Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form and enter an all-party government. The president is yet to issue an official statement but local media reports claim that president has agreed to form an interim government.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa gives nod for an all-party govt

In the face of rising calls to quit office, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is eager to form an interim all-party government. The President is chairing a meeting today with the leaders of political parties in the coalition government and the leaders of political parties that decided to remain independent from the government.

Sri Lanka's economic woes: Embattled President Rajapaksa chairs an all-party meet

Sri Lanka was hit by a general strike on Thursday with the country grappling with an acute fuel crisis.

Protesters have been calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation as transport services were stopped during the strike.

Schools and offices remained closed as reports say President Rajapaksa is set to meet political party leaders in the country. The general strike was joined by trade unions while pressuring the top government heads to resign.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-agrees-to-provide-600-million-in-financial-assistance-to-sri-lanka-474087">Also Read:&nbsp;World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka</a>

Reports claim tea estates including vegetable markets were closed. Sri Lanka's economic woes began as the pandemic hit the country two years ago as foreign remittances dried up. The Lankan government had announced that it would be defaulting on foreign debts amounting to nearly $51 billion.

The country has struggled to pay for fuel imports even as power shortages have ravaged the country with reports claiming hospitals are short of vital medicines.

Watch: Sri Lanka to sell 'Golden Visas' to revive economy

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Earlier this week, Sri Lanka's stock exchange plunged nearly 13 per cent as trading was halted as the S&amp;P index fell seven per cent in opening trade.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Watch WION LIVE Here

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Sri Lanka was hit by a general strike on Thursday with the country grappling with an acute fuel crisis. Protesters have been calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation as transport services were stopped during the strike.

Sri Lanka was hit by a general strike on Thursday with the country grappling with an acute fuel crisis. Protesters have been calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation as transport services were stopped during the strike. Schools and offices remained closed as reports say President Rajapaksa is set to meet political party leaders in the country. The general strike was joined by trade unions while pressuring the top government heads to resign. Also Read: World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka Reports claim tea estates including vegetable markets were closed. Sri Lanka's economic woes began as the pandemic hit the country two years ago as foreign remittances dried up. The Lankan government had announced that it would be defaulting on foreign debts amounting to nearly $51 billion. The country has struggled to pay for fuel imports even as power shortages have ravaged the country with reports claiming hospitals are short of vital medicines. Watch: Sri Lanka to sell 'Golden Visas' to revive economy Earlier this week, Sri Lanka's stock exchange plunged nearly 13 per cent as trading was halted as the S&P index fell seven per cent in opening trade. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here

Sri Lanka crisis: Schools, offices remain shut during general strike

Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on International Monetary Fund to "urgently provide financial assistance to" Sri Lanka even as Colombo is in talks with the multilateral financial intuition for a bailout.

The Sri Lankan economic crisis was a key part of the conversation between FM Sitharaman and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Monday in Washington DC. The Indian minister is in the American capital to take part in the International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB) Spring meetings.

According to a release by the Indian finance ministry, FM Sitharaman "indicated that IMF should support and urgently provide financial assistance to Sri Lanka" to which IMF MD "assured the finance minister that the IMF would continue to actively engage with Sri Lanka."

During the meeting, "the IMF MD particularly referred&nbsp;to the help India has provided to Sri Lanka during their difficult economic crisis."

In the past three&nbsp;months, India has extended support worth about $2.5 billion to Sri Lanka. It includes two&nbsp;lines of credit- $500 million for fuel &amp; $1 billion for food, medicine and essential supplies including a&nbsp;credit swap of $400 million and deferment of Asian Clearing Union payment of over $ 515 million.

As part of the line of credit, diesel, petrol and rice have been sent to the country.

The development comes on a day when Indian and Sri Lankan finance ministers had held talks on the economic crisis faced by the country. &nbsp;

A Sri Lankan delegation led by Lankan finance minister Ali Sabry visited Washington and had met the Indian FM.

A tweet statement by the Indian ministry of finance said minister Sitharaman "assured Sri Lanka that as a close friend and good neighbour, India will try to extend all possible cooperation and assistance to Sri Lanka."

Sri Lanka has been hit by a massive economic crisis with runaway inflation which has led to large scale protests in the country against the Rajapakse government. A new cabinet has taken charge in the country to combat the crisis.

Interestingly, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda had met the Indian finance minister ahead of her visit to the US during which the economic crisis and Colombo negotiating a bailout with IMF was discussed.

The High Commissioner discussed how India can "assist Sri Lanka in garnering international support" to "secure bridging finance and for the economic adjustment programme" with&nbsp;Sitharaman.

Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on International Monetary Fund to "urgently provide financial assistance to" Sri Lanka even as Colombo is in talks with the multilateral financial intuition for a bailout.

Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on International Monetary Fund to "urgently provide financial assistance to" Sri Lanka even as Colombo is in talks with the multilateral financial intuition for a bailout. The Sri Lankan economic crisis was a key part of the conversation between FM Sitharaman and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Monday in Washington DC. The Indian minister is in the American capital to take part in the International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB) Spring meetings. According to a release by the Indian finance ministry, FM Sitharaman "indicated that IMF should support and urgently provide financial assistance to Sri Lanka" to which IMF MD "assured the finance minister that the IMF would continue to actively engage with Sri Lanka." During the meeting, "the IMF MD particularly referred to the help India has provided to Sri Lanka during their difficult economic crisis." In the past three months, India has extended support worth about $2.5 billion to Sri Lanka. It includes two lines of credit- $500 million for fuel & $1 billion for food, medicine and essential supplies including a credit swap of $400 million and deferment of Asian Clearing Union payment of over $ 515 million. As part of the line of credit, diesel, petrol and rice have been sent to the country. The development comes on a day when Indian and Sri Lankan finance ministers had held talks on the economic crisis faced by the country. A Sri Lankan delegation led by Lankan finance minister Ali Sabry visited Washington and had met the Indian FM. A tweet statement by the Indian ministry of finance said minister Sitharaman "assured Sri Lanka that as a close friend and good neighbour, India will try to extend all possible cooperation and assistance to Sri Lanka." Sri Lanka has been hit by a massive economic crisis with runaway inflation which has led to large scale protests in the country against the Rajapakse government. A new cabinet has taken charge in the country to combat the crisis. Interestingly, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda had met the Indian finance minister ahead of her visit to the US during which the economic crisis and Colombo negotiating a bailout with IMF was discussed. The High Commissioner discussed how India can "assist Sri Lanka in garnering international support" to "secure bridging finance and for the economic adjustment programme" with Sitharaman.

India urges IMF to provide urgent bailout to Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan opposition is planning to bring a no-confidence motion against government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The country is facing unrest as citizens are protesting extreme shortage of food, medicine and fuel. There is a widespread cry for resignation of the president. WION's Dasuni Athauda took an exclusive interview of Eran Wickramratne, former state finance minister&nbsp;in Sri Lanka. Wickramaratne said that opposition parties wanted Rajapaksa to be present in the parliament tomorrow (April 20).

"Protests are going on for days and people are facing hardships. There is shortage of medicines, petrol, diesel," said Wickramaratne as he described situation in the country.

He accused Rajapaksa of undermining his own cabinet.

"That's why the cabinet resigned," he said. He dismissed president's inability to work with his own cabinet as 'ridiculous'.

"We represent the people on the streets, we represent them. We have to reflect that in the parliament. We have to convert the protests on the streets into constitutional and democratic revolution. Therefore, we are calling Rajapaksa to move out and they can form the govt with the others there and address the immediate issues," said Eran Wickramaratne.

