Sri Lanka's president on Tuesday vowed a major shake-up of the military's top brass in the wake of the deadly Easter suicide bombings, after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-had-provided-specific-intelligence-on-attack-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-213001">government admitted warnings</a> were ignored.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">defence and law and order minister</a>, said he will carry out a complete reorganisation of the security forces and the police under his control.

"I hope to make major changes in the leadership of the security forces in the next 24 hours," the president said in a nationwide address.

"The restructuring of the security forces and the police will be completed within a week."

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that police had intelligence about the suicide strikes against churches and luxury hotels before the bombings on Sunday, but failed to act on it.&nbsp;

More than 300 people have been killed in the attack with over 500 injured.

An investigation was underway to establish why police did not share intelligence with Wickremesinghe's office, he told reporters on Tuesday, shortly before the president's address.

Meanwhile, The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the series of bombings at three Catholic churches and three high-end hotels, and released a photo of the men it said were responsible.

It came after Sri Lanka's government said initial investigations suggested the attack had been carried out as "retaliation" for shootings at two mosques in New Zealand last month that killed 50 people.

The Sri Lankan government had already pointed the figure at a little-known local Islamic extremist group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), but said it was investigating whether they had international support.

"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," a statement released by the group's propaganda agency Amaq said.

Sri Lanka's president on Tuesday vowed a major shake-up of the military's top brass in the wake of the deadly Easter suicide bombings, after the government admitted warnings were ignored.

Sri Lanka's president on Tuesday vowed a major shake-up of the military's top brass in the wake of the deadly Easter suicide bombings, after the government admitted warnings were ignored. 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. "I hope to make major changes in the leadership of the security forces in the next 24 hours," the president said in a nationwide address. "The restructuring of the security forces and the police will be completed within a week." × Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that police had intelligence about the suicide strikes against churches and luxury hotels before the bombings on Sunday, but failed to act on it. More than 300 people have been killed in the attack with over 500 injured. An investigation was underway to establish why police did not share intelligence with Wickremesinghe's office, he told reporters on Tuesday, shortly before the president's address. Meanwhile, The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the series of bombings at three Catholic churches and three high-end hotels, and released a photo of the men it said were responsible. It came after Sri Lanka's government said initial investigations suggested the attack had been carried out as "retaliation" for shootings at two mosques in New Zealand last month that killed 50 people. The Sri Lankan government had already pointed the figure at a little-known local Islamic extremist group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), but said it was investigating whether they had international support. "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," a statement released by the group's propaganda agency Amaq said.

I hope to make major changes in leadership of security forces in next 24 hours: President Sirisena

A Sri Lankan court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-halts-ministers-salaries-to-hinder-disputed-pm-180421">today denied Mahinda Rajapakse</a> authority to act as the prime minister.

The court suspended Rajapakse's power and said it could not function till until its legitimacy was established.

The Lankan Court of Appeal's (CA) conclusion came after it looked at all submissions in the writ petition against PM Mahinda Rajapaksa holding office of prime minister.

The CA said "irreparable damage" could be done to Sri Lanka if Rajapakse was allowed to remain as head of government.

The petitioners had sought a writ asking &nbsp;Rajapaksa to give reasons why he should remain in office despite losing the no-confidence vote.&nbsp;The petition was signed by 122 legislators who have challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office

Rajakasa has lost the vote of confidence twice, however, the country's president Maithripala Sirisena backed the current prime minister. A fortnight ago the vote of confidence took place amid confusion as lawmakers threw bottles and furniture to prevent the Speaker from holding the vote.

President Sirisena had last month removed and replaced Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa as prime minister plunging the country into political turmoil.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's party meanwhile has said it was ready for the "floor test" to prove its majority. Wickremesinghe had refused to vacate the official prime minister's residence saying he was the prime minister and had a parliamentary majority.

