Nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who resigned recently in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments in the country following the Easter suicide bombings, are likely to rejoin their office on the request of chief Buddhist prelates.

Along with the nine ministers, two provincial governors from the minority community also resigned on June 3 to allow the Lankan government to investigate allegations against some of them on links to an Islamist extremist group blamed for the deadly terror attack that claimed 258 lives.&nbsp;

"There will be a meeting on June 18 to reconsider our positions since we have been asked to return to our ministerial positions," AHM Haleem, who was one of the ministers to quit, told reporters here on Saturday.

Haleem, who was the Minister of Posts, said the ministers are reconsidering their decision after the chief Buddhist prelates urged them to return to the government.&nbsp;

There are 19 Muslims lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament and nine of them held Cabinet, state and deputy ministerial positions.

The nine Muslim politicians had also protested what they term the government's inability to ensure the safety of their community which constitute 9 per cent of the island's 21 million population.

Their resignations came four days after thousands of people, majority of whom were Buddhist monks, launched a protest in the pilgrim city of Kandy, demanding the expulsion of three Muslim leaders whom they alleged were linked to the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) - the banned outfit blamed for the attacks on three Colombo hotels and three churches.

The three were Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Badiyudeen, Western Province governor Azath Salley and Eastern Province governer ALM Hizbullah. All of them have rejected the allegations.

In a related development, former governor Hizbullah was questioned for over eight hours on Saturday by the Terrorism Investigation Division of the police over his alleged links to the NTJ. &nbsp;

Nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who resigned recently in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments in the country following the Easter suicide bombings, are likely to rejoin their office on the request of chief Buddhist prelates.

Nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who resigned recently in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments in the country following the Easter suicide bombings, are likely to rejoin their office on the request of chief Buddhist prelates. Along with the nine ministers, two provincial governors from the minority community also resigned on June 3 to allow the Lankan government to investigate allegations against some of them on links to an Islamist extremist group blamed for the deadly terror attack that claimed 258 lives. "There will be a meeting on June 18 to reconsider our positions since we have been asked to return to our ministerial positions," AHM Haleem, who was one of the ministers to quit, told reporters here on Saturday. Haleem, who was the Minister of Posts, said the ministers are reconsidering their decision after the chief Buddhist prelates urged them to return to the government. There are 19 Muslims lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament and nine of them held Cabinet, state and deputy ministerial positions. The nine Muslim politicians had also protested what they term the government's inability to ensure the safety of their community which constitute 9 per cent of the island's 21 million population. Their resignations came four days after thousands of people, majority of whom were Buddhist monks, launched a protest in the pilgrim city of Kandy, demanding the expulsion of three Muslim leaders whom they alleged were linked to the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) - the banned outfit blamed for the attacks on three Colombo hotels and three churches. The three were Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Badiyudeen, Western Province governor Azath Salley and Eastern Province governer ALM Hizbullah. All of them have rejected the allegations. In a related development, former governor Hizbullah was questioned for over eight hours on Saturday by the Terrorism Investigation Division of the police over his alleged links to the NTJ.

9 Sri Lankan Muslim ministers who quit likely to reconsider decision on request of Buddhist leaders

Sri Lanka's bombed Catholic church was reconsecrated Wednesday with a prayer for a strong national leader to punish those responsible for the Easter attacks that killed 258 people.

Speaking at the newly restored St Anthony's in Colombo, the head of Roman Catholics in Sri Lanka said there were doubts whether the island could pull itself out of crisis after the coordinated suicide bombings on April 21.&nbsp;

At least 54 people were killed at the church, where thousands of people -- including leading politicians -- attended a special trilingual service on Wednesday.

"What we need is a leadership that will work for the country rather than themselves. A leader with a backbone who will not protect the guilty. A leader who is not afraid to punish wrongdoers," said the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

"There is some doubt, both here and abroad, whether we have strong leadership that will deliver us from this crisis," he added.

His remarks came as President Maithripala Sirisena faced serious criticism that he, as minister of defence and Law and Order, failed to act on advance warnings of the Easter attacks.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has publicly apologised for the security lapses that allowed suicide bombers to stage the assaults unchallenged.

Cardinal Ranjith said the Islamist extremists who staged the suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels were misguided youth who will have no place in heaven.

"The innocent victims who died while in the church are now angels in heaven. Those who carried out the attacks are in the hell of hells," Ranjith said.

St Anthony's -- which dates back to 1740 -- is venerated by non-Catholics too and as its restoration was nearing completion, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced visit on Sunday and paid tribute to all the victims.

"I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again," Modi said on Twitter where he posted photos of himself at the church.

"Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka."

Wickremesinghe said he had discussed with Modi ways to combat militant attacks and counter religious extremism.

Sri Lanka has been under a state of emergency since the assaults, giving the police and security forces sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.

The authorities have said they have killed or arrested all those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks that were blamed on a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) and claimed by the Islamic State.

Sri Lanka's bombed Catholic church was reconsecrated Wednesday with a prayer for a strong national leader to punish those responsible for the Easter attacks that killed 258 people.

Sri Lanka's bombed Catholic church was reconsecrated Wednesday with a prayer for a strong national leader to punish those responsible for the Easter attacks that killed 258 people. Speaking at the newly restored St Anthony's in Colombo, the head of Roman Catholics in Sri Lanka said there were doubts whether the island could pull itself out of crisis after the coordinated suicide bombings on April 21. At least 54 people were killed at the church, where thousands of people -- including leading politicians -- attended a special trilingual service on Wednesday. "What we need is a leadership that will work for the country rather than themselves. A leader with a backbone who will not protect the guilty. A leader who is not afraid to punish wrongdoers," said the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. "There is some doubt, both here and abroad, whether we have strong leadership that will deliver us from this crisis," he added. His remarks came as President Maithripala Sirisena faced serious criticism that he, as minister of defence and Law and Order, failed to act on advance warnings of the Easter attacks. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has publicly apologised for the security lapses that allowed suicide bombers to stage the assaults unchallenged. Cardinal Ranjith said the Islamist extremists who staged the suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels were misguided youth who will have no place in heaven. "The innocent victims who died while in the church are now angels in heaven. Those who carried out the attacks are in the hell of hells," Ranjith said. St Anthony's -- which dates back to 1740 -- is venerated by non-Catholics too and as its restoration was nearing completion, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced visit on Sunday and paid tribute to all the victims. "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again," Modi said on Twitter where he posted photos of himself at the church. "Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka." Wickremesinghe said he had discussed with Modi ways to combat militant attacks and counter religious extremism. Sri Lanka has been under a state of emergency since the assaults, giving the police and security forces sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods. The authorities have said they have killed or arrested all those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks that were blamed on a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) and claimed by the Islamic State.

Catholic church bombed in Sri Lanka attacks reopens

Sri Lanka's parliament Tuesday defied President Maithripala Sirisena and resumed investigations into security lapses surrounding the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people, officials said, as a political crisis in the country deepened.&nbsp;

The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) began hearing testimony from Muslim leaders who claimed they repeatedly alerted the authorities to dangerous radicalisation, a parliamentary official said.

In what appeared to be a tit-for-tat move, Sirisena did not call the routine weekly cabinet meeting to discuss the day-to-day running of the administration.

The opposition Sri Lanka People's Front said the standoff between the president and the cabinet, controlled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party, meant the government was at a standstill.

"The current standoff effectively means that there is no government in Sri Lanka from today," Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPF) leader Gamini Lakshman Peiris told reporters in Colombo.

There was no immediate word either from the president or the prime minister on why the scheduled cabinet meeting was not held.

Sirisena had militantly opposed public questioning of military, police and intelligence officials, saying it would compromise national security. The PSC maintains that witnesses were free to give evidence in camera.&nbsp;

President Sirisena last week asked his coalition cabinet to stop the hearings, which have already revealed senior officials directly under him had ignored repeated intelligence warnings.

Sirisena sacked his intelligence chief over the weekend after he told the hearing that the April 21 attacks could have been avoided if police had been allowed to arrest the ringleader as early as last year.

An Islamic State-inspired local jihadist group has been blamed for the suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels. Among the dead were 45 foreign nationals, while nearly 500 people were injured.

Church reopens

One of the badly damaged churches, St. Anthony's, was scheduled to reopen for regular services Wednesday, church officials said in a sign of normality returning to the otherwise tense capital.

Two of the luxury hotels which were attacked have reopened, while the Shangri-La was also due to reopen on Wednesday.

Since the attacks, the country has been under a state of emergency which gives sweeping powers to the police and security forces to arrest and detain suspects for long periods of time.

Sirisena has insisted that as minister of defence and law and order he was unaware of precise intelligence warnings from India over the attacks.

He sacked his defence ministry secretary, Hemasiri Fernando, and suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara after blaming them for the catastrophic security failure.

Both have denied responsibility while the police chief has mounted a legal challenge against his suspension. Jayasundara has testified before the PSC.

Sirisena said he will not allow any current public servants to testify before the hearing, but parliament warned Sunday that any official refusing its summons could face up to 10 years in jail.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear if the PSC had asked any official to testify since Sirisena's remarks on Friday.

The president also ordered live broadcasts of the PSC proceedings to be halted.

New Delhi said it shared detailed information about the Sri Lanka attack with Colombo as early as April 4 -- two and a half weeks before the bombings -- following information gleaned from a jihadist in Indian custody.

Sri Lanka's parliament Tuesday defied President Maithripala Sirisena and resumed investigations into security lapses surrounding the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people, officials said, as a political crisis in the country deepened.

Sri Lanka's parliament Tuesday defied President Maithripala Sirisena and resumed investigations into security lapses surrounding the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people, officials said, as a political crisis in the country deepened. The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) began hearing testimony from Muslim leaders who claimed they repeatedly alerted the authorities to dangerous radicalisation, a parliamentary official said. In what appeared to be a tit-for-tat move, Sirisena did not call the routine weekly cabinet meeting to discuss the day-to-day running of the administration. The opposition Sri Lanka People's Front said the standoff between the president and the cabinet, controlled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party, meant the government was at a standstill. "The current standoff effectively means that there is no government in Sri Lanka from today," Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPF) leader Gamini Lakshman Peiris told reporters in Colombo. There was no immediate word either from the president or the prime minister on why the scheduled cabinet meeting was not held. Sirisena had militantly opposed public questioning of military, police and intelligence officials, saying it would compromise national security. The PSC maintains that witnesses were free to give evidence in camera. President Sirisena last week asked his coalition cabinet to stop the hearings, which have already revealed senior officials directly under him had ignored repeated intelligence warnings. Sirisena sacked his intelligence chief over the weekend after he told the hearing that the April 21 attacks could have been avoided if police had been allowed to arrest the ringleader as early as last year. An Islamic State-inspired local jihadist group has been blamed for the suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels. Among the dead were 45 foreign nationals, while nearly 500 people were injured. Church reopens One of the badly damaged churches, St. Anthony's, was scheduled to reopen for regular services Wednesday, church officials said in a sign of normality returning to the otherwise tense capital. Two of the luxury hotels which were attacked have reopened, while the Shangri-La was also due to reopen on Wednesday. Since the attacks, the country has been under a state of emergency which gives sweeping powers to the police and security forces to arrest and detain suspects for long periods of time. Sirisena has insisted that as minister of defence and law and order he was unaware of precise intelligence warnings from India over the attacks. He sacked his defence ministry secretary, Hemasiri Fernando, and suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara after blaming them for the catastrophic security failure. Both have denied responsibility while the police chief has mounted a legal challenge against his suspension. Jayasundara has testified before the PSC. Sirisena said he will not allow any current public servants to testify before the hearing, but parliament warned Sunday that any official refusing its summons could face up to 10 years in jail. It was not immediately clear if the PSC had asked any official to testify since Sirisena's remarks on Friday. The president also ordered live broadcasts of the PSC proceedings to be halted. New Delhi said it shared detailed information about the Sri Lanka attack with Colombo as early as April 4 -- two and a half weeks before the bombings -- following information gleaned from a jihadist in Indian custody.