Asked about a possible solution to the situation in Sri Lanka. He said that Sri Lanka needed to negotiate with International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"It gives you a certain credibility," he said. He opined that political crisis in Sri Lanka had created the economic crisis. He said that Sri Lanka needs to restructure the debt.

"We will have to get social protection welfare programme agreed. We need to make sure that there is no social unrest in the country. We need to look at strengthening the banking system. We need to recapitalize state banks in the country...This govt has a bad track record and therefore Rajapaksa has to go " he said.

Sri Lankan opposition is planning to bring a no-confidence motion against government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The country is facing unrest as citizens are protesting extreme shortage of food, medicine and fuel.

Sri Lankan opposition is planning to bring a no-confidence motion against government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The country is facing unrest as citizens are protesting extreme shortage of food, medicine and fuel. There is a widespread cry for resignation of the president. WION's Dasuni Athauda took an exclusive interview of Eran Wickramratne, former state finance minister in Sri Lanka. Wickramaratne said that opposition parties wanted Rajapaksa to be present in the parliament tomorrow (April 20). "Protests are going on for days and people are facing hardships. There is shortage of medicines, petrol, diesel," said Wickramaratne as he described situation in the country. He accused Rajapaksa of undermining his own cabinet. "That's why the cabinet resigned," he said. He dismissed president's inability to work with his own cabinet as 'ridiculous'. "We represent the people on the streets, we represent them. We have to reflect that in the parliament. We have to convert the protests on the streets into constitutional and democratic revolution. Therefore, we are calling Rajapaksa to move out and they can form the govt with the others there and address the immediate issues," said Eran Wickramaratne. Asked about a possible solution to the situation in Sri Lanka. He said that Sri Lanka needed to negotiate with International Monetary Fund (IMF). "It gives you a certain credibility," he said. He opined that political crisis in Sri Lanka had created the economic crisis. He said that Sri Lanka needs to restructure the debt. "We will have to get social protection welfare programme agreed. We need to make sure that there is no social unrest in the country. We need to look at strengthening the banking system. We need to recapitalize state banks in the country...This govt has a bad track record and therefore Rajapaksa has to go " he said.

Exclusive | We want Rajapaksa to be present in parliament tomorrow: Opposition MP

The parliament of the debt ridden south Asian nation Sri Lanka is all set to reconvene tomorrow but for now President Gotabaya has appointed 17 new cabinet ministers which comes amid widespread anti-govt protests .

Sri Lanka cabinet: 17 new ministers appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is now being forced to lift the state of emergency. However, the anti-Rajapaksa protests continue over power cuts, food shortage in the island nation.

Sri Lanka's economic crisis explodes, President Rajapaksa revokes emergency

A Sri Lankan rap song, featuring WION's report on the debt-ridden island nation's worst economic crisis since independence, is going viral on the internet.

The song, which begins with a voiceover from a Gravitas report by WION's Executive Editor, Palki Sharma Upadhyay, has already racked up over 160,000 views in only one day.&nbsp;

The song has gone viral in a big way, and the lyrics are spot on with the debt-ridden country's present situation. The title of the song is "Power To The People."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-rupee-is-now-the-worlds-worst-performing-currency-468828">Also read | Sri Lankan rupee is now the world’s worst-performing currency</a>

The song was written and sung by the Los Angeles-based Sri Lankan rapper Jay Princce.

Here are the lyrics:

"Power to the people overcoming all this evil"

"Corruption had its limit ima the thread the f****** needle"

"How they moving crooked dawg is this not illegal"

"Ima hold it down cuz this here for my people"

"It is not a debate"

"Aint no food all on they plate"

"power cuts and no gas"

"really no one left to pay"

"but printed heavy cash"

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Sri Lanka has been roiled by violent protests for the past week, as public outrage over the government's handling of the island's economic crisis has spilled into the streets.Much has happened since then.

Many protestors disobeyed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's 36-hour curfew.

He subsequently declared a state of emergency, which was widely condemned by the public and opposition MPs until being repealed by the President earlier today.

According to critics, the foundation of the crisis, which is the worst in decades, is economic mismanagement by successive governments, which established and maintained a dual deficit - a budget deficit as well as a current account deficit.&nbsp;

Foreign exchange reserves have plummeted by 70% in the last two years, to just $2.31 billion in February, leaving Sri Lanka unable to import basic necessities such as food and fuel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Sri Lankan rap song, featuring WION's report on the debt-ridden island nation's worst economic crisis since independence, is going viral on the internet. The song, which begins with a voiceover from a Gravitas report by WION's Executive Editor, Palki Sharma Upadhyay, has already racked up over 160,000 views in only one day.

A Sri Lankan rap song, featuring WION's report on the debt-ridden island nation's worst economic crisis since independence, is going viral on the internet. The song, which begins with a voiceover from a Gravitas report by WION's Executive Editor, Palki Sharma Upadhyay, has already racked up over 160,000 views in only one day. The song has gone viral in a big way, and the lyrics are spot on with the debt-ridden country's present situation. The title of the song is "Power To The People." Also read | Sri Lankan rupee is now the world’s worst-performing currency The song was written and sung by the Los Angeles-based Sri Lankan rapper Jay Princce. Here are the lyrics: "Power to the people overcoming all this evil" "Corruption had its limit ima the thread the f****** needle" "How they moving crooked dawg is this not illegal" "Ima hold it down cuz this here for my people" "It is not a debate" "Aint no food all on they plate" "power cuts and no gas" "really no one left to pay" "but printed heavy cash" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jay Princce (@salutevadha) × Sri Lanka has been roiled by violent protests for the past week, as public outrage over the government's handling of the island's economic crisis has spilled into the streets.Much has happened since then. Many protestors disobeyed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's 36-hour curfew. He subsequently declared a state of emergency, which was widely condemned by the public and opposition MPs until being repealed by the President earlier today. According to critics, the foundation of the crisis, which is the worst in decades, is economic mismanagement by successive governments, which established and maintained a dual deficit - a budget deficit as well as a current account deficit. Foreign exchange reserves have plummeted by 70% in the last two years, to just $2.31 billion in February, leaving Sri Lanka unable to import basic necessities such as food and fuel. (With inputs from agencies)

'Power to the people': Rap song featuring WION's report on Sri Lanka economic crisis goes viral

Sri Lanka's rupee has plummeted to a historic low, making it the world's poorest-performing currency, adding to the country's greatest economic crisis since independence in 1948.

"After Rajapaksa ended emergency rule mere days after it was established, the Sri Lankan rupee hovered near Sri Lankan Rupee 302.04 per US dollar on Wednesday, trailing even Russia's rouble." According to the Financial Times.&nbsp;

Last Monday, the 22-million-strong island nation's diesel supply ran out, causing a massive power outage.

The economic crisis brought on by a low foreign exchange reserve has spurred anti-government protests around the country, some of which have become violent.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has been roiled by violent protests for the past week, as public outrage over the government's handling of the island's economic crisis has spilled into the streets.Much has happened since then.

Many protestors disobeyed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's 36-hour curfew.He subsequently declared a state of emergency, which was widely condemned by the public and opposition MPs until being repealed by the President earlier today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rice-from-india-to-arrive-in-the-country-soon-says-indian-envoy-to-sri-lanka-gopal-baglay-468358">Also Read:&nbsp;Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka</a>&nbsp;

According to critics, the foundation of the crisis, which is the worst in decades, is economic mismanagement by successive governments, which established and maintained a dual deficit—a budget deficit as well as a current account deficit.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-medical-body-declares-health-emergency-amid-political-turmoil-report-468449">Also Read|&nbsp;Sri Lankan medical body declares health emergency amid political turmoil: Report</a>

Sri Lanka's foreign exchange reserves have plummeted by 70% in the last two years, to just $2.31 billion in February, leaving Sri Lanka unable to import basic necessities such as food and fuel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka's rupee has plummeted to a historic low, making it the world's poorest-performing currency, adding to the country's greatest economic crisis since independence in 1948.

