Sri Lanka's new president named his elder brother&nbsp;Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of prime ministership, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's new President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">Gotabaya Rajapaksa </a>will swear in his elder brother and former president Mahinda, Government spokesman Vijayananda Herath said, reports AFP. Herath added that Mahinda will take charge as PM soon after Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation on Thursday morning.&nbsp;

"Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in at 1.00 pm&nbsp;(0730 GMT) and assume office at 3.00 pm," Keheliya Rambukwella, the spokesman for Mahinda-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) told Reuters.

Both brothers are credited for ending Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago by brutally crushing Tamil Tigers.&nbsp;

Gotabaya, known as the "Terminator" was the defence secretary when his brother Mahinda was the president of Sri Lanka (2005-15). During his tenure as defence secretary, Gotabaya was accused of allowing death squads to kill rivals, journalists and critics.&nbsp;

During the "dark decade" of the Rajapaksas' in office, at least 14 journalists "were murdered in connection with their work", reports press watchdog Reporters Without Borders

The new president is revered by the Sinhalese majority but a section of Tamil minorities also detest the 70-year-old strongman. As per reports, 40,000 civilians from Tamil community were killed during the end of Tamil war.&nbsp;

Gotabaya also faces a civil suit in the US where he has been accused of ordering the torture of a Tamil man and others when he was in power.&nbsp;

The presidential campaign of the Rajapaksas was based on strengthening national security and weeding out corruption.&nbsp;Wickremesinghe's government faced a lot of flak for failing to prevent April Easter bombings in which killed at least 269 people.&nbsp;

The 70-year-old did not have political experience but his elder brother's charismatic campaigning appealed to the Lankans.

During the term of Rajapaksas, Sri Lanka's proximity to China was increased, in which the island borrowed heavily from the Asian giant for infrastructure projects. Many of the infrastructure projects backed by China have turned into white elephants due to corruption allegations.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka was also forced to hand over its Hambantota port for 99 years lease to China in 2017 for failing to repay a loan of $1.4 billion, alarming western countries and traditional ally India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's new president named his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of prime ministership, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will swear in his elder brother and former president Mahinda, Government spokesman Vijayananda Herath said, reports AFP.

Sri Lanka's new president named his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of prime ministership, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will swear in his elder brother and former president Mahinda, Government spokesman Vijayananda Herath said, reports AFP. Herath added that Mahinda will take charge as PM soon after Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation on Thursday morning. "Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in at 1.00 pm (0730 GMT) and assume office at 3.00 pm," Keheliya Rambukwella, the spokesman for Mahinda-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) told Reuters. Both brothers are credited for ending Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago by brutally crushing Tamil Tigers. Gotabaya, known as the "Terminator" was the defence secretary when his brother Mahinda was the president of Sri Lanka (2005-15). During his tenure as defence secretary, Gotabaya was accused of allowing death squads to kill rivals, journalists and critics. During the "dark decade" of the Rajapaksas' in office, at least 14 journalists "were murdered in connection with their work", reports press watchdog Reporters Without Borders The new president is revered by the Sinhalese majority but a section of Tamil minorities also detest the 70-year-old strongman. As per reports, 40,000 civilians from Tamil community were killed during the end of Tamil war. Gotabaya also faces a civil suit in the US where he has been accused of ordering the torture of a Tamil man and others when he was in power. The presidential campaign of the Rajapaksas was based on strengthening national security and weeding out corruption. Wickremesinghe's government faced a lot of flak for failing to prevent April Easter bombings in which killed at least 269 people. The 70-year-old did not have political experience but his elder brother's charismatic campaigning appealed to the Lankans. During the term of Rajapaksas, Sri Lanka's proximity to China was increased, in which the island borrowed heavily from the Asian giant for infrastructure projects. Many of the infrastructure projects backed by China have turned into white elephants due to corruption allegations. Sri Lanka was also forced to hand over its Hambantota port for 99 years lease to China in 2017 for failing to repay a loan of $1.4 billion, alarming western countries and traditional ally India.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa names brother Mahinda as Sri Lanka PM

Sri Lanka's incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena has decided not to contest the country's presidential elections scheduled to be held on November 16.

Sirisena's name was not on a list of 41 candidates who paid deposits by Sunday noon's deadline to contest the November 16 presidential poll, according to Election Commission records, Al Jazeera reported.

The president caused a constitutional crisis last year when he sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a former political rival.

The Supreme Court later ruled against Sirisena's action and reinstated Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena also faced criticism over the government's handling of an intelligence report warning of the Easter Day bombings that killed 250 people.

Nominations for Sri Lanka's election will be accepted on Monday.

Among the record 41 candidates who posted cash bonds on Sunday were two members of the influential Rajapaksa family.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa - a former secretary to the Ministry of Defence during his brother's decade in power - is the frontrunner, but faces several court cases over corruption allegations and the validity of his Sri Lankan citizenship.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena has decided not to contest the country's presidential elections scheduled to be held on November 16. Sirisena's name was not on a list of 41 candidates who paid deposits by Sunday noon's deadline to contest the November 16 presidential poll, according to Election Commission records, Al Jazeera reported.

Sri Lanka's incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena has decided not to contest the country's presidential elections scheduled to be held on November 16. Sirisena's name was not on a list of 41 candidates who paid deposits by Sunday noon's deadline to contest the November 16 presidential poll, according to Election Commission records, Al Jazeera reported. The president caused a constitutional crisis last year when he sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a former political rival. The Supreme Court later ruled against Sirisena's action and reinstated Wickremesinghe. Sirisena also faced criticism over the government's handling of an intelligence report warning of the Easter Day bombings that killed 250 people. Nominations for Sri Lanka's election will be accepted on Monday. Among the record 41 candidates who posted cash bonds on Sunday were two members of the influential Rajapaksa family. Gotabaya Rajapaksa - a former secretary to the Ministry of Defence during his brother's decade in power - is the frontrunner, but faces several court cases over corruption allegations and the validity of his Sri Lankan citizenship.

President Maithripala Sirisena to not contest Sri Lanka polls next month: Report

Sri Lanka's ruling coalition became embroiled in a power struggle Tuesday as two challengers came forward to oppose Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to be a candidate for a looming presidential election.

Wickremesinghe had been the clear frontrunner to be the United National Party candidate until parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya and deputy party leader Sajith Premadasa threw their hats into the ring.

The UNP dominates the ruling coalition and is expected to nominate its candidate for the election to be held between November 7 and December 7.

Voting already risks controversy with Gotabaya Rajapakse, younger brother of Sri Lanka's former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse, leading the opposition bid despite outstanding court cases and criminal inquiries.

Jayasuriya, 78, who played a key role in ending a political crisis last year, said he wants the top office so he can scrap the presidential system which he accused of centralising power.

"I will enter the contest with the intention of abolishing the executive presidency and not to enjoy that office," Jayasuriya said in a statement.

"Since 1995, we have wanted to scrap the presidency, but failed."

Jayasuriya led a campaign by members of parliament in October to oppose incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena's bid to sack Wickremesinghe and install a puppet prime minister.

Hours before his announcement, however, Premadasa, 52, told a hurriedly summoned press conference that he should be the UNP's presidential hopeful.

The son of President Ranasinghe Premadasa who was assassinated by suspected Tamil Tiger rebels in 1993, Premadasa called for a secret ballot of the UNP executive to decide the candidate.

It was not clear when the party would decide, but the election is expected to be formally declared later this month.

Premadasa said he would beat Rajapakse who is considered a strong contender even though he faces corruption cases in Sri Lanka and two civil actions in the United States.

The US cases are over the murder of a newspaper editor and torture of Tamil rebel suspects when he was a top defence ministry official during his brother's rule.

Sirisena broke away from Mahinda Rajapakse's Sri Lanka Freedom Party to win the last election in 2015 with the help of the UNP. However, he later formed a new alliance with Rajapakse.

Squabbles between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe came to a head when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe in October last year and tried to put former president Mahinda Rajapakse in his place.

The Supreme Court eventually ruled that Sirisena's actions were illegal.

Sirisena's alliance with Rajapakse was also short-lived as Rajapakse has since formed a new party.

Sirisena has not yet announced whether he will seek a new term.

Sri Lanka's ruling coalition became embroiled in a power struggle Tuesday as two challengers came forward to oppose Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to be a candidate for a looming presidential election.

Sri Lanka's ruling coalition became embroiled in a power struggle Tuesday as two challengers came forward to oppose Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to be a candidate for a looming presidential election. Wickremesinghe had been the clear frontrunner to be the United National Party candidate until parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya and deputy party leader Sajith Premadasa threw their hats into the ring. The UNP dominates the ruling coalition and is expected to nominate its candidate for the election to be held between November 7 and December 7. Voting already risks controversy with Gotabaya Rajapakse, younger brother of Sri Lanka's former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse, leading the opposition bid despite outstanding court cases and criminal inquiries. Jayasuriya, 78, who played a key role in ending a political crisis last year, said he wants the top office so he can scrap the presidential system which he accused of centralising power. "I will enter the contest with the intention of abolishing the executive presidency and not to enjoy that office," Jayasuriya said in a statement. "Since 1995, we have wanted to scrap the presidency, but failed." Jayasuriya led a campaign by members of parliament in October to oppose incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena's bid to sack Wickremesinghe and install a puppet prime minister. Hours before his announcement, however, Premadasa, 52, told a hurriedly summoned press conference that he should be the UNP's presidential hopeful. The son of President Ranasinghe Premadasa who was assassinated by suspected Tamil Tiger rebels in 1993, Premadasa called for a secret ballot of the UNP executive to decide the candidate. It was not clear when the party would decide, but the election is expected to be formally declared later this month. Premadasa said he would beat Rajapakse who is considered a strong contender even though he faces corruption cases in Sri Lanka and two civil actions in the United States. The US cases are over the murder of a newspaper editor and torture of Tamil rebel suspects when he was a top defence ministry official during his brother's rule. Sirisena broke away from Mahinda Rajapakse's Sri Lanka Freedom Party to win the last election in 2015 with the help of the UNP. However, he later formed a new alliance with Rajapakse. Squabbles between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe came to a head when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe in October last year and tried to put former president Mahinda Rajapakse in his place. The Supreme Court eventually ruled that Sirisena's actions were illegal. Sirisena's alliance with Rajapakse was also short-lived as Rajapakse has since formed a new party. Sirisena has not yet announced whether he will seek a new term.

Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe faces party challenge in the presidential battle

Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Ltd on Saturday expanded its global footprint with the inauguration of a local automotive assembly plant at Welipenna near Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Christened Mahindra Ideal Lanka Pvt Ltd, the assembly plant has been set up in collaboration with Ideal Motors of Sri Lanka.

The plant spread across 10 acres rolled out its first product, the compact sport utility vehicle KUV100, and will roll out a slew of products over the next three years.

The knock-down kit (CKD) assembly plant was inaugurated in the presence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, his Cabinet Minister Malik Samarawickrama, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu, M&amp;M Managing Director Pawan Goenka, M&amp;M Chief of International Operations Arvind Mathew and others.

"Inauguration of this automotive assembly plant is a significant milestone for Mahindra's foray into the Sri Lanka market," said Goenka.

"Sri Lanka is a key strategic market for us and we are now fully equipped to deliver products customised to local needs on time. This new assembly plant will not only add to industrial growth in the country but will also generate significant employment opportunities at our plant and at supplier's end," he said in a statement.

Mahindra Ideal Lanka will assemble KUV100 with a production capacity of 5,000 units per year. The joint venture company will localise four components -- batteries, tyres, seats and exhausts.

