<p>Sri Lanka will hold presidential election on September 21 and current incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to contest as an independent. This is the first election since the turbulent years of economic instability, nationwide protests, and ouster of the Rajapaksa clan's government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are the main things you should know about the Sri Lanka presidential elections:</p>

<h2><strong>Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024: Dates</strong></h2>

<p>The presidential election will be held on September 21, according to Sri Lanka's election commission. Nominations will be accepted on August 15 as per a government gazette notification.</p>

<h2><strong>Ranil Wickeremesinghe to contest as independent</strong></h2>

<p>The incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is the leader of the United National Party,&nbsp;will contest the election as an independent candidate. A bond has been placed for this, as per reports on Friday (July 26).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sri-lanka-looking-at-trading-in-national-currencies-sri-lankan-minister-balasuriya-740385">India, Sri Lanka looking at trading in national currencies: Sri Lankan Minister Balasuriya</a></strong></p>

<h2>Who are the other possible candidates in Sri Lanaka presidential election?</h2>

<p>Opposition leader Sajit Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya alliance is considered the main rival for Wickeremesinghe. Sajit is the son of former president Ranasinghe Premadasa.</p>

<p>The other possible candidate is Anura Kumara Dissanayake&nbsp;of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. His Marxist-Leninist Communist party saw a revival in fortunes during the protests caused by the economic collapse in the country.</p>

<h2>Elections happening for first time since economic turmoil</h2>

<p>The last presidential elections were in 2019, which was won by Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka People's Front. Gotabaya appointed his brother, former president&nbsp;Mahinda Rajapaksa, as prime minister. Soon the economic crisis and Covid pandemic followed, and the Rajapaksa clan became deeply unpopular, also because they had installed family members in key ministerial posts.</p>

<h2>Sri Lanka's economic crisis and protests. What had really happened?</h2>

<p>Sri Lanka's economic woes started after a foreign exchange crisis, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic of 2020. The tourism sector, one of its mainstays for foreign exchange, was hit badly after the Islamic State terror attacks of 2019. That's when the pandemic also hit.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka to hold Presidential elections in Septemeber, five-week part of campaign released</strong></p>

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<p>Massive inflation followed, making essential items like&nbsp;food, petrol, cooking gas and medicinces costlier. There was shortages and long lines at the fuel pumps for weeks, and frequent and long power blackouts. This led to massive protests. The anger was directed at the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa. Gotabaya, who left the country amid public anger, resigned in 2022. Wickremesinghe, who had been made&nbsp;prime minister amid the protests, was appointed as president in a vote in parliament, as per provisions of Sri Lanka's constitution.</p>

<p>Eventually, the government declared bankruptcy in 2022, suspending loan repayments to the tune of $83 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Elections a litmus test for financial reforms of Wickremesinghe</strong></h2>

<p>Currently the nation is going through a debt restructuring process. It managed to get a four-year bailout from International Monetary Fund in March 2023 and is engaged in financial reforms.</p>

<p>A seasoned statesman and politician, Wickremesinghe, 75, had been prime minister for five times. Since assuming charge as president, Wickremesinghe renegotiated the debts to the tune of $10 billion owed to India, France, Japan and China and entered into debt restructuring agreements. This will enable Sri Lanka to defer loan instalment payments to them till 2028. Concessions have been given to the loans too, until 2043.</p>

<p>The country's economy is slowly emerging out of the doldrums, but the price it is paying through financial reforms is hurting many in the country, for instance over increase in power bills, and tax hikes for salaried individuals and businesses. The vote will decide on whether the people are standing with Wickremesinghe on the economic reforms.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How is Sri Lanka presidential election held?</h2>

<p>Presidents are chosen throgh direct franchise in Sri Lanka. In theory, Sri Lanka has a 'ranked voting' system whereby voters can mark their preferecne for candidates. But in practice, only one candidate is marked in the ballot.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sri Lanka will hold presidential election on September 21 and current incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to contest as an independent. This is the first election since the turbulent years of economic instability, nationwide protests, and ouster of the Rajapaksa clan's government.