Speaker Jayasuriya had said that the country was "politically rudderless" with no functioning prime minister or cabinet. The political upheaval has hit the country's economy as its the currency fell last week.

The Lankan rupee dropped to a fresh record low of 176.30 against the dollar last week, the rupee has lost 14 per cent of its value this year.

The country's economic growth is likely to remain subdued and below the envisaged levels in 2018, the central bank said.

President Maithripala Sirisena had dissolved parliament last month and instituted Rajakasa as prime minister. The president had also called for general election for January 5th, a move which was rejected by the country's Supreme Court.

Sirisena's announcement was criticised by the world community with the US issuing a statement saying it was "deeply concerned at the further deepening the political crisis"&nbsp;

European Union's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini had said that the the move "risks undermining public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and processes and further deepens the political and economic crisis in the country."

A Sri Lankan court today denied Mahinda Rajapakse authority to act as the prime minister. The court suspended Rajapakse's power and said it could not function till until its legitimacy was established.

A Sri Lankan court today denied Mahinda Rajapakse authority to act as the prime minister. The court suspended Rajapakse's power and said it could not function till until its legitimacy was established. The Lankan Court of Appeal's (CA) conclusion came after it looked at all submissions in the writ petition against PM Mahinda Rajapaksa holding office of prime minister. The CA said "irreparable damage" could be done to Sri Lanka if Rajapakse was allowed to remain as head of government. The petitioners had sought a writ asking Rajapaksa to give reasons why he should remain in office despite losing the no-confidence vote. The petition was signed by 122 legislators who have challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office Rajakasa has lost the vote of confidence twice, however, the country's president Maithripala Sirisena backed the current prime minister. A fortnight ago the vote of confidence took place amid confusion as lawmakers threw bottles and furniture to prevent the Speaker from holding the vote. President Sirisena had last month removed and replaced Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa as prime minister plunging the country into political turmoil. Wickremesinghe's party meanwhile has said it was ready for the "floor test" to prove its majority. Wickremesinghe had refused to vacate the official prime minister's residence saying he was the prime minister and had a parliamentary majority. Speaker Jayasuriya had said that the country was "politically rudderless" with no functioning prime minister or cabinet. The political upheaval has hit the country's economy as its the currency fell last week. The Lankan rupee dropped to a fresh record low of 176.30 against the dollar last week, the rupee has lost 14 per cent of its value this year. The country's economic growth is likely to remain subdued and below the envisaged levels in 2018, the central bank said. President Maithripala Sirisena had dissolved parliament last month and instituted Rajakasa as prime minister. The president had also called for general election for January 5th, a move which was rejected by the country's Supreme Court. Sirisena's announcement was criticised by the world community with the US issuing a statement saying it was "deeply concerned at the further deepening the political crisis" European Union's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini had said that the the move "risks undermining public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and processes and further deepens the political and economic crisis in the country."

Lankan court restrains PM Rajapaksa, cabinet from functioning

Lankan Parliament&nbsp;reconvened <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ri-lanka-does-not-have-a-pm-or-cabinet-after-no-confidence-vote-says-speaker-karu-jayasuriya-177452">amid chaotic scenes on Thursday</a> after the no-confidence vote against Rajapaksa who was controversially elected by President Sirisena.

Rajapaksa accused Ranil Wikramsinghe of ruining the country as he sat on the prime minister's chair. The Lankan strongman&nbsp;alleged that Ranil Wickremesinghe had borrowed money from abroad. Rajapaksa&nbsp;said his name was tarnished as a result of the political chaos.

Rajapaksa announced that would continue as prime minister asserting that President Sirisena had invited him to the post. Rajapaksa also attacked Speaker Karun Jayasuriya asking him to step down.

Amid the chaos, the UNP lawmakers sought to move a motion against Rajapaksa's speech.

The Lankan House witnessed scenes of unruly behaviour by legislators as the political crisis&nbsp;played out openly between supporters of Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe. Some lawmakers threatened the Speaker with bottles being thrown in the air.