The plant is expected to provide employment to 200 people directly and indirectly over the next two years.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd on Saturday expanded its global footprint with the inauguration of a local automotive assembly plant at Welipenna near Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd on Saturday expanded its global footprint with the inauguration of a local automotive assembly plant at Welipenna near Colombo in Sri Lanka. Christened Mahindra Ideal Lanka Pvt Ltd, the assembly plant has been set up in collaboration with Ideal Motors of Sri Lanka. The plant spread across 10 acres rolled out its first product, the compact sport utility vehicle KUV100, and will roll out a slew of products over the next three years. The knock-down kit (CKD) assembly plant was inaugurated in the presence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, his Cabinet Minister Malik Samarawickrama, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu, M&M Managing Director Pawan Goenka, M&M Chief of International Operations Arvind Mathew and others. "Inauguration of this automotive assembly plant is a significant milestone for Mahindra's foray into the Sri Lanka market," said Goenka. "Sri Lanka is a key strategic market for us and we are now fully equipped to deliver products customised to local needs on time. This new assembly plant will not only add to industrial growth in the country but will also generate significant employment opportunities at our plant and at supplier's end," he said in a statement. Mahindra Ideal Lanka will assemble KUV100 with a production capacity of 5,000 units per year. The joint venture company will localise four components -- batteries, tyres, seats and exhausts. The plant is expected to provide employment to 200 people directly and indirectly over the next two years.

Mahindra inaugurates first automotive assembly plant in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka could lose access to global debt markets if a new government shifts away from the country's current fiscal policy that's aimed at shoring up the economy and managing inflation, a central bank official said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-president-vetoes-military-deal-with-washington-that-allows-us-troops-free-access-to-islands-ports-233571">The Indian Ocean island nation</a> is preparing for the presidential election later this year and a parliament election in 2020, which is causing uncertainty among investors over potential policy shifts.

'The question is whether any new government coming after elections will move in a different direction compared to what we have been, or rather this government, has been doing for the last four years,' Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

'If anyone tries to move away from this fiscal, macro-economic stability, they will not have access to global markets,' he said.

The economy cannot afford to lose access to global markets as it has to repay more than $16 billion in foreign loans over the next four years.

'Anyone who comes to power will have to make sure we have access to a global investor base so that we can meet payments in the next couple of years through market borrowings,' Weerasinghe said.

During Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government, the central bank has tightened monetary policies to back the administration's overall goal of fiscal consolidation, an effort supported by a $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Though Wickremesinghe is widely seen as a business-friendly leader, critics say his economic politics have stunted economic growth.

The central bank has introduced an inflation-targeting monetary policy and a flexible exchange rate transformed short-term high-cost borrowings to long-term lower-cost ones and reduced the outflow of foreign exchange for luxury goods.

SLOWED GROWTH

Those measures contributed to pulling down the economic growth rate in 2018 to an 18-year low of 3.2 per cent. A power tussle in 2018 for the prime minister's job and this year's Easter Islamist militant bombings, which killed more than 250 people, further weigh on the economy.

Weerasinghe of the central bank said proposed changes to monetary policy law, expected to win parliament approval soon, will help bolster the central bank's independence.

'Already there's central bank independence in the current law, and we are now proposing a new monetary act which will strengthen the central bank's independence as well as accountability to the public, to the parliament.'

Weerasinghe forecast 3 per cent growth this year.

In May, the central bank reduced the key interest rates by 50 basis points to boost credit growth and the economy.

There was still room to reduce market interest rates, Weerasinghe said.

'I don't see any reason to tighten at this point.'

He also said the central bank is in advance discussions to borrow $500 million from Japan via a bond sale this year.

Sri Lanka could lose access to global debt markets if a new government shifts away from the country's current fiscal policy that's aimed at shoring up the economy and managing inflation, a central bank official said on Friday.

Sri Lanka could lose access to global debt markets if a new government shifts away from the country's current fiscal policy that's aimed at shoring up the economy and managing inflation, a central bank official said on Friday. The Indian Ocean island nation is preparing for the presidential election later this year and a parliament election in 2020, which is causing uncertainty among investors over potential policy shifts. 'The question is whether any new government coming after elections will move in a different direction compared to what we have been, or rather this government, has been doing for the last four years,' Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, told Reuters in an interview on Friday. 'If anyone tries to move away from this fiscal, macro-economic stability, they will not have access to global markets,' he said. The economy cannot afford to lose access to global markets as it has to repay more than $16 billion in foreign loans over the next four years. 'Anyone who comes to power will have to make sure we have access to a global investor base so that we can meet payments in the next couple of years through market borrowings,' Weerasinghe said. During Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government, the central bank has tightened monetary policies to back the administration's overall goal of fiscal consolidation, an effort supported by a $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. Though Wickremesinghe is widely seen as a business-friendly leader, critics say his economic politics have stunted economic growth. The central bank has introduced an inflation-targeting monetary policy and a flexible exchange rate transformed short-term high-cost borrowings to long-term lower-cost ones and reduced the outflow of foreign exchange for luxury goods. SLOWED GROWTH Those measures contributed to pulling down the economic growth rate in 2018 to an 18-year low of 3.2 per cent. A power tussle in 2018 for the prime minister's job and this year's Easter Islamist militant bombings, which killed more than 250 people, further weigh on the economy. Weerasinghe of the central bank said proposed changes to monetary policy law, expected to win parliament approval soon, will help bolster the central bank's independence. 'Already there's central bank independence in the current law, and we are now proposing a new monetary act which will strengthen the central bank's independence as well as accountability to the public, to the parliament.' Weerasinghe forecast 3 per cent growth this year. In May, the central bank reduced the key interest rates by 50 basis points to boost credit growth and the economy. There was still room to reduce market interest rates, Weerasinghe said. 'I don't see any reason to tighten at this point.' He also said the central bank is in advance discussions to borrow $500 million from Japan via a bond sale this year.

Sri Lanka risks losing debt market access if future government policy changes

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held the entire government including the cabinet ministers responsible for Easter Sunday attack. ''The government and the Cabinet cannot escape responsibility.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held the entire government including the cabinet ministers responsible for Easter Sunday attack. ''The government and the Cabinet cannot escape responsibility. That is why this Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is meeting to find what went wrong. Certainly, there had been a lapse. We are now in a transitional period and we intend to find measures to prevent them,” he said. According to Wickremesinghe, the ministers have briefed him of extremist activities in the country from time to time rather waiting till the National Security Council sends its reports, which takes two weeks. During the committee hearing, it was revealed the PM took part in the NSC in October 2018 for the last time before the attacks and he was not invited thereafter by President who has also kept out the Inspector General of Police Confirming the intelligence reports and early warning received from the diplomatic channels PM Wickremesinghe said: “There had been reports from various embassies of the activities in their countries. I checked on those who had been to Syria. Muslims had concerns about those elements. There were not only reports on Muslim extremism but also of Sinhala extremism. Some had attempted to revive Tamil extremism too but that failed,” the PM said. Wickremesinghe said that he did not receive the controversial letters exchanged between a few top officials alerting themselves about the imminent threat. The Lankan PM revealed the laws are drafted to bring Madarasa schools under the Government. “The draft act is prepared. It would be presented to Parliament. Besides, I proposed to several ministers that we may need some new laws. In countries such as England, new crimes and offences are included in their legal provisions. They upgrade those lists of crimes at least once two years. The laws in the country are not sufficient to face the threat of global terrorism,” he added.

Government cannot escape responsibility: Wickremesinghe on Easter Sunday attack

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has hailed government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">India's decision</a> to declare Ladakh as an independent Union Territory to be governed by the Centre. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir's restructuring is India's internal matter.

"With 70% of Ladakh's population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India's internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit," Wickremesinghe said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) <a href="https://twitter.com/RW_UNP/status/1158657711271100417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Indian government on Monday announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory but without a legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi.

Watch: Indians welcome historic decision on J&amp;K

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indians-welcome-govts-historical-decision-hails-jk-reorganisation-bill-241049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Addressing the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah announced the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution of India which gave special status to the state and its residents and tabled a bill for the same. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha in evening.

Shah <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-and-aksai-chin-also-part-of-jammu-and-kashmir-amit-shah-in-lok-sabha-241012">presented the bill</a> to the Lok Sabha (Lower House) on Tuesday and reiterated his government's tough stance on Jammu and Kashmir.

"Jammu &amp; Kashmir is an integral part of Union of India. Kashmir ki seema mein PoK bhi aata hai (PoK also comes under Kashmir border)," he said in Lok Sabha.

"Jaan de denge iske liye! (We will give our lives for it)," the Home Minister added.

The revoking of Article 370 was supported by several parties in the Rajya Sabha on Monday including Chandrababu Naidu-Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Mayawati's BSP, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP, AIADMK, AGP, Akali Dal and RPI.

However, the Congress, CPM, CPI, DMK, SP, IUML and KC(M) voted against the resolution as the JD(U), TMC and NCP walked out the Rajya Sabha.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has hailed government of India's decision to declare Ladakh as an independent Union Territory to be governed by the Centre.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has hailed government of India's decision to declare Ladakh as an independent Union Territory to be governed by the Centre. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir's restructuring is India's internal matter. "With 70% of Ladakh's population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India's internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit," Wickremesinghe said on Twitter. Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit. — Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) August 6, 2019 × The Indian government on Monday announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory but without a legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi. Watch: Indians welcome historic decision on J&K Addressing the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah announced the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution of India which gave special status to the state and its residents and tabled a bill for the same. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha in evening. Shah presented the bill to the Lok Sabha (Lower House) on Tuesday and reiterated his government's tough stance on Jammu and Kashmir. "Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of Union of India. Kashmir ki seema mein PoK bhi aata hai (PoK also comes under Kashmir border)," he said in Lok Sabha. "Jaan de denge iske liye! (We will give our lives for it)," the Home Minister added. The revoking of Article 370 was supported by several parties in the Rajya Sabha on Monday including Chandrababu Naidu-Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Mayawati's BSP, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP, AIADMK, AGP, Akali Dal and RPI. However, the Congress, CPM, CPI, DMK, SP, IUML and KC(M) voted against the resolution as the JD(U), TMC and NCP walked out the Rajya Sabha.

Ladakh first Indian Buddhist majority state: Sri Lanka PM hails Indian government's decision to bifurcate J&K

The United States wants a special forces cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka to sidestep bureaucracy and has no intention of setting up a military base in the country, the American ambassador to the island nation said in a television interview.

The comments represent the latest attempt by ambassador Alaina B&nbsp;Teplitz to assuage concerns over US involvement in the Indian Ocean island after plans to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) by the two countries was heavily criticised by local media and some political analysts who see it as a threat to Sri Lanka's sovereignty.

Also called the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), it will establish the framework for US military personnel visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of the government and is still being negotiated by both nations, Teplitz said.

"The visiting forces agreement is an update to an existing agreement and it is designed to address a number of red tape issues," Teplitz told state-run TV channel Rupavahini in an interview late on Saturday.

Giving the example of the 2017 floods in Sri Lanka, Teplitz said the government had sought help from the United States and it brought in relief supplies but the aeroplanes transporting them required clearance from the government.

The agreement would allow the United States to speed up these procedures, she said, so that when there is an emergency "we don't spend time to cut through the red tape."

Sri Lanka sits near one of the world's busiest shipping routes in the Indian Ocean and over the last several years China has become a major investor, building ports and highways.

India, which is just next door, is starting to push back against China's growing influence and so are the United States and Japan, experts say.

Teplitz had earlier this week dismissed the idea that the military pact had anything to do with China.

"China has nothing to do with the VFA; this is all about the long-standing bilateral partnership with Sri Lanka," she said during a live Facebook chat on Wednesday.

She said the US and Sri Lanka currently renegotiate certain administrative issues around entry and exit of military personnel before every single training or ship visit which takes up a lot of time.

