Sri Lankan government has banned three Islamist extremist groups, including the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) that carried out the country's worth terror attack on Easter Sunday in which over 250 people were killed.

President Maithripala Sirisena issued an extraordinary gazette banning a number of extremist organisations on Monday. He also prohibited the use of drones in the country until further notice.

According to the Gazette the National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), the Jamaathe Millaathe Ibrahim (JMI), and the Willayath As Seylani (WAS) organisations have been banned.

On April 21, nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 258 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of the Indians, and injuring over 500 others.

The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/muslim-cleric-wanted-for-airing-extremist-views-arrested-by-lankan-authorities-218101"> Islamist extremist group</a> National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ).

Over 1,000 have been arrested since the attacks. Sri Lanka's police say they have either killed or arrested all those responsible for the bombings.

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Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority.

Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans is Christians.&nbsp;

On Monday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-government-playing-politics-over-crisis-namal-rajapaksa-to-wion-214981">Sri Lankan government </a>enforced a countrywide curfew and blocked social media platforms to stop people inciting violence as communal violence spread to new areas in the island nation in the worst unrest since Easter Sunday bombings.

Police also fired tear gas at mobs attacking mosques and shops owned by Muslims in various parts of the country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Sirisena has also prohibited the use of drones in the country until further notice.

"The navigation of an unmanned aircraft or drone in or over the territory of Sri Lanka by any person other than a member of Triforces or police is prohibited until further notice," another Gazette notification said.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority banned the use of drone and unmanned aircraft following the devastating terror attack on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan government has banned three Islamist extremist groups, including the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) that carried out the country's worth terror attack on Easter Sunday in which over 250 people were killed.

Sri Lankan government has banned three Islamist extremist groups, including the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) that carried out the country's worth terror attack on Easter Sunday in which over 250 people were killed. President Maithripala Sirisena issued an extraordinary gazette banning a number of extremist organisations on Monday. He also prohibited the use of drones in the country until further notice. According to the Gazette the National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), the Jamaathe Millaathe Ibrahim (JMI), and the Willayath As Seylani (WAS) organisations have been banned. On April 21, nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 258 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of the Indians, and injuring over 500 others. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Over 1,000 have been arrested since the attacks. Sri Lanka's police say they have either killed or arrested all those responsible for the bombings. × Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority. Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans is Christians. On Monday, the Sri Lankan government enforced a countrywide curfew and blocked social media platforms to stop people inciting violence as communal violence spread to new areas in the island nation in the worst unrest since Easter Sunday bombings. Police also fired tear gas at mobs attacking mosques and shops owned by Muslims in various parts of the country. Meanwhile, Sirisena has also prohibited the use of drones in the country until further notice. "The navigation of an unmanned aircraft or drone in or over the territory of Sri Lanka by any person other than a member of Triforces or police is prohibited until further notice," another Gazette notification said. Earlier, Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority banned the use of drone and unmanned aircraft following the devastating terror attack on Easter Sunday.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena bans National Thowheeth Jama'ath, two other Islamist extremist organisations

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said the security forces would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lanka-suicide-bombers-visited-kashmir-kerala-for-some-sorts-of-training-army-chief-215900">"eradicate terrorism"</a> and restore stability before a presidential election due for year-end, reported news agency Reuters.

Promising to bring to heel all militants linked to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-catholics-turn-to-tv-mass-amid-bomb-threat-215842">Easter Sunday</a> suicide attacks, he said "We have already identified all active members of the group and it's a case of now arresting them."

"Elections cannot be postponed, therefore before the elections I will bring about stability and I will eradicate terrorism," Sirisena told in an interview.

The president said there were a further 25 to 30 "active members" linked to the bombings still at large and that he believed Islamic State was behind the April 21 attacks.

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said the security forces would "eradicate terrorism" and restore stability before a presidential election due for year-end, reported news agency Reuters.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said the security forces would "eradicate terrorism" and restore stability before a presidential election due for year-end, reported news agency Reuters. Promising to bring to heel all militants linked to the Easter Sunday suicide attacks, he said "We have already identified all active members of the group and it's a case of now arresting them." "Elections cannot be postponed, therefore before the elections I will bring about stability and I will eradicate terrorism," Sirisena told in an interview. The president said there were a further 25 to 30 "active members" linked to the bombings still at large and that he believed Islamic State was behind the April 21 attacks. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others. (With inputs from Reuters)

Sri Lanka president Sirisena promises to 'eradicate terrorism', bring stability before election

Terrorists in Sri Lanka are believed to be planning attacks on bridges in Colombo, authorities said, as they warned several conspirators in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-aims-to-reopen-schools-next-week-amid-tensions-215461">Easter Sunday bombings</a> that killed over 250 people still at large.

Police confirmed they had instructed stations around Colombo to deploy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-cancels-sri-lanka-visit-amid-security-concern-215456">additional officers and asked</a> the navy to deploy more vessels on rivers, following leaks of police intelligence reports warning bridges into the capital were at risk of attack.

Sri Lanka's military has also set up a special command centre to coordinate anti-jihadist operations, while the army said more troops have been deployed for search operations.

Additional troops conducted searches overnight and seized explosives and weapons from several locations, although these were from criminal groups and not jihadists, official sources said.

"Extensive cordon and search operations of the army and sister services across the country with assistance of the police are continuing in search of terrorists, hideouts, explosives, weapons and other warlike items... with the deployment of more and more troops as required," the army said in a statement.

Authorities had information about a small group of radicals who may be trying to stage more strikes, said health minister and government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, who added that the crackdown on extremists after the Easter bombings had been largely successful.

"You can't say the threat is over, but the situation is well under control... better than what we expected."

But the government was also still on the hunt for "four terrorists" involved in the Easter attacks who were still at large, Senaratne said.

The Catholic Church announced Thursday that they had called off the resumption of Sunday services following information of a "specific threat" against two of their locations just outside the capital.

Catholic schools which were due to reopen after an extended Easter holiday will now be put off indefinitely.

Public schools are due to reopen on Monday under tight security.

Sri Lankan authorities have admitted that there was a failure to act on advance intelligence warnings of the deadly Easter Sunday attacks against churches and luxury hotels.

Senaratne said the country's minority Muslim community had helped authorities root out extremists in the weeks since.

"Everyone is giving information. They come forward to give a lot of information," he said.

Sri Lanka was also receiving international help, with foreign intelligence services working alongside their local counterparts, Senaratne added.

"We have already received foreign assistance from the US, UK and from India. There are other countries also which have offered intelligence services," he said.

Soon after the attacks, President Maithripala Sirisena said he believed there were 140 Islamic State-inspired jihadists in Sri Lanka and he had ordered security forces to track them down.

Since then, authorities have been carrying out nationwide cordon-and-search operations and have detained hundreds of people. Some have been released after questioning.

The Easter attacks were blamed on the local National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) whose leader was among the suicide bombers. The group had pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Terrorists in Sri Lanka are believed to be planning attacks on bridges in Colombo, authorities said, as they warned several conspirators in the Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 250 people still at large.

Terrorists in Sri Lanka are believed to be planning attacks on bridges in Colombo, authorities said, as they warned several conspirators in the Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 250 people still at large. Police confirmed they had instructed stations around Colombo to deploy additional officers and asked the navy to deploy more vessels on rivers, following leaks of police intelligence reports warning bridges into the capital were at risk of attack. Sri Lanka's military has also set up a special command centre to coordinate anti-jihadist operations, while the army said more troops have been deployed for search operations. Additional troops conducted searches overnight and seized explosives and weapons from several locations, although these were from criminal groups and not jihadists, official sources said. "Extensive cordon and search operations of the army and sister services across the country with assistance of the police are continuing in search of terrorists, hideouts, explosives, weapons and other warlike items... with the deployment of more and more troops as required," the army said in a statement. Authorities had information about a small group of radicals who may be trying to stage more strikes, said health minister and government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, who added that the crackdown on extremists after the Easter bombings had been largely successful. "You can't say the threat is over, but the situation is well under control... better than what we expected." But the government was also still on the hunt for "four terrorists" involved in the Easter attacks who were still at large, Senaratne said. The Catholic Church announced Thursday that they had called off the resumption of Sunday services following information of a "specific threat" against two of their locations just outside the capital. Catholic schools which were due to reopen after an extended Easter holiday will now be put off indefinitely. Public schools are due to reopen on Monday under tight security. Sri Lankan authorities have admitted that there was a failure to act on advance intelligence warnings of the deadly Easter Sunday attacks against churches and luxury hotels. Senaratne said the country's minority Muslim community had helped authorities root out extremists in the weeks since. "Everyone is giving information. They come forward to give a lot of information," he said. Sri Lanka was also receiving international help, with foreign intelligence services working alongside their local counterparts, Senaratne added. "We have already received foreign assistance from the US, UK and from India. There are other countries also which have offered intelligence services," he said. Soon after the attacks, President Maithripala Sirisena said he believed there were 140 Islamic State-inspired jihadists in Sri Lanka and he had ordered security forces to track them down. Since then, authorities have been carrying out nationwide cordon-and-search operations and have detained hundreds of people. Some have been released after questioning. The Easter attacks were blamed on the local National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) whose leader was among the suicide bombers. The group had pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Terrorists planning attacks on bridges in Colombo: Police

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has assured hoteliers that the government will give them maximum financial relief to revive the lucrative tourism industry hit by the country's worst terror attack on<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/father-two-brothers-of-sri-lanka-suicide-bombings-mastermind-killed-in-gun-battle-214078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKssT0lPfhAhUe7HMBHal5CKcQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ouH99LwR5FmTef3zOQCIc"> Easter Sunday that killed 253 people, including 40 foreigners.</a>

Tourism accounts for about five per cent of Sri Lanka's economy, with India, Britain and China being the main markets.

India is the largest source market for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-on-alert-for-attacks-by-militants-dressed-in-uniforms-214411">Sri Lanka</a>, which received 2.3 million tourists from around the world in 2018.

Around 450,000 Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka last year and the island nation was expecting the total Indian tourist arrivals to cross one million in 2019.

President Sirisena acknowledged during his meeting on Monday with the country's hoteliers that the tourism and hotel industries were worst hit after the string of powerful blasts ripped through three churches and as many luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500 others.

The bombs tore through three five-star hotels in Colombo: the Cinnamon Grand, the Shangri La and the Kingsbury. Forty foreigners, including 11 Indian nationals, died in the attacks.

Sirisena requested Central Bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy to provide "maximum financial relief" immediately to the hoteliers, Sunday Times reported.

Hotels Association President Sanath Ukwatte said hoteliers had invested large sums of money in the development of the hotels and requested the government to provide a moratorium or waiver on the capital and interest for a period of at least two years.

During the meeting, the hoteliers also asked the government to hire the services of a professional public relations and communications unit to send out one message to the world.

President Sirisena agreed to appoint a Cabinet sub-committee to look into the requirements of the hoteliers, the report said.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers, ministry officials and members of the industry.

The Easter Sunday blasts were the first time that tourists were specifically targeted.

Following the bombings, the US, Britain, Australia, India and Israel warned their nationals against visiting Sri Lanka.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera recently told reporters that tourism will be the worst affected.

"We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange," Samaraweera said, adding that the country could take up to two years to fully recover from the deadly bombings which shattered a decade of peace in the country.

Mount Lavinia Hotel south of the capital, a popular site for the tourists, has said there have been a large number of cancellations.

Galle Face Hotel top official Chandra Mohotti also said, "there will be huge cancellations".

In his first reaction to Sunday's blasts, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the tourism industry will be hit by the blasts.