Sri Lanka's rupee has plummeted to a historic low, making it the world's poorest-performing currency, adding to the country's greatest economic crisis since independence in 1948. "After Rajapaksa ended emergency rule mere days after it was established, the Sri Lankan rupee hovered near Sri Lankan Rupee 302.04 per US dollar on Wednesday, trailing even Russia's rouble." According to the Financial Times. Last Monday, the 22-million-strong island nation's diesel supply ran out, causing a massive power outage. The economic crisis brought on by a low foreign exchange reserve has spurred anti-government protests around the country, some of which have become violent. Sri Lanka has been roiled by violent protests for the past week, as public outrage over the government's handling of the island's economic crisis has spilled into the streets.Much has happened since then. Many protestors disobeyed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's 36-hour curfew.He subsequently declared a state of emergency, which was widely condemned by the public and opposition MPs until being repealed by the President earlier today. Also Read: Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka According to critics, the foundation of the crisis, which is the worst in decades, is economic mismanagement by successive governments, which established and maintained a dual deficit—a budget deficit as well as a current account deficit. Also Read| Sri Lankan medical body declares health emergency amid political turmoil: Report Sri Lanka's foreign exchange reserves have plummeted by 70% in the last two years, to just $2.31 billion in February, leaving Sri Lanka unable to import basic necessities such as food and fuel. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan rupee is now the world’s worst-performing currency

Once a premier tourist attraction in the South Asia the island nation of Sri Lanka is on the boil. Across the country, the anger and frustration is directed mostly towards the president Gotabaya Rajapaksa who many blame for the current economic and even political crisis.

Opposition rejects Gotabaya Rajapaksa's unity offer amid economic downturn

Sri Lanka's newly appointed finance minister MUM Ali Sabry quit his post in just one day amid escalating political situation in the country.

In a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sabry said he had decided to take up the post of finance minister as an "interim measure" until a "suitable, full-time and sustainable solution could be found".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-medical-body-declares-health-emergency-amid-political-turmoil-report-468449">Also Read|&nbsp;Sri Lankan medical body declares health emergency amid political turmoil: Report</a>

The former justice minister said "fresh and proactive" steps need to be taken in order to navigate the present "unprecedented crisis".

Sabry put in his papers leaving the finance ministry post with "immediate effect". Sabri also mentioned that he was ready to step down from his Parliamentary seat if the president intended to appoint a person from outside the current Parliament.

Rajapaksa's cabinet was thrown into turmoil after all ministers resigned over the weekend amid anti-government demonstrations. The country's economy has been hit by rising fuel prices and inflation with its foreign reserves at an all-time low as the country has struggled to service its rising foreign debt.

Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lankan Parliament reconvenes amid calls for Rajapaksa to step down

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it was monitoring Sri Lanka's situation amid reports of a bailout even as President Rajapaksa called all opposition parties to come together to form a unity government. However, opposition leaders rejected the move as protests escalated against the government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rice-from-india-to-arrive-in-the-country-soon-says-indian-envoy-to-sri-lanka-gopal-baglay-468358">Also Read:&nbsp;Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka</a>&nbsp;

Rajapaksa's government was thrown into further trouble as 41 lawmakers walked out of the coalition as the government lost its majority in Parliament on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's parliament is set to reconvene just days after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency in the country to combat the economic situation as protesters came out on the streets despite a nationwide curfew.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Sri Lanka's newly appointed finance minister MUM Ali Sabry quit his post in just one day amid escalating political situation in the country. In a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sabry said he had decided to take up the post of finance minister as an "interim measure" until a "suitable, full-time and sustainable solution could be found".

Sri Lanka's newly appointed finance minister MUM Ali Sabry quit his post in just one day amid escalating political situation in the country. In a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sabry said he had decided to take up the post of finance minister as an "interim measure" until a "suitable, full-time and sustainable solution could be found". Also Read| Sri Lankan medical body declares health emergency amid political turmoil: Report The former justice minister said "fresh and proactive" steps need to be taken in order to navigate the present "unprecedented crisis". Sabry put in his papers leaving the finance ministry post with "immediate effect". Sabri also mentioned that he was ready to step down from his Parliamentary seat if the president intended to appoint a person from outside the current Parliament. Rajapaksa's cabinet was thrown into turmoil after all ministers resigned over the weekend amid anti-government demonstrations. The country's economy has been hit by rising fuel prices and inflation with its foreign reserves at an all-time low as the country has struggled to service its rising foreign debt. Watch: Sri Lankan Parliament reconvenes amid calls for Rajapaksa to step down The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it was monitoring Sri Lanka's situation amid reports of a bailout even as President Rajapaksa called all opposition parties to come together to form a unity government. However, opposition leaders rejected the move as protests escalated against the government. Also Read: Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Rajapaksa's government was thrown into further trouble as 41 lawmakers walked out of the coalition as the government lost its majority in Parliament on Tuesday. Sri Lanka's parliament is set to reconvene just days after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency in the country to combat the economic situation as protesters came out on the streets despite a nationwide curfew. (With inputs from Agencies)

Sri Lanka's newly-appointed finance minister quits after just one day

Amid country-wide protests, Sri Lanka's parliament has now reconvened today and this is the first session since state-emergency was imposed. Sri Lanka's economic crisis has also triggered a political one.

Sri Lankan Parliament reconvenes amid calls for Rajapaksa to step down

The economic mismanagement is threatening the political stability of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government. Sri Lanka's entire cabinet has resigned from their posts, this is except the president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and PM Mahinda Rajapaksa amid the most painful economic downturn.

Sri Lanka economic crisis: All 26 ministers submit resignations except Rajapaksa brothers

Late Thursday evening, citizens in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, exploded in protest after weeks of suffering from a severe economic crisis.

More than 5,000 protesters marched outside the president's house in the Sri Lankan capital, demanding that he resign, and police clashed with them.

To put down the protests, the Special Task Force, a paramilitary police squad, had to be brought in.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday, the protests outside the mansion of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa got violent, injuring at least ten people, including journalists.

Following conflicts between protestors and police in Mirihana, six individuals were brought to the Colombo National Hospital with injuries.

A bus attached to the Sri Lanka Army and a jeep were set on fire by protesters. Moreover, police have imposed a curfew in several areas in Colombo.

Watch | Gravitas: What caused Sri Lanka's economic crisis?

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According to the Daily Mirror, four more patients were admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila.

According to the Daily Mirror, which cited medical sources, all of the injured people were men, and several of them were journalists.&nbsp; 
 
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"Police curfew imposed until further notice with immediate effect within Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central and Nugegoda Police Division," said Inspector General of Police.

Due to the collapse of the tourism sector, Sri Lanka's economy has been in free fall since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a foreign exchange shortfall, which has resulted in gasoline, power, and gas shortages, and has sought economic assistance from friendly countries.

At least ten hours of power outages occur every day in Sri Lanka. 
 
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Since March 8, Sri Lanka's currency has been depreciated by over SLR 90 versus the US dollar.&nbsp;

The government is turning off street lights to save electricity, Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told reporters, as a continuing shortage of diesel brought more power cuts and halted trading on the main stock market.