The agreement lays down rules for the benefit of both countries - "meaning no base, no permanent presence of US troops", said Teplitz, adding that Sri Lanka retains the right to approve or deny all entry of people, vessels and aircraft.

The debate on the need to have such an agreement has taken centre stage especially after the Easter Sunday attacks and is driving a deeper wedge between the country's President Sirisena Maithripala and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who are already at loggerheads.

Sirisena said earlier in July he would not sign any military cooperation deals that are "unsuitable for the country".

Days later Wickremesinghe told the parliament that negotiations are still on with the United States to agree on a pact but he too would not agree to anything that challenges Sri Lanka's sovereignty.

The United States wants a special forces cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka to sidestep bureaucracy and has no intention of setting up a military base in the country, the American ambassador to the island nation said in a television interview.

The United States wants a special forces cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka to sidestep bureaucracy and has no intention of setting up a military base in the country, the American ambassador to the island nation said in a television interview. The comments represent the latest attempt by ambassador Alaina B Teplitz to assuage concerns over US involvement in the Indian Ocean island after plans to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) by the two countries was heavily criticised by local media and some political analysts who see it as a threat to Sri Lanka's sovereignty. Also called the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), it will establish the framework for US military personnel visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of the government and is still being negotiated by both nations, Teplitz said. "The visiting forces agreement is an update to an existing agreement and it is designed to address a number of red tape issues," Teplitz told state-run TV channel Rupavahini in an interview late on Saturday. Giving the example of the 2017 floods in Sri Lanka, Teplitz said the government had sought help from the United States and it brought in relief supplies but the aeroplanes transporting them required clearance from the government. The agreement would allow the United States to speed up these procedures, she said, so that when there is an emergency "we don't spend time to cut through the red tape." Sri Lanka sits near one of the world's busiest shipping routes in the Indian Ocean and over the last several years China has become a major investor, building ports and highways. India, which is just next door, is starting to push back against China's growing influence and so are the United States and Japan, experts say. Teplitz had earlier this week dismissed the idea that the military pact had anything to do with China. "China has nothing to do with the VFA; this is all about the long-standing bilateral partnership with Sri Lanka," she said during a live Facebook chat on Wednesday. She said the US and Sri Lanka currently renegotiate certain administrative issues around entry and exit of military personnel before every single training or ship visit which takes up a lot of time. The agreement lays down rules for the benefit of both countries - "meaning no base, no permanent presence of US troops", said Teplitz, adding that Sri Lanka retains the right to approve or deny all entry of people, vessels and aircraft. The debate on the need to have such an agreement has taken centre stage especially after the Easter Sunday attacks and is driving a deeper wedge between the country's President Sirisena Maithripala and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who are already at loggerheads. Sirisena said earlier in July he would not sign any military cooperation deals that are "unsuitable for the country". Days later Wickremesinghe told the parliament that negotiations are still on with the United States to agree on a pact but he too would not agree to anything that challenges Sri Lanka's sovereignty.

US wants military cooperation pact with Sri Lanka to tackle red tape: Report

Amid the differences between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena over security ties with the United States, a US State Department spokesperson has said they have no intention to establish a military base in the island nation.

US: No military base in Sri Lanka | WION Exclusive

Amid the differences between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena over security ties with the United States, a US State Department spokesperson has said they have no intention to establish a military base in the island nation.

"We have no ambition to establish a US military base or establish a permanent US military presence in Sri Lanka," the spokesperson told WION. "We envision benefits to both the United States and Sri Lanka, and to peace and security in the Indian Ocean region, as a result of a strengthened defence relationship," the spokesperson further said.

This has come as a shot in the arm for Wickremesinghe who is under fire from Opposition lawmakers who accuse him of allowing the United States to expand its footprint on the island to counter China's influence in the wider Indian Ocean region.

Wickremesinghe told the country's parliament last week that the proposed status-of-forces agreement or SOFA - called the visiting forces agreement (VFA) in Sri Lanka - with the US was not a military pact but only an agreement establishing the rights and privileges that US military personnel would enjoy if they were in the country.

"The SOFA is a peacetime document, and does not address the rules of war, laws of armed conflict, or laws of the sea. It does not authorise specific exercises, activities, or missions," he said.

He also said it only established the framework for US military personnel operations, and that while the discussions were under way he would not support any agreement that threatens Sri Lanka's sovereignty.

The US State Department spokesperson too said that the benefit of finalising an updated VFA is that it will facilitate our ability to work together to support stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other shared priorities in the Indian Ocean region.

Sirisena, however, said he would not sign any military cooperation deals that are "unsuitable for the country".

Sri Lanka sits near one of the world's busiest shipping routes in the Indian Ocean and over the last several years China has become a major investor, building ports and highways.

India, which is just next door, is starting to push back against China's growing influence and so are the United States and Japan, experts say.

The VFA issue has snowballed into a major political controversy in Sri Lanka, pitting Wickremesinghe against his rivals ahead of the presidential election to be held later this year.

Amid the differences between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena over security ties with the United States, a US State Department spokesperson has said they have no intention to establish a military base in the island nation. "We have no ambition to establish a US military base or establish a permanent US military presence in Sri Lanka," the spokesperson told WION. "We envision benefits to both the United States and Sri Lanka, and to peace and security in the Indian Ocean region, as a result of a strengthened defence relationship," the spokesperson further said. This has come as a shot in the arm for Wickremesinghe who is under fire from Opposition lawmakers who accuse him of allowing the United States to expand its footprint on the island to counter China's influence in the wider Indian Ocean region. Wickremesinghe told the country's parliament last week that the proposed status-of-forces agreement or SOFA - called the visiting forces agreement (VFA) in Sri Lanka - with the US was not a military pact but only an agreement establishing the rights and privileges that US military personnel would enjoy if they were in the country. "The SOFA is a peacetime document, and does not address the rules of war, laws of armed conflict, or laws of the sea. It does not authorise specific exercises, activities, or missions," he said. He also said it only established the framework for US military personnel operations, and that while the discussions were under way he would not support any agreement that threatens Sri Lanka's sovereignty. The US State Department spokesperson too said that the benefit of finalising an updated VFA is that it will facilitate our ability to work together to support stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other shared priorities in the Indian Ocean region. Sirisena, however, said he would not sign any military cooperation deals that are "unsuitable for the country". Sri Lanka sits near one of the world's busiest shipping routes in the Indian Ocean and over the last several years China has become a major investor, building ports and highways. India, which is just next door, is starting to push back against China's growing influence and so are the United States and Japan, experts say. The VFA issue has snowballed into a major political controversy in Sri Lanka, pitting Wickremesinghe against his rivals ahead of the presidential election to be held later this year.

Shot in the arm for Wickremesinghe as US State Department says no plan to set up military base in Sri Lanka 

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-court-rejects-easter-bomb-murder-charge-against-officials-234430">Sri Lankan government</a> on Thursday defeated a no-confidence motion brought by an opposition party over what it called "criminal negligence" in failing to prevent Easter Day bomb attacks on hotels and churches that killed more than 250 people.

The motion, brought by the small Marxist opposition party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or People's Liberation Front, was defeated by 119-92 votes. It said the government should have acted on the information it had, referring to warnings by Indian intelligence that attacks were being planned.

The defeat of the motion will strengthen Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-china-watch-keenly-as-sri-lanka-negotiates-new-military-deal-with-us-234975">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>, who has been at loggerheads with President Maithripala Sirisena since last year. Their political differences widened following the attacks.

The suicide bomb attacks on April 21, targeting three churches and three luxury hotels, sent shockwaves through the Indian Ocean island state, which had enjoyed relative peace since a civil war ended a decade ago. The economy has slowed, forcing the government to seek foreign loans, and the tourism industry has been hit.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, though Sri Lankan authorities have blamed two little known domestic Islamist groups,&nbsp;the National Thawheedh Jamaath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim.

The Sri Lankan government on Thursday defeated a no-confidence motion brought by an opposition party over what it called "criminal negligence" in failing to prevent Easter Day bomb attacks on hotels and churches that killed more than 250 people.

The Sri Lankan government on Thursday defeated a no-confidence motion brought by an opposition party over what it called "criminal negligence" in failing to prevent Easter Day bomb attacks on hotels and churches that killed more than 250 people. The motion, brought by the small Marxist opposition party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or People's Liberation Front, was defeated by 119-92 votes. It said the government should have acted on the information it had, referring to warnings by Indian intelligence that attacks were being planned. The defeat of the motion will strengthen Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has been at loggerheads with President Maithripala Sirisena since last year. Their political differences widened following the attacks. The suicide bomb attacks on April 21, targeting three churches and three luxury hotels, sent shockwaves through the Indian Ocean island state, which had enjoyed relative peace since a civil war ended a decade ago. The economy has slowed, forcing the government to seek foreign loans, and the tourism industry has been hit. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, though Sri Lankan authorities have blamed two little known domestic Islamist groups, the National Thawheedh Jamaath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim.

Sri Lankan government defeats no-confidence motion brought over Easter bombings

A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister announced the island nation is negotiating a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-china-watch-keenly-as-sri-lanka-negotiates-new-military-deal-with-us-234975">military pact with the US</a>, another controversial bill has stirred controversy there.

The draft bill at the centre of the controversy is the State Land (Special Provision) Bill which will enable Sri Lankan citizens to sell land.

Given the competition between China and the United States for influence in Sri Lanka, some political parties opposed to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe claim that it would allow American multinational companies to own large tracts of land.

The bill is the latest move by the Sri Lankan government to sell its assets. First, it gave the Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease, and then it okayed the Colombo port city - a billion-dollar project funded by China.

The draft State Land (Special Provisions) Bill was tabled in the federal legislature on June 28. Some Sri Lankans fear that people in debt would be tempted to sell the land to the highest bidder, possibly foreigners.

A few lawmakers are opposed to the government's proposal and have moved Sri Lanka's top court against the bill. The Sri Lankan media cited SLPF general secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara as alleging that although it appears that the bill is progressive and people-friendly, in reality it is an attempt by the government to allow foreigners to buy land in the island nation.

The opposition has claimed that Sri Lanka has always given land on a permit to farmers and others, but when ownership of the land is transferred via a deed, then the land can be sold and used for a different purpose other than for agriculture.

The United National Party (UNP) of PM Wickremesinghe, however, maintains that the bill will allow poor families to utilise their land more productively.

a UNP lawmaker, Thushara Indunil, is reported as saying that the people possess only a permit but no deed to legally claim ownership. In such a situation, they find it difficult to put the land to productive use or use the land as collateral.

A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister announced the island nation is negotiating a military pact with the US, another controversial bill has stirred controversy there.

A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister announced the island nation is negotiating a military pact with the US, another controversial bill has stirred controversy there. The draft bill at the centre of the controversy is the State Land (Special Provision) Bill which will enable Sri Lankan citizens to sell land. Given the competition between China and the United States for influence in Sri Lanka, some political parties opposed to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe claim that it would allow American multinational companies to own large tracts of land. The bill is the latest move by the Sri Lankan government to sell its assets. First, it gave the Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease, and then it okayed the Colombo port city - a billion-dollar project funded by China. The draft State Land (Special Provisions) Bill was tabled in the federal legislature on June 28. Some Sri Lankans fear that people in debt would be tempted to sell the land to the highest bidder, possibly foreigners. A few lawmakers are opposed to the government's proposal and have moved Sri Lanka's top court against the bill. The Sri Lankan media cited SLPF general secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara as alleging that although it appears that the bill is progressive and people-friendly, in reality it is an attempt by the government to allow foreigners to buy land in the island nation. The opposition has claimed that Sri Lanka has always given land on a permit to farmers and others, but when ownership of the land is transferred via a deed, then the land can be sold and used for a different purpose other than for agriculture. The United National Party (UNP) of PM Wickremesinghe, however, maintains that the bill will allow poor families to utilise their land more productively. a UNP lawmaker, Thushara Indunil, is reported as saying that the people possess only a permit but no deed to legally claim ownership. In such a situation, they find it difficult to put the land to productive use or use the land as collateral.

