Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned from his post. This comes after violent clashes erupted in Colombo over the economic crisis in the country.

Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns amid massive clashes

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday quit from his post. The development came after clashes between pro and anti-government supporters in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: Mahinda Rajapaksa steps down as PM amid massive clashes

Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns amid protests

Political turmoil continues to worsen in Sri Lanka as protests against the ongoing economic crisis continue. In the latest, unconfirmed reports suggest that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa might have resigned.

Reports: Final announcement on PM Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation today

Protests continue in Sri Lanka for weeks now with people coming to the streets to demand the resignation of the Rajapaksa regime. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa was heckled by the protesters today during Anuradhapura's Visit today. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Ambika Satkunanathan, former commissioner of the Human rights commission of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa to meet top Buddhist leaders?

Sri Lanka's main opposition party submitted no-trust motions against the Rajapaksa brothers. This comes amid reports that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa might resign. Palki Sharma tells you more about the political crisis in Sri Lanka.

Gravitas: Mahinda Rajapaksa to step down?

Opposition in Sri Lanka is gearing up for the no-confidence motion which is likely to be tabled when the Sri Lankan parliament convenes. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has conceptually agreed to form an interim government.

Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: SLPP agrees to National Consensus Government?

In an exclusive interview with WION, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, W.A Wijewardena has said that the hardship for the country's citizens is going to increase.

The island nation, which has a population of 22 million, is facing its worst economic crisis since it gained independence from Britain.

It has been rocked by protests, with demonstrators calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.&nbsp;

Wijewardena, who had initiated the setting up of Sri Lanka accounting and auditing standards as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board from 2000 to 2008, pointed out that the country's inflation rate has reached nearly 30 percent in April, a seventh consecutive record high. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankas-economic-woes-worsens-9-out-of-10-people-want-pm-to-resign-475180/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WION: According to the department of census and statistics, month-on-month inflation for the month of April stood at 29.5%, now over the past few months specifically, in 2022, Sri Lanka has continued to record a very high level of inflation each month topping the previous. Do you really see a trend going higher in the coming few months? What is the forecast so far?

Weerakoon Wijewardena: This is not unexpected because if you take 27 month period, starting from December 2019 during which Gotabe Rajapaksya was leading the country. There has been a massive explosion of money playing in the country by about 4 trillion Sri Lanka rupees which is factually equal to 53&nbsp;crores and normally when a central bank allows the money supply to go up there is a formula- if you allow the money supply to grow at the same rate as the real economic growth, there is no inflation in the country. But if the money supply growth is seen in excess of the real economic growth, that excess amount will chase after goods and services and as a result, there will be inflation in the country. If we take real economic growth during 2020-2021, that was actually close to 0.1 per cent&nbsp;so when you have money supply growth of 53&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;as against 0 economic growth, naturally the inflation rate should go up to more than 50&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the next few months. There are independent inflation trackers outside Sri Lanka. One is Prof. Steve Henky of John Hopkins University. He is using a different formula. According to him, when we use the purchasing power parity formula, Sri Lanka's inflation rate is as high as 119 per cent&nbsp;right now. We have to expect the inflation rate to go up further in the coming month. As a result, we will have to expect the worse in the next few months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-hikes-medicine-prices-amid-financial-crisis-475166" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka hikes medicine prices amid financial crisis</a>

WION: When we look at why Sri Lanka got into this economic crisis, one of the reasons was the tax reductions that were made by Rajapaksa soon after he became the president in 2019. But finance minister, Ali Sabry has been seen speaking to foreign media and has been stating that it will be inevitable that the taxes will be raised. Given the current situation, is this the right move?

Weerakoon Wijewardena: Well there is a right direction because we have to congratulate Ali Sabry for coming out with that frank opinion. This is inevitable and this is just because of two reasons. One is that the govt of Sri Lanka after it lost its revenue due to the unattractive tax concession is offered to income tax, lost revenue. It was dependent on the money printing capacity of the central bank and the banking sector to finance its bills. Right now they cannot do it because the international monetary fund has laid down four preconditions for Sri Lanka to start any negotiations with IMF. One of the conditions is that the central banks will have to stop financing the government and tighten the monetary policy. In the few auctions of the treasury bill, we have been able to collect everything that the government needed from the market without lending a single cent from the central bank to the government. So he is actually complying with the requirement of the IMF in order to enable Sri Lanka to start its negotiations. So what Ali Sabry has said is correct and as an economist and citizen, I have to endorse him and support him in this endeavor.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sri-lankan-demonstrators-clash-with-police-in-violent-protest-over-economic-crisis-467408">Sri Lankan demonstrators clash with police in violent protest over economic crisis</a>

WION: Amidst this crisis, a concept of debt restructuring and debt sustainability. How can Sri Lanka look into this in a fruitful manner given the fact that we did see China stating it is not in favor of debt sustainability, So can we find a compromise that will work with one of our creditors as well as the country's economic well being?

Weerakoon Wijewardena: Sri Lanka has no choice in this case. We do not have any foreign reserves, the foreign reserves of the central bank are negative to the extent of 4 billion US dollars and we don't have any foreign reserves to pay our debt. We have to compulsorily go for debt restructuring.

WION: Also we are now in the middle of a political crisis in the middle of an economic crisis. How is this impacted in your expert opinion, given that we have fractions within the government, certain factions within the opposition, and neither of them wants to get together and solve this issue? how has the current political crisis really impacted the Sri Lankan economy, especially over the past few weeks given that there has been a massive public outcry in itself for the government to step down? As an expert yourself, do you think this is the right moment to step down, and if he is to do so, what are the alternatives?

Weerakoon Wijewardena: He must be intelligent enough to read the writing on the wall. Writing on the wall is that everyone who has supported him at the presidential elections in 2019 has come out on the streets, they have countered the street and asked the President to step down, the cabinet to step down because the entire administration has failed in the last 27 months. Because they were not able to deliver any of the things they promised in the elections, instead of in their rule, the economic conditions have deteriorated. So in my view, political stability is highly fatal to Sri Lanka's economic growth. We must ensure stability as fast as possible. For that purpose, if Rajapaksa can read the writing on the wall accurately, he will have to now step down.

Watch WION's live TV:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

WION: Amidst this economic crisis, people have been protesting for over a month. The common concern is that the current living costs are unbearable with rising inflation, the price of goods and services are dramatically high right now, and given the current statements made by the Finance Minister that further taxes will be imposed in the future. Will the people will really be able to afford basic necessities in Sri Lanka?