The power cuts add to the pain of Sri Lankans already dealing with shortages of essentials and rocketing prices.

Retail inflation hit 18.7% in March over the same period a year ago, the statistics department said on Thursday. Food inflation reached 30.2% in March, partly driven by a currency devaluation and last year's ban on chemical fertilisers that was later reversed.

(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Late Thursday evening, citizens in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, exploded in protest after weeks of suffering from a severe economic crisis. More than 5,000 protesters marched outside the president's house in the Sri Lankan capital, demanding that he resign, and police clashed with them.

Late Thursday evening, citizens in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, exploded in protest after weeks of suffering from a severe economic crisis. More than 5,000 protesters marched outside the president's house in the Sri Lankan capital, demanding that he resign, and police clashed with them. To put down the protests, the Special Task Force, a paramilitary police squad, had to be brought in. Earlier on Thursday, the protests outside the mansion of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa got violent, injuring at least ten people, including journalists. Following conflicts between protestors and police in Mirihana, six individuals were brought to the Colombo National Hospital with injuries. A bus attached to the Sri Lanka Army and a jeep were set on fire by protesters. Moreover, police have imposed a curfew in several areas in Colombo. Watch | Gravitas: What caused Sri Lanka's economic crisis? According to the Daily Mirror, four more patients were admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila. According to the Daily Mirror, which cited medical sources, all of the injured people were men, and several of them were journalists. "Police curfew imposed until further notice with immediate effect within Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central and Nugegoda Police Division," said Inspector General of Police. Due to the collapse of the tourism sector, Sri Lanka's economy has been in free fall since the COVID-19 outbreak. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a foreign exchange shortfall, which has resulted in gasoline, power, and gas shortages, and has sought economic assistance from friendly countries. At least ten hours of power outages occur every day in Sri Lanka. Since March 8, Sri Lanka's currency has been depreciated by over SLR 90 versus the US dollar. The government is turning off street lights to save electricity, Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told reporters, as a continuing shortage of diesel brought more power cuts and halted trading on the main stock market. The power cuts add to the pain of Sri Lankans already dealing with shortages of essentials and rocketing prices. Retail inflation hit 18.7% in March over the same period a year ago, the statistics department said on Thursday. Food inflation reached 30.2% in March, partly driven by a currency devaluation and last year's ban on chemical fertilisers that was later reversed. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka imposes curfew after protests outside President Rajapaksa’s home turn violent

Sri Lanka is facing mounting challenges with its public debt. Critics say a series of missteps - mainly by the Rajapaksas - triggered the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka's history. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: What caused Sri Lanka's economic crisis?

Thousands of people took to the streets of Sri Lanka's capital to protest against worsening economic conditions including shortages of fuel and essential goods. The protests in Colombo were led by the country's main opposition parties, the United People's Force, the opposition has blamed the economic crisis on President Rajapaksa's government.

Sri Lanka faces economic crisis, opposition blames President Rajapaksa's government

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on Monday that he would seek a second term, said media reports. This is a reversal of a promise to only stay for five years.

The nationalist leader told top media executives that he needed more time to fix Sri Lanka's worsening economic crisis, said the media reports.

Rajapaksa had said during his triumphant 2019 election campaign that he would be a one-term president.

He reaffirmed last year that a single term would be sufficient to implement his ambitious plans. This triggered a succession struggle within the powerful Rajapaksa family.&nbsp;

Elections are not due until 2024, but Rajapaksa now says he needs five more years to implement his "Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour" manifesto after the economy contracted by a record 3.6 percent in his first year. The government has banned many imports because of a foreign currency crunch.

Rajapaksa "today declared that he would contest for a second term", the pro-government The Morning website quoted him as telling media owners.

Rajapaksa's statements have set off speculations about Rajapaksa family's plan to remain a dominant political force.

The elevation of the president's youngest brother Basil, 70, as finance minister earlier this month was widely seen as a move to groom him for the presidency.

Basil was thought to have edged out his nephew, Namal, the minister of sports and eldest son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to be the next family leader.&nbsp;

"Another U-turn and maybe this squashes Basil's chances for the next presidency," said Jamila Husain, a deputy editor of the Daily Mirror newspaper, on Twitter.

Since his election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has tightened the family grip on power.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on Monday that he would seek a second term, said media reports. This is a reversal of a promise to only stay for five years.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on Monday that he would seek a second term, said media reports. This is a reversal of a promise to only stay for five years. The nationalist leader told top media executives that he needed more time to fix Sri Lanka's worsening economic crisis, said the media reports. Rajapaksa had said during his triumphant 2019 election campaign that he would be a one-term president. He reaffirmed last year that a single term would be sufficient to implement his ambitious plans. This triggered a succession struggle within the powerful Rajapaksa family. Elections are not due until 2024, but Rajapaksa now says he needs five more years to implement his "Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour" manifesto after the economy contracted by a record 3.6 percent in his first year. The government has banned many imports because of a foreign currency crunch. Rajapaksa "today declared that he would contest for a second term", the pro-government The Morning website quoted him as telling media owners. Rajapaksa's statements have set off speculations about Rajapaksa family's plan to remain a dominant political force. The elevation of the president's youngest brother Basil, 70, as finance minister earlier this month was widely seen as a move to groom him for the presidency. Basil was thought to have edged out his nephew, Namal, the minister of sports and eldest son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to be the next family leader. "Another U-turn and maybe this squashes Basil's chances for the next presidency," said Jamila Husain, a deputy editor of the Daily Mirror newspaper, on Twitter. Since his election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has tightened the family grip on power. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to seek second term

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

Sri Lanka: Prez Rajapaksa pardons 16 men linked to Tamil Tigers rebel group

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan.&nbsp;

The golden jubilee celebrations to be held from March 17-27 to mark the country's independence from Pakistan after the 1971 Liberation War also coincides with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi and four heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives will be among the distinguished foreign guests to join the celebrations under separate schedules, Bangladesh government's principal information officer Surath Kumar Sarkar said.&nbsp;

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be the first top foreign dignitary to arrive on a three-day tour on March 17, followed by Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 19 on a two-day tour.&nbsp;

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari will be in Dhaka on a two-day tour from March 22 while Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering will visit the country on March 24 and 25.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will arrive on March 26 on a two-day visit and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations.&nbsp;

The foreign heads of state and government will join separately as part of the celebrations while Modi's visit would be an extended one which would take him to three places outside Dhaka, Sarkar said.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, in a media briefing, said Prime Minister Hasina would hold talks with all the visiting heads of state and government, "but the main thrust of their tours was to join our celebrations".&nbsp;

The talks between Hasina and the visiting South Asian leaders are expected to yield several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan.

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan. The golden jubilee celebrations to be held from March 17-27 to mark the country's independence from Pakistan after the 1971 Liberation War also coincides with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Modi and four heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives will be among the distinguished foreign guests to join the celebrations under separate schedules, Bangladesh government's principal information officer Surath Kumar Sarkar said. Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be the first top foreign dignitary to arrive on a three-day tour on March 17, followed by Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 19 on a two-day tour. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari will be in Dhaka on a two-day tour from March 22 while Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering will visit the country on March 24 and 25. Prime Minister Modi will arrive on March 26 on a two-day visit and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations. The foreign heads of state and government will join separately as part of the celebrations while Modi's visit would be an extended one which would take him to three places outside Dhaka, Sarkar said. Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, in a media briefing, said Prime Minister Hasina would hold talks with all the visiting heads of state and government, "but the main thrust of their tours was to join our celebrations". The talks between Hasina and the visiting South Asian leaders are expected to yield several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi, Solih, Rajapaksa to attend Bangladesh independence's 50th anniv

According to the guideline on the safe management of Wuhan virus victims, the World Health Organisation(WHO) says: "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences. The belongings of the deceased person do not need to be burned or otherwise disposed of,"

In short, it is safe to bury Wuhan virus victims since science does not say burial poses a healthcare risk. However, majoritarian politics does. The pandemic is the perfect opportunity for the government in Colombo to play politics and pander to Islamophobia.