Sri Lanka will hold presidential election on September 21 and current incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to contest as an independent. This is the first election since the turbulent years of economic instability, nationwide protests, and ouster of the Rajapaksa clan's government. Here are the main things you should know about the Sri Lanka presidential elections: Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024: Dates The presidential election will be held on September 21, according to Sri Lanka's election commission. Nominations will be accepted on August 15 as per a government gazette notification. Ranil Wickeremesinghe to contest as independent The incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is the leader of the United National Party, will contest the election as an independent candidate. A bond has been placed for this, as per reports on Friday (July 26). Also read | India, Sri Lanka looking at trading in national currencies: Sri Lankan Minister Balasuriya Who are the other possible candidates in Sri Lanaka presidential election? Opposition leader Sajit Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya alliance is considered the main rival for Wickeremesinghe. Sajit is the son of former president Ranasinghe Premadasa. The other possible candidate is Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. His Marxist-Leninist Communist party saw a revival in fortunes during the protests caused by the economic collapse in the country. Elections happening for first time since economic turmoil The last presidential elections were in 2019, which was won by Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka People's Front. Gotabaya appointed his brother, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, as prime minister. Soon the economic crisis and Covid pandemic followed, and the Rajapaksa clan became deeply unpopular, also because they had installed family members in key ministerial posts. Sri Lanka's economic crisis and protests. What had really happened? Sri Lanka's economic woes started after a foreign exchange crisis, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic of 2020. The tourism sector, one of its mainstays for foreign exchange, was hit badly after the Islamic State terror attacks of 2019. That's when the pandemic also hit. Also watch | Sri Lanka to hold Presidential elections in Septemeber, five-week part of campaign released × Massive inflation followed, making essential items like food, petrol, cooking gas and medicinces costlier. There was shortages and long lines at the fuel pumps for weeks, and frequent and long power blackouts. This led to massive protests. The anger was directed at the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa. Gotabaya, who left the country amid public anger, resigned in 2022. Wickremesinghe, who had been made prime minister amid the protests, was appointed as president in a vote in parliament, as per provisions of Sri Lanka's constitution. Eventually, the government declared bankruptcy in 2022, suspending loan repayments to the tune of $83 billion. Elections a litmus test for financial reforms of Wickremesinghe Currently the nation is going through a debt restructuring process. It managed to get a four-year bailout from International Monetary Fund in March 2023 and is engaged in financial reforms. A seasoned statesman and politician, Wickremesinghe, 75, had been prime minister for five times. Since assuming charge as president, Wickremesinghe renegotiated the debts to the tune of $10 billion owed to India, France, Japan and China and entered into debt restructuring agreements. This will enable Sri Lanka to defer loan instalment payments to them till 2028. Concessions have been given to the loans too, until 2043. The country's economy is slowly emerging out of the doldrums, but the price it is paying through financial reforms is hurting many in the country, for instance over increase in power bills, and tax hikes for salaried individuals and businesses. The vote will decide on whether the people are standing with Wickremesinghe on the economic reforms. How is Sri Lanka presidential election held? Presidents are chosen throgh direct franchise in Sri Lanka. In theory, Sri Lanka has a 'ranked voting' system whereby voters can mark their preferecne for candidates. But in practice, only one candidate is marked in the ballot. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka presidential election on Sep 21: Ranil Wickremesinghe to fight as independent. What we know

<p>The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022. According to a report by News 1st, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Vijith Malalgoda and Murdhu Fernando delivered the majority decision in the matter while Justice Priyantha Jayawardena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition in the case was filed by Professor Mahim Mendis of the Open University of Sri Lanka, former chairperson of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International Sri Lanka, Julian Bowling and Jehan Kanakaratne.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition said that a tax relief of around $2 billion for businessmen when Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as president was the main reason for the economic crisis, the report said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sri-lankas-ambitious-2024-budget-targets-higher-revenues-and-a-controlled-deficit-658291">Sri Lanka's ambitious 2024 budget targets higher revenues and a controlled deficit</a></strong></p>

<p>The petitioners also highlighted economic mismanagement issues, including the pegging of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, a delay in securing assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the repayment of $500 million sovereign bonds during a forex crisis.</p>

<p>The apex court ordered for the petitioners to be paid $459 each, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan economy collapsed as it shrank 7.8% in 2022, pummelled by long power cuts, soaring inflation, a plunging rupee and record high interest rates caused by the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years.</p>

<p>Last year, violent demonstrations were held across the country for months following which Gotabaya stepped down from the president's post. The anti-government protesters were angry over power outages, shortages of basic goods and rising prices and demanded that Gotabaya should resign.</p>

<p>Citing analysts, a report by the news agency Reuters last year said that economic management by successive governments weakened Sri Lanka's public finances, leaving the national expenditure over income and the production of tradable goods and services at inadequate levels.</p>

<p>Despite the worsening economic situation, the government initially held off talks with the IMF. However, it eventually opened talks with the global lender.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022.