Weerakoon Wijewardena: We are a bankrupt nation today. A bankrupt nation has no choice. Because we are beggars and they say that beggars can't choose the meal that they can get. So likewise, all Sri Lankans starting from Gotabye Rajapaksa to the man in the street will have to make a supreme sacrifice in the coming 10-12 month time period in order to come out of the present economic crisis. We have been hit by all aspects of the economic crisis, health crisis, every possible crisis has hit Sri Lanka.

WION: Do you think the people of Sri Lanka are willing to make this choice? 
Weerakoon Wijewardena: They have to, they don't have any choice.

WION: What can we expect in the coming few months, especially there are a lot of speculations that there will be more shortages of commodities, fuel and gas, electricity which are already in shortage in the country. Will it get worse in the possible future?

Weerakoon Wijewardena: It will definitely get worse. In the case of the central bank of Sri Lanka, it is negative to the extent of 4 billion US dollars. we don't have a single dollar with us in the central bank. So as a result, we have not been able to maintain the required import for Sri Lanka. because of the loss of foreign exchange by Sri Lanka, the situation will get worse in the few months. We have to expect the worse to happen. Small things don't get manufactured in the markets today, the necessary chip that they have to put in the LED bulb is not manufactured in Sri Lanka. Almost all manufacturing products will be in short supply in a few months. They have to go through this difficult situation. It has to come from the top.

WION: What sort of sacrifices do you think the politicians, President, prime minister, and cabinet ministers should be doing right now? 
Weerakoon Wijewardena: The people on top will have to set an example for us, we will have to prepare ourselves for the worst things that might come across. We will not be able to eat 3 meals a day or wear 2-3 suits a year. We have to make sacrifices in order to make a better situation for Sri Lanka.

WION: How far away are we sort of seeing the light to the end of the tunnel? how long will it take for the people to reap the benefits of the sacrifices? 
Weerakoon Wijewardena: We cannot give a timeline for that. All we can say is we have to make the sacrifices. Greater the sacrifices they make today, the quicker the time we will be able to reach the end of the tunnel.

In an exclusive interview with WION, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, W.A Wijewardena has said that the hardship for the country's citizens is going to increase.

In an exclusive interview with WION, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, W.A Wijewardena has said that the hardship for the country's citizens is going to increase. The island nation, which has a population of 22 million, is facing its worst economic crisis since it gained independence from Britain. It has been rocked by protests, with demonstrators calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign. Wijewardena, who had initiated the setting up of Sri Lanka accounting and auditing standards as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board from 2000 to 2008, pointed out that the country's inflation rate has reached nearly 30 percent in April, a seventh consecutive record high. WION: According to the department of census and statistics, month-on-month inflation for the month of April stood at 29.5%, now over the past few months specifically, in 2022, Sri Lanka has continued to record a very high level of inflation each month topping the previous. Do you really see a trend going higher in the coming few months? What is the forecast so far? Weerakoon Wijewardena: This is not unexpected because if you take 27 month period, starting from December 2019 during which Gotabe Rajapaksya was leading the country. There has been a massive explosion of money playing in the country by about 4 trillion Sri Lanka rupees which is factually equal to 53 crores and normally when a central bank allows the money supply to go up there is a formula- if you allow the money supply to grow at the same rate as the real economic growth, there is no inflation in the country. But if the money supply growth is seen in excess of the real economic growth, that excess amount will chase after goods and services and as a result, there will be inflation in the country. If we take real economic growth during 2020-2021, that was actually close to 0.1 per cent so when you have money supply growth of 53 per cent as against 0 economic growth, naturally the inflation rate should go up to more than 50 per cent in the next few months. There are independent inflation trackers outside Sri Lanka. One is Prof. Steve Henky of John Hopkins University. He is using a different formula. According to him, when we use the purchasing power parity formula, Sri Lanka's inflation rate is as high as 119 per cent right now. We have to expect the inflation rate to go up further in the coming month. As a result, we will have to expect the worse in the next few months. Also read | Sri Lanka hikes medicine prices amid financial crisis WION: When we look at why Sri Lanka got into this economic crisis, one of the reasons was the tax reductions that were made by Rajapaksa soon after he became the president in 2019. But finance minister, Ali Sabry has been seen speaking to foreign media and has been stating that it will be inevitable that the taxes will be raised. Given the current situation, is this the right move? Weerakoon Wijewardena: Well there is a right direction because we have to congratulate Ali Sabry for coming out with that frank opinion. This is inevitable and this is just because of two reasons. One is that the govt of Sri Lanka after it lost its revenue due to the unattractive tax concession is offered to income tax, lost revenue. It was dependent on the money printing capacity of the central bank and the banking sector to finance its bills. Right now they cannot do it because the international monetary fund has laid down four preconditions for Sri Lanka to start any negotiations with IMF. One of the conditions is that the central banks will have to stop financing the government and tighten the monetary policy. In the few auctions of the treasury bill, we have been able to collect everything that the government needed from the market without lending a single cent from the central bank to the government. So he is actually complying with the requirement of the IMF in order to enable Sri Lanka to start its negotiations. So what Ali Sabry has said is correct and as an economist and citizen, I have to endorse him and support him in this endeavor. Also see | Sri Lankan demonstrators clash with police in violent protest over economic crisis WION: Amidst this crisis, a concept of debt restructuring and debt sustainability. How can Sri Lanka look into this in a fruitful manner given the fact that we did see China stating it is not in favor of debt sustainability, So can we find a compromise that will work with one of our creditors as well as the country's economic well being? Weerakoon Wijewardena: Sri Lanka has no choice in this case. We do not have any foreign reserves, the foreign reserves of the central bank are negative to the extent of 4 billion US dollars and we don't have any foreign reserves to pay our debt. We have to compulsorily go for debt restructuring. WION: Also we are now in the middle of a political crisis in the middle of an economic crisis. How is this impacted in your expert opinion, given that we have fractions within the government, certain factions within the opposition, and neither of them wants to get together and solve this issue? how has the current political crisis really impacted the Sri Lankan economy, especially over the past few weeks given that there has been a massive public outcry in itself for the government to step down? As an expert yourself, do you think this is the right moment to step down, and if he is to do so, what are the alternatives? Weerakoon Wijewardena: He must be intelligent enough to read the writing on the wall. Writing on the wall is that everyone who has supported him at the presidential elections in 2019 has come out on the streets, they have countered the street and asked the President to step down, the cabinet to step down because the entire administration has failed in the last 27 months. Because they were not able to deliver any of the things they promised in the elections, instead of in their rule, the economic conditions have deteriorated. So in my view, political stability is highly fatal to Sri Lanka's economic growth. We must ensure stability as fast as possible. For that purpose, if Rajapaksa can read the writing on the wall accurately, he will have to now step down. Watch WION's live TV: WION: Amidst this economic crisis, people have been protesting for over a month. The common concern is that the current living costs are unbearable with rising inflation, the price of goods and services are dramatically high right now, and given the current statements made by the Finance Minister that further taxes will be imposed in the future. Will the people will really be able to afford basic necessities in Sri Lanka? Weerakoon Wijewardena: We are a bankrupt nation today. A bankrupt nation has no choice. Because we are beggars and they say that beggars can't choose the meal that they can get. So likewise, all Sri Lankans starting from Gotabye Rajapaksa to the man in the street will have to make a supreme sacrifice in the coming 10-12 month time period in order to come out of the present economic crisis. We have been hit by all aspects of the economic crisis, health crisis, every possible crisis has hit Sri Lanka. WION: Do you think the people of Sri Lanka are willing to make this choice? Weerakoon Wijewardena: They have to, they don't have any choice. WION: What can we expect in the coming few months, especially there are a lot of speculations that there will be more shortages of commodities, fuel and gas, electricity which are already in shortage in the country. Will it get worse in the possible future? Weerakoon Wijewardena: It will definitely get worse. In the case of the central bank of Sri Lanka, it is negative to the extent of 4 billion US dollars. we don't have a single dollar with us in the central bank. So as a result, we have not been able to maintain the required import for Sri Lanka. because of the loss of foreign exchange by Sri Lanka, the situation will get worse in the few months. We have to expect the worse to happen. Small things don't get manufactured in the markets today, the necessary chip that they have to put in the LED bulb is not manufactured in Sri Lanka. Almost all manufacturing products will be in short supply in a few months. They have to go through this difficult situation. It has to come from the top. WION: What sort of sacrifices do you think the politicians, President, prime minister, and cabinet ministers should be doing right now? Weerakoon Wijewardena: The people on top will have to set an example for us, we will have to prepare ourselves for the worst things that might come across. We will not be able to eat 3 meals a day or wear 2-3 suits a year. We have to make sacrifices in order to make a better situation for Sri Lanka. WION: How far away are we sort of seeing the light to the end of the tunnel? how long will it take for the people to reap the benefits of the sacrifices? Weerakoon Wijewardena: We cannot give a timeline for that. All we can say is we have to make the sacrifices. Greater the sacrifices they make today, the quicker the time we will be able to reach the end of the tunnel.