Sri Lanka MPs defy president Maithripala Sirisena to resume Easter attack probe

Sri Lanka's parliament warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/post-easter-attacks-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-bans-face-covering-214265">President Maithripala Sirisena</a> not to scuttle a controversial investigation into security lapses before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-catholics-hold-first-sunday-mass-after-easter-attacks-217979">Easter suicide bombings</a>, the Speaker's office said Sunday.

The warning came after Sirisena said he would not cooperate with the parliamentary probe and would not allow defence or police officials to testify before the select committee (PSC).

The president called an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose the legislature's investigation into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500.

"Any public servant summoned by the PSC is obliged to give evidence," Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a hard-hitting two-page response to Sirisena.

"Officials are fully aware of the serious consequences if they fail to respond."

Officials at the Speaker's office said Jayasuriya made it clear to Sirisena that he will not call off the PSC and it will continue its public hearings.

Evidence before the parliamentary select committee, which began its publicly televised sittings since late last month, has placed the president in a poor light, suggesting that he failed to act on advance warning of the attacks.

On Saturday, Sirisena's office said he sacked his national intelligence chief Sisira Mendis who testified that the devastating attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels could have been avoided.

Mendis also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings.

Sirisena's office did not give a reason for abruptly sacking Mendis. Halfway through his testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the president's orders, official sources said.

&nbsp;Indian warning&nbsp;

Sirisena told his police top brass on Friday that he would not allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify.

However, a senior defence ministry sources said that in view of the Speaker's latest warning, they will have to cooperate with the committee.

Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with a specific warning from an Indian intelligence agency.

New Delhi had shared detailed information about the targets and the method of attack as early as April 4, two and a half weeks before the bombings, following information from a jihadist in Indian custody.

A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks. The country has been under a state of emergency since the bombings.

Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India. His own officials have denied it.

The latest crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

Modi arrived in Colombo for a brief stopover on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday.

Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's parliament warned President Maithripala Sirisena not to scuttle a controversial investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, the Speaker's office said Sunday.

Sri Lanka's parliament warned President Maithripala Sirisena not to scuttle a controversial investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, the Speaker's office said Sunday. The warning came after Sirisena said he would not cooperate with the parliamentary probe and would not allow defence or police officials to testify before the select committee (PSC). The president called an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose the legislature's investigation into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500. "Any public servant summoned by the PSC is obliged to give evidence," Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a hard-hitting two-page response to Sirisena. "Officials are fully aware of the serious consequences if they fail to respond." Officials at the Speaker's office said Jayasuriya made it clear to Sirisena that he will not call off the PSC and it will continue its public hearings. Evidence before the parliamentary select committee, which began its publicly televised sittings since late last month, has placed the president in a poor light, suggesting that he failed to act on advance warning of the attacks. On Saturday, Sirisena's office said he sacked his national intelligence chief Sisira Mendis who testified that the devastating attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels could have been avoided. Mendis also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings. Sirisena's office did not give a reason for abruptly sacking Mendis. Halfway through his testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the president's orders, official sources said. Indian warning Sirisena told his police top brass on Friday that he would not allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify. However, a senior defence ministry sources said that in view of the Speaker's latest warning, they will have to cooperate with the committee. Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with a specific warning from an Indian intelligence agency. New Delhi had shared detailed information about the targets and the method of attack as early as April 4, two and a half weeks before the bombings, following information from a jihadist in Indian custody. A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks. The country has been under a state of emergency since the bombings. Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India. His own officials have denied it. The latest crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. Modi arrived in Colombo for a brief stopover on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday. Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.

Sri Lanka MPs clash with President Sirisena over Easter attacks probe

&nbsp;A three-member committee appointed to probe the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-make-arrests-amid-violence-after-easter-attack-218825">Easter Sunday attacks</a> in Sri Lanka that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, Monday submitted its final report to President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-vows-to-eliminate-terrorism-threat-219949">Maithripala Sirisena</a>.

Supreme Court Justice Vijith Malalgoda, who headed the committee, handed over the report to President Sirisena.

&nbsp;Other members of the committee - former ministerial secretary Padmasiri Jayamanne and former police chief N K Ilangakoon &nbsp;were also present. The details of the report were immediately not available.

President Sirisena appointed the committee on April 22 to probe into the Easter bombings and identify its root causes along with other related matters.

The ad hoc investigation body had submitted two interim reports on the investigations to the President on earlier occasions.

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ended in 2009.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath (NTJ) for the bombings.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the blasts.

President Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after it was found that there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

A three-member committee appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, Monday submitted its final report to President Maithripala Sirisena.

A three-member committee appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, Monday submitted its final report to President Maithripala Sirisena. Supreme Court Justice Vijith Malalgoda, who headed the committee, handed over the report to President Sirisena. Other members of the committee - former ministerial secretary Padmasiri Jayamanne and former police chief N K Ilangakoon were also present. The details of the report were immediately not available. President Sirisena appointed the committee on April 22 to probe into the Easter bombings and identify its root causes along with other related matters. The ad hoc investigation body had submitted two interim reports on the investigations to the President on earlier occasions. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ended in 2009. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath (NTJ) for the bombings. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the blasts. President Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after it was found that there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

Committee probing Easter attacks submits its final report to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena

Warning against the emergence of a "Muslim Prabhakaran", Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called for unity among all communities in the country which saw the worst terror attack on Easter Sunday.

Acknowledging that the country has now been divided, Sirisena, who spoke in Mullaitivu, a former bastion of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), said on Saturday that religious leaders and politicians in the country were divided today.

The President urged the public "not to leave room for a Muslim Prabhakaran to be born," Colombo Gazette reported.

Velupillai Prabhakaran was the founder and leader of the LTTE or the Tamil Tigers, a militant organisation that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. The civil war in Sri Lanka that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people ended with the killing of Prabhakaran by Sri Lankan army in 2009.

"If we divide and fall apart the whole country will stand to lose. Another war will break out," he warned.

Following the Easter Sunday terror attacks on three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels by a local Islamist outfit with possible links to the Islamic State terror group, there were widespread attacks on the Muslim community.

Sirisena lamented that most politicians have focused on the elections later this year and not the country.

He said that the division is preventing the country from moving forward.

The President said that he understands the issues faced by the Tamils and will address some of them, the report said.

However, he said the past must be set aside and the country must unite to take the country forward.

He said that there should not be room for extremism to prosper.&nbsp;

Warning against the emergence of a "Muslim Prabhakaran", Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called for unity among all communities in the country which saw the worst terror attack on Easter Sunday.

Warning against the emergence of a "Muslim Prabhakaran", Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called for unity among all communities in the country which saw the worst terror attack on Easter Sunday. Acknowledging that the country has now been divided, Sirisena, who spoke in Mullaitivu, a former bastion of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), said on Saturday that religious leaders and politicians in the country were divided today. The President urged the public "not to leave room for a Muslim Prabhakaran to be born," Colombo Gazette reported. Velupillai Prabhakaran was the founder and leader of the LTTE or the Tamil Tigers, a militant organisation that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. The civil war in Sri Lanka that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people ended with the killing of Prabhakaran by Sri Lankan army in 2009. "If we divide and fall apart the whole country will stand to lose. Another war will break out," he warned. Following the Easter Sunday terror attacks on three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels by a local Islamist outfit with possible links to the Islamic State terror group, there were widespread attacks on the Muslim community. Sirisena lamented that most politicians have focused on the elections later this year and not the country. He said that the division is preventing the country from moving forward. The President said that he understands the issues faced by the Tamils and will address some of them, the report said. However, he said the past must be set aside and the country must unite to take the country forward. He said that there should not be room for extremism to prosper.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena warns against emergence of a 'Muslim Prabhakaran'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest, reported news agency PTI.

Indian prime minister is the first foreign leader to visit the island nation after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-message-of-solidarity-to-sri-lanka-pm-modi-visits-terror-hit-st-anthonys-church-in-colombo-225623">Easter attacks</a> in which more than 250 people were killed. His visit is considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the deadly Easter terror attacks in April.

"PM @narendramodi and President of Sri Lanka @MaithripalaS discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President @MaithripalaS #Neighbourhoodfirst," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Reinforcing partnership 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and President of Sri Lanka <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaithripalaS</a> discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaithripalaS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Neighbourhoodfirst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Neighbourhoodfirst</a> <a href="https://t.co/lrz7jTuNdf">pic.twitter.com/lrz7jTuNdf</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1137638717454086144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception at the President's House. Sri Lankan President Sirisena was seen holding an umbrella and providing cover to himself and Prime Minister Modi from rain.

Earlier, Modi visited a Catholic church - one of the sites of the horrific <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-sri-lanka-today-will-be-personally-received-by-sri-lankan-counterpart-wickremesinghe-in-colombo-225582">Easter Sunday attacks</a> - soon after his arrival in Sri Lanka and paid tributes to the victims of the deadly terror strikes, saying "cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka".

Prime Minister Modi's entourage made a detour to St Anthony's church on their way to the Presidential Secretariat.

"I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," said Modi, the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks in April.

Modi arrived in Colombo from Maldives where he held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest, reported news agency PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest, reported news agency PTI. Indian prime minister is the first foreign leader to visit the island nation after the Easter attacks in which more than 250 people were killed. His visit is considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the deadly Easter terror attacks in April. "PM @narendramodi and President of Sri Lanka @MaithripalaS discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President @MaithripalaS #Neighbourhoodfirst," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Reinforcing partnership PM @narendramodi and President of Sri Lanka @MaithripalaS discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President @MaithripalaS #Neighbourhoodfirst pic.twitter.com/lrz7jTuNdf — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2019 × Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception at the President's House. Sri Lankan President Sirisena was seen holding an umbrella and providing cover to himself and Prime Minister Modi from rain. Earlier, Modi visited a Catholic church - one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday attacks - soon after his arrival in Sri Lanka and paid tributes to the victims of the deadly terror strikes, saying "cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka". Prime Minister Modi's entourage made a detour to St Anthony's church on their way to the Presidential Secretariat. "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," said Modi, the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks in April. Modi arrived in Colombo from Maldives where he held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday.

PM Modi discusses bilateral issues of mutual interest with Lankan President Sirisena 

In a strong message of solidarity to Sri Lanka, PM Narendra Modi's first stop during his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-sri-lanka-today-will-be-personally-received-by-sri-lankan-counterpart-wickremesinghe-in-colombo-225582">ongoing visit to the country</a> was the St Anthony's church in Kochchikade, Sri Lanka. The church was the site of one of the terror attacks on April 21. Over 93 people died at the Chruch during the Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 250 people.