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022. According to a report by News 1st, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Vijith Malalgoda and Murdhu Fernando delivered the majority decision in the matter while Justice Priyantha Jayawardena. The petition in the case was filed by Professor Mahim Mendis of the Open University of Sri Lanka, former chairperson of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International Sri Lanka, Julian Bowling and Jehan Kanakaratne. The petition said that a tax relief of around $2 billion for businessmen when Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as president was the main reason for the economic crisis, the report said. Also read: Sri Lanka's ambitious 2024 budget targets higher revenues and a controlled deficit The petitioners also highlighted economic mismanagement issues, including the pegging of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, a delay in securing assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the repayment of $500 million sovereign bonds during a forex crisis. The apex court ordered for the petitioners to be paid $459 each, the report added. The Sri Lankan economy collapsed as it shrank 7.8% in 2022, pummelled by long power cuts, soaring inflation, a plunging rupee and record high interest rates caused by the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years. Last year, violent demonstrations were held across the country for months following which Gotabaya stepped down from the president's post. The anti-government protesters were angry over power outages, shortages of basic goods and rising prices and demanded that Gotabaya should resign. Citing analysts, a report by the news agency Reuters last year said that economic management by successive governments weakened Sri Lanka's public finances, leaving the national expenditure over income and the production of tradable goods and services at inadequate levels. Despite the worsening economic situation, the government initially held off talks with the IMF. However, it eventually opened talks with the global lender. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka: SC holds ex-prez Gotabaya, ex-PM Mahinda responsible for economic crisis in nation

<p>Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.</p>

<p>The other two citizens who were sanctioned include Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry expressed displeasure over the move to Canada's Acting High Commissioner in Colombo.</p>

<p>"Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian Acting High Commissioner Daniel Bood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the foreign ministry said in a tweet.</p>

<p>He "expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka by the Government of Canada based on unsubstantiated allegations," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for US</strong></h2>

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<p>During the meet, the foreign ministry said that the Canadian government’s decision to impose sanctions was based on domestic political compulsions and added that it sets a “dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka's interests”.</p>

<p>"It was also stressed that the announcement by Canada is detrimental to the Government's ongoing efforts towards national unity, reconciliation, and stability," it said.</p>

<p>The Colombo government asked Canada to review the decision and engage constructively with Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>On Tuesday. Canada imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans for committing what it called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war.</p>

<p>This is the first time that the Rajapaksa brothers were banned by any country despite long held accusations of rights abuses and corruption.</p>

<p>Notably, Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which took place from 1983 to 2009.</p>

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Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa. The other two citizens who were sanctioned include Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe. Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry expressed displeasure over the move to Canada's Acting High Commissioner in Colombo. "Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian Acting High Commissioner Daniel Bood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the foreign ministry said in a tweet. He "expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka by the Government of Canada based on unsubstantiated allegations," it added. WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for US During the meet, the foreign ministry said that the Canadian government’s decision to impose sanctions was based on domestic political compulsions and added that it sets a “dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka's interests”. "It was also stressed that the announcement by Canada is detrimental to the Government's ongoing efforts towards national unity, reconciliation, and stability," it said. The Colombo government asked Canada to review the decision and engage constructively with Sri Lanka. On Tuesday. Canada imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans for committing what it called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war. This is the first time that the Rajapaksa brothers were banned by any country despite long held accusations of rights abuses and corruption. Notably, Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which took place from 1983 to 2009. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lanka summons Canadian envoy to lodge protest over sanctions against Rajapaksa brothers

<p>Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans including former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The sanctions were imposed on Tuesday (January 10) for committing what Canada called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war.</p>

<p>In addition to former presidents, sanctions have also been imposed on Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe, the Canadian foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>"The Special Economic Measures (Sri Lanka) Regulations impose on listed persons a prohibition on any transaction (effectively, an asset freeze) by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada from engaging in any activity related to any property of these listed persons or providing financial or related services to them," the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The individuals listed in the Schedule to the Regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act," it added.</p>

<p>Former Sri Lanka president Goyabaya Rajapaksa briefly fled the country last summer in the wake of massive protests over the unprecedented economic crisis.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which occurred from 1983 to 2009.</p>

<p>Also sanctioned are two senior military officers, including Ratnayake, whom a court sentenced to death for his role in a massacre of Tamils in 2000. He was later pardoned by the government.</p>

<p>Ottawa is also sanctioning Navy commander Hettiarachchi, who has been accused of abducting civilians who were later killed.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans including former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The sanctions were imposed on Tuesday (January 10) for committing what Canada called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war.

Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans including former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The sanctions were imposed on Tuesday (January 10) for committing what Canada called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war. In addition to former presidents, sanctions have also been imposed on Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe, the Canadian foreign ministry said. "The Special Economic Measures (Sri Lanka) Regulations impose on listed persons a prohibition on any transaction (effectively, an asset freeze) by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada from engaging in any activity related to any property of these listed persons or providing financial or related services to them," the ministry said in a statement. "The individuals listed in the Schedule to the Regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act," it added. Former Sri Lanka president Goyabaya Rajapaksa briefly fled the country last summer in the wake of massive protests over the unprecedented economic crisis. Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which occurred from 1983 to 2009. Also sanctioned are two senior military officers, including Ratnayake, whom a court sentenced to death for his role in a massacre of Tamils in 2000. He was later pardoned by the government. Ottawa is also sanctioning Navy commander Hettiarachchi, who has been accused of abducting civilians who were later killed. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Canada imposes sanctions on ex-presidents of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: Civil war hero ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ overthrown by the protesters amid crisis

In Pics | Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksas fight for survival as situation worsens

<p>Shortly after taking over as the Prime Minister of crisis-hit Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday pledged to uplift the economy and said that the government won’t interfere in the protest against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.</p>

<p>“I have taken on the challenge of uplifting the economy, and I must fulfill it,” the new PM said in his first remarks after taking over the post.</p>

<p>Throwing his weight behind the ‘GotaGoGama’ protest, the PM said, “Police would not do anything to them, and the struggle must continue.”</p>

<p>The United National Party leader also said he will show his majority in the Parliament and that no decision has been made as yet regarding the number of Cabinet Ministers.</p>

<p>When he was asked by the reporters how he will get the support as only one member from UNP is represented in the parliament, Wickremesinghe said, “(UK’s ex-PM) Churchill had only 4 members backing him in 1939, how did he become the PM? Because of the crisis. I have done the same.”</p>

<p>This is the sixth time Wickremesinghe has been appointed to the office. Notably, the 73-year-old has never finished a full term.</p>

<p>Wickremesinghe was sworn-in as the prime minister earlier on the day after his predecessor and brother of President Gotabaya, Mahinda Rajapaksa, resigned following large-scale violence over the economic crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka Crisis &amp; Chaos: Ranil Wickremesinghe takes oath as new PM</strong></p>

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<p>So far, seven people have died and 231 people have been in Monday clashes.</p>

<p>The clashes took place between the government supporters and demonstrators demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-un-deeply-troubled-by-escalating-violence-477844">LIVE | Sri Lanka crisis — PM Ranil Wickremesinghe pledges to uplift the economy</a></p>

<p>Mobs set fire to a truck used by the security forces to block the main entrance to the prime minister's official Temple Trees residence, a key symbol of state power in the South Asian island.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sri-lankans-attempt-to-flee-as-economic-crisis-escalates-478361" hreflang="en">Sri Lankans attempt to flee as economic crisis escalates</a></p>

<p>In response, the authorities were given shoot-at-sight orders wherever they detected nuisance.</p>

<p>Mahinda Rajapaksa, along with his wife and family, fled his official residence - Temple Trees - and took shelter at the naval base in Trincomalee.</p>