"There will be a downward trend, Tourism will get affected. There may be fund outflows," Wickremesinghe said.

The industry officials said the rebound from the attacks would depend on the security measures to be adopted.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry faced a difficult time until a decade ago due to the three-decade civil war with the LTTE which claimed at least 100,000 lives.

However, in recent years the island nation has emerged as a top tourist destination in Asia.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has assured hoteliers that the government will give them maximum financial relief to revive the lucrative tourism industry hit by the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday that killed 253 people, including 40 foreigners.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has assured hoteliers that the government will give them maximum financial relief to revive the lucrative tourism industry hit by the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday that killed 253 people, including 40 foreigners. Tourism accounts for about five per cent of Sri Lanka's economy, with India, Britain and China being the main markets. India is the largest source market for Sri Lanka, which received 2.3 million tourists from around the world in 2018. Around 450,000 Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka last year and the island nation was expecting the total Indian tourist arrivals to cross one million in 2019. President Sirisena acknowledged during his meeting on Monday with the country's hoteliers that the tourism and hotel industries were worst hit after the string of powerful blasts ripped through three churches and as many luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500 others. The bombs tore through three five-star hotels in Colombo: the Cinnamon Grand, the Shangri La and the Kingsbury. Forty foreigners, including 11 Indian nationals, died in the attacks. Sirisena requested Central Bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy to provide "maximum financial relief" immediately to the hoteliers, Sunday Times reported. Hotels Association President Sanath Ukwatte said hoteliers had invested large sums of money in the development of the hotels and requested the government to provide a moratorium or waiver on the capital and interest for a period of at least two years. During the meeting, the hoteliers also asked the government to hire the services of a professional public relations and communications unit to send out one message to the world. President Sirisena agreed to appoint a Cabinet sub-committee to look into the requirements of the hoteliers, the report said. The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers, ministry officials and members of the industry. The Easter Sunday blasts were the first time that tourists were specifically targeted. Following the bombings, the US, Britain, Australia, India and Israel warned their nationals against visiting Sri Lanka. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera recently told reporters that tourism will be the worst affected. "We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange," Samaraweera said, adding that the country could take up to two years to fully recover from the deadly bombings which shattered a decade of peace in the country. Mount Lavinia Hotel south of the capital, a popular site for the tourists, has said there have been a large number of cancellations. Galle Face Hotel top official Chandra Mohotti also said, "there will be huge cancellations". In his first reaction to Sunday's blasts, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the tourism industry will be hit by the blasts. "There will be a downward trend, Tourism will get affected. There may be fund outflows," Wickremesinghe said. The industry officials said the rebound from the attacks would depend on the security measures to be adopted. Sri Lanka's tourism industry faced a difficult time until a decade ago due to the three-decade civil war with the LTTE which claimed at least 100,000 lives. However, in recent years the island nation has emerged as a top tourist destination in Asia.

Sri Lankan President Sirisena assures hoteliers maximum financial help to revive tourism

It looks like Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday suspended defiant police chief Pujith Jayasundara and named his successor as well as a new defence secretary as part of the revamping of the security establishment following the country's worst terror attack.

Sri Lanka Blasts: Sri Lankan police chief sent on leave after a week of blasts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">Live Lok Sabha polls: 72 Lok Sabha seats in 9 states go to polls in phase 4</a>

Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar cast her vote at a polling booth in Bandra while veteran actress Shubha Khote exercised her franchise at a polling booth in Juhu, Mumbai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pm-pedro-sanchez-win-snap-polls-marked-by-far-right-gains-214244">Spain PM Pedro Sanchez wins snap polls marked by far-right gains</a>

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won snap elections Sunday without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/post-easter-attacks-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-bans-face-covering-214265">Post Easter attacks, Sri Lanka President Sirisena bans face covering</a>

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday announced a ban on face covering, a week after Islamist militants carried out coordinated suicide bombings that killed 253 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-spending-up-for-first-time-in-seven-years-sipri-214258">US military spending up for first time in seven years: SIPRI</a>

US military spending has risen for the first time in seven years, reflecting Trump administration policy, according to a new report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-face-to-face-with-california-synagogue-shooter-rabbi-yisroel-goldstein-214268">I was face to face with California synagogue shooter: Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein</a>

A 19-year-old man who authorities said gave himself up to police shortly after carrying out a deadly shooting in a Southern California synagogue filled with Sabbath worshippers is also under investigation for a mosque arson.

Live Lok Sabha polls: 72 Lok Sabha seats in 9 states go to polls in phase 4 Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar cast her vote at a polling booth in Bandra while veteran actress Shubha Khote exercised her franchise at a polling booth in Juhu, Mumbai.

Live Lok Sabha polls: 72 Lok Sabha seats in 9 states go to polls in phase 4 Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar cast her vote at a polling booth in Bandra while veteran actress Shubha Khote exercised her franchise at a polling booth in Juhu, Mumbai. Spain PM Pedro Sanchez wins snap polls marked by far-right gains Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won snap elections Sunday without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament. Post Easter attacks, Sri Lanka President Sirisena bans face covering Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday announced a ban on face covering, a week after Islamist militants carried out coordinated suicide bombings that killed 253 people. US military spending up for first time in seven years: SIPRI US military spending has risen for the first time in seven years, reflecting Trump administration policy, according to a new report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). I was face to face with California synagogue shooter: Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein A 19-year-old man who authorities said gave himself up to police shortly after carrying out a deadly shooting in a Southern California synagogue filled with Sabbath worshippers is also under investigation for a mosque arson.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-appoints-new-acting-police-chief-jayasundara-sent-on-compulsory-leave-214376">Islamist militants</a> behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms.

The militants were targeting five locations for attacks on Sunday or Monday, security sources said.

"There could be another wave of attacks," the head of ministerial security division (MSD), a unit of the police, said in a letter to lawmakers and other officials, seen by Reuters on Monday.

"The relevant information further notes that persons dressed in military uniforms and using a van could be involved in the attacks."

There were no attacks on Sunday, and security across Sri Lanka has been ramped up, with scores of suspected Islamists arrested since the April 21 attacks on hotels and churches that killed more than 250 people, including 40 foreign nationals.

Two cabinet ministers and two opposition lawmakers confirmed to Reuters that they were aware of the latest security alert.

"We have been informed about this by the MSD," Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said.

Authorities suspect members of two little known groups - National Thawheedh Jamaath (NTJ) and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the Easter attacks, though Islamic State has claimed responsibility.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a tight-knit group of people were involved, mostly close friends and families. They mostly spoke face-to-face, possibly to evade electronic surveillance.

"They (the group) were small enough that they were not using normal communications, instead of meeting each other," Wickremesinghe told Reuters.

He added the coordinated bombings, the type of explosives used and the tightly guarded plot suggested the bombers had guidance.

"IS (Islamic State) has claimed, we also felt there have to be some international links," he said.

President Maithripala Sirisena said on Monday he had appointed Chandana Wickramaratne, the second in command at the police, as acting police chief.

Over the weekend, two sources at the president's office told Reuters that Pujith Jayasundara, the police chief during the attacks, was refusing the president's request to step down.

It was not immediately possible to contact Jayasundara on Monday.

In India, police said they had raided the homes of three people in the southern state of Kerala, close to Sri Lanka, in connection with their links to Islamic State. They did not say if there was any connection to the attacks in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that Islamist militants behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms.

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that Islamist militants behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms. The militants were targeting five locations for attacks on Sunday or Monday, security sources said. "There could be another wave of attacks," the head of ministerial security division (MSD), a unit of the police, said in a letter to lawmakers and other officials, seen by Reuters on Monday. "The relevant information further notes that persons dressed in military uniforms and using a van could be involved in the attacks." There were no attacks on Sunday, and security across Sri Lanka has been ramped up, with scores of suspected Islamists arrested since the April 21 attacks on hotels and churches that killed more than 250 people, including 40 foreign nationals. Two cabinet ministers and two opposition lawmakers confirmed to Reuters that they were aware of the latest security alert. "We have been informed about this by the MSD," Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. Authorities suspect members of two little known groups - National Thawheedh Jamaath (NTJ) and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the Easter attacks, though Islamic State has claimed responsibility. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a tight-knit group of people were involved, mostly close friends and families. They mostly spoke face-to-face, possibly to evade electronic surveillance. "They (the group) were small enough that they were not using normal communications, instead of meeting each other," Wickremesinghe told Reuters. He added the coordinated bombings, the type of explosives used and the tightly guarded plot suggested the bombers had guidance. "IS (Islamic State) has claimed, we also felt there have to be some international links," he said. President Maithripala Sirisena said on Monday he had appointed Chandana Wickramaratne, the second in command at the police, as acting police chief. Over the weekend, two sources at the president's office told Reuters that Pujith Jayasundara, the police chief during the attacks, was refusing the president's request to step down. It was not immediately possible to contact Jayasundara on Monday. In India, police said they had raided the homes of three people in the southern state of Kerala, close to Sri Lanka, in connection with their links to Islamic State. They did not say if there was any connection to the attacks in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka on alert for attacks by militants dressed in uniforms

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday appointed&nbsp;Chandana Wickramaratne as new acting police chief, news agency Reuters reported.

The Sri Lankan president sent Pujith Jayasundara on "compulsory leave"&nbsp;after he&nbsp;remained defiant and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-chief-resigns-over-bombings-sirisena-213620">refused to quit as the country's police chief</a>.&nbsp;

Jayasundara was asked to resign in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lifts-nationwide-night-curfew-214164">deadly bombings in Sri Lanka</a> in which at least 253 people died on April 21.

Jayasundara had refused to quit taking responsibility for the intelligence failure that led to the massive Easter Sunday bombings.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-blasts-terror-groups-banned-property-seized-214008/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Sirisena announced a ban on face covering. The restriction will take effect from today.

Sri Lanka on Sunday lifted the nationwide night curfew which was imposed after the island nation was rocked with eight blasts.

Police also said they have arrested one more person suspected to be involved in the Easter blasts.

The Special Task Force and Army troops, following a tip-off, raided a house in Kalmunai city at Sainthamarudu on Friday night, leading to a heavy exchange of fire with armed militants. As many as 15 people, including six children and three women, were killed in the shootout.&nbsp;

The authorities revised the death toll to 253, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday appointed Chandana Wickramaratne as new acting police chief, news agency Reuters reported. The Sri Lankan president sent Pujith Jayasundara on "compulsory leave" after he remained defiant and refused to quit as the country's police chief.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday appointed Chandana Wickramaratne as new acting police chief, news agency Reuters reported. The Sri Lankan president sent Pujith Jayasundara on "compulsory leave" after he remained defiant and refused to quit as the country's police chief. Jayasundara was asked to resign in the wake of deadly bombings in Sri Lanka in which at least 253 people died on April 21. Jayasundara had refused to quit taking responsibility for the intelligence failure that led to the massive Easter Sunday bombings. Meanwhile, Sirisena announced a ban on face covering. The restriction will take effect from today. Sri Lanka on Sunday lifted the nationwide night curfew which was imposed after the island nation was rocked with eight blasts. Police also said they have arrested one more person suspected to be involved in the Easter blasts. The Special Task Force and Army troops, following a tip-off, raided a house in Kalmunai city at Sainthamarudu on Friday night, leading to a heavy exchange of fire with armed militants. As many as 15 people, including six children and three women, were killed in the shootout. The authorities revised the death toll to 253, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena appoints new acting police chief; Jayasundara sent on 'compulsory leave'

The Sri Lankan government on Saturday banned National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) - the groups responsible for last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/15-dead-as-tips-lead-sri-lanka-forces-to-islamist-hideout-213951">Easter Day attacks</a> in the country that killed over 250 people.

Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena's media division in a statement said, "President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, in terms of powers vested in him as the under Emergency Regulations No. 01 of 2019, has taken steps to ban the organizations National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) &amp; Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) in Sri Lanka after Easter blasts".&nbsp;

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Breaking: Sri Lanka bans, National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) &amp; Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI), groups responsible for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaAttacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaAttacks</a> on sunday <a href="https://t.co/laHqhWfs7g">https://t.co/laHqhWfs7g</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1122147449273864192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Sri Lankan government has also approved a compensation package for those impacted by the terror attacks. The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to the next of the kin of those who died or anyone suffering lifetime disability and Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries.&nbsp;

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Sri Lankan govt's compensation package for those impacted by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaAttacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaAttacks</a> 
--Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to next of the kin of those who died 
--Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries <a href="https://t.co/yXcctQJNmD">pic.twitter.com/yXcctQJNmD</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1122154312539336706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Need to work more closely: India

Minister of State, Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, in an interview to WION, said, "we have a very good understanding of sharing of information and intelligence. It's a natural course of understanding. Despite that, incidents take place, we need to work more closely." Rijiju was responding to a query on the lapses despite intelligence information being shared with Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Calling the incident "disturbing", he said, if "anything happens in Sri Lanka it will have some kind of ramifications in India too. Same as anything happens in India will have its impact on its neighbours. Naturally, we have to be more aware."

US helps Sri Lanka

The Americans are also helping Sri Lankans in the aftermath of the incident. The US embassy in Sri Lanka in a statement said, "US experts are already working closely with their Sri Lankan partners on fulfilling short term, specific objectives related to the recent attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice."

United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is helping Sri Lankan authorities probe the terror attack.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-nationals-are-advised-not-to-undertake-non-essential-travel-to-sri-lanka-ministry-of-external-affairs-issues-advisory-213929">travel advisory for Indian nationals to Sri Lanka</a> and directed people "not to undertake non-essential travel".&nbsp;

The MEA, in a release, stated that those who would need to travel to the neighbouring country and are not in a situation to avoid it can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government on Saturday banned National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) - the groups responsible for last week's Easter Day attacks in the country that killed over 250 people.

The Sri Lankan government on Saturday banned National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) - the groups responsible for last week's Easter Day attacks in the country that killed over 250 people. Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena's media division in a statement said, "President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, in terms of powers vested in him as the under Emergency Regulations No. 01 of 2019, has taken steps to ban the organizations National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) & Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) in Sri Lanka after Easter blasts". Breaking: Sri Lanka bans, National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) & Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI), groups responsible for #SriLankaAttacks on sunday https://t.co/laHqhWfs7g — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2019 × The Sri Lankan government has also approved a compensation package for those impacted by the terror attacks. The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to the next of the kin of those who died or anyone suffering lifetime disability and Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries. Sri Lankan govt's compensation package for those impacted by #SriLankaAttacks --Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to next of the kin of those who died --Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries pic.twitter.com/yXcctQJNmD — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2019 × Need to work more closely: India Minister of State, Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, in an interview to WION, said, "we have a very good understanding of sharing of information and intelligence. It's a natural course of understanding. Despite that, incidents take place, we need to work more closely." Rijiju was responding to a query on the lapses despite intelligence information being shared with Sri Lanka. Calling the incident "disturbing", he said, if "anything happens in Sri Lanka it will have some kind of ramifications in India too. Same as anything happens in India will have its impact on its neighbours. Naturally, we have to be more aware." US helps Sri Lanka The Americans are also helping Sri Lankans in the aftermath of the incident. The US embassy in Sri Lanka in a statement said, "US experts are already working closely with their Sri Lankan partners on fulfilling short term, specific objectives related to the recent attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice." United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is helping Sri Lankan authorities probe the terror attack. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to Sri Lanka and directed people "not to undertake non-essential travel". The MEA, in a release, stated that those who would need to travel to the neighbouring country and are not in a situation to avoid it can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo.

Sri Lanka blasts: President Sirisena bans groups responsible for ghastly suicide bombings; India says need to work closely

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government.

Sirisena, facing criticism over the failure to thwart the attacks, blamed the inspector general of police Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemesiri Fernando for not sharing advance warnings of the attacks with him.

Fernando resigned earlier in the week, but Jayasundara was holding on, the two officials said.&nbsp;

"He has refused to resign despite the president's request," one of the sources said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, only parliament can remove the police chief through a lengthy process designed to shield officers from political interference.

The attacks in which more than 250 people were killed have exposed the divisions between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with both saying they had not seen warnings given by India's spy service about impending strikes on churches and the Indian embassy including one just hours before the attacks.

Jayasundara, the police chief, was handpicked for the job by Wickremesinghe. The first source at the president`s office said Sirisena was still expecting him to turn in his papers. The second source confirmed the situation. 
Both sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media.

Jayasundara did not answer his phone or email seeking comments. An officer at the police department said the police chief had not resigned but did not come to work on Saturday. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government.

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government. Sirisena, facing criticism over the failure to thwart the attacks, blamed the inspector general of police Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemesiri Fernando for not sharing advance warnings of the attacks with him. Fernando resigned earlier in the week, but Jayasundara was holding on, the two officials said. "He has refused to resign despite the president's request," one of the sources said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, only parliament can remove the police chief through a lengthy process designed to shield officers from political interference. The attacks in which more than 250 people were killed have exposed the divisions between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with both saying they had not seen warnings given by India's spy service about impending strikes on churches and the Indian embassy including one just hours before the attacks. Jayasundara, the police chief, was handpicked for the job by Wickremesinghe. The first source at the president`s office said Sirisena was still expecting him to turn in his papers. The second source confirmed the situation. Both sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media. Jayasundara did not answer his phone or email seeking comments. An officer at the police department said the police chief had not resigned but did not come to work on Saturday.

Sri Lanka police chief refusing to quit despite president Sirisena's request: Report

Sri Lanka's police chief, Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara has resigned on Friday over failures that led to terror attacks which targeted the churches and hotels in the capital city.

"The IGP has resigned. He has sent his resignation to the acting defence secretary. I'll nominate a new IGP soon," President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters.

Sri Lanka's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-terror-attacks-defence-secretary-hemasiri-fernando-quits-213465">defence secretary, Hemasiri Fernando</a> also resigned on Thursday.

Fernando said that while there had been no failure on his own part, he was taking responsibility for failures of some institutions he headed as the secretary of defence.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had earlier asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the attacks.

Meanwhile, the authorities on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lowers-attacks-toll-to-253-as-some-double-counted-213518">revised the death toll to 253</a>, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted.

Sri Lanka's police chief, Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara has resigned on Friday over failures that led to terror attacks which targeted the churches and hotels in the capital city.

Sri Lanka's police chief, Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara has resigned on Friday over failures that led to terror attacks which targeted the churches and hotels in the capital city. "The IGP has resigned. He has sent his resignation to the acting defence secretary. I'll nominate a new IGP soon," President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters. Sri Lanka's defence secretary, Hemasiri Fernando also resigned on Thursday. Fernando said that while there had been no failure on his own part, he was taking responsibility for failures of some institutions he headed as the secretary of defence. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had earlier asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the attacks. Meanwhile, the authorities on Thursday revised the death toll to 253, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted.

Sri Lanka police chief resigns over bombings: Sirisena

A day after Sri Lankan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leader-of-the-group-committed-suicide-at-shangri-la-hotel-police-213412">President Maithripala Sirisena</a> asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit, Hemasiri Fernando, the defence secretary resigned in the wake of terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday which killed at least 359 people.

Fernando&nbsp;said that while there had been no failure on his own part, he was taking responsibility for failures of some institutions he headed as the secretary of defence.

The defence secretary added&nbsp;that security agencies were actively responding to intelligence they had about the possibility of attacks before they were launched.

"We were working on that. All those agencies were working on that," he said.

Lakshman Kiriella, minister of public enterprise had told Parliament on Wednesday that the&nbsp;information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from Indian intelligence on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely.

"Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate&nbsp;this."

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Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe had confirmed earlier that hat India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack.

India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM had confirmed.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan PM added that "there has always been sharing of information between our two countries with regard to terrorism. There was specific intelligence on this".

At least 36 foreigners have been killed in the attack, with India accounting for 11 victims - the highest death toll so far. The Sri Lankan foreign ministry said 14 foreigners were still missing.

Meanwhile, a senior priest said all of Sri Lanka's Catholic churches have been ordered to stay closed and suspend services until security improves after deadly Easter bombings.

Amid continued heavy security, residents go about their daily lives but many shops remained closed near the blast site. Sri Lankan and international authorities have also focused their investigations on international links to domestic Islamist groups - National Thawheed Jama'ut and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim.

Islamic State(IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack two days ago.

Minister for Muslim religious affairs Abdul haleem Mohammed Hashim has issued a letter to Muslim calling not to attend Friday Jummah prayers.

In a letter, he said, "As a sign of solitary with the Catholic community &amp; a show of protest against the barbaric act of the ruthless terrorist I appeal to my Muslim brothers to avoid gathering for congregational prayers (on Friday) but to pray in homes instead, for peace and security of our motherland."

Adding, "we stand with Christian brothers and sisters during their times of grief"

US embassy in Sri Lanka has issued advisory. Quoting Sri Lankan authorities, the embassy said, govt is reporting that additional attacks may occur targeting places of worship and asked Americans to avoid specific areas over the weekend, starting Friday the April 26th&nbsp;through Sunday, April 28th.

A day after Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit, Hemasiri Fernando, the defence secretary resigned in the wake of terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday which killed at least 359 people.

A day after Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit, Hemasiri Fernando, the defence secretary resigned in the wake of terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday which killed at least 359 people. Fernando said that while there had been no failure on his own part, he was taking responsibility for failures of some institutions he headed as the secretary of defence. The defence secretary added that security agencies were actively responding to intelligence they had about the possibility of attacks before they were launched. "We were working on that. All those agencies were working on that," he said. Lakshman Kiriella, minister of public enterprise had told Parliament on Wednesday that the information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from Indian intelligence on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely. "Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate this." Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe had confirmed earlier that hat India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack. India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM had confirmed. The Sri Lankan PM added that "there has always been sharing of information between our two countries with regard to terrorism. There was specific intelligence on this". At least 36 foreigners have been killed in the attack, with India accounting for 11 victims - the highest death toll so far. The Sri Lankan foreign ministry said 14 foreigners were still missing. Meanwhile, a senior priest said all of Sri Lanka's Catholic churches have been ordered to stay closed and suspend services until security improves after deadly Easter bombings. Amid continued heavy security, residents go about their daily lives but many shops remained closed near the blast site. Sri Lankan and international authorities have also focused their investigations on international links to domestic Islamist groups - National Thawheed Jama'ut and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim. Islamic State(IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack two days ago. Minister for Muslim religious affairs Abdul haleem Mohammed Hashim has issued a letter to Muslim calling not to attend Friday Jummah prayers. In a letter, he said, "As a sign of solitary with the Catholic community & a show of protest against the barbaric act of the ruthless terrorist I appeal to my Muslim brothers to avoid gathering for congregational prayers (on Friday) but to pray in homes instead, for peace and security of our motherland." Adding, "we stand with Christian brothers and sisters during their times of grief" US embassy in Sri Lanka has issued advisory. Quoting Sri Lankan authorities, the embassy said, govt is reporting that additional attacks may occur targeting places of worship and asked Americans to avoid specific areas over the weekend, starting Friday the April 26th through Sunday, April 28th.