Sri Lanka has been divided along ethnic and religious lines. The Sinhalese Buddhists form the majority. The Tamil Hindus and the Muslims are Lanka's minorities.&nbsp;

Muslims make up 10 per cent of the population. Their lives have been thrown into a turmoil since the 2019 easter bombings. The attack was carried out by Muslim groups. It killed 269 people and marginalised Lankan Muslims as Buddhist nationalist groups led the ethnic tension. Groups like Bodu Bala Sena floated the idea that Sinhala Buddhists were under threat from overpopulating Muslims.

It was with this backdrop that Sri Lanka entered its presidential election. Gotabaya Rajapaksa played heavily on his Sinhalese Buddhist credentials. He was elected to office in November 2019 with 52.25 per cent of the vote.

Rajapaksa's election was seen as a shift towards majoritarian politics and since coming to power he has only proved his critics right. In September, Sri Lanka banned cow slaughter but eating beef is still allowed.

When the pandemic struck, a section of Sri Lanka blamed Muslims for the spread of the Wuhan virus as the country's Buddhist monks sold factless stories. They said burying Wuhan virus victims would contaminate groundwater and apparently spread the Wuhan virus.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa played to the Sinhala emotions and in April&nbsp;Sri Lanka made cremation mandatory for all Wuhan virus victims. The move was 100 per cent political. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had told a news channel in November.

"It is no secret that the majority who voted for me then were Sinhalese. They rallied because they had legitimate fears that the Sinhala race our religion, national resources and the heritage would be threatened with destruction in the face of various local and foreign forces and ideologies that support separatism, extremism and terrorism. The main appeal made by the people to me was "to protect the country".

This is the president protecting his position. He is, in fact, is protecting his votes and in doing so, he has the backing of the Parliament and a green signal from the court. Rajapaksa is denying the minorities of Sri Lanka&nbsp;even the basic dignity in death.

According to the guideline on the safe management of Wuhan virus victims, the World Health Organisation(WHO) says: "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences.

According to the guideline on the safe management of Wuhan virus victims, the World Health Organisation(WHO) says: "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences. The belongings of the deceased person do not need to be burned or otherwise disposed of," In short, it is safe to bury Wuhan virus victims since science does not say burial poses a healthcare risk. However, majoritarian politics does. The pandemic is the perfect opportunity for the government in Colombo to play politics and pander to Islamophobia. Sri Lanka has been divided along ethnic and religious lines. The Sinhalese Buddhists form the majority. The Tamil Hindus and the Muslims are Lanka's minorities. Muslims make up 10 per cent of the population. Their lives have been thrown into a turmoil since the 2019 easter bombings. The attack was carried out by Muslim groups. It killed 269 people and marginalised Lankan Muslims as Buddhist nationalist groups led the ethnic tension. Groups like Bodu Bala Sena floated the idea that Sinhala Buddhists were under threat from overpopulating Muslims. It was with this backdrop that Sri Lanka entered its presidential election. Gotabaya Rajapaksa played heavily on his Sinhalese Buddhist credentials. He was elected to office in November 2019 with 52.25 per cent of the vote. Rajapaksa's election was seen as a shift towards majoritarian politics and since coming to power he has only proved his critics right. In September, Sri Lanka banned cow slaughter but eating beef is still allowed. When the pandemic struck, a section of Sri Lanka blamed Muslims for the spread of the Wuhan virus as the country's Buddhist monks sold factless stories. They said burying Wuhan virus victims would contaminate groundwater and apparently spread the Wuhan virus. Gotabaya Rajapaksa played to the Sinhala emotions and in April Sri Lanka made cremation mandatory for all Wuhan virus victims. The move was 100 per cent political. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had told a news channel in November. "It is no secret that the majority who voted for me then were Sinhalese. They rallied because they had legitimate fears that the Sinhala race our religion, national resources and the heritage would be threatened with destruction in the face of various local and foreign forces and ideologies that support separatism, extremism and terrorism. The main appeal made by the people to me was "to protect the country". This is the president protecting his position. He is, in fact, is protecting his votes and in doing so, he has the backing of the Parliament and a green signal from the court. Rajapaksa is denying the minorities of Sri Lanka even the basic dignity in death.

Coronavirus politics: Rajapaksa denies minorities in Sri Lanka basic dignity in death

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion.

Muslims and Christians bury their dead and they do not cremate, but the government insists: if you have died because of the Wuhan virus in Sri Lanka, you shall be cremated.

The government's orders have gone against their religious beliefs as the government apparently feels that bodies of Wuhan virus victims will contaminate the groundwater.

The order has been in place since April. The administration has been cremating all victims. &nbsp;The outrage began as the latest victim was just 20 days old - a newborn baby who died due to the virus and was cremated despite the objections from his parents. He has become the face of the campaign.

Baby Shaykh is the youngest victim of the virus in Sri Lanka even before his family could process the devastating news of his death the authorities were "ready to hand over the baby's ashes to them".

At least 15 Muslims have been cremated in Sri Lanka and their families say that the cremations were carried out against their will. There is anger against the government. Muslims in Sri Lanka are being denied a burial.

Colombo doesn't want their bodies to be flown back home. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made a special request to the Maldives. The Maldivian president's office has responded and they are holding consultations to bury Sri Lankan Muslims in the Maldives.

The order to cremate all came after influential Buddhist monks raised an alarm. They said burying Wuhan virus victims could contaminate the groundwater. They said buried bodies could spread the virus.

However, no such claim has been found in science. Activists have slammed the argument even as global health bodies have said victims can be buried or cremated but the Lankan government has not paid heed to these voices.

Earlier this month, it found support in the Supreme Court. Sri Lanka's highest court turned down all petitions against compulsory cremations emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision the Sri Lankan government rejected demands from 19 Muslim families.

Reports say they refused to claim the bodies because they wanted a burial and not a cremation, however, the Sri Lankan attorney general ordered the local authorities to go ahead with the cremations.

The move has now triggered public anger over the weekend citizens reached the cremation centre and they tied white ribbons to the gates of the cemetery that houses the crematorium. It was removed on Monday.

The protest then moved online with several citizens claiming that the Rajapaksas are using the pandemic to marginalise the Muslims. One user on Twitter claimed that Muslims are being cremated without tests or a positive report, however, it hasn't been independently verified.

The outrage against the government is quite visible now. Sri Lanka largely contained the first wave of cases but, now there is a second wave and the focus is back on the government's response to the pandemic.

The Rajapaksas known for ruthlessly crushing the civil war have been using the same military textbook to defeat the virus. Reports say officials from the military are being given prominence over experienced civil servants even those who have a record in health services.

Earlier this year, a report claimed that key decisions on the pandemic were communicated by Shavendra Silva, the army commander who is the head of Sri Lanka's national operation center for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak.

Shavendra Silva was called the "public face" of the response. While the pandemic needs a tough response and military precision in managing affairs, the enforced cremations without any scientific basis damage Colombo's record on the pandemic.

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion.

