic State claimed responsibility. The previous government was heavily criticised over the failure of its intelligence agencies to act on information that attacks were being planned. Some 70 per cent of Sri Lanka's 22 million people are Buddhist Sinhalese, 14 per cent are Tamil Hindus, Muslims make up 10 per cent, while the rest are Catholics and other religions. Rajapaksa, who is seen as close to China, requested all countries to respect Sri Lanka's sovereignty. "We want to remain neutral in our foreign relations and stay out of any conflicts amongst the world powers," he said in English during his speech that he gave largely in local Sinhala language.

Blessed by Buddhist monks, Sri Lanka's new president prioritises national security

Pro-china Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">7th President of Sri Lanka</a>.

The oath-taking ceremony took place in Anuradhapura. With Gotabaya's swearing-in, the powerful Rajapaksa family has made a comeback.

Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-congratulates-gotabaya-rajapaksa-for-winning-sri-lanka-presidential-election-262770">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> was among the first leaders to congratulate Gotabaya on his victory.

Modi said that he looked forward to deepening ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Replying to Modi, Gotabaya thanked the people of India and said that he looked forward to meeting the Indian Prime Minister.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I thank Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and the people of India for your warm wishes. Our two nations are bound by history and common beliefs and I look forward to strengthening our friendship and meeting you in the near future <a href="https://t.co/WZkLWc3MFS">https://t.co/WZkLWc3MFS</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1195965508018769922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Now, a pro-Beijing government in a neighbouring nation is going to impact India in a major way.

Watch:&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory in Sri Lanka: What does it mean for India?

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China became Sri Lanka's largest donor under Gotabaya's brother Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency.

In fact, it was his party that leased the Hambantota port to Beijing for 99 years. Critics have dubbed the port deal as a 'Chinese debt trap'.

Last year, Gotabaya said that India unnecessarily interfered in Sri Lanka's internal affairs.

Now, a pro-China govt is also going to be a regional challenge for India.&nbsp;

Remember, Sri Lanka is central to India's maritime security as the two nations share a maritime boundary.

Meanwhile, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, Gotabaya hinted that his brother Mahinda might make a comeback as the prime minister.

Remember, Mahinda Rajapaksa served as the de facto Prime Minister of the country for a short time, last year.

In his message to Mahinda, Gotabaya said.

"It is time for this land to demand your services again. May you join us in fulfilling people's demands."

Pro-china Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the 7th President of Sri Lanka. The oath-taking ceremony took place in Anuradhapura. With Gotabaya's swearing-in, the powerful Rajapaksa family has made a comeback.

Pro-china Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the 7th President of Sri Lanka. The oath-taking ceremony took place in Anuradhapura. With Gotabaya's swearing-in, the powerful Rajapaksa family has made a comeback. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Gotabaya on his victory. Modi said that he looked forward to deepening ties between India and Sri Lanka. Replying to Modi, Gotabaya thanked the people of India and said that he looked forward to meeting the Indian Prime Minister. I thank Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India for your warm wishes. Our two nations are bound by history and common beliefs and I look forward to strengthening our friendship and meeting you in the near future https://t.co/WZkLWc3MFS — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 17, 2019 × Now, a pro-Beijing government in a neighbouring nation is going to impact India in a major way. Watch: Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory in Sri Lanka: What does it mean for India? × China became Sri Lanka's largest donor under Gotabaya's brother Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency. In fact, it was his party that leased the Hambantota port to Beijing for 99 years. Critics have dubbed the port deal as a 'Chinese debt trap'. Last year, Gotabaya said that India unnecessarily interfered in Sri Lanka's internal affairs. Now, a pro-China govt is also going to be a regional challenge for India. Remember, Sri Lanka is central to India's maritime security as the two nations share a maritime boundary. Meanwhile, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, Gotabaya hinted that his brother Mahinda might make a comeback as the prime minister. Remember, Mahinda Rajapaksa served as the de facto Prime Minister of the country for a short time, last year. In his message to Mahinda, Gotabaya said. "It is time for this land to demand your services again. May you join us in fulfilling people's demands."

Is Rajapaksa regime's inclination towards Beijing a challenge to India?

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