Exclusive | Hardship for Sri Lankan citizens is going to increase, Weerakoon Wijewardena tells WION

Sri Lanka's minister of mass media Nalaka Godahewa on Saturday backed demonstrators asking Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to step down.

He said, "We need to restore political stability to successfully meet the economic crisis."

"The entire cabinet, including the prime minister, should resign and [there should be] an interim cabinet that can win the confidence of all," he added in a statement on his Facebook page.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-more-sri-lankan-refugees-reach-india-473081/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sri Lanka, which has a population of 22 million, is suffering from its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. As a result, there are acute shortages of food, fuel, and lengthy power blackouts.

It has triggered a wave of protests against the island nation's beleaguered prime minister and his family.

To curb them, Sri Lankan police used tear gas and amid clashes with protesters, one demonstrator died.

In response, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, Sri Lankan citizens' right to peacefully protest won't be hindered."

"Police will carry out an impartial and transparent inquiry regarding the incident at Rambukkana which led to the tragedy for which I'm deeply saddened. I urge all citizens to refrain from violence as they protest," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/debt-ridden-sri-lankas-inflation-soared-to-a-record-high-473058" hreflang="en">Debt-ridden Sri Lanka's inflation soared to a record high</a>

According to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris, "Assistance by the IMF will take about six months to come to us and it will come in tranches."

"During the intervening period, we need to find funds to keep our people supplied with essentials."

The Rajapaksa family has been accused of nepotism and corruption as most of its family members were a part of the government's cabinet.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa removed his brothers Chamal and Basil from the cabinet after facing intense pressure.&nbsp;

Calling the move ''cosmetic,'' the protestors camped outside Rajapaksa's office asking him to resign.

Former media minister Dullas Alahapperuma said, "I urge the President to appoint a smaller cabinet with a genuine consensus representing all parties in parliament for one-year maximum."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka's minister of mass media Nalaka Godahewa on Saturday backed demonstrators asking Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to step down. He said, "We need to restore political stability to successfully meet the economic crisis.

Sri Lanka's minister of mass media Nalaka Godahewa on Saturday backed demonstrators asking Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to step down. He said, "We need to restore political stability to successfully meet the economic crisis." "The entire cabinet, including the prime minister, should resign and [there should be] an interim cabinet that can win the confidence of all," he added in a statement on his Facebook page. Sri Lanka, which has a population of 22 million, is suffering from its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. As a result, there are acute shortages of food, fuel, and lengthy power blackouts. It has triggered a wave of protests against the island nation's beleaguered prime minister and his family. To curb them, Sri Lankan police used tear gas and amid clashes with protesters, one demonstrator died. In response, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, Sri Lankan citizens' right to peacefully protest won't be hindered." "Police will carry out an impartial and transparent inquiry regarding the incident at Rambukkana which led to the tragedy for which I'm deeply saddened. I urge all citizens to refrain from violence as they protest," he added. Also read | Debt-ridden Sri Lanka's inflation soared to a record high According to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris, "Assistance by the IMF will take about six months to come to us and it will come in tranches." "During the intervening period, we need to find funds to keep our people supplied with essentials." The Rajapaksa family has been accused of nepotism and corruption as most of its family members were a part of the government's cabinet. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa removed his brothers Chamal and Basil from the cabinet after facing intense pressure. Calling the move ''cosmetic,'' the protestors camped outside Rajapaksa's office asking him to resign. Former media minister Dullas Alahapperuma said, "I urge the President to appoint a smaller cabinet with a genuine consensus representing all parties in parliament for one-year maximum." (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan minister Godahewa changes camp, backs protests to seek PM's resignation

Demonstrators in Sri Lanka on Sunday (April 17) asked the government to uncover the real conspirators behind the terror attacks that rocked the country in 2019.

Over 260 people, including 42 foreigners from 14 countries, had been killed in simultaneous suicide bombings on three churches on Sri Lanka.