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion. Muslims and Christians bury their dead and they do not cremate, but the government insists: if you have died because of the Wuhan virus in Sri Lanka, you shall be cremated. The government's orders have gone against their religious beliefs as the government apparently feels that bodies of Wuhan virus victims will contaminate the groundwater. The order has been in place since April. The administration has been cremating all victims. The outrage began as the latest victim was just 20 days old - a newborn baby who died due to the virus and was cremated despite the objections from his parents. He has become the face of the campaign. Baby Shaykh is the youngest victim of the virus in Sri Lanka even before his family could process the devastating news of his death the authorities were "ready to hand over the baby's ashes to them". At least 15 Muslims have been cremated in Sri Lanka and their families say that the cremations were carried out against their will. There is anger against the government. Muslims in Sri Lanka are being denied a burial. Colombo doesn't want their bodies to be flown back home. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made a special request to the Maldives. The Maldivian president's office has responded and they are holding consultations to bury Sri Lankan Muslims in the Maldives. The order to cremate all came after influential Buddhist monks raised an alarm. They said burying Wuhan virus victims could contaminate the groundwater. They said buried bodies could spread the virus. However, no such claim has been found in science. Activists have slammed the argument even as global health bodies have said victims can be buried or cremated but the Lankan government has not paid heed to these voices. Earlier this month, it found support in the Supreme Court. Sri Lanka's highest court turned down all petitions against compulsory cremations emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision the Sri Lankan government rejected demands from 19 Muslim families. Reports say they refused to claim the bodies because they wanted a burial and not a cremation, however, the Sri Lankan attorney general ordered the local authorities to go ahead with the cremations. The move has now triggered public anger over the weekend citizens reached the cremation centre and they tied white ribbons to the gates of the cemetery that houses the crematorium. It was removed on Monday. The protest then moved online with several citizens claiming that the Rajapaksas are using the pandemic to marginalise the Muslims. One user on Twitter claimed that Muslims are being cremated without tests or a positive report, however, it hasn't been independently verified. The outrage against the government is quite visible now. Sri Lanka largely contained the first wave of cases but, now there is a second wave and the focus is back on the government's response to the pandemic. The Rajapaksas known for ruthlessly crushing the civil war have been using the same military textbook to defeat the virus. Reports say officials from the military are being given prominence over experienced civil servants even those who have a record in health services. Earlier this year, a report claimed that key decisions on the pandemic were communicated by Shavendra Silva, the army commander who is the head of Sri Lanka's national operation center for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak. Shavendra Silva was called the "public face" of the response. While the pandemic needs a tough response and military precision in managing affairs, the enforced cremations without any scientific basis damage Colombo's record on the pandemic.

Sri Lanka debates: Does burying coronavirus victims contaminate ground water?

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

Rajapaksa gets sweeping powers: Rajapaksa can now appoint the judges

Even after winning a two-thirds majority in Parliament, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is unable to push a bill that will give him more powers. Supreme Court has red-flagged 4 clauses, saying they need to be approved by the people. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Bill to give more powers to Sri Lankan President hits legal roadblocks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met on Saturday for a virtual summit.&nbsp;

While this is the third virtual summit of Indian PM amid the COVID-19 crisis, after meeting with Australian and European Union leadership, it is the first such meet with any leader of a country in the neighbourhood.

The Indian PM congratulated Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa&nbsp;on&nbsp;his recent victory which he said shows "confidence in your leadership" and said that the victory "will give the opportunity to start a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka ties". &nbsp;PM Modi said, "under neighbourhood first policy and SAGAR Doctrine, we will give priority to Sri Lanka".&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan PM, recalling the close ties while talking about the COVID-19 crisis, thanked New Delhi for extending support, especially financial support to deal with the economic impact. He said," Indian government supported us...and India is with us and helping us".

Earlier this year, India and Sri Lanka agreed to a $400 million currency swap agreement which will be a relief to Colombo. Both countries are also engaged in debt repayment rescheduling talks.

Mahinda Rajapaksa&nbsp;appreciated India for rapid help during the MT Diamond crisis. Earlier this month, the ship which was on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka caught fire risking a major environmental disaster. The Indian Navy played a key role as one of the key responders to the crisis.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met on Saturday for a virtual summit. While this is the third virtual summit of Indian PM amid the COVID-19 crisis, after meeting with Australian and European Union leadership, it is the first such meet with any leader of a country in the neighbourhood.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met on Saturday for a virtual summit. While this is the third virtual summit of Indian PM amid the COVID-19 crisis, after meeting with Australian and European Union leadership, it is the first such meet with any leader of a country in the neighbourhood. The Indian PM congratulated Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa on his recent victory which he said shows "confidence in your leadership" and said that the victory "will give the opportunity to start a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka ties". PM Modi said, "under neighbourhood first policy and SAGAR Doctrine, we will give priority to Sri Lanka". The Sri Lankan PM, recalling the close ties while talking about the COVID-19 crisis, thanked New Delhi for extending support, especially financial support to deal with the economic impact. He said," Indian government supported us...and India is with us and helping us". Earlier this year, India and Sri Lanka agreed to a $400 million currency swap agreement which will be a relief to Colombo. Both countries are also engaged in debt repayment rescheduling talks. Mahinda Rajapaksa appreciated India for rapid help during the MT Diamond crisis. Earlier this month, the ship which was on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka caught fire risking a major environmental disaster. The Indian Navy played a key role as one of the key responders to the crisis.

Sri Lanka a priority, says PM Modi during virtual summit with PM Mahinda Rajapaksa

The Sri Lankan government''s proposed 20th Constitution Amendment Bill that aims to bolster the powers of the President was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, ending speculation that its presentation would be delayed amidst internal resistance from within the ruling party led by the powerful Rajapaksa family.

The government on September 2 gazetted 20A, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978.

It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections.

The 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President.

Amidst an uproar by the Opposition in Parliament on Tuesday, Justice Minister Ali Sabri tabled the bill which was the original gazette issued by the government on September 3.

After the bill is presented in Parliament, anyone wanting to drag the matter to the court can approach the apex judicial body against it.

The 20A has been tabled in Parliament and it is upto the Opposition to approach the court if they want to go against it, the government said.

GL Peiris, the Education Minister, on Monday had said: "After it is presented in Parliament for what is known as the first reading tomorrow, any interested party can approach the Supreme Court against it. Then the court will have further 3 weeks to inform its legality to the President and Parliament".

Peiris headed a 9-member ministerial committee to review the 20A''s original provisions after it faced internal resistance from within a faction of the ruling Sri Lanka People''s Party (SLPP) parliamentary group itself.

Yet Peiris'' committee report was not considered for any changes based on the objections.

"Any changes which the parties want could be discussed at the committee stage of the debate", Peiris said adding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had received two clear mandates both in November last year and at the parliamentary election held in August to abolish the 19A.

The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the powerful Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections.

At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members, including the current president, were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to renounce his US citizenship to contest the presidential election in November last.

His younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser, Basil Rajapaksa, is a dual citizen of the US and Sri Lanka. There are five from the Rajapaksa family already in the government.

During the August 5 general election, the SLPP sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-thirds majority to affect the constitutional change they desire.

While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

The Sri Lankan government''s proposed 20th Constitution Amendment Bill that aims to bolster the powers of the President was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, ending speculation that its presentation would be delayed amidst internal resistance from within the ruling party led by the powerful Rajapaksa family.