Following his visit, the prime minister tweeted, "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka".

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I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. 
 
Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. 
 
India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/n8PA8pQnoJ">pic.twitter.com/n8PA8pQnoJ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1137611919815090176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He tweeted, "My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured".

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Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade. 
 
My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured. <a href="https://t.co/RTdmNGcDyg">pic.twitter.com/RTdmNGcDyg</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1137611294188507137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi is the first head of government to visit the country after the terror attacks.

St Anthony's church is one of the oldest churches in the Sri Lankan capital belonging to the Dutch era and was built by one of the priests from Cochin, India. In fact, it is one of the first buildings one can see when ships enter the Colombo port.

WION team, while covering the aftermath of the terror attacks in April, was present next to this church when a 'controlled explosion" took place. The impact of the explosion was such that it caused commotion around the place.

Speaking to WION, the head priest of the church Father Jude Fernando had said, "We will build the church, but can bring back the lives".

Earlier, the PM was received by Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Colombo airport and after his stop at the church, he was given a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. He also planted a sapling at the Presidential Secretariat and was accompanied by President Maithripala Sirisena.

PM Modi is on a short and packed 3-hour-long visit to Sri Lanka after his day-long tour to the Maldives - his first foreign visit in the second term.

In the Maldives also, PM had talked about terror. Speaking in the Maldivian Parliament he said, "Terrorism is not just a threat for a country, but to the entire civilisation. It is very unfortunate that people are still making the mistake of distinguishing between good terrorists and bad terrorists."

Without naming Pakistan, PM said, "State sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest threat the world is facing today"

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for Modi's oath-taking ceremony.

PM Modi visited Sri Lanka twice in his first term, first in March 2015 when he travelled to Anuradhapura, Talaimannar, and Jaffna and then in 2017 when he was the chief guest at the Vesak day celebrations. 
&nbsp;

In a strong message of solidarity to Sri Lanka, PM Narendra Modi's first stop during his ongoing visit to the country was the St Anthony's church in Kochchikade, Sri Lanka.

In a strong message of solidarity to Sri Lanka, PM Narendra Modi's first stop during his ongoing visit to the country was the St Anthony's church in Kochchikade, Sri Lanka. The church was the site of one of the terror attacks on April 21. Over 93 people died at the Chruch during the Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 250 people. Following his visit, the prime minister tweeted, "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka". I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/n8PA8pQnoJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2019 × He tweeted, "My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured". Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured. pic.twitter.com/RTdmNGcDyg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2019 × PM Modi is the first head of government to visit the country after the terror attacks. St Anthony's church is one of the oldest churches in the Sri Lankan capital belonging to the Dutch era and was built by one of the priests from Cochin, India. In fact, it is one of the first buildings one can see when ships enter the Colombo port. WION team, while covering the aftermath of the terror attacks in April, was present next to this church when a 'controlled explosion" took place. The impact of the explosion was such that it caused commotion around the place. Speaking to WION, the head priest of the church Father Jude Fernando had said, "We will build the church, but can bring back the lives". Earlier, the PM was received by Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Colombo airport and after his stop at the church, he was given a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. He also planted a sapling at the Presidential Secretariat and was accompanied by President Maithripala Sirisena. PM Modi is on a short and packed 3-hour-long visit to Sri Lanka after his day-long tour to the Maldives - his first foreign visit in the second term. In the Maldives also, PM had talked about terror. Speaking in the Maldivian Parliament he said, "Terrorism is not just a threat for a country, but to the entire civilisation. It is very unfortunate that people are still making the mistake of distinguishing between good terrorists and bad terrorists." Without naming Pakistan, PM said, "State sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest threat the world is facing today" Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for Modi's oath-taking ceremony. PM Modi visited Sri Lanka twice in his first term, first in March 2015 when he travelled to Anuradhapura, Talaimannar, and Jaffna and then in 2017 when he was the chief guest at the Vesak day celebrations.

In message of solidarity to Sri Lanka, PM Modi visits terror-hit St Anthony's church in Colombo 

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-ban-chainsaws-timber-mills-to-protect-forests-president-maithripala-sirisena-225288">Easter suicide bombings</a>, officials said Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/both-saarc-and-bimstec-important-for-regional-cooperation-maithripala-sirisena-223271">Maithripala Sirisena</a> summoned an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose a parliamentary select committee probe into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500.

Chief of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis was sacked after testifying to the inquiry last week that the attacks could have been averted.

He also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings on three hotels and three churches.&nbsp;

Sirisena's office did not give a reason for the sacking. Halfway through the testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-pardons-firebrand-buddhist-monk-220824">president's orders</a>, official sources said.

A ministerial source told AFP Sirisena has refused to allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify before the committee.

The source added that the heated cabinet meeting ended "inconclusively" without taking a decision on whether to suspend the parliament probe.

Sirisena's office did not comment on the meeting but said the president had told senior police officers on Friday that he will not allow any serving officer to testify.

Watch: Muslims in Sri Lanka celebrate Eid amid security concerns

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Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with intelligence warnings about the Easter Sunday bombings.

Sirisena has repeatedly denied he was aware of an impending threat.&nbsp;

A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-extends-emergency-by-month-220647">country has been under a state of emergency</a> since the bombings.

Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India and based on information from a detained jihadist.

The crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

The Indian premier is to make a brief stopover in Colombo on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday.

The Sri Lankan government has admitted there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday.

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday. Maithripala Sirisena summoned an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose a parliamentary select committee probe into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500. Chief of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis was sacked after testifying to the inquiry last week that the attacks could have been averted. He also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings on three hotels and three churches. Sirisena's office did not give a reason for the sacking. Halfway through the testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the president's orders, official sources said. A ministerial source told AFP Sirisena has refused to allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify before the committee. The source added that the heated cabinet meeting ended "inconclusively" without taking a decision on whether to suspend the parliament probe. Sirisena's office did not comment on the meeting but said the president had told senior police officers on Friday that he will not allow any serving officer to testify. Watch: Muslims in Sri Lanka celebrate Eid amid security concerns × Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with intelligence warnings about the Easter Sunday bombings. Sirisena has repeatedly denied he was aware of an impending threat. A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks. The country has been under a state of emergency since the bombings. Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India and based on information from a detained jihadist. The crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. The Indian premier is to make a brief stopover in Colombo on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday. The Sri Lankan government has admitted there were intelligence failures before the attacks. Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena sacks intelligence chief over Easter attacks probe

PM Modi will be leaving for the Maldives and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-sri-lanka-visit-to-show-solidarity-with-people-foreign-secretary-225092">Sri Lanka on Saturday</a> which will be his first foreign visit after the general elections.&nbsp;

It has been eight years since an Indian PM visited the Maldives, the last was by Manmohan Singh in 2011. During the visit, PM Modi will address Maldivian Parliament, the Majlis and meet the top leadership. Many MoUs are expected to be signed including training of civil servants, customs and white shipping.

While giving details of the visit, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "The PM's visit is focused on three objectives, firstly it is to maintain contact at the highest level between the close neighbours, we want to assist the Maldives as a development partner, in the revival and development of there economy and third to strengthen people-to-people contact" 
&nbsp; 
Defence

Both PM Modi and President Solih will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects - the coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF) - &nbsp;the total value of the two projects is $180 crores. The composite training centre was requested by the Maldives to provide a central training facility and "will enhance the capability of MNDF", according to foreign secretary Gokhale. The coastal surveillance radar system will help Malé monitor white shipping and preserve its sovereignty in EEZ or exclusive economic zone.

Cricket

The Maldives is keen to have its own cricket team and a cricket stadium and asked for Indian assistance. India in May had sent a team of BCCI to the Maldives for the training of Maldivian cricketers, the supply of kits. India has given cricket kits and is expected to coach Maldivian cricketers. India had invited President Solih in April for an IPL match in Bengaluru. India sees it as important "people-to-people" exercise and has in the past helped countries like Afghanistan.

Connectivity

India is planning to start a ferry service from Kochi to the Maldives which the foreign secretary said will "significantly enhance connectivity". India is also working on fourteen high impact community projects which involves connectivity within the island, drug rehabilitation centre at a cost of Rs 50 crore. New Delhi also plans to provide speed boats for students.

In the last eight months, since the new government led by President Solih took charge in November last year, there have been a number of high-level visits.

While President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and Defence minister Mariya Ahmed Didi visited India, PM Modi was in the country for the swearing-in ceremony of Solih and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited the country in March.

PM Modi will also be making a short and packed visit to Sri Lanka, while coming back from the Maldives on Sunday.&nbsp;

During the visit, PM Modi will meet Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka's Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and R. Sampanthan, president of the Tamil National Alliance.

Foreign security Vijay Gokhale said: "Visit to Sri Lanka&nbsp;is to show solidarity with the people and government of Sri Lanka in the wake of the tragic events of April 21st and expressing our confidence in the government of Sri Lanka in overcoming this national tragedy".

"PM Modi will very clearly signal his commitment and intention of the government at the highest level to build a strong relationship based on mutual trust and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns in the coming five years and discuss ways to enhance development partnership."

PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter terror attacks in which over 250 people were killed. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi.

PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka twice in his first term, first in March of 2015 when he travelled to Anuradhapura, Talaimannar and Jaffna and then in 2017 when he was the chief guest at the Vesak day celebrations.

During PM's Jaffna visit, India had announced that it will hand over 14,000 houses to upcountry Tamils (Indian origin Tamils). The first tranche of houses of 1,500 was handed in August 2018, rest will be handed later this year and the first half of next year.&nbsp;

India has also provided over 280 ambulances to the country for the emergency service which was launched in July, 2016 under the Indian Grant Assistance of $7.55 million.&nbsp;

Japan is trilaterally working with Sri Lanka to develop an LNG terminal and east container terminal at the Colombo port. On the connectivity front, India is providing railway rolling stock under an earlier line of credit of Rs 2800 crore.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be leaving for the Maldives and Sri Lanka on Saturday which will be his first foreign visit after the general elections. It has been eight years since an Indian PM visited the Maldives, the last was by Manmohan Singh in 2011.