Draft bill stirs row in Sri Lanka, many fear it will allow foreigners to usurp land

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced in parliament on Wednesday that the island nation is negotiating a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-negotiating-new-military-deal-with-us-as-president-sirisena-vows-to-veto-agreement-234805">new military cooperation pact</a> with the United States which seeks to replace the 1995 Status of Forces (SoFA) arrangement. The new greement, if signed, would allow the US military easier access to Sri Lanka.

Wickremesinghe told the federal legislature that the deal would not hurt Sri Lanka's sovereignty. He said that the deal would not allow the US to set up - as critics argue - a military base on the island.

Replying to a question raised by a lawmaker belonging to the communist party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that the status of forces agreement was signed in 1995 by the then-government of president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

It establishes the framework for US military personnel to operate in Sri Lanka.

The other pact - known as the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) - was signed by the then defence minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2007. It was renewed in August 2017 without making changes to its contents. The ACSA extends diplomatic privileges to military personnel and defence contractors.

Wickremesinghe's comments came days after President Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal that would either give the US forces a military base in Sri Lanka or challenge the country's sovereignty.

Wickremesinghe is expected to run against Sirisena for President later this year.

For New Delhi, a renewed US interest in Sri Lanka, especially after the April 21 terror attacks in the country, would act as a countervailing force against China's increasing footprint in India's backyard.

India has signed military deals with the US that are similar to the one being negotiated by Sri Lanka.

India and the US signed what is known as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Mgreement (LEMM) in 2016 which gives both countries access to designated military facilities on either side for refuelling, joint exercises and training.

Another agreement - the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (CCSA) signed in 2018 - enables secure encrypted communications and facilitates interoperability between militaries and sale of high-end technology.

The US foray into Sri Lanka would not go unnoticed in China.

The US worries that China has stepped up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt.

In 2017, Sri Lanka gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port in Hambantota to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the US $1.4 billion project. The Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest East-West shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India.

On June 8, a Chinese warship docked at capital Colombo. It has been given to the Sri Lankan navy for patrolling and surveillance missions. The ship arrived two days after President Sirisena opposed a military deal with the US.

The developments highlight the competition between China and the US for influence in Sri Lanka as India watches from the sidelines.

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again. Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced in parliament on Wednesday that the island nation is negotiating a new military cooperation pact with the United States which seeks to replace the 1995 Status of Forces (SoFA) arrangement. The new greement, if signed, would allow the US military easier access to Sri Lanka. Wickremesinghe told the federal legislature that the deal would not hurt Sri Lanka's sovereignty. He said that the deal would not allow the US to set up - as critics argue - a military base on the island. Replying to a question raised by a lawmaker belonging to the communist party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that the status of forces agreement was signed in 1995 by the then-government of president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. It establishes the framework for US military personnel to operate in Sri Lanka. The other pact - known as the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) - was signed by the then defence minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2007. It was renewed in August 2017 without making changes to its contents. The ACSA extends diplomatic privileges to military personnel and defence contractors. Wickremesinghe's comments came days after President Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal that would either give the US forces a military base in Sri Lanka or challenge the country's sovereignty. Wickremesinghe is expected to run against Sirisena for President later this year. For New Delhi, a renewed US interest in Sri Lanka, especially after the April 21 terror attacks in the country, would act as a countervailing force against China's increasing footprint in India's backyard. India has signed military deals with the US that are similar to the one being negotiated by Sri Lanka. India and the US signed what is known as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Mgreement (LEMM) in 2016 which gives both countries access to designated military facilities on either side for refuelling, joint exercises and training. Another agreement - the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (CCSA) signed in 2018 - enables secure encrypted communications and facilitates interoperability between militaries and sale of high-end technology. The US foray into Sri Lanka would not go unnoticed in China. The US worries that China has stepped up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt. In 2017, Sri Lanka gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port in Hambantota to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the US $1.4 billion project. The Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest East-West shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India. On June 8, a Chinese warship docked at capital Colombo. It has been given to the Sri Lankan navy for patrolling and surveillance missions. The ship arrived two days after President Sirisena opposed a military deal with the US. The developments highlight the competition between China and the US for influence in Sri Lanka as India watches from the sidelines.

India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-10-fundamental-rights-petitions-filed-in-supreme-court-against-death-penalty-232070">Sri Lanka</a>'s police chief and its former defence secretary should be charged with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-sacked-top-defence-official-faces-charges-for-criminal-negligence-over-easter-bombings-230181">attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed more than 250 people</a> in April, the attorney general said on Monday.

The attacks, claimed by the terrorist group Islamic State, took place despite repeated warnings from Indian intelligence that an attack was imminent.

Attorney General Dappula de Livera wrote to the acting police chief urging him to bring charges against his predecessor Pujith Jayasundara and the former secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Hemasiri Fernando.

"There is sufficient information to prove the negligence of official duties ... and criminal negligence. It is also considered a grave crime against humanity under international law," Livera said in the letter.

President Maithripala Sirisena has accused Fernando and Jayasundara of failing to act on an April 4 intelligence report about an attack planned for April 21, Easter Sunday.

Jayasundara and Fernando have denied all allegations.

Jayasundara last month told a parliamentary committee led by allies of Sirisena's rival, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-vows-to-stop-islamic-state-terrorism-raising-its-head-again-in-lanka-221734">Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>, that the president had asked him to take the blame for the bombings and resign, promising him a diplomatic posting in return.

Jayasundara refused to quit and was later asked to go on leave, with his deputy standing in for him.

Fernando, who resigned as defence secretary, told parliament that Sirisena had given instructions to keep Wickremesinghe, with whom he fell out in October, out of security council meetings. The defence secretary reports to the president, who heads the Defence Ministry.

Sirisena has not publicly addressed the accusations but said after the testimonies last month that he would not accept the committee's conclusions.

Sri Lanka's police chief and its former defence secretary should be charged with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed more than 250 people in April, the attorney general said on Monday.

Sri Lanka's police chief and its former defence secretary should be charged with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed more than 250 people in April, the attorney general said on Monday. The attacks, claimed by the terrorist group Islamic State, took place despite repeated warnings from Indian intelligence that an attack was imminent. Attorney General Dappula de Livera wrote to the acting police chief urging him to bring charges against his predecessor Pujith Jayasundara and the former secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Hemasiri Fernando. "There is sufficient information to prove the negligence of official duties ... and criminal negligence. It is also considered a grave crime against humanity under international law," Livera said in the letter. President Maithripala Sirisena has accused Fernando and Jayasundara of failing to act on an April 4 intelligence report about an attack planned for April 21, Easter Sunday. Jayasundara and Fernando have denied all allegations. Jayasundara last month told a parliamentary committee led by allies of Sirisena's rival, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, that the president had asked him to take the blame for the bombings and resign, promising him a diplomatic posting in return. Jayasundara refused to quit and was later asked to go on leave, with his deputy standing in for him. Fernando, who resigned as defence secretary, told parliament that Sirisena had given instructions to keep Wickremesinghe, with whom he fell out in October, out of security council meetings. The defence secretary reports to the president, who heads the Defence Ministry. Sirisena has not publicly addressed the accusations but said after the testimonies last month that he would not accept the committee's conclusions.

Charge Sri Lankan police chief and ex-defence secretary over Easter bombings: Attorney General

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday called for repealing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which has curtailed the presidential powers, blaming it for the political instability in the country.

The 19A was the main election pledge of Sirisena when he challenged former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Opposition's common candidate in 2015. Rajapaksa in 2010 had moved the 18A which allowed him to contest presidency any number of times by lifting the then existing two-term bar.

Sirisena in 2015 introduced the 19A which reduced the presidential term for five years while taking away his absolute control over the dissolution of Parliament.

The 19A has also barred two-term presidents from running for a third time. 
However, the President addressing a gathering here on Sunday blamed the 19th Amendment for the political instability in the country.

"It has been four years since we formed the government. It is time to conduct a post-mortem with only four months to go before the next election," he said, addressing a gathering here today.

"The biggest mistake of this government was the 19 Amendment. It created instability," Sirisena said.

"People accuse us of running an unstable government. They say that me and prime minister (Ranil Wickremesinghe) are pulling in different directions...The reason is the 19A," he said.&nbsp;

Sirisena was made to introduce 19A as a concerted civil society action to make the presidency accountable to people. The reform process was expected to lead to a new Constitution by abolishing the presidential system a long held demand since it was enacted in 1978.&nbsp;

Sirisena's term would now end in January 2020 and the next presidential election would have to be announced in November, 2019.

Sri Lanka, which is still recovering from the deadly Easter attacks, saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister.

President Sirisena's dramatic move to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months.

Wickremesinghe was reinstated following the Supreme Court's intervention.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday called for repealing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which has curtailed the presidential powers, blaming it for the political instability in the country.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday called for repealing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which has curtailed the presidential powers, blaming it for the political instability in the country. The 19A was the main election pledge of Sirisena when he challenged former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Opposition's common candidate in 2015. Rajapaksa in 2010 had moved the 18A which allowed him to contest presidency any number of times by lifting the then existing two-term bar. Sirisena in 2015 introduced the 19A which reduced the presidential term for five years while taking away his absolute control over the dissolution of Parliament. The 19A has also barred two-term presidents from running for a third time. However, the President addressing a gathering here on Sunday blamed the 19th Amendment for the political instability in the country. "It has been four years since we formed the government. It is time to conduct a post-mortem with only four months to go before the next election," he said, addressing a gathering here today. "The biggest mistake of this government was the 19 Amendment. It created instability," Sirisena said. "People accuse us of running an unstable government. They say that me and prime minister (Ranil Wickremesinghe) are pulling in different directions...The reason is the 19A," he said. Sirisena was made to introduce 19A as a concerted civil society action to make the presidency accountable to people. The reform process was expected to lead to a new Constitution by abolishing the presidential system a long held demand since it was enacted in 1978. Sirisena's term would now end in January 2020 and the next presidential election would have to be announced in November, 2019. Sri Lanka, which is still recovering from the deadly Easter attacks, saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister. President Sirisena's dramatic move to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. Wickremesinghe was reinstated following the Supreme Court's intervention.

Maithripala Sirisena demands repealing of 19th Amendment, blames it for political instability

Two of the nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who had resigned in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments following the Easter Sunday bombings, returned to the government fold on Wednesday, days after the country's chief Buddhist prelate urged them to reconsider the decision.

Kabir Hashim and AHM Haleem were sworn-in as ministers by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-policeman-defies-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-testify-at-attack-probe-228459">Maithripala Sirisena</a>.

The development came a day after a meeting of the Muslim ministers to reconsider their positions ended inconclusively.

Both Hashim and Haleem are from the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

It was not clear if other ministers from the main Muslim party, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, would return to the fold.

Along with the nine ministers, two provincial governors from the minority community also resigned on June 3 to allow the Lankan government to investigate allegations against some of them on links to an Islamist extremist group blamed for the deadly terror attacks that claimed 258 lives, including 11 Indians, and injured nearly 500.

They had also protested what they term the government's inability to ensure the safety of their community which constitutes nine per cent of the island's 21 million population.

The Muslim-owned properties and businesses were attacked by mobs and the Muslim ministers claimed that the minority community was facing arbitrary arrests on certain occasions.

A Muslim Cabinet minister and two provincial governors were accused of having sponsored the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/national-thowheeth-jamathntj-police-probe-sri-lanka-local-terror-groups-international-link-212667">National Thowheeth Jamaath</a> (NTJ) blamed for the attacks.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary probe was told that the Muslim clerics in the eastern Kathankudi area foresaw the Islam radicalism and had forewarned the political leadership as far back as 2017.

