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

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-president-sparks-outrage-for-calling-god-stupid-147127">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world".

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sirisena-keeps-control-of-police-as-lanka-political-crisis-festers-187245">Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard".

Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate".

"No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights".

The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully.

On Friday, the presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash".

Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence.

More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign.

International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said.

Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed.

Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte.

"We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said.

A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte that he wanted to 'follow your footsteps to control this hazard'.

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world". Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard". Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate". "No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights". The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully. On Friday, the presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash". Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence. More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign. International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said. Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed. Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte. "We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said. A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Activists decry Sri Lankan president's praise for Duterte's drugs war

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world".

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard".

Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate".

"No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights".

The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully.

On Friday, presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash".

Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence.

More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign.

International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said.

Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN&nbsp;resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed.

Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte.

"We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through a rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said.

A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world".

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world". Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard". Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate". "No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights". The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully. On Friday, presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash". Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence. More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign. International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said. Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed. Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte. "We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through a rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said. A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy on Wednesday said that the nearly two-month-long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy.

President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move on October 26 to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. However, a Supreme court verdict forced Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe.

Due to the political crisis, the big three credit rating agencies -- Fitch Ratings, Standard &amp; Poor's (S&amp;P) and Moody's -- downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating.

"Political developments, compounded by concerns regarding fiscal slippage in the lead up to the elections, were significant causal factors in the decisions of all three major rating agencies to downgrade Sri Lanka's sovereign ratings. This, in turn, negatively affected investor confidence," Coomaraswamy said while presenting the Central Bank's economic roadmap for 2019.

"In the short term, a significant impact on the economy," he said, adding that it was difficult to quantify the economic damage.

Coomaraswamy said the IMF had held back discussions on Lanka's next loan tranche due to the political crisis.

After completion of the IMF's fifth review, Lanka would expect to receive the sixth tranche of about USD 250 million. The total loan was expected to have been disbursed with a seventh tranche by mid-2019. Sri Lanka is hoping to complete a 3-year programme with the IMF this year.

Coomaraswamy said he was hoping for better economic growth in 2019 than the modest 3 per cent recorded in 2018.

Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy on Wednesday said that the nearly two-month-long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy.

Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy on Wednesday said that the nearly two-month-long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy. President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move on October 26 to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. However, a Supreme court verdict forced Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe. Due to the political crisis, the big three credit rating agencies -- Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's -- downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating. "Political developments, compounded by concerns regarding fiscal slippage in the lead up to the elections, were significant causal factors in the decisions of all three major rating agencies to downgrade Sri Lanka's sovereign ratings. This, in turn, negatively affected investor confidence," Coomaraswamy said while presenting the Central Bank's economic roadmap for 2019. "In the short term, a significant impact on the economy," he said, adding that it was difficult to quantify the economic damage. Coomaraswamy said the IMF had held back discussions on Lanka's next loan tranche due to the political crisis. After completion of the IMF's fifth review, Lanka would expect to receive the sixth tranche of about USD 250 million. The total loan was expected to have been disbursed with a seventh tranche by mid-2019. Sri Lanka is hoping to complete a 3-year programme with the IMF this year. Coomaraswamy said he was hoping for better economic growth in 2019 than the modest 3 per cent recorded in 2018.

Lanka's political crisis adversely impacted economy: Central Bank Governor