PM Modi will be leaving for the Maldives and Sri Lanka on Saturday which will be his first foreign visit after the general elections. It has been eight years since an Indian PM visited the Maldives, the last was by Manmohan Singh in 2011. During the visit, PM Modi will address Maldivian Parliament, the Majlis and meet the top leadership. Many MoUs are expected to be signed including training of civil servants, customs and white shipping. While giving details of the visit, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "The PM's visit is focused on three objectives, firstly it is to maintain contact at the highest level between the close neighbours, we want to assist the Maldives as a development partner, in the revival and development of there economy and third to strengthen people-to-people contact" Defence Both PM Modi and President Solih will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects - the coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF) - the total value of the two projects is $180 crores. The composite training centre was requested by the Maldives to provide a central training facility and "will enhance the capability of MNDF", according to foreign secretary Gokhale. The coastal surveillance radar system will help Malé monitor white shipping and preserve its sovereignty in EEZ or exclusive economic zone. Cricket The Maldives is keen to have its own cricket team and a cricket stadium and asked for Indian assistance. India in May had sent a team of BCCI to the Maldives for the training of Maldivian cricketers, the supply of kits. India has given cricket kits and is expected to coach Maldivian cricketers. India had invited President Solih in April for an IPL match in Bengaluru. India sees it as important "people-to-people" exercise and has in the past helped countries like Afghanistan. Connectivity India is planning to start a ferry service from Kochi to the Maldives which the foreign secretary said will "significantly enhance connectivity". India is also working on fourteen high impact community projects which involves connectivity within the island, drug rehabilitation centre at a cost of Rs 50 crore. New Delhi also plans to provide speed boats for students. In the last eight months, since the new government led by President Solih took charge in November last year, there have been a number of high-level visits. While President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and Defence minister Mariya Ahmed Didi visited India, PM Modi was in the country for the swearing-in ceremony of Solih and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited the country in March. PM Modi will also be making a short and packed visit to Sri Lanka, while coming back from the Maldives on Sunday. During the visit, PM Modi will meet Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka's Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and R. Sampanthan, president of the Tamil National Alliance. Foreign security Vijay Gokhale said: "Visit to Sri Lanka is to show solidarity with the people and government of Sri Lanka in the wake of the tragic events of April 21st and expressing our confidence in the government of Sri Lanka in overcoming this national tragedy". "PM Modi will very clearly signal his commitment and intention of the government at the highest level to build a strong relationship based on mutual trust and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns in the coming five years and discuss ways to enhance development partnership." PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter terror attacks in which over 250 people were killed. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka twice in his first term, first in March of 2015 when he travelled to Anuradhapura, Talaimannar and Jaffna and then in 2017 when he was the chief guest at the Vesak day celebrations. During PM's Jaffna visit, India had announced that it will hand over 14,000 houses to upcountry Tamils (Indian origin Tamils). The first tranche of houses of 1,500 was handed in August 2018, rest will be handed later this year and the first half of next year. India has also provided over 280 ambulances to the country for the emergency service which was launched in July, 2016 under the Indian Grant Assistance of $7.55 million. Japan is trilaterally working with Sri Lanka to develop an LNG terminal and east container terminal at the Colombo port. On the connectivity front, India is providing railway rolling stock under an earlier line of credit of Rs 2800 crore.

Coastal surveillance radar system, ferry service from Kochi high on PM Modi's agenda during Maldives visit

Sri Lanka will ban imports of chainsaws and shut timber mills within five years to protect forests, President Maithripala Sirisena's office said Friday.

Sirisena highlighted his determination to clamp down on illegal logging and increase the amount of territory devoted to forests at an environmental conference.

"I have instructed officials to ban the import of chainsaw machines and blades from next week," Sirisena told the conference on Thursday, his office said.

Four months ago, Sirisena compelled all users to register chainsaws with police and 82,000 units were recorded within three weeks.

The president, who is also environment minister, did not say if he will totally ban machines already in use, but that carpenters and loggers will have five years to shut timber mills and find alternate employment.

He said there has been rapid deforestation in recent years, but gave no figures. Sirisena said, however, the new measures were aimed at raising the country's forest cover to 32 per cent of its land within a decade from 28 per cent now.

Sirisena's term ends in January 2020, but he has indicated he will seek re-election.

Sri Lanka will ban imports of chainsaws and shut timber mills within five years to protect forests, President Maithripala Sirisena's office said Friday. Sirisena highlighted his determination to clamp down on illegal logging and increase the amount of territory devoted to forests at an environmental conference.

Sri Lanka will ban imports of chainsaws and shut timber mills within five years to protect forests, President Maithripala Sirisena's office said Friday. Sirisena highlighted his determination to clamp down on illegal logging and increase the amount of territory devoted to forests at an environmental conference. "I have instructed officials to ban the import of chainsaw machines and blades from next week," Sirisena told the conference on Thursday, his office said. Four months ago, Sirisena compelled all users to register chainsaws with police and 82,000 units were recorded within three weeks. The president, who is also environment minister, did not say if he will totally ban machines already in use, but that carpenters and loggers will have five years to shut timber mills and find alternate employment. He said there has been rapid deforestation in recent years, but gave no figures. Sirisena said, however, the new measures were aimed at raising the country's forest cover to 32 per cent of its land within a decade from 28 per cent now. Sirisena's term ends in January 2020, but he has indicated he will seek re-election.

Sri Lanka to ban chainsaws, timber mills to protect forests: President Maithripala Sirisena

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a short and packed visit to Sri Lanka on June 9, while coming back from the Maldives.&nbsp;

During the visit, PM will meet Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and R. Sampanthan, president of the Tamil National Alliance.

Giving details, Foreign security Vijay Gokhale said, "Visit to Sri Lanka is to show solidarity with the people and government of Sri Lanka in the wake of the tragic events of 21st April and expressing our confidence in the government of Sri Lanka in overcoming this national tragedy".

Adding, "PM will very clearly signal his commitment and the intention of the government at the highest level to build a strong relationship based on mutual trust and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns in the coming five years and discuss ways to enhance development partnership."

PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter terror attacks that killed more than 250 people. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi for his second term.

Modi visited Sri Lanka twice in his first term -- in March of 2015 when he travelled to Anuradhapura, Talaimannar, and Jaffna and in 2017 when he was the Chief Guest at the Vesak day celebrations.

During PM's Jaffna visit, India announced that it will hand over 14,000 houses to upcountry Tamils (Indian origin Tamils). The first tranche of houses of 1500 was handed in August 2018, rest will be handed later this year and the first half of next year.&nbsp;

India has also provided over 280 ambulances to the country for the Emergency Ambulance Service that was launched in July of 2016 under Indian Grant Assistance of US $ 7.55 million.&nbsp;

India along with Japan is trilaterally working with Sri Lanka to develop an LNG terminal and east container terminal at the Colombo port. On the connectivity front, India is providing railway rolling stock under an earlier line of credit of Rs 2800 crore.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a short and packed visit to Sri Lanka on June 9, while coming back from the Maldives. During the visit, PM will meet Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and R.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a short and packed visit to Sri Lanka on June 9, while coming back from the Maldives. During the visit, PM will meet Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and R. Sampanthan, president of the Tamil National Alliance. Giving details, Foreign security Vijay Gokhale said, "Visit to Sri Lanka is to show solidarity with the people and government of Sri Lanka in the wake of the tragic events of 21st April and expressing our confidence in the government of Sri Lanka in overcoming this national tragedy". Adding, "PM will very clearly signal his commitment and the intention of the government at the highest level to build a strong relationship based on mutual trust and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns in the coming five years and discuss ways to enhance development partnership." PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter terror attacks that killed more than 250 people. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi for his second term. Modi visited Sri Lanka twice in his first term -- in March of 2015 when he travelled to Anuradhapura, Talaimannar, and Jaffna and in 2017 when he was the Chief Guest at the Vesak day celebrations. During PM's Jaffna visit, India announced that it will hand over 14,000 houses to upcountry Tamils (Indian origin Tamils). The first tranche of houses of 1500 was handed in August 2018, rest will be handed later this year and the first half of next year. India has also provided over 280 ambulances to the country for the Emergency Ambulance Service that was launched in July of 2016 under Indian Grant Assistance of US $ 7.55 million. India along with Japan is trilaterally working with Sri Lanka to develop an LNG terminal and east container terminal at the Colombo port. On the connectivity front, India is providing railway rolling stock under an earlier line of credit of Rs 2800 crore.

PM Modi's Sri Lanka visit to show solidarity with people: Foreign secretary 

Sri Lanka's suspended police chief has petitioned the Supreme Court, accusing President Maithripala Sirisena of failing to prevent the Easter bombings that killed 258 people.

Police chief blames president for failing to prevent Sri Lanka attacks

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between November 15 and December 7, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has said, clarifying that according to constitutional provisions the polls must be held one month before the end of the current president's term.&nbsp;

Deshapriya's clarification on the constitutional provisions regarding the date for the next presidential elections came after President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters last week in New Delhi that the presidential polls are likely to take place on December 7.

President Sirisena's five-year term is scheduled to end on January 8, 2020.

"The election must be held one month before the end of the current president's term," Deshapriya said, addressing the Voters' Day events held at the south Colombo suburb of Moratuwa Saturday.

"The nearest date the election can be held is November 15 as the November 10 is a Sunday and November 12 is a Poya Day (a Buddhist holy day). December 7 is the furthest day the election can be held," Deshapriya said, adding the Election Commission would be permitted to hold the election on any day between November 15 and December 7.

Sirisena was elected for a 5-year term on January 8, 2015, when he challenged the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former strongman had called snap elections two years ahead of the end of his second term.

Sirisena backed by the then main Opposition United National Party (UNP) became the common Opposition candidate against his former boss Rajapaksa.

Although Sirisena has not so far declared his intention for a re-run, his souring of the relationship with the UNP of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated that the UNP would be fielding its own candidate.

Sirisena in October last year sacked Wickremesinghe, who elevated him to the presidency, and replaced him with Rajapaksa. The move led to a constitutional impasse which lasted over 50 days.

After the intervention by the Supreme Court court, Wickremesinghe was restored as the prime minister.

Sirisena speaking to reporters in New Delhi after attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony said he had not decided on seeking another term in the election that is due by year-end.

"I am not in a hurry to decide whether to stand," Sirisena said. Sirisena has faced criticism over his leadership after a series of suicide bombings killed 258 people in the island nation on April 21.

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between November 15 and December 7, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has said, clarifying that according to constitutional provisions the polls must be held one month before the end of the current president's term.

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between November 15 and December 7, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has said, clarifying that according to constitutional provisions the polls must be held one month before the end of the current president's term. Deshapriya's clarification on the constitutional provisions regarding the date for the next presidential elections came after President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters last week in New Delhi that the presidential polls are likely to take place on December 7. President Sirisena's five-year term is scheduled to end on January 8, 2020. "The election must be held one month before the end of the current president's term," Deshapriya said, addressing the Voters' Day events held at the south Colombo suburb of Moratuwa Saturday. "The nearest date the election can be held is November 15 as the November 10 is a Sunday and November 12 is a Poya Day (a Buddhist holy day). December 7 is the furthest day the election can be held," Deshapriya said, adding the Election Commission would be permitted to hold the election on any day between November 15 and December 7. Sirisena was elected for a 5-year term on January 8, 2015, when he challenged the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former strongman had called snap elections two years ahead of the end of his second term. Sirisena backed by the then main Opposition United National Party (UNP) became the common Opposition candidate against his former boss Rajapaksa. Although Sirisena has not so far declared his intention for a re-run, his souring of the relationship with the UNP of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated that the UNP would be fielding its own candidate. Sirisena in October last year sacked Wickremesinghe, who elevated him to the presidency, and replaced him with Rajapaksa. The move led to a constitutional impasse which lasted over 50 days. After the intervention by the Supreme Court court, Wickremesinghe was restored as the prime minister. Sirisena speaking to reporters in New Delhi after attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony said he had not decided on seeking another term in the election that is due by year-end. "I am not in a hurry to decide whether to stand," Sirisena said. Sirisena has faced criticism over his leadership after a series of suicide bombings killed 258 people in the island nation on April 21.