Moulavi Sahlan told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) that Sufi Islamic leaders in Kathankudi had informed the President's office, Prime Minister's Office and Attorney General's Department and the police chief about "the growing radicalism".

He said that Zahran Hashim, the leader of the NTJ, &nbsp;the banned outfit blamed for the attacks on three Colombo hotels and three churches, had asked them not to commemorate Christmas in 2016.

The former chief of the Kathankudi Police Ariyabandu Wedagedara said that he had not received any complaints on Zahran's extremism. Yet there had been sectarian clashes in the area.

Sirisena wanted the halt to proceedings of the PSC appointed by Assembly Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to probe the events leading to the attacks.

He had threatened not to reconvene the Cabinet until the government abandoned the select committee process.

Sirisena claimed that the committee proceedings were aimed at blaming the attacks on him being the Defence Minister for the intelligence failure.

There are 19 Muslims lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament and nine of them held Cabinet, state and deputy ministerial positions.

India had shared intelligence inputs with Sri Lanka about possible attacks weeks before the bombings.

Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath for the attacks.

Two of the nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who had resigned in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments following the Easter Sunday bombings, returned to the government fold on Wednesday, days after the country's chief Buddhist prelate urged them to reconsider the decision.

Two of the nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who had resigned in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments following the Easter Sunday bombings, returned to the government fold on Wednesday, days after the country's chief Buddhist prelate urged them to reconsider the decision. Kabir Hashim and AHM Haleem were sworn-in as ministers by President Maithripala Sirisena. The development came a day after a meeting of the Muslim ministers to reconsider their positions ended inconclusively. Both Hashim and Haleem are from the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. It was not clear if other ministers from the main Muslim party, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, would return to the fold. Along with the nine ministers, two provincial governors from the minority community also resigned on June 3 to allow the Lankan government to investigate allegations against some of them on links to an Islamist extremist group blamed for the deadly terror attacks that claimed 258 lives, including 11 Indians, and injured nearly 500. They had also protested what they term the government's inability to ensure the safety of their community which constitutes nine per cent of the island's 21 million population. The Muslim-owned properties and businesses were attacked by mobs and the Muslim ministers claimed that the minority community was facing arbitrary arrests on certain occasions. A Muslim Cabinet minister and two provincial governors were accused of having sponsored the National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) blamed for the attacks. Meanwhile, a parliamentary probe was told that the Muslim clerics in the eastern Kathankudi area foresaw the Islam radicalism and had forewarned the political leadership as far back as 2017. Moulavi Sahlan told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) that Sufi Islamic leaders in Kathankudi had informed the President's office, Prime Minister's Office and Attorney General's Department and the police chief about "the growing radicalism". He said that Zahran Hashim, the leader of the NTJ, the banned outfit blamed for the attacks on three Colombo hotels and three churches, had asked them not to commemorate Christmas in 2016. The former chief of the Kathankudi Police Ariyabandu Wedagedara said that he had not received any complaints on Zahran's extremism. Yet there had been sectarian clashes in the area. Sirisena wanted the halt to proceedings of the PSC appointed by Assembly Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to probe the events leading to the attacks. He had threatened not to reconvene the Cabinet until the government abandoned the select committee process. Sirisena claimed that the committee proceedings were aimed at blaming the attacks on him being the Defence Minister for the intelligence failure. There are 19 Muslims lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament and nine of them held Cabinet, state and deputy ministerial positions. India had shared intelligence inputs with Sri Lanka about possible attacks weeks before the bombings. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath for the attacks.

Two Muslim ministers in Sri Lanka return to government fold

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

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

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

Catholic church bombed in Sri Lanka attacks reopens

Sri Lankan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-vows-to-stop-islamic-state-terrorism-raising-its-head-again-in-lanka-221734">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> said Monday that he sought India's help to train the country's security forces in counter-terrorism during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi on Sunday became the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-make-arrests-amid-violence-after-easter-attack-218825">deadly Easter terror attacks</a> on April 21 which killed 258 people and injured over 500.

During his visit, Modi said he was confident that Sri Lanka will rise again and cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka."India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also met President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders agreed that terrorism was a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action.

Wickremesinghe in a statement said he had assured Modi that the delayed Indo-Lanka projects will be expedited.

The prime minister also said a series of joint initiatives between India and Sri Lanka were being planned to ensure continued economic cooperation.

The Prime Minister said Prime Minister Modi's continual show of support towards Sri Lanka will serve to strengthen confidence and encourage more people to visit Sri Lanka.

"During his trip, we discussed matters including the strengthening of regional security through reviving tri-lateral talks between Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives," he was quoted as saying by the Colombo Gazette.

"I also requested that India work closely with Sri Lanka's security forces, providing them with counter-terrorism training and logistical support," Wickremesinghe said.

He also said that Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, following the lifting of the travel advisories by many countries including the UK, France and China, will boost the tourism industry.

Following the Easter bombings, several countries issued travel advisories to their nationals, severely hurting the island nation's tourism industry.&nbsp;

Tourism accounts for about five per cent of Sri Lanka's economy, with India, China and the UK the main source of tourists.

The country earned about USD 4.4 billion in 2018 from the tourism sector.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said April recorded 166,975 foreign tourists in the country compared to 180,429 in April 2018, a 7.5 per cent dip in the arrival of tourists from abroad.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Monday that he sought India's help to train the country's security forces in counter-terrorism during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Monday that he sought India's help to train the country's security forces in counter-terrorism during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi on Sunday became the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks on April 21 which killed 258 people and injured over 500. During his visit, Modi said he was confident that Sri Lanka will rise again and cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka."India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," he said. Prime Minister Modi also met President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders agreed that terrorism was a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action. Wickremesinghe in a statement said he had assured Modi that the delayed Indo-Lanka projects will be expedited. The prime minister also said a series of joint initiatives between India and Sri Lanka were being planned to ensure continued economic cooperation. The Prime Minister said Prime Minister Modi's continual show of support towards Sri Lanka will serve to strengthen confidence and encourage more people to visit Sri Lanka. "During his trip, we discussed matters including the strengthening of regional security through reviving tri-lateral talks between Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives," he was quoted as saying by the Colombo Gazette. "I also requested that India work closely with Sri Lanka's security forces, providing them with counter-terrorism training and logistical support," Wickremesinghe said. He also said that Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, following the lifting of the travel advisories by many countries including the UK, France and China, will boost the tourism industry. Following the Easter bombings, several countries issued travel advisories to their nationals, severely hurting the island nation's tourism industry. Tourism accounts for about five per cent of Sri Lanka's economy, with India, China and the UK the main source of tourists. The country earned about USD 4.4 billion in 2018 from the tourism sector. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said April recorded 166,975 foreign tourists in the country compared to 180,429 in April 2018, a 7.5 per cent dip in the arrival of tourists from abroad.

Sri Lanka seeks India's help to counter terrorism: PM Wickremesinghe

After a day-long visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Sri Lanka on a state visit.&nbsp;The prime minister was personally received by his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.&nbsp;

The prime minister's first stop was&nbsp;St Anthony’s Church in Colombo which came under the target of the ghastly Easter Sunday blasts in April. PM Modi&nbsp;paid tribute to the victims here.&nbsp;

"Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured," the prime minister tweeted out.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. 
 
Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. 
 
India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/n8PA8pQnoJ">pic.twitter.com/n8PA8pQnoJ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1137611919815090176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Later in the day, PM Modi will be holding talks with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena. He will also be called upon by the Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa and later meet leaders of the Tamil National Alliance.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sri Lanka: PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to victims at St Anthony’s Church in Colombo. The church had come under terrorist attack in April this year <a href="https://t.co/UTWQz37aBh">pic.twitter.com/UTWQz37aBh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137610131556904961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The visit is being called a solidarity visit, with PM Modi being the first head of government to visit the country after the 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.

Foreign security Vijay Gokhale last week said, "Visit to Sri Lanka, is to show solidarity with the people and govt of Sri Lanka in the wake of the tragic events of 21st April and expressing our confidence in the govt of Sri Lanka in overcoming this national tragedy".

No MoUs will be signed during the visit.

Watch: PM Modi leaves for Sri Lanka from Maldives

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-leaves-for-sri-lanka-from-maldives-225590/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The prime minister will be given an official welcome at the President's Secretariat in the afternoon followed by a working lunch with the President and an interaction with the Indian community at 2 pm.

Sri Lankan envoy to India Austin Fernando told WION, "Definately he will like to visit places impacted because that is going to be standing with another set of people who have been victims of the disaster."

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi for his second term.

This is PM Modi's third visit to the neighbouring island nation.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today hold talks with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena. PM Modi would also be called upon by the Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa and later meet leaders of the Tamil National Alliance. <a href="https://t.co/q6hq3REcsx">https://t.co/q6hq3REcsx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137541659212648448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On his jam-packed day today, the prime minister is also expected to offer prayers at the Tirumala temple in Tirupati later in the day. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy will be accompanying him.&nbsp;

PM Modi, on his day-long visit to the Maldives on Saturday, addressed the island nation's parliament and, together with President Ibrahim Solih, inaugurated the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-prez-solih-inaugurate-coastal-surveillance-radar-system-built-by-india-225565">coastal surveillance radar system</a> built by India.

Both the leaders held wide-ranging talks to bolster their bilateral cooperation in key areas like defence and maritime security.

PM Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-cricket-diplomacy-as-pm-modi-gifts-bat-to-maldives-president-solih-225524">Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih</a> signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks.

"Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter.

The Maldives conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-conferred-with-maldives-highest-honour-accorded-to-foreign-dignitaries-order-of-nishanizzuddeen-225498">Nishan Izzuddeen</a> (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives.&nbsp;

Modi and Solih signed a number of MoUs yesterday.

Before embarking on his trip to the Maldives, the prime minister landed in Kerala and offered prayers at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-is-as-significant-to-me-as-varanasi-pm-modi-in-guruvayur-225392">Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur</a>. He later addressed a public meeting organised by the state BJP workers, his first after assuming office for the second term, wherein he thanked BJP karyakartas and the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.&nbsp;

"Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," he said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After a day-long visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Sri Lanka on a state visit. The prime minister was personally received by his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.

After a day-long visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Sri Lanka on a state visit. The prime minister was personally received by his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo. The prime minister's first stop was St Anthony’s Church in Colombo which came under the target of the ghastly Easter Sunday blasts in April. PM Modi paid tribute to the victims here. "Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured," the prime minister tweeted out. I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/n8PA8pQnoJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2019 × Later in the day, PM Modi will be holding talks with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena. He will also be called upon by the Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa and later meet leaders of the Tamil National Alliance. Sri Lanka: PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to victims at St Anthony’s Church in Colombo. The church had come under terrorist attack in April this year pic.twitter.com/UTWQz37aBh — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2019 × The visit is being called a solidarity visit, with PM Modi being the first head of government to visit the country after the 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people. Foreign security Vijay Gokhale last week said, "Visit to Sri Lanka, is to show solidarity with the people and govt of Sri Lanka in the wake of the tragic events of 21st April and expressing our confidence in the govt of Sri Lanka in overcoming this national tragedy". No MoUs will be signed during the visit. Watch: PM Modi leaves for Sri Lanka from Maldives The prime minister will be given an official welcome at the President's Secretariat in the afternoon followed by a working lunch with the President and an interaction with the Indian community at 2 pm. Sri Lankan envoy to India Austin Fernando told WION, "Definately he will like to visit places impacted because that is going to be standing with another set of people who have been victims of the disaster." Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi for his second term. This is PM Modi's third visit to the neighbouring island nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today hold talks with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena. PM Modi would also be called upon by the Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa and later meet leaders of the Tamil National Alliance. https://t.co/q6hq3REcsx — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2019 × On his jam-packed day today, the prime minister is also expected to offer prayers at the Tirumala temple in Tirupati later in the day. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy will be accompanying him. PM Modi, on his day-long visit to the Maldives on Saturday, addressed the island nation's parliament and, together with President Ibrahim Solih, inaugurated the coastal surveillance radar system built by India. Both the leaders held wide-ranging talks to bolster their bilateral cooperation in key areas like defence and maritime security. PM Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations. Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks. "Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter. The Maldives conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives. Modi and Solih signed a number of MoUs yesterday. Before embarking on his trip to the Maldives, the prime minister landed in Kerala and offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur. He later addressed a public meeting organised by the state BJP workers, his first after assuming office for the second term, wherein he thanked BJP karyakartas and the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections. "Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," he said.