Sri Lanka terror attacks: Defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando quits

Now Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena says that security officials did not share the intelligence on Easter attacks with him. So who is in charge of Sri Lanka? Why are politicians squabbling with each other when a country is in crisis? Palki raises some crucial questions.

Gravitas: Country is in crisis, but Sri Lanka's politicians engage in a bitter blame game

In the aftermath of the worst terror attack in Sri Lanka which targetted churches and hotels, the government is considering burqa ban.

A Sri Lankan government source told local newspaper Daily mirror that the authorities are considering burqa ban in consultations with Muslim community leaders.

The issue has been discussed with President Maithripala Sirisena.

The newspaper quoting Sri Lankan defence source said, several female accomplices involved in Dematagoda had escaped wearing burqas.&nbsp;

Several firearms were discovered in Dematagoda, a suburb of Colombo in the aftermath of Sunday's terror attack.

Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament of ruling United National Party (UNP), Ashu Marasinghe introduced a private member's motion in the Sri Lankan parliament calling for ban on burqa.

Ashu Marasinghe was quoted by local media as saying, "I propose that a ban be imposed on wearing of the burqa based on the national security requirement of the country."

While saying that Burqa was not a traditional Muslim costume recommended by Islam, Marasinghe said," Our move has the blessings of Islamic scholars.''

UNP MP Mujibur Rahman has said he would support the proposed ban.

He said, "My wife doesn't wear burqa and I don't plan to make my children wear it either. In the coming days, Muslim religious groups will make a statement on this.''

At least 359 people died in the serial blasts on Sunday. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

In the aftermath of the worst terror attack in Sri Lanka which targetted churches and hotels, the government is considering burqa ban. A Sri Lankan government source told local newspaper Daily mirror that the authorities are considering burqa ban in consultations with Muslim community leaders.

In the aftermath of the worst terror attack in Sri Lanka which targetted churches and hotels, the government is considering burqa ban. A Sri Lankan government source told local newspaper Daily mirror that the authorities are considering burqa ban in consultations with Muslim community leaders. The issue has been discussed with President Maithripala Sirisena. The newspaper quoting Sri Lankan defence source said, several female accomplices involved in Dematagoda had escaped wearing burqas. Several firearms were discovered in Dematagoda, a suburb of Colombo in the aftermath of Sunday's terror attack. Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament of ruling United National Party (UNP), Ashu Marasinghe introduced a private member's motion in the Sri Lankan parliament calling for ban on burqa. Ashu Marasinghe was quoted by local media as saying, "I propose that a ban be imposed on wearing of the burqa based on the national security requirement of the country." While saying that Burqa was not a traditional Muslim costume recommended by Islam, Marasinghe said," Our move has the blessings of Islamic scholars.'' UNP MP Mujibur Rahman has said he would support the proposed ban. He said, "My wife doesn't wear burqa and I don't plan to make my children wear it either. In the coming days, Muslim religious groups will make a statement on this.'' At least 359 people died in the serial blasts on Sunday. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Sri Lanka government considering burqa ban after terror attacks

The death toll from series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attacks-show-islamic-state-influence-outlives-caliphate-213101">deadly attacks in Sri Lanka</a> has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday.

One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives&nbsp;was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday.

The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people.

Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">Islamic State has claimed responsibility</a> for the coordinated bombings in the capital.

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"Those that carried out the attack that targeted members of the US-led coalition and Christians in Sri Lanka the day before yesterday are Islamic State group fighters," said a statement released by IS propaganda agency Amaq.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also defence and law and order minister, said he will carry out a complete reorganisation of the security forces and the police under his control.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-on-high-alert-as-mass-burials-take-place-in-st-sebastian-church-212928">Sri Lankans held a mass burials</a> on Tuesday near the St Sebastian Church in Negombo. White flags and ribbons have been put up at shops, roadsides and other places in the country to mourn the loss. The country has marked the national day of morning on Tuesday with flags at half mast and a minute of silence observed at 8:30 am.

The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday. One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday.

The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday. One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday. The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people. Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings in the capital. "Those that carried out the attack that targeted members of the US-led coalition and Christians in Sri Lanka the day before yesterday are Islamic State group fighters," said a statement released by IS propaganda agency Amaq. President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also defence and law and order minister, said he will carry out a complete reorganisation of the security forces and the police under his control. Meanwhile, Sri Lankans held a mass burials on Tuesday near the St Sebastian Church in Negombo. White flags and ribbons have been put up at shops, roadsides and other places in the country to mourn the loss. The country has marked the national day of morning on Tuesday with flags at half mast and a minute of silence observed at 8:30 am.

Woman among nine suicide bombers, says Sri Lanka minister as death toll rises to 359

Series of blasts hit Sri Lanka: Scores of people dead

Eighty-seven detonators were found at <a href="In statement police found the detonators at the Bastian Mawatha Private bus stand, 12 of them scattered on the ground and another 75 in a garbage dump nearby, AFP reported.">Sri Lanka</a>'s Colombo bus station on Monday, a day after the series of blasts ripped through the island-nation killing as many as 290&nbsp;people. Over 500 people were also injured. &nbsp;

In a statement police found the detonators at the Bastian Mawatha Private bus stand, 12 of them scattered on the ground and another 75 in a garbage dump nearby, AFP reported.

Earlier in the day,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-13-under-arrest-ninth-bomb-defused-near-colombo-airport-212476"> twenty-four people were arrested</a> by Sri Lanka police in connection with eight devastating bomb blasts on churches and hotels.

Sri Lankan airforce also successfully defused an improvised pipe bomb discovered close to Colombo's main airport.

People from at least eight countries were killed in the series of attacks, including five citizens of Britain, five Indian nationals, three Danes, two each from China and Turkey and one each from Netherlands and Portugal.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sririsena announced a nation-wide emergency which will come into effect from midnight today.&nbsp;

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The development came soon after the Sri Lankan authorities lifted a curfew in the country on Monday and another night-time curfew was imposed.&nbsp;

According to reports, a memo that warned of a potential attack was circulated a day before the deadly explosions in Sri Lanka.

The memo dated April 11 was signed by Sri Lanka's deputy inspector general of police.

As many as 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka. The attacks are been billed as the worst-ever in the history of the island nation after the civil war that ended almost a decade ago.

Out of Sri Lanka's total population of around 22 million, 70 per cent are Buddhist, 12.6 per cent Hindu, 9.7 per cent Muslim and 7.6 per cent Christian, according to the country's 2012 census.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Eighty-seven detonators were found at Sri Lanka's Colombo bus station on Monday, a day after the series of blasts ripped through the island-nation killing as many as 290 people.

Eighty-seven detonators were found at Sri Lanka's Colombo bus station on Monday, a day after the series of blasts ripped through the island-nation killing as many as 290 people. Over 500 people were also injured. In a statement police found the detonators at the Bastian Mawatha Private bus stand, 12 of them scattered on the ground and another 75 in a garbage dump nearby, AFP reported. Earlier in the day, twenty-four people were arrested by Sri Lanka police in connection with eight devastating bomb blasts on churches and hotels. Sri Lankan airforce also successfully defused an improvised pipe bomb discovered close to Colombo's main airport. People from at least eight countries were killed in the series of attacks, including five citizens of Britain, five Indian nationals, three Danes, two each from China and Turkey and one each from Netherlands and Portugal. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sririsena announced a nation-wide emergency which will come into effect from midnight today. × The development came soon after the Sri Lankan authorities lifted a curfew in the country on Monday and another night-time curfew was imposed. According to reports, a memo that warned of a potential attack was circulated a day before the deadly explosions in Sri Lanka. The memo dated April 11 was signed by Sri Lanka's deputy inspector general of police. As many as 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka. The attacks are been billed as the worst-ever in the history of the island nation after the civil war that ended almost a decade ago. Out of Sri Lanka's total population of around 22 million, 70 per cent are Buddhist, 12.6 per cent Hindu, 9.7 per cent Muslim and 7.6 per cent Christian, according to the country's 2012 census. (With inputs from news agencies)

87 bomb detonators found at Colombo bus station: Police

South Asia countries were among the first to react and stand with Sri Lanka in its hour of grief on Sunday after it was hit by series of blasts. The attack killed over 200 people&nbsp;and 450 were injured.

Hours after the serial bombs that ripped through Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/these-blasts-are-grim-reminder-of-most-serious-challenge-to-humanity-pm-modi-to-sri-lankan-president-pm-212293">Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on call and condemned the attacks. He also conveyed "deepest condolences" on behalf of the Indians.

Terming the attacks "cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts" PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another&nbsp;"grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism."

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Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1119863044216172544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India has also offered all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges posed by terrorism.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement extended condolences to the families of the victims and Government of Sri Lanka, said, "India has always opposed and rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations" and has urged "concerted action by the international community against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. "

"There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror," the foreign ministry added.&nbsp;

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We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. 
 
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka.<a href="https://t.co/Si1ilrSU8j">https://t.co/Si1ilrSU8j</a> <a href="https://t.co/pdSjh8OyVO">pic.twitter.com/pdSjh8OyVO</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1119891690595053570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Maldivian&nbsp;President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih extended "heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act" and assured "support in the fight against terrorism."

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Saddened by the horrific events in Sri Lanka this morning. My heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act of terror. At this difficult time, I affirm our solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka and assure our support in the fight against terrorism.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1119852312212541441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also condemned the "heinous terroristic attack."

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Shocked and saddened by reports of multiple explosions in Colombo and elsewhere in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>. Condemn unreservedly this heinous terroristic attack claiming numerous lives and injuring many. Our deepest condolences &amp; prayers are with Govt &amp; people of Sri Lanka &amp; affected families.
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1119834856681172992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Maldives' minister of state Ahmed Khaleel will visit Sri Lanka on Monday as a special envoy of the president to inquire on the condition of Maldivians who may have been affected by the explosions. He will also convey solidarity to the Sri Lankan government at this time of national distress.

Expressing sadness, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a tweet said," I express my condolence with Rt. Hon'ble Ranil Wickramasinghe, PM of Sri Lanka and bereaved families of victims of brutality. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

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I am deeply saddened by multiple bomb blasts and killings of innocent people in Sri Lanka. I express my condolence with Rt. Hon'ble Ranil Wickramasinghe, PM of SriLanka and bereaved families of victims of brutality. I wish speedy recovery of the injured.
— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_Nepal/status/1119887430264348673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed condolences to Sri Lanka and said his country "stands in complete solidarity in their hour of grief."

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Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost &amp; hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1119872631308718081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephoned Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister to express condolences and conveyed sympathies for the families that lost their loved ones in the tragedy.

Afghan foreign minister's spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi also condemned the attack in "strongest terms".

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1/2 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan condemns in strongest terms, the terrorist attacks on churches, hotels and worshippers in Sri Lanka. <a href="https://t.co/OYHcO3f8GW">pic.twitter.com/OYHcO3f8GW</a>
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sibghat_Ah/status/1119903560672608256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Bhutan and Bangladesh also condemned the attack and expressed their solidarity with Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's&nbsp;PM Sheikh Hasina wished quick recovery of those who were injured in the attacks.

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Extremely saddened on the reports of multiple bomb blast in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilankaterrorattack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#srilankaterrorattack</a> My condolences to the families of the victims... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhutan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhutan</a> condemn this act of terrorism <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrayforSriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrayforSriLanka</a>
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan/status/1119929832886943745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

South Asia countries were among the first to react and stand with Sri Lanka in its hour of grief on Sunday after it was hit by series of blasts. The attack killed over 200 people and 450 were injured.