Approximately 500 people had been injured in the Islamist State-inspired terror attacks.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-cricket-icon-sanath-jayasuriya-joins-anti-govt-stir-471654/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The responsibility for the bombings was taken by the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat. It has links to ISIS.

Despite prior intelligence, former President Maithripala Sirisena and ex-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were unable to prevent the attacks.

This had sparked an outrage in Sri Lanka. The leaders had to face global criticism as well.

On the third anniversary of the terror attacks, people took to the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, calling for justice for the victims.

Shiran Anton, whose wife and only daughter died in the attacks, told news agency Reuters, “My entire family is gone. Today, I live a very lonely life. I have no words to explain my agony.”

“I want to find out who the real culprits were behind this attack and why they did it,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/some-intelligence-officers-were-aware-of-this-incident-sri-lanka-minister-on-seriel-bomb-blast-212564">Also read |&nbsp;'Some intelligence officers were aware of this incident': Sri Lanka Minister on serial bomb blasts</a>

Sri Lanka is currently facing its worst economic crisis since it gained independence. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have been accusing of corruption and nepotism.

Protestors are demanding their resignation after facing a severe shortage of necessities like fuel and food items.

The island nation, which has a population of 22 million people, has already defaulted on all of its external debt worth over $50 billion.

The country's central bank has increased its interest rate almost twice while middle-class families are facing staggering inflation.

Rajapaksa’s government is also being blamed for not taking any action against Sirisena and other top officials for failing to prevent the bombings.

Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal, has said ''the true conspirators in the attacks could still be at large.'' He also questioned the government over allegations that some members of state intelligence knew and had met with at least one attacker.

(With inputs from agencies)

Demonstrators in Sri Lanka on Sunday (April 17) asked the government to uncover the real conspirators behind the terror attacks that rocked the country in 2019. Over 260 people, including 42 foreigners from 14 countries, had been killed in simultaneous suicide bombings on three churches on Sri Lanka.

Demonstrators in Sri Lanka on Sunday (April 17) asked the government to uncover the real conspirators behind the terror attacks that rocked the country in 2019. Over 260 people, including 42 foreigners from 14 countries, had been killed in simultaneous suicide bombings on three churches on Sri Lanka. Approximately 500 people had been injured in the Islamist State-inspired terror attacks. The responsibility for the bombings was taken by the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat. It has links to ISIS. Despite prior intelligence, former President Maithripala Sirisena and ex-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were unable to prevent the attacks. This had sparked an outrage in Sri Lanka. The leaders had to face global criticism as well. On the third anniversary of the terror attacks, people took to the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, calling for justice for the victims. Shiran Anton, whose wife and only daughter died in the attacks, told news agency Reuters, “My entire family is gone. Today, I live a very lonely life. I have no words to explain my agony.” “I want to find out who the real culprits were behind this attack and why they did it,” he said. Also read | 'Some intelligence officers were aware of this incident': Sri Lanka Minister on serial bomb blasts Sri Lanka is currently facing its worst economic crisis since it gained independence. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have been accusing of corruption and nepotism. Protestors are demanding their resignation after facing a severe shortage of necessities like fuel and food items. The island nation, which has a population of 22 million people, has already defaulted on all of its external debt worth over $50 billion. The country's central bank has increased its interest rate almost twice while middle-class families are facing staggering inflation. Rajapaksa’s government is also being blamed for not taking any action against Sirisena and other top officials for failing to prevent the bombings. Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal, has said ''the true conspirators in the attacks could still be at large.'' He also questioned the government over allegations that some members of state intelligence knew and had met with at least one attacker. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan demonstrators ask Rajapaksa government to uncover real conspirators behind Easter terror attacks

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Monday that his government is s working on overcoming the worst economic crisis the country has faced in decades.

Asking Sri Lankan people to be patient, Rajapaksa said as politicians, letting go is just as familiar as losing.&nbsp;

''Though all parties represented in parliament were urged to come forward to resolve the current crisis in the country, no one has come forward. So, as the party in power, the Govt. will take all possible steps to resolve the crisis,'' he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-fast-running-out-of-medicines-faces-worst-economic-crisis-since-independence-470111/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rajapaksha added, ''For every second you engage in protests, the country loses out on securing dollars.''

Due to a lack of money for imports, the island nation of 22 million people is running short of power, fuel, food, and medicines.

It has inflicted unprecedented misery on Sri Lankans in the most painful downturn since independence from Britain in 1948.

''I see the national flag being used during protests. It was us who made it a possibility for the national flag to be displayed freely in every part of the country,''&nbsp;Rajapaksha said.

Last week, Rajapaksa dissolved his cabinet after 41 lawmakers walked out of the ruling coalition to become independents in the 225-seat parliament.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-doctors-warn-that-economic-crisis-would-have-a-even-higher-toll-than-covid-19-pandemic-470133" hreflang="en">SL doctors warn economic crisis would have a higher death toll than pandemic</a>

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General-Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera said "Talks with the IMF will need a stable government capable of implementing clear policies."&nbsp;

"This is necessary to repair the economy and bring relief to the people."

Meanwhile, Udaya Gammanpila, chief of the Jathika Hela Urumaya party, proposed forming an interim government with a new prime minister replacing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brother.

"The main proposal is to have an all-party committee to make key decisions and the appointment of a new prime minister and a limited Cabinet," he said.

"We want this before a new election. We have to reverse shortages and stabilise the economy." 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Monday that his government is s working on overcoming the worst economic crisis the country has faced in decades.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Monday that his government is s working on overcoming the worst economic crisis the country has faced in decades. Asking Sri Lankan people to be patient, Rajapaksa said as politicians, letting go is just as familiar as losing. ''Though all parties represented in parliament were urged to come forward to resolve the current crisis in the country, no one has come forward. So, as the party in power, the Govt. will take all possible steps to resolve the crisis,'' he said. Rajapaksha added, ''For every second you engage in protests, the country loses out on securing dollars.'' Due to a lack of money for imports, the island nation of 22 million people is running short of power, fuel, food, and medicines. It has inflicted unprecedented misery on Sri Lankans in the most painful downturn since independence from Britain in 1948. ''I see the national flag being used during protests. It was us who made it a possibility for the national flag to be displayed freely in every part of the country,'' Rajapaksha said. Last week, Rajapaksa dissolved his cabinet after 41 lawmakers walked out of the ruling coalition to become independents in the 225-seat parliament. Also read | SL doctors warn economic crisis would have a higher death toll than pandemic Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General-Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera said "Talks with the IMF will need a stable government capable of implementing clear policies." "This is necessary to repair the economy and bring relief to the people." Meanwhile, Udaya Gammanpila, chief of the Jathika Hela Urumaya party, proposed forming an interim government with a new prime minister replacing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brother. "The main proposal is to have an all-party committee to make key decisions and the appointment of a new prime minister and a limited Cabinet," he said. "We want this before a new election. We have to reverse shortages and stabilise the economy." (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa says government is working to overcome economic crisis

May, Modi, Merkel, Macron: Past and present world leaders with impeccable fashion sense

Handing over of infrastructure projects, focus on the Buddha link and rights of Tamils with full implementation of 13th amendment dominated Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's Sri Lanka visit. On Monday, he met the top leadership of the country, including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister GL Peiris and held talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Admiral (Retd) Jayanath Colombage.