Welcomed by Wickremesinghe, PM Modi arrives in Sri Lanka

In a strong message of solidarity to Sri Lanka, PM Narendra Modi's first stop during his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-sri-lanka-today-will-be-personally-received-by-sri-lankan-counterpart-wickremesinghe-in-colombo-225582">ongoing visit to the country</a> was the St Anthony's church in Kochchikade, Sri Lanka. The church was the site of one of the terror attacks on April 21. Over 93 people died at the Chruch during the Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 250 people.

Following his visit, the prime minister tweeted, "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. 
 
Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. 
 
India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/n8PA8pQnoJ">pic.twitter.com/n8PA8pQnoJ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1137611919815090176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He tweeted, "My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade. 
 
My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured. <a href="https://t.co/RTdmNGcDyg">pic.twitter.com/RTdmNGcDyg</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1137611294188507137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PM Modi is the first head of government to visit the country after the terror attacks.

St Anthony's church is one of the oldest churches in the Sri Lankan capital belonging to the Dutch era and was built by one of the priests from Cochin, India. In fact, it is one of the first buildings one can see when ships enter the Colombo port.

WION team, while covering the aftermath of the terror attacks in April, was present next to this church when a 'controlled explosion" took place. The impact of the explosion was such that it caused commotion around the place.

Speaking to WION, the head priest of the church Father Jude Fernando had said, "We will build the church, but can bring back the lives".

Earlier, the PM was received by Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Colombo airport and after his stop at the church, he was given a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. He also planted a sapling at the Presidential Secretariat and was accompanied by President Maithripala Sirisena.

PM Modi is on a short and packed 3-hour-long visit to Sri Lanka after his day-long tour to the Maldives - his first foreign visit in the second term.

In the Maldives also, PM had talked about terror. Speaking in the Maldivian Parliament he said, "Terrorism is not just a threat for a country, but to the entire civilisation. It is very unfortunate that people are still making the mistake of distinguishing between good terrorists and bad terrorists."

Without naming Pakistan, PM said, "State sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest threat the world is facing today"

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had visited India last week for Modi's oath-taking ceremony.

PM Modi visited Sri Lanka twice in his first term, first in March 2015 when he travelled to Anuradhapura, Talaimannar, and Jaffna and then in 2017 when he was the chief guest at the Vesak day celebrations. 
&nbsp;

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

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

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

A senior Australian minister will meet Sri Lanka's leaders in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-team-in-colombo-to-probe-islamic-state-related-cases-222386">Colombo</a> later on Tuesday to discuss border control and security matters following reports that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-australian-navy-involved-in-encounter-in-south-china-sea-131633"> Australian navy</a> had intercepted and returned several boats carrying asylum seekers.

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton will meet Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss Australia's policy of returning boats carrying asylum seekers to their origin point, the minister`s spokeswoman said.

The hardline policy, "Operation Sovereign Borders", has attracted widespread criticism abroad, but has support within Australia.

Last week, the government said the navy had stopped a vessel originating from Sri Lanka that was carrying 20 men and women who were attempting to travel to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warners-fitness-a-concern-ahead-of-australias-opening-world-cup-2019-match-223071">Australia</a>.&nbsp;

They were returned to Sri Lanka after a few days, Australia's conservative government said. Dutton travelled to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorists-planning-attacks-on-bridges-in-colombo-police-215597"> Colombo</a> on Monday amid Australian media reports that more six vessels originating from Sri Lanka have since been intercepted by the navy.

The minister's spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports that more boats had been intercepted.

"The purpose of the visit is to prosecute `Operation Sovereign Borders'&nbsp;interests and to engage Sri Lankan authorities on counter-terrorism matters," she said in an emailed statement.

If asylum seekers make it to Australia they are sent to camps in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-papua-new-guinea-leader-a-wildcard-in-pacific-power-play-223203">Papua New Guinea</a> and the tiny South Pacific island of Nauru indefinitely.

The UN refugee agency, a fierce critic of Australia`s strategy, said on Monday it was seeking urgent clarification from Canberra on the return of asylum seekers to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-muslim-ministers-resign-en-masse-over-hate-attacks-after-easter-bombings-224046">Sri Lanka.</a>

"We were neither notified of the arrival of the asylum-seekers nor of their subsequent removal," Babar Baloch, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said.

A senior Australian minister will meet Sri Lanka's leaders in Colombo later on Tuesday to discuss border control and security matters following reports that the Australian navy had intercepted and returned several boats carrying asylum seekers.

A senior Australian minister will meet Sri Lanka's leaders in Colombo later on Tuesday to discuss border control and security matters following reports that the Australian navy had intercepted and returned several boats carrying asylum seekers. Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton will meet Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss Australia's policy of returning boats carrying asylum seekers to their origin point, the minister`s spokeswoman said. The hardline policy, "Operation Sovereign Borders", has attracted widespread criticism abroad, but has support within Australia. Last week, the government said the navy had stopped a vessel originating from Sri Lanka that was carrying 20 men and women who were attempting to travel to Australia. They were returned to Sri Lanka after a few days, Australia's conservative government said. Dutton travelled to Colombo on Monday amid Australian media reports that more six vessels originating from Sri Lanka have since been intercepted by the navy. The minister's spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports that more boats had been intercepted. "The purpose of the visit is to prosecute `Operation Sovereign Borders' interests and to engage Sri Lankan authorities on counter-terrorism matters," she said in an emailed statement. If asylum seekers make it to Australia they are sent to camps in Papua New Guinea and the tiny South Pacific island of Nauru indefinitely. The UN refugee agency, a fierce critic of Australia`s strategy, said on Monday it was seeking urgent clarification from Canberra on the return of asylum seekers to Sri Lanka. "We were neither notified of the arrival of the asylum-seekers nor of their subsequent removal," Babar Baloch, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said.

Australian minister arrives in Sri Lanka to lay out stance on asylum seekers

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

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

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

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

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulates PM Modi

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulates PM Modi

Sri Lankan government on Monday appealed to all parents to send their children to school without fear, as the country tightened security ahead of the reopening of some Catholic schools Tuesday for the first time since the Easter bombings.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requested all students to return to school and resume academic activities as usual since the country's security has been restored to normalcy.

The Prime Minister made this request while addressing a press conference at Temple Trees today.

During the briefing, Wickremesinghe also emphasised that permission will not be granted to set-up Sharia universities in the country, the Sunday Times reported.

"We can only permit the establishment of degree awarding institutes. A legal order must be issued to bar any institution from functioning as a Sharia university,"&nbsp;Wickremesinghe noted.

He also added that all Madarasa institutions will be brought under the Education Ministry in future.

Several private Catholic schools will reopen Tuesday after Easter holidays were extended because of the suicide bombings on three churches and three hotels in which nearly 260 people were killed.

Following the attack carried out by local Islamist group National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), the authorities closed all the schools until further notice. The government schools were reopened early this month, but attendance has been low despite new security measures.

Army chief Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake requested all parents to send their children to school without fear due to the security measures which are in place for students.

Issuing a special statement, the Army Commander observed that parents were reluctant to send their children to schools owing to several "unconfirmed stories, various rumours and gossip" which were being shared among the people.

The Army chief emphasised that operations which are currently underway to apprehend those involved in the Easter Sunday terror attacks are "effectively advancing" with a "marked progress" at present.

"A satisfactory level of attendance of employees at private and state sector has been reported in the recent few days...," he pointed out adding that the situation was being restored to normalcy due to the heightened security measures in place.

He also said that the Armed Forces and the Police have launched a joint programme to prevent the occurrence of more violent acts in retaliation to the recent terror attacks.

On the same lines, he added that a special security network involving security forces played an instrumental role in protecting all Buddhist places of worship to ensure that peace prevails during the Vesak Festival celebrations.

Sri Lankan government on Monday appealed to all parents to send their children to school without fear, as the country tightened security ahead of the reopening of some Catholic schools Tuesday for the first time since the Easter bombings.

Sri Lankan government on Monday appealed to all parents to send their children to school without fear, as the country tightened security ahead of the reopening of some Catholic schools Tuesday for the first time since the Easter bombings. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requested all students to return to school and resume academic activities as usual since the country's security has been restored to normalcy. The Prime Minister made this request while addressing a press conference at Temple Trees today. During the briefing, Wickremesinghe also emphasised that permission will not be granted to set-up Sharia universities in the country, the Sunday Times reported. "We can only permit the establishment of degree awarding institutes. A legal order must be issued to bar any institution from functioning as a Sharia university," Wickremesinghe noted. He also added that all Madarasa institutions will be brought under the Education Ministry in future. Several private Catholic schools will reopen Tuesday after Easter holidays were extended because of the suicide bombings on three churches and three hotels in which nearly 260 people were killed. Following the attack carried out by local Islamist group National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), the authorities closed all the schools until further notice. The government schools were reopened early this month, but attendance has been low despite new security measures. Army chief Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake requested all parents to send their children to school without fear due to the security measures which are in place for students. Issuing a special statement, the Army Commander observed that parents were reluctant to send their children to schools owing to several "unconfirmed stories, various rumours and gossip" which were being shared among the people. The Army chief emphasised that operations which are currently underway to apprehend those involved in the Easter Sunday terror attacks are "effectively advancing" with a "marked progress" at present. "A satisfactory level of attendance of employees at private and state sector has been reported in the recent few days...," he pointed out adding that the situation was being restored to normalcy due to the heightened security measures in place. He also said that the Armed Forces and the Police have launched a joint programme to prevent the occurrence of more violent acts in retaliation to the recent terror attacks. On the same lines, he added that a special security network involving security forces played an instrumental role in protecting all Buddhist places of worship to ensure that peace prevails during the Vesak Festival celebrations.

Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe appeals to parents to send their children to school without fear

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe joined the country's Buddhists to mark the festival of Vesak in low key celebrations on Saturday (May 18) amid heightened religious tensions following the deadly Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 250 people.

Sri Lanka's PM joins Buddhists marking sombre Vesak after Easter attacks

A Sri Lankan software engineer suspected by authorities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-province-under-indefinite-curfew-after-first-riot-death-218558">Sri Lanka</a> of having provided technical and logistical support to the Easter Sunday suicide bombers was monitored by Indian intelligence agencies three years ago for links with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-one-person-killed-in-mob-attack-despite-nationwide-curfew-218497">Islamic State</a> suspects, investigators said.&nbsp;

Four sources in Sri Lankan investigating agencies said they believed Aadhil Ameez, a 24-year-old, was the link between two groups that carried out the attacks on churches and hotels that killed more than 250 people and wounded hundreds more.

Aadhil has been arrested and is in police custody, the sources said. His arrest has not been made public, but when asked by Reuters, Ruwan Gunasekera, the main spokesman for the Sri Lankan police, confirmed Aadhil was taken into custody on April 25, four days after the attacks.&nbsp;

The spokesman declined to give more details.

A police official at India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and another police official in the western state of Gujarat said they were providing assistance to Sri Lankan authorities.