The Sri Lankan government''s proposed 20th Constitution Amendment Bill that aims to bolster the powers of the President was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, ending speculation that its presentation would be delayed amidst internal resistance from within the ruling party led by the powerful Rajapaksa family. The government on September 2 gazetted 20A, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament. The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978. It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections. The 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President. Amidst an uproar by the Opposition in Parliament on Tuesday, Justice Minister Ali Sabri tabled the bill which was the original gazette issued by the government on September 3. After the bill is presented in Parliament, anyone wanting to drag the matter to the court can approach the apex judicial body against it. The 20A has been tabled in Parliament and it is upto the Opposition to approach the court if they want to go against it, the government said. GL Peiris, the Education Minister, on Monday had said: "After it is presented in Parliament for what is known as the first reading tomorrow, any interested party can approach the Supreme Court against it. Then the court will have further 3 weeks to inform its legality to the President and Parliament". Peiris headed a 9-member ministerial committee to review the 20A''s original provisions after it faced internal resistance from within a faction of the ruling Sri Lanka People''s Party (SLPP) parliamentary group itself. Yet Peiris'' committee report was not considered for any changes based on the objections. "Any changes which the parties want could be discussed at the committee stage of the debate", Peiris said adding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had received two clear mandates both in November last year and at the parliamentary election held in August to abolish the 19A. The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the powerful Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members, including the current president, were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka. Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to renounce his US citizenship to contest the presidential election in November last. His younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser, Basil Rajapaksa, is a dual citizen of the US and Sri Lanka. There are five from the Rajapaksa family already in the government. During the August 5 general election, the SLPP sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-thirds majority to affect the constitutional change they desire. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

Sri Lankan government tables 20th Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power. 
 
His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week. 
 
Gotabaya and Mahinda will control the key defence and finance portfolios, respectively, in the new 26-member cabinet. 
 
Their elder brother Chamal kept his place in the cabinet and was joined by Mahinda's eldest son, Namal, who was named sports minister.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-takes-oath-as-sri-lankan-prime-minister-319181" hreflang="en">Mahinda Rajapaksa takes oath as Sri Lankan Prime Minister</a> 
 
The growing dynastic imprint was strengthened by one of their nephews, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who joined the government as a state agriculture minister though he will not be in the cabinet. 
 
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, became president in November last year and named Mahinda, a 74-year-old former president, as prime minister. 
 
Pursuing a nationalist agenda, their party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, which allows them to change the constitution and tighten their hold on power. 
 
The brothers want to scrap a 2015 constitutional amendment which transferred some executive powers from the president to the prime minister, along with independent institutions to run public services and the judiciary. 
 
In the new cabinet, Mahinda was given three portfolios -- finance, culture and housing -- while their eldest brother Chamal, 77, was given irrigation, a powerful position in largely rural Sri Lanka. 
 
Chamal was also made the state minister for defence, a non-cabinet position responsible for internal security and disaster management.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/sri-lankan-electorate-gives-benefit-of-doubt-to-rajapaksas-318926" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan electorate gives benefit of doubt to Rajapaksas</a> 
 
The swearing-in of ministers was carried out at the Temple of the Tooth, the holiest Buddhist shrine, in the presence of saffron-robed monks and other guests in Kandy, 115 kilometres (71 miles) east of Colombo. 
 
The venue was carefully chosen to reinforce the Rajapaksa family's appeal to their majority Sinhala-Buddhist constituency. 
 
The president took his oath after his November landslide in front of a pagoda built by a legendary Sinhala king known to have vanquished a rival from the minority Tamil community. 
 
Mahinda was sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday at the Kelaniya temple which Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe to have been visited by the Buddha himself.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power. His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power. His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week. Gotabaya and Mahinda will control the key defence and finance portfolios, respectively, in the new 26-member cabinet. Their elder brother Chamal kept his place in the cabinet and was joined by Mahinda's eldest son, Namal, who was named sports minister. Also read: Mahinda Rajapaksa takes oath as Sri Lankan Prime Minister The growing dynastic imprint was strengthened by one of their nephews, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who joined the government as a state agriculture minister though he will not be in the cabinet. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, became president in November last year and named Mahinda, a 74-year-old former president, as prime minister. Pursuing a nationalist agenda, their party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, which allows them to change the constitution and tighten their hold on power. The brothers want to scrap a 2015 constitutional amendment which transferred some executive powers from the president to the prime minister, along with independent institutions to run public services and the judiciary. In the new cabinet, Mahinda was given three portfolios -- finance, culture and housing -- while their eldest brother Chamal, 77, was given irrigation, a powerful position in largely rural Sri Lanka. Chamal was also made the state minister for defence, a non-cabinet position responsible for internal security and disaster management. Also read: Sri Lankan electorate gives benefit of doubt to Rajapaksas The swearing-in of ministers was carried out at the Temple of the Tooth, the holiest Buddhist shrine, in the presence of saffron-robed monks and other guests in Kandy, 115 kilometres (71 miles) east of Colombo. The venue was carefully chosen to reinforce the Rajapaksa family's appeal to their majority Sinhala-Buddhist constituency. The president took his oath after his November landslide in front of a pagoda built by a legendary Sinhala king known to have vanquished a rival from the minority Tamil community. Mahinda was sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday at the Kelaniya temple which Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe to have been visited by the Buddha himself.

Sri Lanka president strengthens Rajapaksa dynasty in new government

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

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

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

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

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hopes to tighten his hold on the nation's fractious politics in an election on Wednesday that could elevate his brother and allow the two to change the constitution if they prevail.

Rajapaksa, who claims credit for controlling the spread of the new coronavirus in the island nation, hopes to install his elder brother and former president - current caretaker Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa - in the post formally with an outright election victory.

Voters in the tiny Indian Ocean nation of 21 million people will wear masks, carry their own pens to mark ballot papers and maintain physical distancing for the parliamentary polling that has twice been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Votes will be counted on Thursday.

Sri Lanka has reported 2,816 infections of the new coronavirus and 11 COVID-19 deaths as of Sunday. The totals are lower than in neighbouring south Asian countries, held in check by a strict lockdown since March.

"We will make it safe for you to vote," said chief election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, urging people to vote without fear.

The Rajapaksa brothers, who built their political careers as Sinhalese Buddhist nationalists, are best known for crushing Tamil separatists fighting for a separate homeland for their ethnic minority. The 26-year civil war ended under the elder Rajapaksa's presidency.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who won the presidency in November, is not up for re-election in the parliamentary polls. 
Given the support the brothers enjoy among the Sinhalese majority, Mahinda is favoured to become prime minister over Sajith Premadasa, analysts say. Sri Lanka does not have a tradition of conducting political opinion polls.

The opposition candidate is the son of Ranasinghe Premadasa, who was assassinated while president by a Tamil suicide bomber in 1993.

The Rajapaksas want to return to the presidency powers that were diluted by previous governments as part of reforms to prevent abuses of power.

"The majority community in Sri Lanka have (shown) that they have already decided they want the Rajapaksas back by voting Gotabaya Rajapaksa into the presidency," said Jayadeva Uyangoda, an independent political commentator. The question, he said, is whether they will get a big majority to make sweeping changes.

The reforms created independent bodies, including judicial, human rights and police commissions to exercise powers that had been concentrated in the president.

President Rajapaksa says he cannot implement his agenda of economic growth because of the curbs on his power.

“It is impossible to make any meaningful changes and implement the agenda that I presented to the people," he said last week.