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Shortly after taking over as the Prime Minister of crisis-hit Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday pledged to uplift the economy and said that the government won’t interfere in the protest against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Shortly after taking over as the Prime Minister of crisis-hit Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday pledged to uplift the economy and said that the government won’t interfere in the protest against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “I have taken on the challenge of uplifting the economy, and I must fulfill it,” the new PM said in his first remarks after taking over the post. Throwing his weight behind the ‘GotaGoGama’ protest, the PM said, “Police would not do anything to them, and the struggle must continue.” The United National Party leader also said he will show his majority in the Parliament and that no decision has been made as yet regarding the number of Cabinet Ministers. When he was asked by the reporters how he will get the support as only one member from UNP is represented in the parliament, Wickremesinghe said, “(UK’s ex-PM) Churchill had only 4 members backing him in 1939, how did he become the PM? Because of the crisis. I have done the same.” This is the sixth time Wickremesinghe has been appointed to the office. Notably, the 73-year-old has never finished a full term. Wickremesinghe was sworn-in as the prime minister earlier on the day after his predecessor and brother of President Gotabaya, Mahinda Rajapaksa, resigned following large-scale violence over the economic crisis. Watch | Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: Ranil Wickremesinghe takes oath as new PM So far, seven people have died and 231 people have been in Monday clashes. The clashes took place between the government supporters and demonstrators demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation. Also read | LIVE | Sri Lanka crisis — PM Ranil Wickremesinghe pledges to uplift the economy Mobs set fire to a truck used by the security forces to block the main entrance to the prime minister's official Temple Trees residence, a key symbol of state power in the South Asian island. Also read | Sri Lankans attempt to flee as economic crisis escalates In response, the authorities were given shoot-at-sight orders wherever they detected nuisance. Mahinda Rajapaksa, along with his wife and family, fled his official residence - Temple Trees - and took shelter at the naval base in Trincomalee. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

New SL PM Wickremesinghe says no interference in anti-prez protest, cabinet members yet to be decided

<p>A brother of Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya&nbsp;Rajapaksa&nbsp;on Thursday became finance minister, tightening the family's grip on power in the South Asian nation as it confronts growing economic troubles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Basil&nbsp;Rajapaksa, 70, took over the finance portfolio from another brother, Prime Minister Mahinda&nbsp;Rajapaksa.</p>

<p>The 72-year-old president has put Mahinda in charge of a newly created but lower level economic policies and planning ministry.</p>

<p>Mahinda&nbsp;Rajapaksa, 75, was the country's president for a decade up to 2015, and Basil, who is known as the family's political strategist, managed the economy then.</p>

<p>Basil takes charge now after the economy recorded a coronavirus-inflicted 3.6 percent contraction for 2020, the worst since independence from Britain in 1948.</p>

<p>With his entry, the cabinet headed by Gotabaya now has five members of the&nbsp;Rajapaksa&nbsp;family.</p>

<p>Eldest brother Chamal, 78, is minister of irrigation while the prime minister's eldest son Namal, 35, is the youth and sports minister.</p>

<p>Several&nbsp;Rajapaksa&nbsp;family members hold junior minister positions and other key positions in the administration.</p>

<p>Basil&nbsp;Rajapaksa&nbsp;was described as "Mr Ten Percent" in a 2007 US embassy cable published by the WikiLeaks organisation because of commissions he allegedly took from government contracts.</p>

<p>He has denied any wrongdoing and inquiries failed to find any evidence to back charges he syphoned off millions of dollars from state coffers.</p>

<p>As a dual US-Sri Lankan citizen, Basil was prohibited from standing in the 2020 election, but Gotabaya removed constitutional provisions which prevented his entry to the legislature.</p>


A brother of Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday became finance minister, tightening the family's grip on power in the South Asian nation as it confronts growing economic troubles.

A brother of Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday became finance minister, tightening the family's grip on power in the South Asian nation as it confronts growing economic troubles. Basil Rajapaksa, 70, took over the finance portfolio from another brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The 72-year-old president has put Mahinda in charge of a newly created but lower level economic policies and planning ministry. Mahinda Rajapaksa, 75, was the country's president for a decade up to 2015, and Basil, who is known as the family's political strategist, managed the economy then. Basil takes charge now after the economy recorded a coronavirus-inflicted 3.6 percent contraction for 2020, the worst since independence from Britain in 1948. With his entry, the cabinet headed by Gotabaya now has five members of the Rajapaksa family. Eldest brother Chamal, 78, is minister of irrigation while the prime minister's eldest son Namal, 35, is the youth and sports minister. Several Rajapaksa family members hold junior minister positions and other key positions in the administration. Basil Rajapaksa was described as "Mr Ten Percent" in a 2007 US embassy cable published by the WikiLeaks organisation because of commissions he allegedly took from government contracts. He has denied any wrongdoing and inquiries failed to find any evidence to back charges he syphoned off millions of dollars from state coffers. As a dual US-Sri Lankan citizen, Basil was prohibited from standing in the 2020 election, but Gotabaya removed constitutional provisions which prevented his entry to the legislature.

Rajapaksa family tightens grip on crisis-hit Sri Lanka

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