Aadhil, who describes himself on his LinkedIn profile as a senior engineer/programmer/web designer with a masters degree in computer science and a bachelors in political science from UK&nbsp;universities, could not be reached for comment.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/police-impose-curfew-on-sri-lanka-town-after-mosques-attacked-218239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He does not yet have a lawyer and under Sri Lanka’s tough new emergency laws imposed after the attacks, he can be held indefinitely.

His father, M&nbsp;Ameez, who lives in Aluthgama, a town south of Colombo, denied that Aadhil was involved with the plotters and said such “allegations are lies”.&nbsp;

The Indian investigators said they had been monitoring Aadhil since 2016 and named him in two chargesheets filed in Indian courts against suspected Islamic State operatives as being one of their contacts.

According to one of the chargesheets, reviewed by Reuters, he showed up in Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram chat with two of the suspects who are on trial for plotting an attack on a synagogue in the western city of Ahmedabad.

The two suspects Ubed Ahmad Mirza, a lawyer, and Stimberwala Mohamed Kasim, a hospital technician, were accused of planning “lone-wolf” attacks, according to the charge sheet.

Lawyers for both men rejected the allegations and said they were innocent. Both lawyers declined to comment on the possible role of Aadhil.

Aadhil has also been named in another charge sheet filed in court by the NIA for providing propaganda and online material to three Indians arrested in early 2016 for promoting Islamic State.

The three men, Sheikh Azhar ul-Islam, Adnan Hassan and Mohammed Rafiq Sadique Shaikh are on trial in a special Delhi court facing charges of criminal conspiracy to propagate the ideology of Islamic State, recruit, raise funds and facilitate the travel of people to Syria, according to the charge sheet.

Sheikh Mohammad Munawar, a cousin of ul-Islam, said the charges were fabricated and that he had no criminal record ever.

Families of the other two accused could not be reached. Their lawyers were not immediately available for comment.

Reuters was unable to determine when the Indians informed Sri Lankan authorities of the surveillance. The two officials declined to say whether they continued to keep Aadhil under surveillance after they completed an investigation of the cases in India.

Indian intelligence services warned Sri Lankan authorities of a possible attack at least three times in April alone, officials have said.&nbsp;

LINK BETWEEN GROUPS

Sri Lankan authorities have said two local Islamist groups - the National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) led by radical preacher Zahran Hashim and the Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim (JMI) - were involved in the synchronized blasts in Colombo, the island nation’s capital, and two other towns. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Two sources in Sri Lanka’s police Criminal Investigation Department and two military officials said Aadhil was the link between the two groups.

The groups used the dark web and WhatsApp to communicate, they said.

However, investigators don’t know yet whether Aadhil was simply a facilitator for the bombers, or if he was also one of the ring leaders involved in planning and executing the attacks.

Last week, police raided IT firm Virtusa, where Aadhil had interned in 2013, according to his profile. One current employee has been detained for questioning in connection with the attacks, police say, but no other details have been provided. 
 
<img alt="Sri Lanka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b126d0dc-7b60-4348-9125-2e0ce387dd65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/extremism%20expands_0.JPG" /> 
 
ONLINE CHATS

India, with one of the world’s largest populations of Muslims, has claimed success in foiling several Islamic State cells, mostly in southern and western India.

Court documents reviewed by Reuters show that the online conversations between the Sri Lankan and the two Indians in western India began in the summer of 2016 and lasted until the arrest of the two Indians in late 2017. The documents describe how Aadhil Ax, as he called himself online, asked the Indians if they had heard about the atrocities being committed against Muslims in Sri Lanka by the majority Buddhist community.

He talked about his own experiences: that he had been in jail, that his house had been torched and that he limped because of beatings, the documents seen by Reuters show. Investigators and neighbours in Sri Lanka say none of these was true.

The Sri Lankan investigators interviewed by Reuters say Aadhil made claims he was a journalist and a PhD candidate in some of his online postings, which also were false.

They said they believed Aadhil, operating largely from his home, was a key part of the Easter bombings plot and helped in communications and training.

“He was the main technology person for them,” said one of the CID sources involved in the investigation. The source said Aadhil was helped in this by Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel, one of the eight suicide bombers who detonated his explosives at a guesthouse after failing to do so at Colombo’s luxury Taj Samudra hotel.

About a week before the bombings, Aadhil met Jameel, Zahran the extremist preacher, and Inshaf Ibrahim and Ilham Ibrahim, the two brothers from a family engaged in the spice trade in Colombo, the other sources said. The latter three men blew themselves up in five-star Colombo hotels.

The CID source said that Aadhil, Zahran and the Ibrahim brothers had leased land in Wanathawilluwa town in the north and set up a training camp. Police raided the place in January this year and discovered a large number of explosives, but did not know at the time who had leased it.

When police raided Aadhil’s home four days after the bombings, all his computer files were found to have been deleted.

“He seems to have played an important role in setting up communications for the attackers, helping organize meetings and training camps,” said one of the military sources.&nbsp;

A Sri Lankan software engineer suspected by authorities in Sri Lanka of having provided technical and logistical support to the Easter Sunday suicide bombers was monitored by Indian intelligence agencies three years ago for links with Islamic State suspects, investigators said.

A Sri Lankan software engineer suspected by authorities in Sri Lanka of having provided technical and logistical support to the Easter Sunday suicide bombers was monitored by Indian intelligence agencies three years ago for links with Islamic State suspects, investigators said. Four sources in Sri Lankan investigating agencies said they believed Aadhil Ameez, a 24-year-old, was the link between two groups that carried out the attacks on churches and hotels that killed more than 250 people and wounded hundreds more. Aadhil has been arrested and is in police custody, the sources said. His arrest has not been made public, but when asked by Reuters, Ruwan Gunasekera, the main spokesman for the Sri Lankan police, confirmed Aadhil was taken into custody on April 25, four days after the attacks. The spokesman declined to give more details. A police official at India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and another police official in the western state of Gujarat said they were providing assistance to Sri Lankan authorities. Aadhil, who describes himself on his LinkedIn profile as a senior engineer/programmer/web designer with a masters degree in computer science and a bachelors in political science from UK universities, could not be reached for comment. He does not yet have a lawyer and under Sri Lanka’s tough new emergency laws imposed after the attacks, he can be held indefinitely. His father, M Ameez, who lives in Aluthgama, a town south of Colombo, denied that Aadhil was involved with the plotters and said such “allegations are lies”. The Indian investigators said they had been monitoring Aadhil since 2016 and named him in two chargesheets filed in Indian courts against suspected Islamic State operatives as being one of their contacts. According to one of the chargesheets, reviewed by Reuters, he showed up in Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram chat with two of the suspects who are on trial for plotting an attack on a synagogue in the western city of Ahmedabad. The two suspects Ubed Ahmad Mirza, a lawyer, and Stimberwala Mohamed Kasim, a hospital technician, were accused of planning “lone-wolf” attacks, according to the charge sheet. Lawyers for both men rejected the allegations and said they were innocent. Both lawyers declined to comment on the possible role of Aadhil. Aadhil has also been named in another charge sheet filed in court by the NIA for providing propaganda and online material to three Indians arrested in early 2016 for promoting Islamic State. The three men, Sheikh Azhar ul-Islam, Adnan Hassan and Mohammed Rafiq Sadique Shaikh are on trial in a special Delhi court facing charges of criminal conspiracy to propagate the ideology of Islamic State, recruit, raise funds and facilitate the travel of people to Syria, according to the charge sheet. Sheikh Mohammad Munawar, a cousin of ul-Islam, said the charges were fabricated and that he had no criminal record ever. Families of the other two accused could not be reached. Their lawyers were not immediately available for comment. Reuters was unable to determine when the Indians informed Sri Lankan authorities of the surveillance. The two officials declined to say whether they continued to keep Aadhil under surveillance after they completed an investigation of the cases in India. Indian intelligence services warned Sri Lankan authorities of a possible attack at least three times in April alone, officials have said. LINK BETWEEN GROUPS Sri Lankan authorities have said two local Islamist groups - the National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) led by radical preacher Zahran Hashim and the Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim (JMI) - were involved in the synchronized blasts in Colombo, the island nation’s capital, and two other towns. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Two sources in Sri Lanka’s police Criminal Investigation Department and two military officials said Aadhil was the link between the two groups. The groups used the dark web and WhatsApp to communicate, they said. However, investigators don’t know yet whether Aadhil was simply a facilitator for the bombers, or if he was also one of the ring leaders involved in planning and executing the attacks. Last week, police raided IT firm Virtusa, where Aadhil had interned in 2013, according to his profile. One current employee has been detained for questioning in connection with the attacks, police say, but no other details have been provided. ONLINE CHATS India, with one of the world’s largest populations of Muslims, has claimed success in foiling several Islamic State cells, mostly in southern and western India. Court documents reviewed by Reuters show that the online conversations between the Sri Lankan and the two Indians in western India began in the summer of 2016 and lasted until the arrest of the two Indians in late 2017. The documents describe how Aadhil Ax, as he called himself online, asked the Indians if they had heard about the atrocities being committed against Muslims in Sri Lanka by the majority Buddhist community. He talked about his own experiences: that he had been in jail, that his house had been torched and that he limped because of beatings, the documents seen by Reuters show. Investigators and neighbours in Sri Lanka say none of these was true. The Sri Lankan investigators interviewed by Reuters say Aadhil made claims he was a journalist and a PhD candidate in some of his online postings, which also were false. They said they believed Aadhil, operating largely from his home, was a key part of the Easter bombings plot and helped in communications and training. “He was the main technology person for them,” said one of the CID sources involved in the investigation. The source said Aadhil was helped in this by Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel, one of the eight suicide bombers who detonated his explosives at a guesthouse after failing to do so at Colombo’s luxury Taj Samudra hotel. About a week before the bombings, Aadhil met Jameel, Zahran the extremist preacher, and Inshaf Ibrahim and Ilham Ibrahim, the two brothers from a family engaged in the spice trade in Colombo, the other sources said. The latter three men blew themselves up in five-star Colombo hotels. The CID source said that Aadhil, Zahran and the Ibrahim brothers had leased land in Wanathawilluwa town in the north and set up a training camp. Police raided the place in January this year and discovered a large number of explosives, but did not know at the time who had leased it. When police raided Aadhil’s home four days after the bombings, all his computer files were found to have been deleted. “He seems to have played an important role in setting up communications for the attackers, helping organize meetings and training camps,” said one of the military sources.

Sri Lankan software engineer, under Indian surveillance, key in Easter attack

A Sri Lankan province north of the capital was under indefinite curfew Tuesday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-one-person-killed-in-mob-attack-despite-nationwide-curfew-218497">first death in communal riots</a> in the wake of the Easter terror attacks, police said.

A nationwide night curfew was relaxed in all areas except the North-Western Province (NWP) where a Muslim man was killed by a mob on Monday, police said, in a violent backlash against last month's bombings.

The 45-year-old died of injuries sustained when a crowd stormed his carpentry workshop in the Puttalam district in the NWP and slashed him, official sources said.

Elsewhere in the province, mobs torched dozens of Muslim-owned shops, vandalised homes and mosques in a day of rioting.&nbsp;

"The curfew in the NWP will be continued until further notice," spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. "Security forces are assisting police who have been ordered to use maximum force to contain the violence."

Police said they fired in the air and used tear gas at several places to deter people from attempting to attack mosques.

In the adjoining district of Gampaha, mobs smashed Muslim-owned restaurants and at least one garment factory, official sources and residents said.

In an address to the nation on Monday night, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a countrywide curfew was declared to prevent unidentified groups orchestrating communal violence.

"At several places in the North-Western Province these groups created trouble, damaged property," Wickremesinghe said.&nbsp;

"Police and security forces have contained the situation, but these (unidentified) groups are still trying to create trouble."