South Asia countries were among the first to react and stand with Sri Lanka in its hour of grief on Sunday after it was hit by series of blasts. The attack killed over 200 people and 450 were injured. Hours after the serial bombs that ripped through Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on call and condemned the attacks. He also conveyed "deepest condolences" on behalf of the Indians. Terming the attacks "cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts" PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another "grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism." Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019 × India has also offered all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges posed by terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement extended condolences to the families of the victims and Government of Sri Lanka, said, "India has always opposed and rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations" and has urged "concerted action by the international community against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. " "There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror," the foreign ministry added. We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka.https://t.co/Si1ilrSU8j pic.twitter.com/pdSjh8OyVO — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 21, 2019 × Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih extended "heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act" and assured "support in the fight against terrorism." Saddened by the horrific events in Sri Lanka this morning. My heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act of terror. At this difficult time, I affirm our solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka and assure our support in the fight against terrorism. — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) April 21, 2019 × Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also condemned the "heinous terroristic attack." Shocked and saddened by reports of multiple explosions in Colombo and elsewhere in #SriLanka. Condemn unreservedly this heinous terroristic attack claiming numerous lives and injuring many. Our deepest condolences & prayers are with Govt & people of Sri Lanka & affected families. — Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) April 21, 2019 × Meanwhile, Maldives' minister of state Ahmed Khaleel will visit Sri Lanka on Monday as a special envoy of the president to inquire on the condition of Maldivians who may have been affected by the explosions. He will also convey solidarity to the Sri Lankan government at this time of national distress. Expressing sadness, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a tweet said," I express my condolence with Rt. Hon'ble Ranil Wickramasinghe, PM of Sri Lanka and bereaved families of victims of brutality. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured." I am deeply saddened by multiple bomb blasts and killings of innocent people in Sri Lanka. I express my condolence with Rt. Hon'ble Ranil Wickramasinghe, PM of SriLanka and bereaved families of victims of brutality. I wish speedy recovery of the injured. — KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) April 21, 2019 × Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed condolences to Sri Lanka and said his country "stands in complete solidarity in their hour of grief." Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 21, 2019 × Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephoned Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister to express condolences and conveyed sympathies for the families that lost their loved ones in the tragedy. Afghan foreign minister's spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi also condemned the attack in "strongest terms". 1/2 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan condemns in strongest terms, the terrorist attacks on churches, hotels and worshippers in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/OYHcO3f8GW — Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) April 21, 2019 × Bhutan and Bangladesh also condemned the attack and expressed their solidarity with Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina wished quick recovery of those who were injured in the attacks. Extremely saddened on the reports of multiple bomb blast in #srilankaterrorattack My condolences to the families of the victims... #Bhutan condemn this act of terrorism #PrayforSriLanka — ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) April 21, 2019 ×

South Asia unites in Sri Lanka's hour of grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eighth-blast-hits-sri-lankan-capital-city-colombo-death-toll-crosses-160-212267">series of blasts</a> that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported. He&nbsp;conveyed his condolences on behalf of all Indians and termed "as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts".

During the call, PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world.

A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners.

So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leaders-condemn-serial-explosions-in-sri-lanka-that-killed-at-least-129-212230">condemned the attacks</a> on Twitter and said that&nbsp;India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.

"Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured."

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Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1119863044216172544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian foreign ministry also extended condolences to the families of victims.

"We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," the foreign ministry&nbsp;said in the statement.

"We stand together with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief," the statement added.

India also called for perpetrators of the attack and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously.

The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.

Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo.&nbsp;

As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government also imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice".

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported. He conveyed his condolences on behalf of all Indians and termed "as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts". During the call, PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world. A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners. So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also condemned the attacks on Twitter and said that India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. "Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured." Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019 × Indian foreign ministry also extended condolences to the families of victims. "We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," the foreign ministry said in the statement. "We stand together with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief," the statement added. India also called for perpetrators of the attack and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously. The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported. St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province. Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported. The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo. As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session. The Sri Lankan government also imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice". (With inputs from agencies)

These blasts are grim reminder of most serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi to Sri Lankan President, PM

Sri Lankan president, prime minister and other political leaders strongly condemned a series of coordinated bomb attacks on churches and hotels on Sunday that leftover 150 dead and urged people to be patient while vowing to bring to justice those responsible for the barbaric act.

The blasts targeted 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 around 8.45 a.M. (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress.

Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. Foreigners and locals who were injured in hotel blasts were admitted to the Colombo General Hospital.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena expressed shock, deep pain and dismay over the brutal attacks on places of religious worship and other civilian establishments.

The President said he has instructed all law enforcement agencies and defence services to take every possible step to maintain law and order and conduct speedy investigations into the dastardly attack and bring the culprits and those who were behind this conspiracy to book.

"I have given instructions to take very stern action against the persons who are responsible for this conspiracy," the President said and added that all required steps have been taken to fulfil the responsibilities as a government.

Sirisena appealed to the nation to act with utmost restraint and patience, and not to be misled by baseless rumours and false stories. He also urged the people to extend unstinted support and cooperation to the government for the steps taken at this trying occasion.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe while condemning the attacks called upon all the Sri Lankans to remain united and said the government is taking immediate steps to contain the situation.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation," Wickremesinghe said.

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa condemning the attacks said whoever is behind the attacks must be dealt with immediately. He called on the stand together and rise up against it as one voice.

"It is absolutely barbaric to see such violent attacks on such a holy day. Whoever is behind these attacks must be dealt with immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones and all of Sri Lanka," Rajapaksa said.

"We will not tolerate such violence, such acts of terrorism, of cowardice within our borders once again. We will stand together and rise up against it as one voice. We will stand united as a nation," he said.

At least 140 people, including nine foreigners, were killed and over 400 were injured as the Christians in the country celebrated the Easter.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sri Lankan president, prime minister and other political leaders strongly condemned a series of coordinated bomb attacks on churches and hotels on Sunday that leftover 150 dead and urged people to be patient while vowing to bring to justice those responsible for the barbaric act.

Sri Lankan president, prime minister and other political leaders strongly condemned a series of coordinated bomb attacks on churches and hotels on Sunday that leftover 150 dead and urged people to be patient while vowing to bring to justice those responsible for the barbaric act. The blasts targeted 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 around 8.45 a.M. (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress. Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. Foreigners and locals who were injured in hotel blasts were admitted to the Colombo General Hospital. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena expressed shock, deep pain and dismay over the brutal attacks on places of religious worship and other civilian establishments. The President said he has instructed all law enforcement agencies and defence services to take every possible step to maintain law and order and conduct speedy investigations into the dastardly attack and bring the culprits and those who were behind this conspiracy to book. "I have given instructions to take very stern action against the persons who are responsible for this conspiracy," the President said and added that all required steps have been taken to fulfil the responsibilities as a government. Sirisena appealed to the nation to act with utmost restraint and patience, and not to be misled by baseless rumours and false stories. He also urged the people to extend unstinted support and cooperation to the government for the steps taken at this trying occasion. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe while condemning the attacks called upon all the Sri Lankans to remain united and said the government is taking immediate steps to contain the situation. "I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation," Wickremesinghe said. Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa condemning the attacks said whoever is behind the attacks must be dealt with immediately. He called on the stand together and rise up against it as one voice. "It is absolutely barbaric to see such violent attacks on such a holy day. Whoever is behind these attacks must be dealt with immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones and all of Sri Lanka," Rajapaksa said. "We will not tolerate such violence, such acts of terrorism, of cowardice within our borders once again. We will stand together and rise up against it as one voice. We will stand united as a nation," he said. At least 140 people, including nine foreigners, were killed and over 400 were injured as the Christians in the country celebrated the Easter.

Lanka PM, president condemn coordinated bomb attacks, urge countrymen to unite

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is currently on a private visit to Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh to offer prayers at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara Swamy.

The Sri Lankan President, accompanied by wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari, other family members and some of the Sri Lankan government officials, landed at Renigunta Airport, 20 kilometres from Tirumala, on Tuesday noon, The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) reported.

Sirisena was also scheduled to visit and offer prayers to the Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala on Wednesday, an official told the Sri Lankan daily.

He had visited the temple in August 2016 and February 2015, and this would be his third visit.

The President would also take part in the 'Suprabhatha'&nbsp;ritual at the Tirumala temple, the official added.

The President will fly to Bangalore after offering prayers.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is currently on a private visit to Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh to offer prayers at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara Swamy.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is currently on a private visit to Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh to offer prayers at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. The Sri Lankan President, accompanied by wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari, other family members and some of the Sri Lankan government officials, landed at Renigunta Airport, 20 kilometres from Tirumala, on Tuesday noon, The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) reported. Sirisena was also scheduled to visit and offer prayers to the Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala on Wednesday, an official told the Sri Lankan daily. He had visited the temple in August 2016 and February 2015, and this would be his third visit. The President would also take part in the 'Suprabhatha' ritual at the Tirumala temple, the official added. The President will fly to Bangalore after offering prayers.

Sri Lankan President Sirisena visits Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, offers prayers

The Sri Lankan government has released about 90 per cent of the military-acquired land belonging to the minority Tamil community held during the brutal civil war with the LTTE, President Maithripala Sirisena said as he seeks re-election.

At the end of the military conflict 10 years ago, some 84,675 acres of Tamil civilian land was under the military control and by the end of March 2019, some 71,178 acres of land have been released, Sirisena's office said in a statement on Thursday.

Accordingly, 13,497 acres of land is in the custody of the security forces, of which 11,039 acres of land are state-owned, it said.

Another 475 acres of land will be released in the near future, his office said, adding that the de-mining process to clear the land of mines was accelerated after President Sirisena assumed office in January 2015.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had launched a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the country for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

During the war, the military acquired thousands of acres of land owned by the Tamils near key security establishments coming under increasing threats by the LTTE's suicide squads.

For long, the Tamils and rights groups had been demanding the early release of the military-acquired land.

Sirisena, who became President in 2015 by defeating former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa, had promised to achieve national reconciliation with the Tamils who had supported him in the election.

A task force was established in August last year by the President to expedite the development of the north and the east that suffered most during the conflict.

The UN Human Rights Council last month reminded Sri Lanka to make progress on the 2015 resolution co-sponsored by Colombo.

Sirisena, who is seeking re-election, has made his intentions clear to win the Northern and Eastern provinces by the perceived swift action on releasing the land.

The elections must be held before early January next year.

The Tamils have expressed concern over the delay in implementing other measures needed for reconciliation.

The UN Human Rights Council has called for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the military conflict with the LTTE.

According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the 30-year-long separatist war which claimed at least 100,000 lives.

The Sri Lankan government has released about 90 per cent of the military-acquired land belonging to the minority Tamil community held during the brutal civil war with the LTTE, President Maithripala Sirisena said as he seeks re-election.