During foreign secretary's meet with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the latter, "appreciated PM Modi's initiative to promote Buddhist ties", a readout from prime minister's office said.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-secretary-shringla-begins-4-day-visit-to-sri-lanka-417551">Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka</a>

India has announced a $15 million grant for promotion of Buddhist ties with the Indian Ocean island country. During the meeting, Shringla said that India is looking forward to receive the first pilgrims as they take flight from Sri Lanka to the Kushinagar airport. Kushinagar in India is the place where it's believed that Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana and is an important international pilgrimage center.

Later at Temple Trees, the official residence of Sri Lankan PM, he handed over 1235 houses to beneficiaries under Indian Housing Project--Phase3. The project is part of India’s biggest grant assistance project in Sri Lanka for the construction of 50,000 houses at a cost of Rs 1372 crore across the country. 4000 houses are to be built, with 3500 already constructed.

He also inaugurated Vada Central Ladies College in Vadamarachi, Northern Province and Saraswathi Central College in Pusellawa, Kandy district.&nbsp;

India is renovating 27 schools in Northern Province, with 22 buildings including the Vada central ladies college already handed over.

Calling the project as "an integral part of our development cooperation partnership", foreign secretary highlighted that "these projects employ local companies and invariably use Sri Lanka material and labour in their execution."

He also pointed to India's support to Sri Lanka amids the pandemic, saying, "The Indian Navy also deployed its assets for rapid delivery of medical grade oxygen to Sri Lanka in August to deal with its Covid situation".&nbsp;

"During the Covid pandemic period, India kept its air space open for travel for specific and urgent medical needs of Sri Lanka," he added.

During his stay, Shringla also met delegation from Ceylon Workers Congress, Tamil Progressive Alliance and Tamil National Alliance. These are the parties that represent the minority Tamils in the country.&nbsp;

A tweet from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said, that he "emphasized India's commitment to protecting the rights of Tamils through full implementation of the 13th amendment, early convening of Provincial Council elections, achieving reconciliation and establishing connectivity to India."

The 13th amendment of Sri Lanka constitution is an outcome of 1987 Indo Sri Lanka accord signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President JR Jayewardene that aims devolution of powers to the provinces and to protect rights of Tamil minorities in the country.

This is foreign secretary's first visit to the country in his present capacity. He started the visit over the weekend, visiting the iconic Jaffna cultural center built with Indian grant assistance, Oil tank farms at Trincomalee. He also offered prayers at Sri Dalada Maligawa, a famous temple in Kandy that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. He will be meeting the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa later today.

Handing over of infrastructure projects, focus on the Buddha link and rights of Tamils with full implementation of 13th amendment dominated Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's Sri Lanka visit.

Handing over of infrastructure projects, focus on the Buddha link and rights of Tamils with full implementation of 13th amendment dominated Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's Sri Lanka visit. On Monday, he met the top leadership of the country, including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister GL Peiris and held talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Admiral (Retd) Jayanath Colombage. During foreign secretary's meet with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the latter, "appreciated PM Modi's initiative to promote Buddhist ties", a readout from prime minister's office said. Also Read | Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka India has announced a $15 million grant for promotion of Buddhist ties with the Indian Ocean island country. During the meeting, Shringla said that India is looking forward to receive the first pilgrims as they take flight from Sri Lanka to the Kushinagar airport. Kushinagar in India is the place where it's believed that Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana and is an important international pilgrimage center. Later at Temple Trees, the official residence of Sri Lankan PM, he handed over 1235 houses to beneficiaries under Indian Housing Project--Phase3. The project is part of India’s biggest grant assistance project in Sri Lanka for the construction of 50,000 houses at a cost of Rs 1372 crore across the country. 4000 houses are to be built, with 3500 already constructed. He also inaugurated Vada Central Ladies College in Vadamarachi, Northern Province and Saraswathi Central College in Pusellawa, Kandy district. India is renovating 27 schools in Northern Province, with 22 buildings including the Vada central ladies college already handed over. Calling the project as "an integral part of our development cooperation partnership", foreign secretary highlighted that "these projects employ local companies and invariably use Sri Lanka material and labour in their execution." He also pointed to India's support to Sri Lanka amids the pandemic, saying, "The Indian Navy also deployed its assets for rapid delivery of medical grade oxygen to Sri Lanka in August to deal with its Covid situation". "During the Covid pandemic period, India kept its air space open for travel for specific and urgent medical needs of Sri Lanka," he added. During his stay, Shringla also met delegation from Ceylon Workers Congress, Tamil Progressive Alliance and Tamil National Alliance. These are the parties that represent the minority Tamils in the country. A tweet from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said, that he "emphasized India's commitment to protecting the rights of Tamils through full implementation of the 13th amendment, early convening of Provincial Council elections, achieving reconciliation and establishing connectivity to India." The 13th amendment of Sri Lanka constitution is an outcome of 1987 Indo Sri Lanka accord signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President JR Jayewardene that aims devolution of powers to the provinces and to protect rights of Tamil minorities in the country. This is foreign secretary's first visit to the country in his present capacity. He started the visit over the weekend, visiting the iconic Jaffna cultural center built with Indian grant assistance, Oil tank farms at Trincomalee. He also offered prayers at Sri Dalada Maligawa, a famous temple in Kandy that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. He will be meeting the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa later today.