Restoring those powers would require amending the constitution, which in turn requires a two-thirds majority in parliament.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hopes to tighten his hold on the nation's fractious politics in an election on Wednesday that could elevate his brother and allow the two to change the constitution if they prevail.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hopes to tighten his hold on the nation's fractious politics in an election on Wednesday that could elevate his brother and allow the two to change the constitution if they prevail. Rajapaksa, who claims credit for controlling the spread of the new coronavirus in the island nation, hopes to install his elder brother and former president - current caretaker Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa - in the post formally with an outright election victory. Voters in the tiny Indian Ocean nation of 21 million people will wear masks, carry their own pens to mark ballot papers and maintain physical distancing for the parliamentary polling that has twice been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Votes will be counted on Thursday. Sri Lanka has reported 2,816 infections of the new coronavirus and 11 COVID-19 deaths as of Sunday. The totals are lower than in neighbouring south Asian countries, held in check by a strict lockdown since March. "We will make it safe for you to vote," said chief election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, urging people to vote without fear. The Rajapaksa brothers, who built their political careers as Sinhalese Buddhist nationalists, are best known for crushing Tamil separatists fighting for a separate homeland for their ethnic minority. The 26-year civil war ended under the elder Rajapaksa's presidency. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who won the presidency in November, is not up for re-election in the parliamentary polls. Given the support the brothers enjoy among the Sinhalese majority, Mahinda is favoured to become prime minister over Sajith Premadasa, analysts say. Sri Lanka does not have a tradition of conducting political opinion polls. The opposition candidate is the son of Ranasinghe Premadasa, who was assassinated while president by a Tamil suicide bomber in 1993. The Rajapaksas want to return to the presidency powers that were diluted by previous governments as part of reforms to prevent abuses of power. "The majority community in Sri Lanka have (shown) that they have already decided they want the Rajapaksas back by voting Gotabaya Rajapaksa into the presidency," said Jayadeva Uyangoda, an independent political commentator. The question, he said, is whether they will get a big majority to make sweeping changes. The reforms created independent bodies, including judicial, human rights and police commissions to exercise powers that had been concentrated in the president. President Rajapaksa says he cannot implement his agenda of economic growth because of the curbs on his power. “It is impossible to make any meaningful changes and implement the agenda that I presented to the people," he said last week. Restoring those powers would require amending the constitution, which in turn requires a two-thirds majority in parliament.

Sri Lanka's Rajapaksas hope to tighten grip on power in election

A consignment of medicines arrived in Sri Lanka from India on Wednesday, as South Asia battles with the coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/humanity-in-times-of-covid-19-trump-thanks-india-pm-modi-for-decision-on-hcq-291430" hreflang="en">Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ</a>

"Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka. Cooperation in these difficult times is a mark of a strong friendship! And a big thank you to @airindiain for undertaking this amazing task," High Commission of India in Colombo said in a tweet.

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Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>. Cooperation in these difficult times is mark of a strong friendship ! And a big thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> for undertaking this amazing task 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Togetherwestand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Togetherwestand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/OH9inPtSmS">pic.twitter.com/OH9inPtSmS</a>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1247821296202690562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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More than 150 cases of coronavirus have been reported from Sri Lanka. Globally, the virus has infected more than a million people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-green-signal-to-hydroxychloroquine-order-placed-by-spain-291412" hreflang="en">India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain</a>

During a video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi with leaders from SAARC countries last month had proposed the creation of COVID-19 Emergency Fund based on voluntary contributions from all the countries, with India making an initial offer of USD 10 million for the fund.

The fund can be used by any of the partner countries to meet the cost of immediate actions. The Prime Minister had informed that India is assembling a Rapid Response Team of doctors and specialists, along with testing kits and other equipment, which will be on stand-by, to be placed at the disposal of the countries, if required.

A consignment of medicines arrived in Sri Lanka from India on Wednesday, as South Asia battles with the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ "Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka.

A consignment of medicines arrived in Sri Lanka from India on Wednesday, as South Asia battles with the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ "Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka. Cooperation in these difficult times is a mark of a strong friendship! And a big thank you to @airindiain for undertaking this amazing task," High Commission of India in Colombo said in a tweet. Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka. Cooperation in these difficult times is mark of a strong friendship ! And a big thank you to @airindiain for undertaking this amazing task #lka #Togetherwestand #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OH9inPtSmS — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 8, 2020 × More than 150 cases of coronavirus have been reported from Sri Lanka. Globally, the virus has infected more than a million people. Also read: India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain During a video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi with leaders from SAARC countries last month had proposed the creation of COVID-19 Emergency Fund based on voluntary contributions from all the countries, with India making an initial offer of USD 10 million for the fund. The fund can be used by any of the partner countries to meet the cost of immediate actions. The Prime Minister had informed that India is assembling a Rapid Response Team of doctors and specialists, along with testing kits and other equipment, which will be on stand-by, to be placed at the disposal of the countries, if required.

COVID-19 outbreak: Consignment of medicines arrives in Sri Lanka from India

It's been three months since Gotabaya Rajapaksa took power in Sri Lanka. His election victory last year was clear and definitive that marked the return of one of the most dominant political dynasties in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed his brother and former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Prime Minister. The idea of a snap Parliamentary election should not come as a surprise.

Soon after his election, the Sri Lankan President had declared his intentions to call for snap polls. This seems to be a step toward consolidating more power. 
 
WATCH: Rajapaksas eye majority in Sri Lankan Parliament

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In 2015, the Sri Lankan parliament had passed a historic amendment which is called - '19A'. The law diluted many powers of the President's office.

To push their legislative agenda, the Rajapaksas need a majority in Parliament. They would contest the snap election from a position of strength.

The Rajapaksas command strong support from the majority Buddhist Sinhalese. India and the world will keep an eye on the political developments in Sri Lanka.

There will be a close watch on whether the Rajapaksas display any streak of authoritarianism, because under Mahinda Rajapaksa, Parliament had abolished the term limits for the Presidency.

The last government brought back the term limits, strengthened the office of the Prime Minister and introduced a Right to Information Act.

The same politicians, who now find themselves in the opposition, face the formidable Rajapaksas. The United National Party of the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is struggling with an internal power struggle.

So far, the Rajapaksas are strong favourites to secure a supermajority - one that would give them sweeping powers to govern Sri Lanka. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
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It's been three months since Gotabaya Rajapaksa took power in Sri Lanka. His election victory last year was clear and definitive that marked the return of one of the most dominant political dynasties in Sri Lanka.

It's been three months since Gotabaya Rajapaksa took power in Sri Lanka. His election victory last year was clear and definitive that marked the return of one of the most dominant political dynasties in Sri Lanka. Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed his brother and former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Prime Minister. The idea of a snap Parliamentary election should not come as a surprise. Soon after his election, the Sri Lankan President had declared his intentions to call for snap polls. This seems to be a step toward consolidating more power. WATCH: Rajapaksas eye majority in Sri Lankan Parliament × In 2015, the Sri Lankan parliament had passed a historic amendment which is called - '19A'. The law diluted many powers of the President's office. To push their legislative agenda, the Rajapaksas need a majority in Parliament. They would contest the snap election from a position of strength. The Rajapaksas command strong support from the majority Buddhist Sinhalese. India and the world will keep an eye on the political developments in Sri Lanka. There will be a close watch on whether the Rajapaksas display any streak of authoritarianism, because under Mahinda Rajapaksa, Parliament had abolished the term limits for the Presidency. The last government brought back the term limits, strengthened the office of the Prime Minister and introduced a Right to Information Act. The same politicians, who now find themselves in the opposition, face the formidable Rajapaksas. The United National Party of the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is struggling with an internal power struggle. So far, the Rajapaksas are strong favourites to secure a supermajority - one that would give them sweeping powers to govern Sri Lanka. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Sri Lanka - snap election a move to secure more power?

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Gravitas: Sri Lanka to withdraw from UN resolution on war crimes

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