The Sri Lankan government has released about 90 per cent of the military-acquired land belonging to the minority Tamil community held during the brutal civil war with the LTTE, President Maithripala Sirisena said as he seeks re-election. At the end of the military conflict 10 years ago, some 84,675 acres of Tamil civilian land was under the military control and by the end of March 2019, some 71,178 acres of land have been released, Sirisena's office said in a statement on Thursday. Accordingly, 13,497 acres of land is in the custody of the security forces, of which 11,039 acres of land are state-owned, it said. Another 475 acres of land will be released in the near future, his office said, adding that the de-mining process to clear the land of mines was accelerated after President Sirisena assumed office in January 2015. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had launched a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the country for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. During the war, the military acquired thousands of acres of land owned by the Tamils near key security establishments coming under increasing threats by the LTTE's suicide squads. For long, the Tamils and rights groups had been demanding the early release of the military-acquired land. Sirisena, who became President in 2015 by defeating former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa, had promised to achieve national reconciliation with the Tamils who had supported him in the election. A task force was established in August last year by the President to expedite the development of the north and the east that suffered most during the conflict. The UN Human Rights Council last month reminded Sri Lanka to make progress on the 2015 resolution co-sponsored by Colombo. Sirisena, who is seeking re-election, has made his intentions clear to win the Northern and Eastern provinces by the perceived swift action on releasing the land. The elections must be held before early January next year. The Tamils have expressed concern over the delay in implementing other measures needed for reconciliation. The UN Human Rights Council has called for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the military conflict with the LTTE. According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the 30-year-long separatist war which claimed at least 100,000 lives.

Sri Lanka says 90% of military-acquired land of Tamils released

Sri Lanka began construction Sunday of a nearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-investment-board-says-oman-oil-keen-on-refinery-project-204708">$4 billion oil refinery it hopes will revive foreign interest</a> in its shipping facilities after Beijing's takeover of a nearby port spooked international investors.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Hambantota, a district in Sri Lanka's south which lies on one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, would become a global investment hub with the addition of the oil refinery and storage complex.

The $3.85 billion projects are the single largest foreign investment in Sri Lanka's history. It is jointly funded by Oman and Singapore-registered Silver Park International, a company owned by an Indian business family.

The oil facility is near the port of Hambantota, which was controversially leased to a Chinese state-owned firm in 2017 for 99 years after Sri Lanka failed to service a loan from Beijing.

The circumstances surrounding China's acquisition of the port generated concern in neighbouring India and beyond over Beijing's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean.

But the government pointed to this new line of cash pouring into the region as proof foreign investors were not deterred by that experience.

"The interest was shown by the Oman government, the interest shown by many other investors from other parts of the world shows that Hambantota will become a truly international investment zone," Wickremesinghe said Sunday.

Wickremesinghe also said he hoped to strike a deal within three months with Indian airport authorities to revive a $210 million airport in Hambantota dubbed the "world's emptiest" international terminal for its lack of flights.

The oil storage tanks are expected to be completed within two years while the refinery is due to be up and running by 2023.

Once fully operational the refinery -- the second in Sri Lanka -- is to export nine million tonnes of petroleum products annually.&nbsp;

The Indian Ocean island nation does not have oil of its own. It refines imported crude, but the existing refinery is unable to meet demand.

The Hambantota port was built by former president Mahinda Rajapakse, but like many of his ambitious infrastructure projects it ended up a white elephant.

Unable to service the loan, the Wickremesinghe government in 2017 leased the Chinese-built port to a Beijing company for $1.12 billion.

This stoked controversy, with Beijing rejecting suggestions it ensnared Sri Lanka in a "debt trap" to acquire the port.

Several major foreign-backed projects were put on hold last year amid a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena's aborted bid to remove Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka began construction Sunday of a nearly $4 billion oil refinery it hopes will revive foreign interest in its shipping facilities after Beijing's takeover of a nearby port spooked international investors.

Sri Lanka began construction Sunday of a nearly $4 billion oil refinery it hopes will revive foreign interest in its shipping facilities after Beijing's takeover of a nearby port spooked international investors. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Hambantota, a district in Sri Lanka's south which lies on one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, would become a global investment hub with the addition of the oil refinery and storage complex. The $3.85 billion projects are the single largest foreign investment in Sri Lanka's history. It is jointly funded by Oman and Singapore-registered Silver Park International, a company owned by an Indian business family. The oil facility is near the port of Hambantota, which was controversially leased to a Chinese state-owned firm in 2017 for 99 years after Sri Lanka failed to service a loan from Beijing. The circumstances surrounding China's acquisition of the port generated concern in neighbouring India and beyond over Beijing's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean. But the government pointed to this new line of cash pouring into the region as proof foreign investors were not deterred by that experience. "The interest was shown by the Oman government, the interest shown by many other investors from other parts of the world shows that Hambantota will become a truly international investment zone," Wickremesinghe said Sunday. Wickremesinghe also said he hoped to strike a deal within three months with Indian airport authorities to revive a $210 million airport in Hambantota dubbed the "world's emptiest" international terminal for its lack of flights. The oil storage tanks are expected to be completed within two years while the refinery is due to be up and running by 2023. Once fully operational the refinery -- the second in Sri Lanka -- is to export nine million tonnes of petroleum products annually. The Indian Ocean island nation does not have oil of its own. It refines imported crude, but the existing refinery is unable to meet demand. The Hambantota port was built by former president Mahinda Rajapakse, but like many of his ambitious infrastructure projects it ended up a white elephant. Unable to service the loan, the Wickremesinghe government in 2017 leased the Chinese-built port to a Beijing company for $1.12 billion. This stoked controversy, with Beijing rejecting suggestions it ensnared Sri Lanka in a "debt trap" to acquire the port. Several major foreign-backed projects were put on hold last year amid a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena's aborted bid to remove Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka opens work on $3.85 billion refinery near strategic port

Singapore rejected Wednesday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-relents-on-war-crimes-probe-203169"> Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a>'s allegation it was sheltering a former central bank chief wanted for fraud, saying Colombo failed to provide documents to support its extradition request.

Sirisena on Monday accused Singapore of sheltering Arjuna Mahendran, one of his country's former central bank chiefs wanted in connection with a high-profile $74 million insider trading scam.

Sirisena said he appealed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in January to return Mahendran, who is believed to be in Singapore, but claimed nothing had been done.

Mahendran, a Singapore national of Sri Lankan origin, was accused in 2015 of passing sensitive information to his bond-dealer son-in-law to make millions.

The pair are accused of manipulating bond auctions in 2015 and 2016, causing losses of over $11 million to the state.

A spokesperson for Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said authorities in the city-state have been cooperating with their Sri Lankan counterparts on the case since January.

However, Sri Lanka's request to return Mahendran "lacked certain information required under Singapore’s extradition laws" and the city-state has requested Colombo to provide them, the spokesperson told AFP.

"To date, Singapore has not yet received the requested supporting information and documents," the spokesperson said.

"We look forward to receiving the requested information from Sri Lanka, so that we can consider the request further in accordance with our laws."

Singapore can extradite fugitives to declared Commonwealth countries, which include Sri Lanka.

In February last year, Mahendran was named a key suspect in the multi-million dollar bond scam in Sri Lanka. He fled abroad, failing to appear in court to respond to charges.

A damning presidential report into the scandal accused Mahendran of insider trading and recommended the state recover its losses from Mahendran and his son-in-law.

Sri Lanka's central bank also launched a forensic audit to ascertain the extent of insider trading during Mahendran's tenure at the bank.

The fallout deepened acrimony between Sirisena and his coalition partner Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who handpicked Mahendran to head the central bank in 2015.

The pair's strained relationship collapsed entirely in late 2018, when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe, plunging the country into political chaos as both men competed for power.

Wickremesinghe was reappointed after months of limbo when the Supreme Court intervened and ruled that Sirisena had acted outside the constitution by dismissing the prime minister and parliament.

Singapore rejected Wednesday Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's allegation it was sheltering a former central bank chief wanted for fraud, saying Colombo failed to provide documents to support its extradition request.

Singapore rejected Wednesday Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's allegation it was sheltering a former central bank chief wanted for fraud, saying Colombo failed to provide documents to support its extradition request. Sirisena on Monday accused Singapore of sheltering Arjuna Mahendran, one of his country's former central bank chiefs wanted in connection with a high-profile $74 million insider trading scam. Sirisena said he appealed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in January to return Mahendran, who is believed to be in Singapore, but claimed nothing had been done. Mahendran, a Singapore national of Sri Lankan origin, was accused in 2015 of passing sensitive information to his bond-dealer son-in-law to make millions. The pair are accused of manipulating bond auctions in 2015 and 2016, causing losses of over $11 million to the state. A spokesperson for Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said authorities in the city-state have been cooperating with their Sri Lankan counterparts on the case since January. However, Sri Lanka's request to return Mahendran "lacked certain information required under Singapore’s extradition laws" and the city-state has requested Colombo to provide them, the spokesperson told AFP. "To date, Singapore has not yet received the requested supporting information and documents," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to receiving the requested information from Sri Lanka, so that we can consider the request further in accordance with our laws." Singapore can extradite fugitives to declared Commonwealth countries, which include Sri Lanka. In February last year, Mahendran was named a key suspect in the multi-million dollar bond scam in Sri Lanka. He fled abroad, failing to appear in court to respond to charges. A damning presidential report into the scandal accused Mahendran of insider trading and recommended the state recover its losses from Mahendran and his son-in-law. Sri Lanka's central bank also launched a forensic audit to ascertain the extent of insider trading during Mahendran's tenure at the bank. The fallout deepened acrimony between Sirisena and his coalition partner Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who handpicked Mahendran to head the central bank in 2015. The pair's strained relationship collapsed entirely in late 2018, when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe, plunging the country into political chaos as both men competed for power. Wickremesinghe was reappointed after months of limbo when the Supreme Court intervened and ruled that Sirisena had acted outside the constitution by dismissing the prime minister and parliament.

Singapore rejects Sri Lankan President's allegation on trading scam suspect

Sri Lanka's president backed down Wednesday from a refusal to ask the UN rights body for more time to probe war crimes during the island nation's brutal civil conflict.

Sri Lankan government troops were accused of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year guerrilla war that ended in May 2009.

A 2015 UN Human Rights Council resolution gave Sri Lanka 18 months to establish a credible investigation. Colombo secured a two-year extension in 2017 that expires this month.

Maithripala Sirisena said last week that he did not want another extension, saying that he did not want to "dig up the past and re-open old wounds."

This triggered a rift with the government led by Sirisena's rival Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, which said it would send a separate delegation to a meeting of the UN rights body in Geneva next week.

Legislator Mahinda Samarasinghe, a spokesman for Sirisena, said the president has now changed his mind.

"I told the President that we can't have two delegations and that was accepted," Samarasinghe said. "A representative of the president will go to Geneva, but as a member of a delegation headed by the Foreign Minister."

Top UN diplomats had expressed concern over "worryingly slow" progress by Colombo. Over 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's 37-year-old Tamil separatist war.

The UN has acknowledged that Colombo made some positive advances on constitutional and legal reforms, limited land restitution and symbolic gestures towards reconciliation.

But it has also cautioned that the measures taken under Sirisena were inadequate, lacked coordination and a sense of urgency.

Sri Lanka's president backed down Wednesday from a refusal to ask the UN rights body for more time to probe war crimes during the island nation's brutal civil conflict.

Sri Lanka's president backed down Wednesday from a refusal to ask the UN rights body for more time to probe war crimes during the island nation's brutal civil conflict. Sri Lankan government troops were accused of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year guerrilla war that ended in May 2009. A 2015 UN Human Rights Council resolution gave Sri Lanka 18 months to establish a credible investigation. Colombo secured a two-year extension in 2017 that expires this month. Maithripala Sirisena said last week that he did not want another extension, saying that he did not want to "dig up the past and re-open old wounds." This triggered a rift with the government led by Sirisena's rival Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, which said it would send a separate delegation to a meeting of the UN rights body in Geneva next week. Legislator Mahinda Samarasinghe, a spokesman for Sirisena, said the president has now changed his mind. "I told the President that we can't have two delegations and that was accepted," Samarasinghe said. "A representative of the president will go to Geneva, but as a member of a delegation headed by the Foreign Minister." Top UN diplomats had expressed concern over "worryingly slow" progress by Colombo. Over 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's 37-year-old Tamil separatist war. The UN has acknowledged that Colombo made some positive advances on constitutional and legal reforms, limited land restitution and symbolic gestures towards reconciliation. But it has also cautioned that the measures taken under Sirisena were inadequate, lacked coordination and a sense of urgency.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena relents on war crimes probe

Sri Lanka's parliament on Tuesday approved the cash-strapped country's 2019 budget, which had been delayed by four months due to a power struggle triggered by President Maithripala Sirisena dismissing the premier.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera secured an absolute majority in the 225-member house despite threats from the opposition to defeat the budget and topple the government.