Infra projects, Buddha link, rights of Tamils dominate Shringla's Sri Lanka visit

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

Sri Lanka: President pardons 16 suspected Tamil Tigers convicted under PTA

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Wednesday in Colombo in which the talks were focused on trade, tourism and agriculture.&nbsp;

"Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI &nbsp;this morning. The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism &amp; adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on," Rajapaksa in a tweet wrote.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had a productive discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> this morning. 
The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism &amp; adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://t.co/j6iUMRcf4f">pic.twitter.com/j6iUMRcf4f</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1364480021683789825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Imran on Tuesday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa in which he said he was looking forward to improving trade relations with Sri Lanka through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-imran-khan-doing-in-sri-lanka-365765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He earlier described his visit to the island nation as aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

In an address post his meeting with the Sri Lankan PM, Imran said CPEC means connectivity right up to Central Asia.&nbsp;

Imran said he and his Sri Lankan counterpart "discussed other areas where we can enhance our trading ties where Sri Lanka can benefit from Pakistan's connectivity in the future, right up to central Asia."&nbsp;

"And our trading ties will also mean that the two countries will get together," the Pakistani PM said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Imran will participate in a joint 'Trade and Investment Conference' that aims to promote trade and investment between the two countries.&nbsp;

A number of agreements to boost bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the Pakistani PM's visit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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

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

Sri Lankan President meets Pakistan's Imran Khan

Sri Lanka welcomed its first foreign tourists in nine months Monday even as a new deadlier strain of the coronavirus gripped the island.

A charter flight carrying 185 passengers from Ukraine landed at a little-used airport south of the capital, which has been stricken by a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths.

In less than three months, the official number of coronavirus fatalities in Sri Lanka has risen from 13 to 191, while the number of infections has gone from 3,300 to more than 41,000.

Still, authorities hope the Ukrainian arrivals will be the first of thousands of foreigners to visit -- easing pressure on the tourism-reliant economy that was shut down in March.

The visitors, who had to produce coronavirus-free certificates before departure, were tested again on arrival at Rajapaksa International airport.

They will be confined to their hotels for the duration of their holiday.

"This is a pilot project to test our systems," government spokesman Ramesh Pathirana said, adding that there would be a review after one month.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's international borders remain closed, with the exception of repatriation flights and charters approved by local health authorities.

But Sri Lanka is also scheduled to host a two-Test cricket tour by England next month.

The moves come despite authorities announcing a deadlier coronavirus strain.

Minister for COVID Disease Control, Sudharshini Fernandopulle, said the strain was more infectious than one which spread in Sri Lanka between January and October.

Sri Lanka welcomed its first foreign tourists in nine months Monday even as a new deadlier strain of the coronavirus gripped the island. A charter flight carrying 185 passengers from Ukraine landed at a little-used airport south of the capital, which has been stricken by a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths.

Sri Lanka welcomed its first foreign tourists in nine months Monday even as a new deadlier strain of the coronavirus gripped the island. A charter flight carrying 185 passengers from Ukraine landed at a little-used airport south of the capital, which has been stricken by a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths. In less than three months, the official number of coronavirus fatalities in Sri Lanka has risen from 13 to 191, while the number of infections has gone from 3,300 to more than 41,000. Still, authorities hope the Ukrainian arrivals will be the first of thousands of foreigners to visit -- easing pressure on the tourism-reliant economy that was shut down in March. The visitors, who had to produce coronavirus-free certificates before departure, were tested again on arrival at Rajapaksa International airport. They will be confined to their hotels for the duration of their holiday. "This is a pilot project to test our systems," government spokesman Ramesh Pathirana said, adding that there would be a review after one month. Sri Lanka's international borders remain closed, with the exception of repatriation flights and charters approved by local health authorities. But Sri Lanka is also scheduled to host a two-Test cricket tour by England next month. The moves come despite authorities announcing a deadlier coronavirus strain. Minister for COVID Disease Control, Sudharshini Fernandopulle, said the strain was more infectious than one which spread in Sri Lanka between January and October.

Sri Lanka welcomes first tourists despite new coronavirus strain

&nbsp;Sri Lanka on Tuesday decided to waive off parking and landing costs for international flights when the country opens up its skies later this month after being shut down for over eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cabinet approved a proposal by the tourism minister to waive off landing and parking fees for all international airlines operating to the Colombo international airport and the Mahinda Rajapaksa international airport at Mattala in the southern district of Hambantota, according to a statement.

Earlier this month, it was announced by the Civil Aviation Authority to open airports from December 26.

The Cabinet noted that the international airline industry is facing a crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as an incentive, it was decided to waive off the costs for flights coming into Sri Lanka, the statement said.

The two airports were shut for all international flights in March due to the restrictions imposed to combat the deadly virus.

Sri Lanka has seen a surge in the COVID-19 cases since early October with more than a six-fold increase.

The country has recorded over 37,000 COVID-19 cases with 181 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins data.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday decided to waive off parking and landing costs for international flights when the country opens up its skies later this month after being shut down for over eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday decided to waive off parking and landing costs for international flights when the country opens up its skies later this month after being shut down for over eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cabinet approved a proposal by the tourism minister to waive off landing and parking fees for all international airlines operating to the Colombo international airport and the Mahinda Rajapaksa international airport at Mattala in the southern district of Hambantota, according to a statement. Earlier this month, it was announced by the Civil Aviation Authority to open airports from December 26. The Cabinet noted that the international airline industry is facing a crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as an incentive, it was decided to waive off the costs for flights coming into Sri Lanka, the statement said. The two airports were shut for all international flights in March due to the restrictions imposed to combat the deadly virus. Sri Lanka has seen a surge in the COVID-19 cases since early October with more than a six-fold increase. The country has recorded over 37,000 COVID-19 cases with 181 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins data.

Sri Lanka to waive off parking and landing costs for international flights

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will present the 2021 budget in the Parliament on Tuesday with unprecedented COVID-19 health protocols in place, including the assembly seats being arranged outside the chamber, officials said.

The members will enter the chamber only when they actively take part in the debate.

The Parliament had agreed to ignore the quorum of a minimum of 20 members required during the budget debate which runs until mid-December, parliamentary officials said.

For the first time in the assembly's history, seats are arranged for the 225 members of the Parliament outside the chamber in the lobby.

Rajapaksa, who is also the Finance Minister, will present the budget amid unprecedented health measures as the island nation since early October is witnessing a massive spike in COVID-19 infections with the number of deaths from the pandemic increasing fourfold, health officials said.

Sri Lanka has recorded over 17,600 COVID-19 cases and 61 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University data.

Sri Lanka's economy, especially the tourism sector, has been hit hard since last year,&nbsp;initially by the Easter Sunday attacks, which killed over 250 people, and later by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The 2021 budget presentation comes amid weak state revenues from a 2019 tax cut, and the pandemic.

Sri Lanka has also suffered serious downgrading of its credit rating by international rating agencies.