Sri Lankan presidential polls to be held between November 15 and December 7

Sri Lanka's suspended police chief has petitioned the Supreme Court, accusing President Maithripala Sirisena of failing to prevent the Easter bombings that killed 258 people.

In a 20-page complaint, Inspector-General Pujith Jayasundara disclosed serious communication gaps between intelligence agencies and security arms of the government, all which fall under Sirisena.

In the petition submitted to court last week and seen by AFP Sunday, Jayasundara said the country's premier spy agency, the State Intelligence Service (SIS), ordered him last year to stop ongoing police investigations into Islamic militants.

The SIS, which reports directly to Sirisena, wanted the police Terrorist Investigation Department to stop all inquiries into extremist Muslim factions, including the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), which was blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings.

Jayasundara said the head of the SIS, Nilantha Jayawardena, did not take seriously the intelligence shared by neighbouring India which warned of an impending attack by the NTJ.

Jayasundara said despite the SIS not sharing information warnings with the police department, he had initiated action to alert his senior men, but he had no input from the main spy agency.

Sirisena suspended Jayasundara after he refused to accept responsibility for the deadly attacks. The Attorney General has asked for a full bench of the apex court to decide the case.

Jayasundara said he was offered a diplomatic post if he took the fall and stepped down, but he refused as he said he was not responsible for the catastrophic intelligence failure.

He said he had been sidelined by the president since a political rift between the President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe emerged in October.&nbsp;

Jayasundara's petition came days after Sirisena publicly rebuked another intelligence official, Sisira Mendis, after he told a parliamentary panel that the Easter suicide bombings could have been avoided.

Mendis's testimony appeared to put Sirisena in a poor light by implying he had not held National Security Council meetings to review threats such as the attacks carried out by Islamic State.&nbsp;

In a statement, Sirisena denied claims by Mendis that the country's highest security body had not met as often as it should have around the time of the attacks, which were blamed on Islamic State-backed militants.

Sirisena, who is also defence minister, said in a statement he held NSC meetings twice a week, contradicting Mendis who told parliament the last meeting was on February 19, more than two months before the April 21 bombings targeting three churches and three luxury hotels.

Sirisena said he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the Easter Sunday attacks and no officer raised warnings which had been relayed by India.

Sri Lanka has been under a state of emergency since the attacks, but Sirisena announced last week that it will end in a month.

Sri Lanka's suspended police chief has petitioned the Supreme Court, accusing President Maithripala Sirisena of failing to prevent the Easter bombings that killed 258 people. In a 20-page complaint, Inspector-General Pujith Jayasundara disclosed serious communication gaps between intelligence agencies and security arms of the government, all which fall under Sirisena. In the petition submitted to court last week and seen by AFP Sunday, Jayasundara said the country's premier spy agency, the State Intelligence Service (SIS), ordered him last year to stop ongoing police investigations into Islamic militants. The SIS, which reports directly to Sirisena, wanted the police Terrorist Investigation Department to stop all inquiries into extremist Muslim factions, including the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), which was blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings. Jayasundara said the head of the SIS, Nilantha Jayawardena, did not take seriously the intelligence shared by neighbouring India which warned of an impending attack by the NTJ. Jayasundara said despite the SIS not sharing information warnings with the police department, he had initiated action to alert his senior men, but he had no input from the main spy agency. Sirisena suspended Jayasundara after he refused to accept responsibility for the deadly attacks. The Attorney General has asked for a full bench of the apex court to decide the case. Jayasundara said he was offered a diplomatic post if he took the fall and stepped down, but he refused as he said he was not responsible for the catastrophic intelligence failure. He said he had been sidelined by the president since a political rift between the President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe emerged in October. Jayasundara's petition came days after Sirisena publicly rebuked another intelligence official, Sisira Mendis, after he told a parliamentary panel that the Easter suicide bombings could have been avoided. Mendis's testimony appeared to put Sirisena in a poor light by implying he had not held National Security Council meetings to review threats such as the attacks carried out by Islamic State. In a statement, Sirisena denied claims by Mendis that the country's highest security body had not met as often as it should have around the time of the attacks, which were blamed on Islamic State-backed militants. Sirisena, who is also defence minister, said in a statement he held NSC meetings twice a week, contradicting Mendis who told parliament the last meeting was on February 19, more than two months before the April 21 bombings targeting three churches and three luxury hotels. Sirisena said he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the Easter Sunday attacks and no officer raised warnings which had been relayed by India. Sri Lanka has been under a state of emergency since the attacks, but Sirisena announced last week that it will end in a month.

PM for a second time, Narendra Modi is going to follow it up with bilaterals with five countries. The first meeting is with Bangladesh President Mohammed Abdul Hamid which will be followed by meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi meets Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Regional groupings SAARC and BIMSTEC are both regionally significant blocs which could facilitate greater cooperation among member nations, Sri Lankan Maithripala Sirisena said Friday.

He also said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with all countries.

Sirisena's comments came during a media interaction while replying to a question on whether SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) is losing relevance due to frosty relations between India and Pakistan.

He was here to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

"I believe both SAARC and BIMSTEC are regionally significant organisation. I believe it is very important that countries cooperate among each other," he said.

"Such cooperation leads to better bilateral relations and it strengthens trade and economic relations. Therefore, SAARC and BIMSTEC are both important regional organisations," the Sri Lankan president said.

On whether he will contest the upcoming presidential elections, Sirisena said no political party in Sri Lanka has named their candidates and he was also in no hurry to decide on it.

Asked about Pakistan giving shelter to terror groups, he did not give a direct reply but said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and that it follows a policy of friendship with all and enmity with none.

Citing continuing support to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, India has been maintaining that it was difficult to proceed with the (SAARC) initiative under current circumstances.

The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Modi. The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad.

But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit.

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.

In the past few years, India has been pushing for regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) umbrella.

Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of USD 3.5 trillion.&nbsp;

India invited leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event.&nbsp;

Regional groupings SAARC and BIMSTEC are both regionally significant blocs which could facilitate greater cooperation among member nations, Sri Lankan Maithripala Sirisena said Friday.

Regional groupings SAARC and BIMSTEC are both regionally significant blocs which could facilitate greater cooperation among member nations, Sri Lankan Maithripala Sirisena said Friday. He also said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with all countries. Sirisena's comments came during a media interaction while replying to a question on whether SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) is losing relevance due to frosty relations between India and Pakistan. He was here to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. "I believe both SAARC and BIMSTEC are regionally significant organisation. I believe it is very important that countries cooperate among each other," he said. "Such cooperation leads to better bilateral relations and it strengthens trade and economic relations. Therefore, SAARC and BIMSTEC are both important regional organisations," the Sri Lankan president said. On whether he will contest the upcoming presidential elections, Sirisena said no political party in Sri Lanka has named their candidates and he was also in no hurry to decide on it. Asked about Pakistan giving shelter to terror groups, he did not give a direct reply but said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and that it follows a policy of friendship with all and enmity with none. Citing continuing support to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, India has been maintaining that it was difficult to proceed with the (SAARC) initiative under current circumstances. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Modi. The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. In the past few years, India has been pushing for regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) umbrella. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of USD 3.5 trillion. India invited leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood. However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event.

Both SAARC and BIMSTEC important for regional cooperation: Maithripala Sirisena

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday denied reports that he had prior knowledge of the Easter Sunday bombings in which luxury hotels and churches were targetted in the country on April 21.

According to Colombo Page, President`s Media Division issued a statement in on April 8 in which it stated that he had convened a monthly meeting with the Inspector General of Police and other senior police officers. However, in the over two-hour long meeting, none of the police officers informed the President about the threats.&nbsp;

Neither the Defence Secretary nor the Inspector General of Police nor any other officer had informed the President about a warning letter received from a friendly foreign country about the impending April 21 terrorist attack, the statement said.

The statement came after Defence Secretary, General Shantha Kottegoda, and Chief of State Intelligence Service, Sisira Mendis, gave evidence before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Thursday, the report added.

The PSC, which was appointed to inquire into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, met for the first time yesterday at the parliament complex.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday denied reports that he had prior knowledge of the Easter Sunday bombings in which luxury hotels and churches were targetted in the country on April 21.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday denied reports that he had prior knowledge of the Easter Sunday bombings in which luxury hotels and churches were targetted in the country on April 21. According to Colombo Page, President`s Media Division issued a statement in on April 8 in which it stated that he had convened a monthly meeting with the Inspector General of Police and other senior police officers. However, in the over two-hour long meeting, none of the police officers informed the President about the threats. Neither the Defence Secretary nor the Inspector General of Police nor any other officer had informed the President about a warning letter received from a friendly foreign country about the impending April 21 terrorist attack, the statement said. The statement came after Defence Secretary, General Shantha Kottegoda, and Chief of State Intelligence Service, Sisira Mendis, gave evidence before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Thursday, the report added. The PSC, which was appointed to inquire into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, met for the first time yesterday at the parliament complex.

Sri Lankan President denies reports he was informed about Easter Sunday attacks

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena addresses a press conference. Watch this video to know more.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena addresses press conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. PM Modi began bi-lateral interactions after taking oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India. Last night he met Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Several BIMSTEC leaders arrived in India to take part in PM Modi’s oath-taking ceremony. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-taking-oath-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-kyrgyzstan-president-223008">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

A day after taking charge as prime minister for a second term, Modi also held extensive talks with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth.

The foreign leaders came to India to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

In the meeting between Modi and Sirisena, both leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the external affairs ministry said.

Sri Lanka was hit by a wave of bombings last month in which over 250 people were killed.&nbsp;

Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet

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"Modi warmly thanked President Sirisena for his gesture of attending the ceremony and also for his good wishes. He conveyed his government's continued commitment to further foster friendly bilateral ties with Sri Lanka," the MEA said.

On the meeting between Modi and Jugnauth, it said both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region.

"Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jugnauth and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the fraternal and enduring bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres," said the MEA.&nbsp;

Modi also held talks with his Nepal counterpart K P Sharma Oli during which both leaders expressed their commitment in further deepening relations.

On Modi's talks with Bhutanese PM Tshering, the MEA said the two leaders discussed bilateral commitments and agreed to further solidify the traditionally strong ties.

The prime minister also held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during which they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.&nbsp;

In his first engagement after being sworn in, the prime minister held a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who attended the oath taking ceremony as the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

"Recalling that India and Kyrgyzstan have warm and friendly relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of bilateral cooperation over the years," the MEA said.

India invited leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries as well as Jeenbekov and Jugnauth for Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. A day after taking charge as prime minister for a second term, Modi also held extensive talks with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth. The foreign leaders came to India to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony. In the meeting between Modi and Sirisena, both leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the external affairs ministry said. Sri Lanka was hit by a wave of bombings last month in which over 250 people were killed. Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet × "Modi warmly thanked President Sirisena for his gesture of attending the ceremony and also for his good wishes. He conveyed his government's continued commitment to further foster friendly bilateral ties with Sri Lanka," the MEA said. On the meeting between Modi and Jugnauth, it said both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region. "Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jugnauth and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the fraternal and enduring bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres," said the MEA. Modi also held talks with his Nepal counterpart K P Sharma Oli during which both leaders expressed their commitment in further deepening relations. On Modi's talks with Bhutanese PM Tshering, the MEA said the two leaders discussed bilateral commitments and agreed to further solidify the traditionally strong ties. The prime minister also held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during which they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. In his first engagement after being sworn in, the prime minister held a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who attended the oath taking ceremony as the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. "Recalling that India and Kyrgyzstan have warm and friendly relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of bilateral cooperation over the years," the MEA said. India invited leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries as well as Jeenbekov and Jugnauth for Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood. However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion.