Samaraweera on Tuesday eased some of the import restrictions on vehicles for government servants, saying the country's foreign exchange reserves had improved since the crisis.

The budget was due in early November, but it was scuttled when President Maithripala Sirisena sacked his coalition government on October 26 and sparked an unprecedented power struggle.

It was originally due to be unveiled on November 5.

With no spending approved by parliament by the start of 2019, the country was on the brink of defaulting on a $1.5 billion foreign loan repayment due in January.&nbsp;

However, the supreme court intervened and restored the government, which rushed through an interim budget in December to clear the way to meet its foreign debt servicing obligations.

Samaraweera told parliament that confidence in Sri Lanka's economy suffered a serious blow due to the power struggle, and a massive amount of foreign capital left the country during the political crisis.

"The damage to the country's economy during those 52 days is immeasurable," Samaraweera said. "Over a billion dollars in foreign capital left the country at the time."

Sirisena is now in an uneasy cohabitation with his estranged Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The crisis led to three credit downgrades for Sri Lanka, making international borrowing more expensive for the island. However, the International Monetary Fund earlier this month revived a $1.5 billion bailout as the government consolidated its hold on power.

Unveiling the delayed budget a week ago, Samaraweera sharply raised taxes on alcohol, tobacco and gambling to pay for public sector salary increases and subsidised loans for small businesses.

He denied that concessions were aimed at national elections due later this year.

Sri Lanka's economy grew by just 3.0 per cent last year -- the slowest expansion in 17 years -- according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The IMF said it expected Sri Lanka's growth to improve to 3.5 per cent in 2019.

Sri Lanka's parliament on Tuesday approved the cash-strapped country's 2019 budget, which had been delayed by four months due to a power struggle triggered by President Maithripala Sirisena dismissing the premier.

Sri Lanka's parliament on Tuesday approved the cash-strapped country's 2019 budget, which had been delayed by four months due to a power struggle triggered by President Maithripala Sirisena dismissing the premier. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera secured an absolute majority in the 225-member house despite threats from the opposition to defeat the budget and topple the government. Samaraweera on Tuesday eased some of the import restrictions on vehicles for government servants, saying the country's foreign exchange reserves had improved since the crisis. The budget was due in early November, but it was scuttled when President Maithripala Sirisena sacked his coalition government on October 26 and sparked an unprecedented power struggle. It was originally due to be unveiled on November 5. With no spending approved by parliament by the start of 2019, the country was on the brink of defaulting on a $1.5 billion foreign loan repayment due in January. However, the supreme court intervened and restored the government, which rushed through an interim budget in December to clear the way to meet its foreign debt servicing obligations. Samaraweera told parliament that confidence in Sri Lanka's economy suffered a serious blow due to the power struggle, and a massive amount of foreign capital left the country during the political crisis. "The damage to the country's economy during those 52 days is immeasurable," Samaraweera said. "Over a billion dollars in foreign capital left the country at the time." Sirisena is now in an uneasy cohabitation with his estranged Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The crisis led to three credit downgrades for Sri Lanka, making international borrowing more expensive for the island. However, the International Monetary Fund earlier this month revived a $1.5 billion bailout as the government consolidated its hold on power. Unveiling the delayed budget a week ago, Samaraweera sharply raised taxes on alcohol, tobacco and gambling to pay for public sector salary increases and subsidised loans for small businesses. He denied that concessions were aimed at national elections due later this year. Sri Lanka's economy grew by just 3.0 per cent last year -- the slowest expansion in 17 years -- according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The IMF said it expected Sri Lanka's growth to improve to 3.5 per cent in 2019.

Sri Lanka parliament finally approves 2019 budget

Sri Lanka's communist party JVP Saturday said the time was right to bring in the 20th amendment to the Constitution to abolish the all-powerful executive presidential system of governance.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the main mover of the motion seeking to abolish of the presidency, held a series of discussions with the main opposition leader and Sri Lanka's former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to seek his support to bring in the 20th amendment to abolish the executive presidency.

"He (Rajapaksa) was for the idea of abolishing it," senior JVP leader Bimal Ratnayake said.

He claimed that all current leaders Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were afraid of facing another presidential election.

"All of them know they can't win it. So they all will support it," Ratnayake said.

He said it was an opportune time to abolish the executive presidency which has been in existence since 1978.

Rajapaksa, who is constitutionally barred from contesting again to become president, has supported the proposal. His supporters, however, have expressed public opposition to abolishing the presidency.

They want Rajapaksa's brother Gotabaya to contest it as Rajapaksa will be constitutionally barred from running for president again.

Ratnayake said both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe want to dodge holding the provincial elections which have fallen due.

"If we can adopt 20th amendment then there will be no need to hold another presidential election. A parliamentary election can be held thereafter," he said.

The Sinhala-majority political parties, however, will face stiff resistance from the minority Muslim and Tamil parties for abolishing the presidency.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem said his party would strongly object to abolishing the presidency.

"When the whole country is considered as one electorate to elect a president, the minority vote will become important, so we will be politically valued. That is why we would not allow JVP to change it," Hakeem said.

Since the introduction of the presidential system in 1978, every election which ensued was fought on the promise to abolish the presidency.

However, once elected all presidents chose to ignore the election promise.

Rajapaksa was elected twice as President. In 2010, he adopted an amendment to the Constitution allowing him to contest any number of times to be president.

Sirisena's current government in 2015 through the nineteenth amendment to the Constitution restored the two-term limit. This means Rajapaksa cannot become President again.

With his new party's unexpected win in the local council elections held February, the former strongman presses for an early parliamentary poll ahead of its 2020 August schedule.

However, the next election which is due is the presidential election which must be held by January of 2020. P

Sri Lanka's communist party JVP Saturday said the time was right to bring in the 20th amendment to the Constitution to abolish the all-powerful executive presidential system of governance.

Sri Lanka's communist party JVP Saturday said the time was right to bring in the 20th amendment to the Constitution to abolish the all-powerful executive presidential system of governance. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the main mover of the motion seeking to abolish of the presidency, held a series of discussions with the main opposition leader and Sri Lanka's former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to seek his support to bring in the 20th amendment to abolish the executive presidency. "He (Rajapaksa) was for the idea of abolishing it," senior JVP leader Bimal Ratnayake said. He claimed that all current leaders Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were afraid of facing another presidential election. "All of them know they can't win it. So they all will support it," Ratnayake said. He said it was an opportune time to abolish the executive presidency which has been in existence since 1978. Rajapaksa, who is constitutionally barred from contesting again to become president, has supported the proposal. His supporters, however, have expressed public opposition to abolishing the presidency. They want Rajapaksa's brother Gotabaya to contest it as Rajapaksa will be constitutionally barred from running for president again. Ratnayake said both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe want to dodge holding the provincial elections which have fallen due. "If we can adopt 20th amendment then there will be no need to hold another presidential election. A parliamentary election can be held thereafter," he said. The Sinhala-majority political parties, however, will face stiff resistance from the minority Muslim and Tamil parties for abolishing the presidency. Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem said his party would strongly object to abolishing the presidency. "When the whole country is considered as one electorate to elect a president, the minority vote will become important, so we will be politically valued. That is why we would not allow JVP to change it," Hakeem said. Since the introduction of the presidential system in 1978, every election which ensued was fought on the promise to abolish the presidency. However, once elected all presidents chose to ignore the election promise. Rajapaksa was elected twice as President. In 2010, he adopted an amendment to the Constitution allowing him to contest any number of times to be president. Sirisena's current government in 2015 through the nineteenth amendment to the Constitution restored the two-term limit. This means Rajapaksa cannot become President again. With his new party's unexpected win in the local council elections held February, the former strongman presses for an early parliamentary poll ahead of its 2020 August schedule. However, the next election which is due is the presidential election which must be held by January of 2020. P

Right time to abolish Sri Lanka's presidential system of governance: Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena went back Wednesday on pledges to investigate war-time atrocities, saying he did not want to "re-open old wounds" but sparked a rift with his cohabitation government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-raises-sin-taxes-ahead-of-elections-201474">Sri Lankan government</a> troops were accused of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year guerrilla war that ended in May 2009.

Sirisena said he will formally ask the United Nations Human Rights Council to reconsider a 2015 resolution which called for credible investigations into alleged atrocities.

"It is a decade since we have established peace in this country," Sirisena told reporters at his official residence in Colombo. "I want to tell them (the UN) not to pressure us."

"What I want to tell them is don't dig the past and re-open old wounds. Let us forget the past and ensure that we all live in peace."

Within hours of his remarks, Sirisena's cohabitation government sought to distance itself from his stance and said the administration of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will remain engaged with the UN on war crimes.

The foreign ministry, which is under the prime minister, said it will back a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on March 20 seeking a further two-year extension for Sri Lanka to deliver on promises of accountability.

"A further extension of two years through a co-sponsored roll-over resolution accordingly needs to be viewed in this backdrop," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Crisis&nbsp; 
Sirisena and his government have been at loggerheads since he sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and called a fresh election, sparking a major political crisis.

But the Supreme Court held that the president's action was illegal and restored the status quo.

Exactly two years ago, Sirisena bought two years from the UN rights body after a previous deadline ended without any progress in bringing war criminals to justice.

A UN Human Rights Council resolution in October 2015 granted Sri Lanka 18 months to establish a credible investigation. The two-year extension expires this month with no results.

Sirisena said he will send three of his senior party members to the UNHRC sessions in Geneva this month to plead on his behalf.

"I hope they (the UN) will respond positively," Sirisena said. The Sri Lankan government is set to send its own delegation in addition to the team of Sirisena.

Despite previous pledges to the UN, Sirisena has not set up any investigation.

Top UN diplomats had expressed concern over "worryingly slow" progress by Colombo. Over 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's 37-year-old Tamil separatist war.

Sirisena, a member of the majority Sinhalese community, received the support of the Tamil minority after promising accountability for excesses carried out by the largely Sinhalese military.

The UN has acknowledged that Colombo made some positive advances on constitutional and legal reforms, limited land restitution and symbolic gestures towards reconciliation.