Sri Lanka's credit was downgraded to 'B-' by Fitch and Standard and Poor's in 2020 as the rupee fell largely due to money printing in March and April this year.

Moody's in late September downgraded the credit to Caa1 (CCC+), which is just above the default level.

The 2021 budget seeks parliamentary approval to spend 2,687 billion rupees. The government also seeks to raise 2,900 billion rupees of debt.

The budget proposals will be debated from November 18 to 21 when the vote on the second reading will be taken. The committee-stage debate will begin on November 23 and will end on December 10 with the vote on the third reading.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will present the 2021 budget in the Parliament on Tuesday with unprecedented COVID-19 health protocols in place, including the assembly seats being arranged outside the chamber, officials said.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will present the 2021 budget in the Parliament on Tuesday with unprecedented COVID-19 health protocols in place, including the assembly seats being arranged outside the chamber, officials said. The members will enter the chamber only when they actively take part in the debate. The Parliament had agreed to ignore the quorum of a minimum of 20 members required during the budget debate which runs until mid-December, parliamentary officials said. For the first time in the assembly's history, seats are arranged for the 225 members of the Parliament outside the chamber in the lobby. Rajapaksa, who is also the Finance Minister, will present the budget amid unprecedented health measures as the island nation since early October is witnessing a massive spike in COVID-19 infections with the number of deaths from the pandemic increasing fourfold, health officials said. Sri Lanka has recorded over 17,600 COVID-19 cases and 61 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University data. Sri Lanka's economy, especially the tourism sector, has been hit hard since last year, initially by the Easter Sunday attacks, which killed over 250 people, and later by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 budget presentation comes amid weak state revenues from a 2019 tax cut, and the pandemic. Sri Lanka has also suffered serious downgrading of its credit rating by international rating agencies. Sri Lanka's credit was downgraded to 'B-' by Fitch and Standard and Poor's in 2020 as the rupee fell largely due to money printing in March and April this year. Moody's in late September downgraded the credit to Caa1 (CCC+), which is just above the default level. The 2021 budget seeks parliamentary approval to spend 2,687 billion rupees. The government also seeks to raise 2,900 billion rupees of debt. The budget proposals will be debated from November 18 to 21 when the vote on the second reading will be taken. The committee-stage debate will begin on November 23 and will end on December 10 with the vote on the third reading.

Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa to present 2021 budget amid strict COVID-19 protocols

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

Rajapaksa gets sweeping powers: Rajapaksa can now appoint the judges

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties and with a focus on further expanding cooperation in key areas.

PM Modi holds talks with Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa

The govt of PM Mahinda Rajapaksa has tabled a bill that gives President Gotabaya Rajapaksa more power. Would this turn the democratic Sri Lanka into a 'constitutional dictatorship'?

Gravitas: Is Sri Lanka staring at Constitutional dictatorship?

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

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

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

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

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978.

It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections.

However, the 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President.

Udaya Gammanpila, the minister for energy and also the co-spokesman of the government, said that a minimum 3 weeks must be allowed from the date of gazetting the 20A before it could be placed on the order book of parliament for debate and adaptation.

"This can be six weeks if legal action is to be instituted at the Supreme Court by interested parties," he said.

The 20A has proposed several changes which include the replacement of the vital Constitutional Council (CC) with a new body called the Parliamentary council.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-oil-tanker-fire-indian-coast-guard-douses-flames-in-accommodation-area-firefighting-on-325106">Also Read | Sri Lanka Oil Tanker Fire: Indian Coast Guard douses flames in accommodation area, firefighting on</a>

"The PC will consist only of members of parliament with no place for civil society representatives," according to local media reports.

Also, three Independent commissions, which include the Elections Commission, will be abolished.

According to 20A, the chairpersons and members of the commissions shall be appointed by the president.

In making such appointments, the president shall seek the observations of the Parliamentary Council (PC).

Earlier under the 19A, all these appointments were the responsibility of the CC.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last month.

The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka.

President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government.

During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire.

Significantly under the 20A draft, there is no provision on the Right to Information Commission, which was established by the 19A while two important commissions, established by the 19A have been abolished-- Audit Service Commission and National Procurement Commission.

Under the 20A draft, the President will enjoy complete legal immunity.

No fundamental rights petition can be filed against the President.

"Article 35 in it says while any person holds office as President, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity," according to the draft of 20A.

Also, the president is empowered to dissolve the parliament at his will after one year of a new parliament is elected, which means the president can remove the prime minister and his cabinet at his will even though a parliament will be elected for a 5 year term.

The 20A provisions also do away with the limitation on the number of cabinet ministers.

'The 19A limitations on the number of the cabinet (30) and deputy ministers (45) have been dropped. The President is empowered to appoint any number of ministers,' according to the draft.

During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP from the time the 19A was adopted in 2015 has been clamouring for its abolition, alleging that the amendment was meant to politically clamp the members of the Rajapaksa family.

It made dual citizens ineligible to contest elections - at least 2 members of the family, including the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were dual citizens at the time of 19A was approved.

In the recently concluded election, the SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to affect the constitutional change they desire.

While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9. 
&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament. The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978. It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections. However, the 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President. Udaya Gammanpila, the minister for energy and also the co-spokesman of the government, said that a minimum 3 weeks must be allowed from the date of gazetting the 20A before it could be placed on the order book of parliament for debate and adaptation. "This can be six weeks if legal action is to be instituted at the Supreme Court by interested parties," he said. The 20A has proposed several changes which include the replacement of the vital Constitutional Council (CC) with a new body called the Parliamentary council. Also Read | Sri Lanka Oil Tanker Fire: Indian Coast Guard douses flames in accommodation area, firefighting on "The PC will consist only of members of parliament with no place for civil society representatives," according to local media reports. Also, three Independent commissions, which include the Elections Commission, will be abolished. According to 20A, the chairpersons and members of the commissions shall be appointed by the president. In making such appointments, the president shall seek the observations of the Parliamentary Council (PC). Earlier under the 19A, all these appointments were the responsibility of the CC. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last month. The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka. President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire. Significantly under the 20A draft, there is no provision on the Right to Information Commission, which was established by the 19A while two important commissions, established by the 19A have been abolished-- Audit Service Commission and National Procurement Commission. Under the 20A draft, the President will enjoy complete legal immunity. No fundamental rights petition can be filed against the President. "Article 35 in it says while any person holds office as President, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity," according to the draft of 20A. Also, the president is empowered to dissolve the parliament at his will after one year of a new parliament is elected, which means the president can remove the prime minister and his cabinet at his will even though a parliament will be elected for a 5 year term. The 20A provisions also do away with the limitation on the number of cabinet ministers. 'The 19A limitations on the number of the cabinet (30) and deputy ministers (45) have been dropped. The President is empowered to appoint any number of ministers,' according to the draft. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP from the time the 19A was adopted in 2015 has been clamouring for its abolition, alleging that the amendment was meant to politically clamp the members of the Rajapaksa family. It made dual citizens ineligible to contest elections - at least 2 members of the family, including the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were dual citizens at the time of 19A was approved. In the recently concluded election, the SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to affect the constitutional change they desire. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

Sri Lanka gazettes Constitution Amendment draft that proposes legal immunity for president

The reform process of the Sri Lankan Constitution would be underway very soon after the government abolished the 19th Amendment that curtailed the powers of the president and strengthened the role of Parliament.