Rajapaksa supporters rushed to the Well of the House as the turmoil continued unabated.&nbsp;

One lawmaker was injured in the clashes which followed and was taken to the&nbsp;hospital. As chaos reigned, Ranil Wickramasinghe and Rajapaksa were seen leaving the house. 
&nbsp; 
As the House opened,&nbsp; Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote.

President Sirisena had said earlier that the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary."

The Lankan president said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ignored and violated the "Constitutional provisions, standing orders and the Parliamentary traditions"&nbsp;by passing the no-confidence motion.

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5.

After the court verdict, Speaker Jayasuriya had summoned Parliament's session for Thursday morning.

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Lankan Parliament reconvened amid chaotic scenes on Thursday after the no-confidence vote against Rajapaksa who was controversially elected by President Sirisena.

Lankan Parliament reconvened amid chaotic scenes on Thursday after the no-confidence vote against Rajapaksa who was controversially elected by President Sirisena. Rajapaksa accused Ranil Wikramsinghe of ruining the country as he sat on the prime minister's chair. The Lankan strongman alleged that Ranil Wickremesinghe had borrowed money from abroad. Rajapaksa said his name was tarnished as a result of the political chaos. Rajapaksa announced that would continue as prime minister asserting that President Sirisena had invited him to the post. Rajapaksa also attacked Speaker Karun Jayasuriya asking him to step down. Amid the chaos, the UNP lawmakers sought to move a motion against Rajapaksa's speech. The Lankan House witnessed scenes of unruly behaviour by legislators as the political crisis played out openly between supporters of Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe. Some lawmakers threatened the Speaker with bottles being thrown in the air. Rajapaksa supporters rushed to the Well of the House as the turmoil continued unabated. One lawmaker was injured in the clashes which followed and was taken to the hospital. As chaos reigned, Ranil Wickramasinghe and Rajapaksa were seen leaving the house. As the House opened, Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote. President Sirisena had said earlier that the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary." The Lankan president said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ignored and violated the "Constitutional provisions, standing orders and the Parliamentary traditions" by passing the no-confidence motion. The Supreme Court had on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5. After the court verdict, Speaker Jayasuriya had summoned Parliament's session for Thursday morning.

Rajapaksa defiant as clashes erupt in Sri Lanka Parliament; 1 lawmaker injured

The Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-sirisena-rejects-lankan-parliaments-no-confidence-motion-against-rajapaksa-177417">Karu Jayasuriya, on Thursday</a> said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote.

The parliament passed the no-confidence motion against recently appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government, with the backing of 122 lawmakers from the 225-member legislature.

However, President Maithripala Sirisena in a letter to the Speaker said he cannot accept the no-confidence vote as the speaker appeared to have ignored the constitution, parliamentary procedure and traditions.

The Lankan president said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ignored and violated the Constitutional provisions, standing orders and the Parliamentary traditions by passing the no-confidence motion.

Sirisena added that Rajapaksa was appointed as per the provisions a president is given under the Constitution, asserting that it was not necessary for the prime minister to show a majority in the Parliament according to Parliamentary traditions.

The Parliament had on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspended the Parliament plunging the island nation into a crisis.

The Speaker had calculated the votes based on the voices he heard as Rajapaksa supporters disrupted the proceedings in the House. The Supreme Court had on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5.

 
"President has the full power to appoint the prime minister," Sirisena said.

The Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, on Thursday said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote.

The Speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, on Thursday said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday's no-confidence vote. The parliament passed the no-confidence motion against recently appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government, with the backing of 122 lawmakers from the 225-member legislature. However, President Maithripala Sirisena in a letter to the Speaker said he cannot accept the no-confidence vote as the speaker appeared to have ignored the constitution, parliamentary procedure and traditions. The Lankan president said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya ignored and violated the Constitutional provisions, standing orders and the Parliamentary traditions by passing the no-confidence motion. Sirisena added that Rajapaksa was appointed as per the provisions a president is given under the Constitution, asserting that it was not necessary for the prime minister to show a majority in the Parliament according to Parliamentary traditions. The Parliament had on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspended the Parliament plunging the island nation into a crisis. The Speaker had calculated the votes based on the voices he heard as Rajapaksa supporters disrupted the proceedings in the House. The Supreme Court had on Tuesday overturned President Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls on January 5. "President has the full power to appoint the prime minister," Sirisena said.

Sri Lanka does not have a PM or cabinet after no-confidence vote, says Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena-led SLFP has suspended an MP over &quot;derogatory&quot; comments about the party leadership as it vowed to initiate a disciplinary whip against members who back Mahinda Rajapaksa, prompting a sharp reaction from the former strongman today. 
 
At the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) central committee meeting last night, the party decided to take disciplinary action against members who back Rajapaksa, Sirisena loyalist and deputy minister of finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said. 
 
Accordingly, Sanath Nishantha, a member of parliament backing Rajapaksa, was suspended of his membership for making comments &quot;derogatory&quot; of Sirisena over the national television. 
 
&quot;I do not accept Sirisena&#39;s leadership,&quot; Nishantha had said in response to a question by a party member on the same.&nbsp;Action would also be taken against several members of the party&#39;s local councillors for defying party discipline, said Abeywardena. 
 
Rajapaksa hit back at the move, saying: &quot;MP Nishantha is a very popular member who had come up in the ranks due to his hard work with the people. This is no action to unite the party.&nbsp;A party should not try to chase people out,&quot; he told reporters on the eve of a private visit to South Korea. 
 
Sirisena, who succeeded Rajapaksa as the leader of the SLFP, now in unity government with its archrival United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been struggling to get the Rajapaksa loyalists under his leadership. 
 
The Rajapaksa group, who call themselves the joint opposition with three other fringe opposition parties, have taken Sirisena head on, challenging both him and Wickremesinghe. 
 
Last week, the Rajapaksa loyalists held an opposition protest march which lasted over five days. They were charged of bringing disrepute to the party by hooting at party headquarters while on the way to the rally. So, more Rajapaksa loyalists would be under fire soon, party sources said.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

This comes after the Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by Sirisena decided to take disciplinary action against members who back Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena-led SLFP has suspended an MP over "derogatory" comments about the party leadership as it vowed to initiate a disciplinary whip against members who back Mahinda Rajapaksa, prompting a sharp reaction from the former strongman today. At the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) central committee meeting last night, the party decided to take disciplinary action against members who back Rajapaksa, Sirisena loyalist and deputy minister of finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said. Accordingly, Sanath Nishantha, a member of parliament backing Rajapaksa, was suspended of his membership for making comments "derogatory" of Sirisena over the national television. "I do not accept Sirisena's leadership," Nishantha had said in response to a question by a party member on the same. Action would also be taken against several members of the party's local councillors for defying party discipline, said Abeywardena. Rajapaksa hit back at the move, saying: "MP Nishantha is a very popular member who had come up in the ranks due to his hard work with the people. This is no action to unite the party. A party should not try to chase people out," he told reporters on the eve of a private visit to South Korea. Sirisena, who succeeded Rajapaksa as the leader of the SLFP, now in unity government with its archrival United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been struggling to get the Rajapaksa loyalists under his leadership. The Rajapaksa group, who call themselves the joint opposition with three other fringe opposition parties, have taken Sirisena head on, challenging both him and Wickremesinghe. Last week, the Rajapaksa loyalists held an opposition protest march which lasted over five days. They were charged of bringing disrepute to the party by hooting at party headquarters while on the way to the rally. So, more Rajapaksa loyalists would be under fire soon, party sources said. (PTI)

Sri Lanka: MP suspended for making 'derogatory' comments about President Sirisena