PM holds bilateral talks with BIMSTEC leaders; focus on boosting ties

Sri Lanka's central bank cut its main lending rate Friday in a bid to revive the island's economy, which was battered by the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nia-team-in-sri-lanka-to-help-in-easter-bombings-case-will-seek-more-details-of-probe-222514"> Easter suicide bombings </a>that killed 258 people.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said the rate at which it lent to commercial banks was reduced by 50 basis points to 8.5 per cent to encourage borrowing and mitigate the fallout from the bombings which have scared off tourists.

Forty-five foreigners were among the dead from the April 21 suicide attacks against three Christian churches and three luxury hotels that also left nearly 500 people wounded.&nbsp;

"The Easter Sunday attacks have affected confidence and sentiments of economic agents, particularly disrupting tourism and related activities," the bank said.

"Although normalcy is gradually returning to economic activity, a lower than initially projected growth could be anticipated during 2019."

Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed to 3.2 per cent last year from 3.4 per cent in 2018 but had been expected to pick up in 2019 till the devastating attacks carried out by a homegrown jihadist group.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said Thursday that he expected losses of $1.5 billion this year because of cancellations by foreign tourists after the bombings.

He said the government was subsidising loans to hotels.

The central bank said it did not expect an increase in inflation as a result of the latest rate cut.

"Inflation is likely to remain in the desired 4.0 to 6.0 per cent range in 2019 and beyond, supported by appropriate policy measures," the bank said.

Two weeks ago, the International Monetary Fund released a delayed loan instalment to Sri Lanka, helping the government efforts.

The global lender released $164 million under a three-year $1.5 billion bailout that was suspended in October during a power struggle between the president and the prime minister.&nbsp;

The months-long row was resolved after the Supreme Court ruled that President Maithripala Sirisena had violated the constitution by sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government.

During the crisis, three international credit rating agencies downgraded the country's debt making it more expensive to borrow abroad.

Official figures show that Sri Lanka will have to repay a record $5.9 billion in foreign loans in 2019. Officials say about two-thirds of it has already been paid.

Sri Lanka's central bank cut its main lending rate Friday in a bid to revive the island's economy, which was battered by the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people.

Sri Lanka's central bank cut its main lending rate Friday in a bid to revive the island's economy, which was battered by the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said the rate at which it lent to commercial banks was reduced by 50 basis points to 8.5 per cent to encourage borrowing and mitigate the fallout from the bombings which have scared off tourists. Forty-five foreigners were among the dead from the April 21 suicide attacks against three Christian churches and three luxury hotels that also left nearly 500 people wounded. "The Easter Sunday attacks have affected confidence and sentiments of economic agents, particularly disrupting tourism and related activities," the bank said. "Although normalcy is gradually returning to economic activity, a lower than initially projected growth could be anticipated during 2019." Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed to 3.2 per cent last year from 3.4 per cent in 2018 but had been expected to pick up in 2019 till the devastating attacks carried out by a homegrown jihadist group. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said Thursday that he expected losses of $1.5 billion this year because of cancellations by foreign tourists after the bombings. He said the government was subsidising loans to hotels. The central bank said it did not expect an increase in inflation as a result of the latest rate cut. "Inflation is likely to remain in the desired 4.0 to 6.0 per cent range in 2019 and beyond, supported by appropriate policy measures," the bank said. Two weeks ago, the International Monetary Fund released a delayed loan instalment to Sri Lanka, helping the government efforts. The global lender released $164 million under a three-year $1.5 billion bailout that was suspended in October during a power struggle between the president and the prime minister. The months-long row was resolved after the Supreme Court ruled that President Maithripala Sirisena had violated the constitution by sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government. During the crisis, three international credit rating agencies downgraded the country's debt making it more expensive to borrow abroad. Official figures show that Sri Lanka will have to repay a record $5.9 billion in foreign loans in 2019. Officials say about two-thirds of it has already been paid.

Sri Lanka cuts rates to boost economy after Easter attacks

Sri Lanka's military has detained nearly 100 suspects during four days of search operations against remnants of an Islamist group blamed for the Easter attacks that killed 258, officials said Sunday.

Some 3,000 military personnel were deployed in and around the capital as well as other key towns for cordon-and-search activities that began on Thursday, a military official said.

In the first three days, security forces took 87 suspects into custody and they were handed over to the police for further investigations, he added.

"The number of people detained could be around 100 by now," a security official said adding that almost all were taken in for possessing drugs and in some cases illegal weapons.

A few were also detained along with video and other propaganda material of the local jihadi group, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-bans-ntj-two-other-islamist-extremist-organisations-218736"> National Thowheeth Jama'ath</a> (NTJ) which has been blamed for the April 21 bombings.

The Islamic State group has also claimed a role in the attacks.

Several parts of the capital were also targeted in search operations by troops on Sunday.

Similar raids were carried out in North Western Province, north of Colombo, where anti-Muslim riots this month left one man dead and left hundreds of Muslim-owned shops, homes and mosques destroyed.

Security forces have arrested scores of suspects in connection with the April 21 bombings of three hotels and three churches, as well as over what appeared to be organised violence against the island's Muslim minority.

While authorities say the immediate jihadist threat has been blunted, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-pardons-firebrand-buddhist-monk-220824">President Maithripala Sirisena</a> on Wednesday extended for one month the 30-day state of emergency imposed after the suicide bombings.

Sirisena said the move was to maintain "public security", with the country still on edge after the Easter attacks.&nbsp;

Christians make up 7.6 per cent and Muslims 10 per cent of mainly Buddhist Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's military has detained nearly 100 suspects during four days of search operations against remnants of an Islamist group blamed for the Easter attacks that killed 258, officials said Sunday.

Sri Lanka's military has detained nearly 100 suspects during four days of search operations against remnants of an Islamist group blamed for the Easter attacks that killed 258, officials said Sunday. Some 3,000 military personnel were deployed in and around the capital as well as other key towns for cordon-and-search activities that began on Thursday, a military official said. In the first three days, security forces took 87 suspects into custody and they were handed over to the police for further investigations, he added. "The number of people detained could be around 100 by now," a security official said adding that almost all were taken in for possessing drugs and in some cases illegal weapons. A few were also detained along with video and other propaganda material of the local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) which has been blamed for the April 21 bombings. The Islamic State group has also claimed a role in the attacks. Several parts of the capital were also targeted in search operations by troops on Sunday. Similar raids were carried out in North Western Province, north of Colombo, where anti-Muslim riots this month left one man dead and left hundreds of Muslim-owned shops, homes and mosques destroyed. Security forces have arrested scores of suspects in connection with the April 21 bombings of three hotels and three churches, as well as over what appeared to be organised violence against the island's Muslim minority. While authorities say the immediate jihadist threat has been blunted, President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday extended for one month the 30-day state of emergency imposed after the suicide bombings. Sirisena said the move was to maintain "public security", with the country still on edge after the Easter attacks. Christians make up 7.6 per cent and Muslims 10 per cent of mainly Buddhist Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka detain nearly 100 in anti-Islamist swoops

Bank accounts of 41 terror suspects in Sri Lanka having links with the outlawed Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) that was behind the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-parliament-approves-committee-to-investigate-easter-bombings-220887">Easter Sunday bombings</a> in the country have been frozen, according to a media report.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said that the suspects are under the custody of the Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and injuring over 500 others.

The accounts have a total amount of Rs 134 million ($759,335) which was in addition to Rs 14 million ($79,333) seized from the possession of the suspects at the time of their arrest, Gunasekara was quoted as saying by the Times Online on Friday.

Meanwhile, the CID has also launched an investigation into assets worth Rs 7 billion ($ 30 million) belonging to the suspects, he said.

The IS terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed the local NTJ for the bombings.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday extended by a month the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the deadly blasts, citing "public security".

The emergency law gives police and the military extensive powers to arrest, detain and interrogate suspects without court orders.

Sri Lanka initially imposed the emergency on April 23 to crack down on the nine suicide bombers.&nbsp;

Bank accounts of 41 terror suspects in Sri Lanka having links with the outlawed Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) that was behind the Easter Sunday bombings in the country have been frozen, according to a media report.

Bank accounts of 41 terror suspects in Sri Lanka having links with the outlawed Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) that was behind the Easter Sunday bombings in the country have been frozen, according to a media report. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said that the suspects are under the custody of the Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and injuring over 500 others. The accounts have a total amount of Rs 134 million ($759,335) which was in addition to Rs 14 million ($79,333) seized from the possession of the suspects at the time of their arrest, Gunasekara was quoted as saying by the Times Online on Friday. Meanwhile, the CID has also launched an investigation into assets worth Rs 7 billion ($ 30 million) belonging to the suspects, he said. The IS terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed the local NTJ for the bombings. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday extended by a month the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the deadly blasts, citing "public security". The emergency law gives police and the military extensive powers to arrest, detain and interrogate suspects without court orders. Sri Lanka initially imposed the emergency on April 23 to crack down on the nine suicide bombers.

Sri Lanka freezes bank accounts of 41 terror suspects

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held in New Delhi. Watch full video to know more.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Sri Lanka is in advanced talks with India and Japan to construct a container terminal at the port in Colombo, next to a Chinese terminal built as part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, government officials said.

The involvement of India and Japan is the latest sign that Sri Lanka wants to neutralise the growing influence of China, which has poured money into the South Asian island under its mammoth Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure plan, to the alarm of other Asian powers.

A source close to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said a framework for the terminal project will be "signed soon", while another source said the project would cost about $500 million and India and Japan will nominate companies that will handle the containers from their respective countries.

"The deal is being negotiated among Sri Lanka, India and Japan," Sudarshana Gunawardana, an official in Sri Lankan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lanka-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-appeals-to-parents-to-send-their-children-to-school-without-fear-220203/amp">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>'s office told Reuters. The Sri Lankan government will have a 51 per cent stake in the terminal, he said.

Chinese firms have a mandate to operate Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) and develop another terminal on a 269-hectare plot of reclaimed land there.

This is not the first time that Sri Lanka has held talks with India and Japan to develop a container terminal.

A previous proposal for a terminal, with the state-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) owning a 15% stake and the remainder held by a consortium of firms from Japan, India and Sri Lanka was scuttled last year after a backlash from trade unions.

Trade unions protested against the privatisation of state assets including those being developed by Chinese firms, a dispute that led to President Maithripala Sirisena sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in October. Wickremesinghe was reinstated later after a court ruling.

A spokesman at SLPA said the company was unaware of the latest talks given they are being conducted between the governments.

"All the flashpoints are defused in the new deal compared to the earlier one," one Sri Lankan government source privy to the discussions said.