Minister of Information Keheliya Rambukwella said the new government will first abolish the 19th Amendment "which created a lot of confusion and instability within the government.''

''The people have given us a mandate to bring in a new Constitution which will address all issues,''&nbsp;Rambukwella insisted.

He said the Constitution reform process would be underway very soon, he told reporters on Friday.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last week.

The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka.

President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government.

During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire.

While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahida Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

The Opposition has accused the government of trying to abolish 19A to make room for another member of the Rajapaksa family to enter Parliament.

The 19A was the main election plank of the previous government.

The 19A depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections.

The reformists in 2015 argued that the 19A was needed to correct the power imbalance created by the 18A which the government of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010 had introduced.

The 18A lifted the two term bar for a president to run for office.

The 19A brought in the reversal bringing back the two terms bar and reducing the presidential term from 6 to 5 years. It pruned the powers of the presidency and empowered Parliament.&nbsp;

The reform process of the Sri Lankan Constitution would be underway very soon after the government abolished the 19th Amendment that curtailed the powers of the president and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The reform process of the Sri Lankan Constitution would be underway very soon after the government abolished the 19th Amendment that curtailed the powers of the president and strengthened the role of Parliament. Minister of Information Keheliya Rambukwella said the new government will first abolish the 19th Amendment "which created a lot of confusion and instability within the government.'' ''The people have given us a mandate to bring in a new Constitution which will address all issues,'' Rambukwella insisted. He said the Constitution reform process would be underway very soon, he told reporters on Friday. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last week. The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka. President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahida Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9. The Opposition has accused the government of trying to abolish 19A to make room for another member of the Rajapaksa family to enter Parliament. The 19A was the main election plank of the previous government. The 19A depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections. The reformists in 2015 argued that the 19A was needed to correct the power imbalance created by the 18A which the government of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010 had introduced. The 18A lifted the two term bar for a president to run for office. The 19A brought in the reversal bringing back the two terms bar and reducing the presidential term from 6 to 5 years. It pruned the powers of the presidency and empowered Parliament.

Reform process of Sri Lankan Constitution would be underway very soon: Minister

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

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

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

Sri Lanka appoints Admiral Jayanath Colombage as new Foreign Secretary

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

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

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

Mahinda Rajapaksa takes oath as Sri Lankan Prime Minister

Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the country's prime minister for the fourth time after his party secured a landslide victory in parliamentary elections

Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaksa returns as PM for the 4th time | Rajapaksa takes oath as PM

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaka will be sworn in as the country's new prime minister for the fourth time at a historic Buddhist temple on Sunday, consolidating the hard-line political dynasty's grip on power.

The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) leader, who polled over 500,000 individual preference votes, the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections, will take the oath of office for the ninth Parliament at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb, according to an official statement.

The SLPP, led by Mahinda, registered a landslide victory in the general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/what-does-the-result-of-sri-lankan-election-mean-for-india-318918" hreflang="en">What does the result of Sri Lankan election mean for India</a>

It won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament. It polled 6.8 million votes (59.9 per cent).

The Cabinet of Ministers will be sworn-in on Monday, followed by the swearing-in of the state and deputy ministers, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

The new government has decided to restrict the size of the Cabinet to 26, though it can be increased up to 30 in terms of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

"We are likely to have a Cabinet limited to 24 or 25 members to set an example," Prasanna Ranatunga, a senior member of the SLPP, said on Saturday.

The Cabinet is appointed by the president on the advice from the prime minister, which is again a key change brought in by the 19A. However, the president remains the head of the Cabinet and the head of state.

The Rajapaksa family,&nbsp;including SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with the eldest being Mahinda,&nbsp;has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades. Mahinda previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaka will be sworn in as the country's new prime minister for the fourth time at a historic Buddhist temple on Sunday, consolidating the hard-line political dynasty's grip on power.

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaka will be sworn in as the country's new prime minister for the fourth time at a historic Buddhist temple on Sunday, consolidating the hard-line political dynasty's grip on power. The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) leader, who polled over 500,000 individual preference votes, the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections, will take the oath of office for the ninth Parliament at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb, according to an official statement. The SLPP, led by Mahinda, registered a landslide victory in the general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power. Also read: What does the result of Sri Lankan election mean for India It won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament. It polled 6.8 million votes (59.9 per cent). The Cabinet of Ministers will be sworn-in on Monday, followed by the swearing-in of the state and deputy ministers, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. The new government has decided to restrict the size of the Cabinet to 26, though it can be increased up to 30 in terms of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. "We are likely to have a Cabinet limited to 24 or 25 members to set an example," Prasanna Ranatunga, a senior member of the SLPP, said on Saturday. The Cabinet is appointed by the president on the advice from the prime minister, which is again a key change brought in by the 19A. However, the president remains the head of the Cabinet and the head of state. The Rajapaksa family, including SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with the eldest being Mahinda, has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades. Mahinda previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa to take oath of Prime Minister on Sunday

Mahinda Rajapaksa has won an absolute majority in Sri Lanka's parliamentary polls. The Rajapaksa brothers are likely to bring about sweeping changes in Sri Lanka. What does this mean for India? WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: Mahinda Rajapaksa sweeps Sri Lankan polls | What does it mean for India?

Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa staged a political comeback on Friday as his party registered a landslide victory in the twice-postponed general elections, according to the final results released by the elections commission.

Your Story: Rajapaksas now authorized to amend the constitution, Two-third majority in 2020 polls

The counting of votes is underway in Sri Lanka after citizens streamed into polling stations on August 5. Nearly 71% of people cast their votes. Watch report.

Sri Lanka elections: Will Mahindra Rajapaksa become Prime Minister?

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