But it has also cautioned that the measures taken under Sirisena were inadequate, lacked coordination and a sense of urgency.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena went back Wednesday on pledges to investigate war-time atrocities, saying he did not want to "re-open old wounds" but sparked a rift with his cohabitation government.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena went back Wednesday on pledges to investigate war-time atrocities, saying he did not want to "re-open old wounds" but sparked a rift with his cohabitation government. Sri Lankan government troops were accused of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year guerrilla war that ended in May 2009. Sirisena said he will formally ask the United Nations Human Rights Council to reconsider a 2015 resolution which called for credible investigations into alleged atrocities. "It is a decade since we have established peace in this country," Sirisena told reporters at his official residence in Colombo. "I want to tell them (the UN) not to pressure us." "What I want to tell them is don't dig the past and re-open old wounds. Let us forget the past and ensure that we all live in peace." Within hours of his remarks, Sirisena's cohabitation government sought to distance itself from his stance and said the administration of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will remain engaged with the UN on war crimes. The foreign ministry, which is under the prime minister, said it will back a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on March 20 seeking a further two-year extension for Sri Lanka to deliver on promises of accountability. "A further extension of two years through a co-sponsored roll-over resolution accordingly needs to be viewed in this backdrop," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Crisis Sirisena and his government have been at loggerheads since he sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and called a fresh election, sparking a major political crisis. But the Supreme Court held that the president's action was illegal and restored the status quo. Exactly two years ago, Sirisena bought two years from the UN rights body after a previous deadline ended without any progress in bringing war criminals to justice. A UN Human Rights Council resolution in October 2015 granted Sri Lanka 18 months to establish a credible investigation. The two-year extension expires this month with no results. Sirisena said he will send three of his senior party members to the UNHRC sessions in Geneva this month to plead on his behalf. "I hope they (the UN) will respond positively," Sirisena said. The Sri Lankan government is set to send its own delegation in addition to the team of Sirisena. Despite previous pledges to the UN, Sirisena has not set up any investigation. Top UN diplomats had expressed concern over "worryingly slow" progress by Colombo. Over 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's 37-year-old Tamil separatist war. Sirisena, a member of the majority Sinhalese community, received the support of the Tamil minority after promising accountability for excesses carried out by the largely Sinhalese military. The UN has acknowledged that Colombo made some positive advances on constitutional and legal reforms, limited land restitution and symbolic gestures towards reconciliation. But it has also cautioned that the measures taken under Sirisena were inadequate, lacked coordination and a sense of urgency.

Sri Lanka president Sirisena pledges to investigate war-time atrocities

Sri Lankan police told a court on Wednesday they would not press charges against an Indian national over an alleged and discredited plot to kill the president due to lack of evidence, bringing a political drama to a low-key finale.

Inaction over the plot resulted in President Maithripala Sirisena ordering the removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and dissolving parliament in November, replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Supreme Court ruled the move unconstitutional, forcing Sisrisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe in December, ending a brief period of chaos in the South Asian island nation.

"There is no sufficient evidence to file charges against him and we will not file charges against him," S. Wijesuriya, an investigating official, told the Colombo Magistrate Court.

The court, however, ordered the Indian, Marsili Thomas from Kerala, to remain in custody for two weeks as police probe an allegation that he overstayed his visa.

Thomas, who was silent throughout the hearing, was arrested in September over the alleged plot after an Indian newspaper reported that Sirisena had accused India's intelligence services of involvement.

Both New Delhi and Colombo have since rejected claims made in the report.

Sri Lankan police told a court on Wednesday they would not press charges against an Indian national over an alleged and discredited plot to kill the president due to lack of evidence, bringing a political drama to a low-key finale.

Sri Lankan police told a court on Wednesday they would not press charges against an Indian national over an alleged and discredited plot to kill the president due to lack of evidence, bringing a political drama to a low-key finale. Inaction over the plot resulted in President Maithripala Sirisena ordering the removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and dissolving parliament in November, replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Supreme Court ruled the move unconstitutional, forcing Sisrisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe in December, ending a brief period of chaos in the South Asian island nation. "There is no sufficient evidence to file charges against him and we will not file charges against him," S. Wijesuriya, an investigating official, told the Colombo Magistrate Court. The court, however, ordered the Indian, Marsili Thomas from Kerala, to remain in custody for two weeks as police probe an allegation that he overstayed his visa. Thomas, who was silent throughout the hearing, was arrested in September over the alleged plot after an Indian newspaper reported that Sirisena had accused India's intelligence services of involvement. Both New Delhi and Colombo have since rejected claims made in the report.

Sri Lankan police drop case in discredited plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena

Sri Lanka's central bank unexpectedly slashed banks' statutory reserve ratio on Friday to spur credit growth as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-secures-1-billion-chinese-loan-156873">policymakers struggle to boost the island's faltering economy</a> after a political crisis.

Economic growth cooled to a 17-year low of around 3 per cent in 2018, central bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said after the policy decision, adding that it will pick up to about 4 per cent this year.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) cut the statutory reserve ratio (SRR) by 100 basis points to 5 per cent effective March 1, while leaving its two key monetary policy rates steady, saying they were "appropriate". Analysts polled by Reuters had expected all three to be left unchanged.

The SRR cut would inject 60 billion rupees (334.45 million) into the financial system, the central bank said.

"The (Monetary) Board was of the view that some policy intervention by the Central Bank to address the large and persistent liquidity deficit in the domestic money market is warranted," the central bank said in a statement.

It said liquidity has remained tight despite a 150 bps cut in the statutory reserve ratio in mid-November.

Private-sector credit grew 15.9 per cent in December from a year earlier, slowing from a 16.2 per cent pace in December 2017, central bank data showed.

"The surprise cut appears to be targeted at addressing the persistent liquidity deficit issues faced by banks over the last few quarters, rather than an active signal of monetary easing," said Trisha Peries, product head of economic research at Frontier Research.

Sri Lanka started discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week on extending a $1.5 billion loan.

The talks were delayed after a political crisis erupted in October.

President Maithripala Sirisena's abrupt change of prime minister and decision to dissolve parliament created panic and uncertainty among investors, who dumped Sri Lankan government bonds and other assets, sending the rupee currency to record lows.

The move was later ruled unconstitutional and Ranil Wickremesinghe was reinstated as prime minister after 51 days.

Analysts who had expected no change in the central bank's stance had pointed to an easing of political and financial market pressure.. The rupee has rebounded 1.8 per cent against the dollar since hitting an all-time low of 183.00 on Jan. 3, while foreigners have resumed buying government bonds.

Wickremesinghe's government aims to focus on economic growth, which has been sluggish due to tight policies, ahead of a presidential poll later this year and general election in 2020.

Coomaraswamy also said the central bank "is doing the paperwork" on a yuan swap agreement with the People's Bank of China equivalent to $1.5 billion, along with a $400 million swap from Reserve Bank of India and another from Qatar as Sri Lanka struggles to repay a record $5.9 billion foreign loan due this year.

Sri Lanka's central bank unexpectedly slashed banks' statutory reserve ratio on Friday to spur credit growth as policymakers struggle to boost the island's faltering economy after a political crisis.

Sri Lanka's central bank unexpectedly slashed banks' statutory reserve ratio on Friday to spur credit growth as policymakers struggle to boost the island's faltering economy after a political crisis. Economic growth cooled to a 17-year low of around 3 per cent in 2018, central bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said after the policy decision, adding that it will pick up to about 4 per cent this year. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) cut the statutory reserve ratio (SRR) by 100 basis points to 5 per cent effective March 1, while leaving its two key monetary policy rates steady, saying they were "appropriate". Analysts polled by Reuters had expected all three to be left unchanged. The SRR cut would inject 60 billion rupees (334.45 million) into the financial system, the central bank said. "The (Monetary) Board was of the view that some policy intervention by the Central Bank to address the large and persistent liquidity deficit in the domestic money market is warranted," the central bank said in a statement. It said liquidity has remained tight despite a 150 bps cut in the statutory reserve ratio in mid-November. Private-sector credit grew 15.9 per cent in December from a year earlier, slowing from a 16.2 per cent pace in December 2017, central bank data showed. "The surprise cut appears to be targeted at addressing the persistent liquidity deficit issues faced by banks over the last few quarters, rather than an active signal of monetary easing," said Trisha Peries, product head of economic research at Frontier Research. Sri Lanka started discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week on extending a $1.5 billion loan. The talks were delayed after a political crisis erupted in October. President Maithripala Sirisena's abrupt change of prime minister and decision to dissolve parliament created panic and uncertainty among investors, who dumped Sri Lankan government bonds and other assets, sending the rupee currency to record lows. The move was later ruled unconstitutional and Ranil Wickremesinghe was reinstated as prime minister after 51 days. Analysts who had expected no change in the central bank's stance had pointed to an easing of political and financial market pressure.. The rupee has rebounded 1.8 per cent against the dollar since hitting an all-time low of 183.00 on Jan. 3, while foreigners have resumed buying government bonds. Wickremesinghe's government aims to focus on economic growth, which has been sluggish due to tight policies, ahead of a presidential poll later this year and general election in 2020. Coomaraswamy also said the central bank "is doing the paperwork" on a yuan swap agreement with the People's Bank of China equivalent to $1.5 billion, along with a $400 million swap from Reserve Bank of India and another from Qatar as Sri Lanka struggles to repay a record $5.9 billion foreign loan due this year.

Sri Lanka central bank cuts banks' liquidity ratio to spur loan growth

The Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has flagged off a new train supplied by India over the weekend.&nbsp;

The train, self-propelled Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), was procured under Indian concessional financing by Sri Lanka Railways.&nbsp;

The train made its maiden journey from Fort Station in Colombo to Kankesanthurai Station in Jaffna.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Transport minister Arjuna Ranatunga And Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Later the President &amp; High Commissioner travelled on board the train for some time.

According to a release by the Indian mission in Sri Lanka," the train set has best-in-class passenger amenities with fully rotating seats in the Air-Conditioned Chair Cars, on-board Infotainment system, GPS-based passenger information system and modular interiors."

The train can travel at a maximum speed of 120 kmph.

In March of 2017, India's Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) and Sri Lankan Railways signed a contract for the supply of 6 DMUs and 10 locomotives to Sri Lanka Railways.&nbsp;

The total contract, worth around US$ 100 million is financed under Indian concessional financing.&nbsp;

The first set of DMU arrived in Sri Lanka in December 2018 ahead of schedule.&nbsp;

The supply of rest of DMUs and locomotives will be complete during the course of this year.&nbsp;

India has committed Lines of Credit worth around $1.3 billion for development of railway sector in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

New Delhi is helping restore rail networks in north and south of the country devasted due to decades of conflict through Indian concessional financing and the Southern Railway line which was impacted by the tsunami is being upgraded under Indian Line of Credit.

Under a line of credit of $167.4 million, the tsunami-damaged Colombo-Matara rail link has been repaired.

The Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has flagged off a new train supplied by India over the weekend. The train, self-propelled Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), was procured under Indian concessional financing by Sri Lanka Railways.

The Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has flagged off a new train supplied by India over the weekend. The train, self-propelled Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), was procured under Indian concessional financing by Sri Lanka Railways. The train made its maiden journey from Fort Station in Colombo to Kankesanthurai Station in Jaffna. Sri Lankan Transport minister Arjuna Ranatunga And Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu were also present on the occasion. Later the President & High Commissioner travelled on board the train for some time. According to a release by the Indian mission in Sri Lanka," the train set has best-in-class passenger amenities with fully rotating seats in the Air-Conditioned Chair Cars, on-board Infotainment system, GPS-based passenger information system and modular interiors." The train can travel at a maximum speed of 120 kmph. In March of 2017, India's Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) and Sri Lankan Railways signed a contract for the supply of 6 DMUs and 10 locomotives to Sri Lanka Railways. The total contract, worth around US$ 100 million is financed under Indian concessional financing. The first set of DMU arrived in Sri Lanka in December 2018 ahead of schedule. The supply of rest of DMUs and locomotives will be complete during the course of this year. India has committed Lines of Credit worth around $1.3 billion for development of railway sector in Sri Lanka. New Delhi is helping restore rail networks in north and south of the country devasted due to decades of conflict through Indian concessional financing and the Southern Railway line which was impacted by the tsunami is being upgraded under Indian Line of Credit. Under a line of credit of $167.4 million, the tsunami-damaged Colombo-Matara rail link has been repaired.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena flags off new trains supplied by India