The three countries will set up a company to operate the terminal after the Sri Lankan cabinet approves the deal. Japan will provide a 40-year soft loan with a 0.1 per cent interest rate with a 10-year grace period, this source said.

A diplomat at the Japanese embassy in Colombo also confirmed negotiations on the port terminal were taking place.

"Japanese funding will be decided later once the framework is finalised," the diplomat said.

The sources and diplomats declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media.

India has been trying to counterbalance China's growing influence in Sri Lanka, which New Delhi has long considered its own backyard. India accounts for around 70 percent of the transshipment business in Colombo port.

China has also taken over a new $1.5 billion port city in Hambantota, in southeast Sri Lanka - which sits on a key east-west global shipping route - after Sri Lanka was unable to service debt payments.

However, Sri Lanka has also signed an agreement with a subsidiary of an Indian firm for a $3.85 billion oil refinery near the Chinese controlled port in Hambantota, and India is in advanced talks with Sri Lankan authorities for a joint venture to operate a Chinese-built airport in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka is in advanced talks with India and Japan to construct a container terminal at the port in Colombo, next to a Chinese terminal built as part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, government officials said.

Sri Lanka is in advanced talks with India and Japan to construct a container terminal at the port in Colombo, next to a Chinese terminal built as part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, government officials said. The involvement of India and Japan is the latest sign that Sri Lanka wants to neutralise the growing influence of China, which has poured money into the South Asian island under its mammoth Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure plan, to the alarm of other Asian powers. A source close to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said a framework for the terminal project will be "signed soon", while another source said the project would cost about $500 million and India and Japan will nominate companies that will handle the containers from their respective countries. "The deal is being negotiated among Sri Lanka, India and Japan," Sudarshana Gunawardana, an official in Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office told Reuters. The Sri Lankan government will have a 51 per cent stake in the terminal, he said. Chinese firms have a mandate to operate Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) and develop another terminal on a 269-hectare plot of reclaimed land there. This is not the first time that Sri Lanka has held talks with India and Japan to develop a container terminal. A previous proposal for a terminal, with the state-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) owning a 15% stake and the remainder held by a consortium of firms from Japan, India and Sri Lanka was scuttled last year after a backlash from trade unions. Trade unions protested against the privatisation of state assets including those being developed by Chinese firms, a dispute that led to President Maithripala Sirisena sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in October. Wickremesinghe was reinstated later after a court ruling. A spokesman at SLPA said the company was unaware of the latest talks given they are being conducted between the governments. "All the flashpoints are defused in the new deal compared to the earlier one," one Sri Lankan government source privy to the discussions said. The three countries will set up a company to operate the terminal after the Sri Lankan cabinet approves the deal. Japan will provide a 40-year soft loan with a 0.1 per cent interest rate with a 10-year grace period, this source said. A diplomat at the Japanese embassy in Colombo also confirmed negotiations on the port terminal were taking place. "Japanese funding will be decided later once the framework is finalised," the diplomat said. The sources and diplomats declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media. India has been trying to counterbalance China's growing influence in Sri Lanka, which New Delhi has long considered its own backyard. India accounts for around 70 percent of the transshipment business in Colombo port. China has also taken over a new $1.5 billion port city in Hambantota, in southeast Sri Lanka - which sits on a key east-west global shipping route - after Sri Lanka was unable to service debt payments. However, Sri Lanka has also signed an agreement with a subsidiary of an Indian firm for a $3.85 billion oil refinery near the Chinese controlled port in Hambantota, and India is in advanced talks with Sri Lankan authorities for a joint venture to operate a Chinese-built airport in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka in talks with India, Japan to build container terminal in Colombo

Sri Lanka's president granted amnesty to a firebrand Buddhist monk on Wednesday, four days after holding talks with him at the country's main prison, officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-extends-emergency-by-month-220647">President Maithripala Sirisena </a>pardoned Galagodaatte Gnanasara days after releasing 762 other convicts to mark Vesak which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.

"The President has pardoned the monk and he should walk out of prison by tomorrow or the day after," an official source said.

Gnanasara's Bodu Bala Sena, BBS or the Buddhist Force, urged their supporters to assemble outside the main Welikada prison on Thursday afternoon to receive him.

On Saturday, Sirisena reportedly had lengthy talks with Gnanasara who is serving a six-year jail term for contempt of court.

Many had expected Gnanasara to be released on Saturday along with the 762 other convicts, but he was not among those freed.

Gnanasara has been serving concurrent jail sentences extending up to six years over his disruptive behaviour in court and intimidating a woman litigant in 2016.

He has long been accused of instigating hate crimes against minority Muslims in the Buddhist-majority country. The monk has denied involvement in anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four people dead.

His BBS was not linked to anti-Muslim riots that left at least one dead after April 21 suicide bombings blamed on Islamic extremists and which killed 258 people.

Gnanasara had maintained close ties with Wirathu, an extremist monk based in Myanmar, whose hate speech has stoked religious tensions in that country.

Wirathu visited Sri Lanka as a guest of Gnanasara shortly after the 2014 anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka's coastal town of Aluthgama, and the duo vowed to fight what they called the threat to Buddhism from Islamic jihadists.

Sri Lanka's president granted amnesty to a firebrand Buddhist monk on Wednesday, four days after holding talks with him at the country's main prison, officials said.

Sri Lanka's president granted amnesty to a firebrand Buddhist monk on Wednesday, four days after holding talks with him at the country's main prison, officials said. President Maithripala Sirisena pardoned Galagodaatte Gnanasara days after releasing 762 other convicts to mark Vesak which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha. "The President has pardoned the monk and he should walk out of prison by tomorrow or the day after," an official source said. Gnanasara's Bodu Bala Sena, BBS or the Buddhist Force, urged their supporters to assemble outside the main Welikada prison on Thursday afternoon to receive him. On Saturday, Sirisena reportedly had lengthy talks with Gnanasara who is serving a six-year jail term for contempt of court. Many had expected Gnanasara to be released on Saturday along with the 762 other convicts, but he was not among those freed. Gnanasara has been serving concurrent jail sentences extending up to six years over his disruptive behaviour in court and intimidating a woman litigant in 2016. He has long been accused of instigating hate crimes against minority Muslims in the Buddhist-majority country. The monk has denied involvement in anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four people dead. His BBS was not linked to anti-Muslim riots that left at least one dead after April 21 suicide bombings blamed on Islamic extremists and which killed 258 people. Gnanasara had maintained close ties with Wirathu, an extremist monk based in Myanmar, whose hate speech has stoked religious tensions in that country. Wirathu visited Sri Lanka as a guest of Gnanasara shortly after the 2014 anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka's coastal town of Aluthgama, and the duo vowed to fight what they called the threat to Buddhism from Islamic jihadists.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena pardons firebrand Buddhist monk

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-likely-to-miss-full-year-growth-target-after-easter-bombings-junior-minister-220476">Sri Lankan </a>President Maithripala Sirisena Wednesday extended by a month the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/too-early-to-assess-sri-lanka-economic-damage-from-easter-bombings-imf-219527">deadly Easter Sunday bombings</a> that killed nearly 260 people.

The president issued a special gazette notification extending the state of emergency by a month, citing "public security".

The emergency law gives police and the military extensive powers to arrest, detain and interrogate suspects without court orders.

Sri Lanka initially imposed the emergency on April 23 to crack down on the nine suicide bombers who attacked three churches and as many luxury hotels April 21, killing more than 258 people and injuring 500 others.

The ISIS terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) for the Easter Sunday bombings.

Following the deadly blasts, anti-Muslim riots broke out in the north of the capital as a backlash against the attacks.

The riots killed one person and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and mosques.

Sri Lanka faced condemnation for the communal violence which was a fresh backlash from the Easter Sunday attack.

Police say they have arrested over 80 suspects in connection with the attack.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena Wednesday extended by a month the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the deadly Easter Sunday bombings that killed nearly 260 people.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena Wednesday extended by a month the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the deadly Easter Sunday bombings that killed nearly 260 people. The president issued a special gazette notification extending the state of emergency by a month, citing "public security". The emergency law gives police and the military extensive powers to arrest, detain and interrogate suspects without court orders. Sri Lanka initially imposed the emergency on April 23 to crack down on the nine suicide bombers who attacked three churches and as many luxury hotels April 21, killing more than 258 people and injuring 500 others. The ISIS terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) for the Easter Sunday bombings. Following the deadly blasts, anti-Muslim riots broke out in the north of the capital as a backlash against the attacks. The riots killed one person and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and mosques. Sri Lanka faced condemnation for the communal violence which was a fresh backlash from the Easter Sunday attack. Police say they have arrested over 80 suspects in connection with the attack.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena extends emergency by month

After coming under fire for not acting on warnings about Easter bombings that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-vows-to-eliminate-terrorism-threat-219949">killed more than 250 people</a>, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is now facing criticism over his leadership in the aftermath of the Islamist attacks.

On Monday last week, just as anti-Muslim riots were spreading in apparent reprisal for the attacks, Sirisena embarked on a three-day trip to key financier China, leaving some Sri Lankans feeling abandoned.

Going ahead with his son's wedding on May 9 also struck some as an affront to families still in mourning after the April 21 bombings, claimed by Islamic State, which struck churches and hotels.

That leaves Sirisena in a weak position ahead of this year's presidential election, voters and analysts say, potentially paving the way for former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa to take over.

Sirisena's allies say he did the best he could in a volatile situation, citing measures like temporarily shutting down social media and deploying the army to stem violence in the multi-ethnic, Buddhist-majority island.

But that rings hollow to voters like 56-year-old construction worker Sunil, who voted for Sirisena in 2015 amid hopes the career politician would combat corruption but now feels the president has not focused on governing.

"The president has no time for this because he is busy going all over the place," said Sunil on a recent morning in Colombo, vowing never to vote for Sirisena again.

Sirisena's trip to China, where he met President Xi Jinping, was pre-planned and beneficial to the nation, coordinating secretary Shiral Lakthilaka told Reuters.

Sirisena returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday and only addressed attacks on Muslim homes and shops on Friday, five days after the violence erupted.

Some disgruntled Sri Lankans were also frustrated that Sirisena's son's wedding went ahead. It was originally scheduled to be held in the Shangri-La, which was bombed, and ultimately celebrated at the Hilton Colombo.

Sirisena, one user identified as @sankadon tweeted, "can't even postpone the extravagant wedding at least (for) the tears and blood of the people who lost their lives due to his inability".

Spokesman Ekanayake pushed back at the criticism, saying the wedding was scaled down and that Sirisena did not attend all the festivities.

Election year

The criticism comes on top of accusations that government paralysis due to a feud between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe prevented warnings about the attacks from being disseminated.

Both men, who fell out after a political crisis in October, say they were not privy to the warnings.

Sirisena was in Singapore with family when the attackers struck. He returned to Colombo 15 hours later, appointed a panel to probe defence lapses and replaced both the police chief and the defence secretary.

There are no political polls in Sri Lanka, but analysts said Sirisena was on the back foot in elections that must be held by December.

"President Sirisena does not have a fighting chance," said Eurasia analyst Akhil Bery.

Wickremesinghe is also seen as a lame duck due to disappointment over the economy under his watch. His allies say two more popular politicians from the United National Party, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya or Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa, could run instead.

To be sure, Sirisena's chances of re-election prior to the attack were also seen as slim, but he had been vying for an alliance with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

That now seems impossible, with Rajapaksa's brother, Gotabaya, who is running for office, doubling down on criticism that the attacks happened because the government dismantled intelligence networks he built up during Sri Lanka's 25-year civil war with Tamil rebels.

"Sirisena had the idea of contesting, but there is no chance at all (of winning), especially after the attack," said political commentator Kusal Perera.

Autorickshaw driver Shantha, who did not provide a surname, has switched from supporting Sirisena to backing Rajapaksa.

"We did not see quick decisions to bring the situation in the country back under control," Shantha, 37, said of the government. "I will vote only if Gotabaya Rajapaksa contests." 
&nbsp;

After coming under fire for not acting on warnings about Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is now facing criticism over his leadership in the aftermath of the Islamist attacks.

After coming under fire for not acting on warnings about Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is now facing criticism over his leadership in the aftermath of the Islamist attacks. On Monday last week, just as anti-Muslim riots were spreading in apparent reprisal for the attacks, Sirisena embarked on a three-day trip to key financier China, leaving some Sri Lankans feeling abandoned. Going ahead with his son's wedding on May 9 also struck some as an affront to families still in mourning after the April 21 bombings, claimed by Islamic State, which struck churches and hotels. That leaves Sirisena in a weak position ahead of this year's presidential election, voters and analysts say, potentially paving the way for former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa to take over. Sirisena's allies say he did the best he could in a volatile situation, citing measures like temporarily shutting down social media and deploying the army to stem violence in the multi-ethnic, Buddhist-majority island. But that rings hollow to voters like 56-year-old construction worker Sunil, who voted for Sirisena in 2015 amid hopes the career politician would combat corruption but now feels the president has not focused on governing. "The president has no time for this because he is busy going all over the place," said Sunil on a recent morning in Colombo, vowing never to vote for Sirisena again. Sirisena's trip to China, where he met President Xi Jinping, was pre-planned and beneficial to the nation, coordinating secretary Shiral Lakthilaka told Reuters. Sirisena returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday and only addressed attacks on Muslim homes and shops on Friday, five days after the violence erupted. Some disgruntled Sri Lankans were also frustrated that Sirisena's son's wedding went ahead. It was originally scheduled to be held in the Shangri-La, which was bombed, and ultimately celebrated at the Hilton Colombo. Sirisena, one user identified as @sankadon tweeted, "can't even postpone the extravagant wedding at least (for) the tears and blood of the people who lost their lives due to his inability". Spokesman Ekanayake pushed back at the criticism, saying the wedding was scaled down and that Sirisena did not attend all the festivities. Election year The criticism comes on top of accusations that government paralysis due to a feud between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe prevented warnings about the attacks from being disseminated. Both men, who fell out after a political crisis in October, say they were not privy to the warnings. Sirisena was in Singapore with family when the attackers struck. He returned to Colombo 15 hours later, appointed a panel to probe defence lapses and replaced both the police chief and the defence secretary. There are no political polls in Sri Lanka, but analysts said Sirisena was on the back foot in elections that must be held by December. "President Sirisena does not have a fighting chance," said Eurasia analyst Akhil Bery. Wickremesinghe is also seen as a lame duck due to disappointment over the economy under his watch. His allies say two more popular politicians from the United National Party, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya or Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa, could run instead. To be sure, Sirisena's chances of re-election prior to the attack were also seen as slim, but he had been vying for an alliance with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. That now seems impossible, with Rajapaksa's brother, Gotabaya, who is running for office, doubling down on criticism that the attacks happened because the government dismantled intelligence networks he built up during Sri Lanka's 25-year civil war with Tamil rebels. "Sirisena had the idea of contesting, but there is no chance at all (of winning), especially after the attack," said political commentator Kusal Perera. Autorickshaw driver Shantha, who did not provide a surname, has switched from supporting Sirisena to backing Rajapaksa. "We did not see quick decisions to bring the situation in the country back under control," Shantha, 37, said of the government. "I will vote only if Gotabaya Rajapaksa contests."

China trip, son's wedding: Sri Lanka president Sirisena faces backlash in Easter bombings aftermath

Sri Lanka's president marked the 10th anniversary of the end of a protracted war with Tamil rebels Sunday by vowing to crush terrorist responsible for Easter bombings that killed 258 people.

Maithripala Sirisena said Sri Lankan security forces and intelligence units could use their experience in defeating separatist Tamil guerrillas a decade ago to meet the new challenge from religious extremists.

The government has blamed a local jihadist group for the April 21 attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels that also left 500 injured and shattered a fragile decade-long peace in the island of 21 million people.

"With experience from a war that lasted over three decades, we are now compelled to meet a completely different threat," Sirisena told a commemoration ceremony.

"We have been able to arrest all those who were behind the Easter attacks. Some have been killed in confrontations," he said.

"This gives me confidence that we can completely eliminate the threat from international terrorism."

Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population in the mainly Buddhist nation, which has been under a state of emergency since the attacks that were also claimed by the Islamic State group.

Army chief Mahesh Senanayake said the military was paying tribute to around 28,000 soldiers who died in the war that ended on May 18, 2009, with the killing of Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Some 5,000 government troops and police are also listed as missing since the end of the insurgency.

Sri Lankan forces have been accused of killing about 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the conflict, a charge successive governments have denied. Nearly 16,000 others are also reported missing, according to the newly established Office of Missing Persons.&nbsp;

The official remembrance ceremonies in Colombo took place a day after members of the 2.5-million-strong Tamil community mourned their war dead in the northeastern coastal district of Mullaittivu where the rebels mounted their unsuccessful last stand.

Hundreds of Tamils gathered at a public park Saturday to light lamps and offer flowers before a makeshift memorial showing photographs of hundreds of men and women who went missing, in many cases after being captured or surrendering to troops.

Sri Lanka's president marked the 10th anniversary of the end of a protracted war with Tamil rebels Sunday by vowing to crush terrorist responsible for Easter bombings that killed 258 people.

Sri Lanka's president marked the 10th anniversary of the end of a protracted war with Tamil rebels Sunday by vowing to crush terrorist responsible for Easter bombings that killed 258 people. Maithripala Sirisena said Sri Lankan security forces and intelligence units could use their experience in defeating separatist Tamil guerrillas a decade ago to meet the new challenge from religious extremists. The government has blamed a local jihadist group for the April 21 attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels that also left 500 injured and shattered a fragile decade-long peace in the island of 21 million people. "With experience from a war that lasted over three decades, we are now compelled to meet a completely different threat," Sirisena told a commemoration ceremony. "We have been able to arrest all those who were behind the Easter attacks. Some have been killed in confrontations," he said. "This gives me confidence that we can completely eliminate the threat from international terrorism." Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population in the mainly Buddhist nation, which has been under a state of emergency since the attacks that were also claimed by the Islamic State group. Army chief Mahesh Senanayake said the military was paying tribute to around 28,000 soldiers who died in the war that ended on May 18, 2009, with the killing of Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Some 5,000 government troops and police are also listed as missing since the end of the insurgency. Sri Lankan forces have been accused of killing about 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the conflict, a charge successive governments have denied. Nearly 16,000 others are also reported missing, according to the newly established Office of Missing Persons. The official remembrance ceremonies in Colombo took place a day after members of the 2.5-million-strong Tamil community mourned their war dead in the northeastern coastal district of Mullaittivu where the rebels mounted their unsuccessful last stand. Hundreds of Tamils gathered at a public park Saturday to light lamps and offer flowers before a makeshift memorial showing photographs of hundreds of men and women who went missing, in many cases after being captured or surrendering to troops.

Sri Lanka president Maithripala Sirisena vows to eliminate terrorism threat

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-sirisena-says-wont-step-down-leave-or-be-intimidated-in-crushing-terrorism-217856">Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena</a> Saturday granted amnesty to 762 convicts to mark a key Buddhist anniversary but resisted calls to release a firebrand Buddhist monk.

Addressing inmates at the main Welikada prison, Sirisena promised financial support to re-integrate them in society but made no reference to monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, whose release was demanded Friday by the Buddhist hierarchy.

Sri Lanka has declared two days of holidays for nation-wide celebrations of Vesak, or the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.

Those who benefited from the amnesty had been serving short jail terms for minor offences and none had been convicted of murder or rape, officials said.

The 762 released Saturday included several women.

"An increase in the prison population is a sign of the declining moral value of any country," Sirisena said in a nationally televised ceremony.

He said Sri Lanka's prison system was designed to accommodate 11,000 inmates but as of Saturday, there were 24,332 convicts as well as remand prisoners in judicial custody.&nbsp;

Many Buddhist leaders had urged Sirisena to grant a special amnesty to monk Gnanasara on Vesak day.&nbsp;

Since December, Gnanasara has been serving concurrent jail sentences extending up to six years over his disruptive behaviour in court and intimidating a woman litigant.

He has long been accused of instigating hate crimes against minority Muslims in the Buddhist-majority country. The monk has denied involvement in anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four people dead.

His Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), or Buddhist Force, was not linked to the recent anti-Muslim riots that came after the April 21 suicide bombings blamed on Islamic extremists.

Gnanasara had maintained close ties with Wirathu, an extremist monk based in Myanmar, whose hate speech has stoked religious tensions in that country.

Wirathu visited Sri Lanka as a guest of Gnanasara shortly after the 2014 anti-Muslim riots at Sri Lanka coach

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena Saturday granted amnesty to 762 convicts to mark a key Buddhist anniversary but resisted calls to release a firebrand Buddhist monk.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena Saturday granted amnesty to 762 convicts to mark a key Buddhist anniversary but resisted calls to release a firebrand Buddhist monk. Addressing inmates at the main Welikada prison, Sirisena promised financial support to re-integrate them in society but made no reference to monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, whose release was demanded Friday by the Buddhist hierarchy. Sri Lanka has declared two days of holidays for nation-wide celebrations of Vesak, or the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha. Those who benefited from the amnesty had been serving short jail terms for minor offences and none had been convicted of murder or rape, officials said. The 762 released Saturday included several women. "An increase in the prison population is a sign of the declining moral value of any country," Sirisena said in a nationally televised ceremony. He said Sri Lanka's prison system was designed to accommodate 11,000 inmates but as of Saturday, there were 24,332 convicts as well as remand prisoners in judicial custody. Many Buddhist leaders had urged Sirisena to grant a special amnesty to monk Gnanasara on Vesak day. Since December, Gnanasara has been serving concurrent jail sentences extending up to six years over his disruptive behaviour in court and intimidating a woman litigant. He has long been accused of instigating hate crimes against minority Muslims in the Buddhist-majority country. The monk has denied involvement in anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four people dead. His Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), or Buddhist Force, was not linked to the recent anti-Muslim riots that came after the April 21 suicide bombings blamed on Islamic extremists. Gnanasara had maintained close ties with Wirathu, an extremist monk based in Myanmar, whose hate speech has stoked religious tensions in that country. Wirathu visited Sri Lanka as a guest of Gnanasara shortly after the 2014 anti-Muslim riots at Sri Lanka coach

Sri Lanka frees convicts to mark Buddhist anniversary