Wickremesinghe said the unrest would hinder investigations into the April 21 attacks that targeted three Christian churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and wounding nearly 500.

In a separate TV address, police chief Chandana Wickramaratne warned of stern action against rioters, and said that constables have been issued orders to use maximum force.

The attacks came during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.

A state of emergency has been in place since the bombings -- which the Islamic State group claims to have helped -- and security forces have been given sweeping powers to detain suspects.

The latest wave of unrest started when a mob targeted Muslim-owned shops in the town of Chilaw, 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Colombo, on Sunday in anger at a Facebook post by a shopkeeper.

Internet service providers said they have been instructed by the telecoms regulator to block access to Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram in a bid to prevent the spread of messages inciting violence.

Muslims make up around 10 percent of Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka's population and Christians about 7.6 percent.

A Sri Lankan province north of the capital was under indefinite curfew Tuesday after the first death in communal riots in the wake of the Easter terror attacks, police said.

A Sri Lankan province north of the capital was under indefinite curfew Tuesday after the first death in communal riots in the wake of the Easter terror attacks, police said. A nationwide night curfew was relaxed in all areas except the North-Western Province (NWP) where a Muslim man was killed by a mob on Monday, police said, in a violent backlash against last month's bombings. The 45-year-old died of injuries sustained when a crowd stormed his carpentry workshop in the Puttalam district in the NWP and slashed him, official sources said. Elsewhere in the province, mobs torched dozens of Muslim-owned shops, vandalised homes and mosques in a day of rioting. "The curfew in the NWP will be continued until further notice," spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. "Security forces are assisting police who have been ordered to use maximum force to contain the violence." Police said they fired in the air and used tear gas at several places to deter people from attempting to attack mosques. In the adjoining district of Gampaha, mobs smashed Muslim-owned restaurants and at least one garment factory, official sources and residents said. In an address to the nation on Monday night, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a countrywide curfew was declared to prevent unidentified groups orchestrating communal violence. "At several places in the North-Western Province these groups created trouble, damaged property," Wickremesinghe said. "Police and security forces have contained the situation, but these (unidentified) groups are still trying to create trouble." Wickremesinghe said the unrest would hinder investigations into the April 21 attacks that targeted three Christian churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and wounding nearly 500. In a separate TV address, police chief Chandana Wickramaratne warned of stern action against rioters, and said that constables have been issued orders to use maximum force. The attacks came during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. A state of emergency has been in place since the bombings -- which the Islamic State group claims to have helped -- and security forces have been given sweeping powers to detain suspects. The latest wave of unrest started when a mob targeted Muslim-owned shops in the town of Chilaw, 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Colombo, on Sunday in anger at a Facebook post by a shopkeeper. Internet service providers said they have been instructed by the telecoms regulator to block access to Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram in a bid to prevent the spread of messages inciting violence. Muslims make up around 10 percent of Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka's population and Christians about 7.6 percent.

Sri Lanka province under indefinite curfew after first riot death

A day after police arrested people in a district in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-authorities-reimpose-ban-on-four-towns-following-communal-violence-218346">Sri Lanka due to riots</a>, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew on Monday night.

Sri Lanka has been on edge since the April 21st Easter bombings in churches. Last week the blast scarred St. Anthony's Church reopened even as restoration work continued.

"The curfew has been imposed from 9pm, tonight to 4am tomorrow," a police spokesperson said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Army chief Mahesh Senanayake said the troops have been instructed to deal very strictly with those who defy the curfew. The army will shoot on sight if anyone defy the order, he added.

The authorities allowed Sunday mass to go ahead after postponing it several times fearing renewed attacks. However, there were no services at St Sebastian's Church in Negambo, where at least 102 people died.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/police-impose-curfew-on-sri-lanka-town-after-mosques-attacked-218239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Police said a six-hour nationwide night curfew had been imposed after riots spread to several areas in northern Sri Lanka.

More than 250 people were killed and nearly 500 wounded as terrorists targeted churches and hotels across the emerald island during Easter celebration in Sri Lanka last months.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Wickremesinghe had said last week that investigators had dismantled a major part of the network linked to the bombings, but warned the chance of further attacks could not be ruled out.

In the latest incident on Sunday, miscreants targeted mosques and stores in Sri Lanka's west coast in Chilaw after a Facebook post created a controversy leading to stone-throwing by a group of men. Police immediately moved in and imposed a curfew.

Later curfew was reimposed in four other towns in northwestern region in Kuliyapitiya, Hettipola, Bingiriya and Dummalasuriya. The Lankan authorities also temporarily blocked social media networks and instant messaging apps in order to maintain peace.

The curfew was later extended across the island, police said in a statement.

PM&nbsp;Wickremesinghe in an address to the nation said the military has been asked to quell the anti-Muslim riot and urged public cooperation to the security forces to bring the situation under control.

"The security forces have been given full powers to deal with those who violate the state of emergency and the islandwide curfew," he said.

He also appealed for calm urged the public not to be swayed by false information.

"I appeal to all citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by false information. Security forces are working tirelessly to apprehend terrorists and ensure the security of the country, but each time there is civil unrest, we increase their burden and hamper ongoing investigations," he said.

A day after police arrested people in a district in Sri Lanka due to riots, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew on Monday night. Sri Lanka has been on edge since the April 21st Easter bombings in churches.

A day after police arrested people in a district in Sri Lanka due to riots, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew on Monday night. Sri Lanka has been on edge since the April 21st Easter bombings in churches. Last week the blast scarred St. Anthony's Church reopened even as restoration work continued. "The curfew has been imposed from 9pm, tonight to 4am tomorrow," a police spokesperson said. Army chief Mahesh Senanayake said the troops have been instructed to deal very strictly with those who defy the curfew. The army will shoot on sight if anyone defy the order, he added. The authorities allowed Sunday mass to go ahead after postponing it several times fearing renewed attacks. However, there were no services at St Sebastian's Church in Negambo, where at least 102 people died. Police said a six-hour nationwide night curfew had been imposed after riots spread to several areas in northern Sri Lanka. More than 250 people were killed and nearly 500 wounded as terrorists targeted churches and hotels across the emerald island during Easter celebration in Sri Lanka last months. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Wickremesinghe had said last week that investigators had dismantled a major part of the network linked to the bombings, but warned the chance of further attacks could not be ruled out. In the latest incident on Sunday, miscreants targeted mosques and stores in Sri Lanka's west coast in Chilaw after a Facebook post created a controversy leading to stone-throwing by a group of men. Police immediately moved in and imposed a curfew. Later curfew was reimposed in four other towns in northwestern region in Kuliyapitiya, Hettipola, Bingiriya and Dummalasuriya. The Lankan authorities also temporarily blocked social media networks and instant messaging apps in order to maintain peace. The curfew was later extended across the island, police said in a statement. PM Wickremesinghe in an address to the nation said the military has been asked to quell the anti-Muslim riot and urged public cooperation to the security forces to bring the situation under control. "The security forces have been given full powers to deal with those who violate the state of emergency and the islandwide curfew," he said. He also appealed for calm urged the public not to be swayed by false information. "I appeal to all citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by false information. Security forces are working tirelessly to apprehend terrorists and ensure the security of the country, but each time there is civil unrest, we increase their burden and hamper ongoing investigations," he said.

Sri Lanka imposes nationwide curfew after riots

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/all-suspects-in-sri-lanka-bombings-arrested-or-dead-acting-police-chief-216566">Sri Lankan authorities have arrested or killed all the jihadists</a> responsible for Easter suicide bombings, but the island still faces the threat of "global terrorism," the prime minister said Tuesday.

Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament that his Buddhist-majority nation was a victim of Islamist extremists and needed international support to deal with the persisting threat.

"The danger is not over, we are now a victim of global terrorism," Wickremesinghe said.

"Even if we have arrested or killed every terrorist responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, extremists abroad can still cause trouble for us. We need intelligence sharing with foreign partners to deal with this challenge."

His comments came as police chief Chandana Wickramaratne said they have accounted for every individual involved in the April 21 attacks that killed 257 people at three churches and three luxury hotels.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/soldiers-sniffer-dogs-sweep-schools-in-sri-lanka-ahead-of-reopening-216365/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"All those who organised and carried out the suicide bomb attack have died or is in our custody," Wickramaratne said.

"The two bomb experts of the group have been killed. We have seized the explosives they had stored for future attacks."

Wickramaratne, who was named acting police chief last week after President Maithripala Sirisena suspended his predecessor over his failure to act on warnings about the attacks, said public life was slowly returning to normal.

Church opens

The S<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-bombed-church-partially-opens-for-prayers-216699">t Anthony's church also partially opened Tuesday</a> for prayers amid tight security even as the military and police guarded the historic place of worship dating back to 1740.

Police set up steel barricades outside and frisked people entering to pray before a statue of Saint Anthony. Church authorities said they will allow devotees for a 12-hour period until the church was fully restored.

Sri Lanka's navy is leading efforts to rebuild the church which is venerated not only by Catholics but also by many people of other faiths who believe in the miraculous powers of Saint Anthony.

The government reopened public schools on Monday, but attendance dropped to below 10 per cent in many places with parents still fearing attacks.

"We have strengthened security for all schools," the police chief said. "We are also conducting a programme to create awareness about safety and security in all schools."

Wickramaratne did not say how many people were in custody over the bombings, but police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said Monday that 73 people, including nine women, were being held.

The bombings were blamed on a local group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), but the Islamic State group has also claimed responsibility.

Police said religious tensions have eased at Negombo, a town north of Colombo that suffered the highest death toll in the Easter Sunday attacks. A bomb at St Sebastian's church in the town killed more than 100 worshippers.

Dozens of Muslim-owned businesses, homes and vehicles in Negombo were damaged in clashes on Sunday night.

The Roman Catholic Church appealed for calm and urged Christians not to carry out revenge attacks against Muslims.

Police said two arrests were made and more suspects had been identified through CCTV footage.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested or killed all the jihadists responsible for Easter suicide bombings, but the island still faces the threat of "global terrorism," the prime minister said Tuesday.

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested or killed all the jihadists responsible for Easter suicide bombings, but the island still faces the threat of "global terrorism," the prime minister said Tuesday. Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament that his Buddhist-majority nation was a victim of Islamist extremists and needed international support to deal with the persisting threat. "The danger is not over, we are now a victim of global terrorism," Wickremesinghe said. "Even if we have arrested or killed every terrorist responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, extremists abroad can still cause trouble for us. We need intelligence sharing with foreign partners to deal with this challenge." His comments came as police chief Chandana Wickramaratne said they have accounted for every individual involved in the April 21 attacks that killed 257 people at three churches and three luxury hotels. "All those who organised and carried out the suicide bomb attack have died or is in our custody," Wickramaratne said. "The two bomb experts of the group have been killed. We have seized the explosives they had stored for future attacks." Wickramaratne, who was named acting police chief last week after President Maithripala Sirisena suspended his predecessor over his failure to act on warnings about the attacks, said public life was slowly returning to normal. Church opens The St Anthony's church also partially opened Tuesday for prayers amid tight security even as the military and police guarded the historic place of worship dating back to 1740. Police set up steel barricades outside and frisked people entering to pray before a statue of Saint Anthony. Church authorities said they will allow devotees for a 12-hour period until the church was fully restored. Sri Lanka's navy is leading efforts to rebuild the church which is venerated not only by Catholics but also by many people of other faiths who believe in the miraculous powers of Saint Anthony. The government reopened public schools on Monday, but attendance dropped to below 10 per cent in many places with parents still fearing attacks. "We have strengthened security for all schools," the police chief said. "We are also conducting a programme to create awareness about safety and security in all schools." Wickramaratne did not say how many people were in custody over the bombings, but police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said Monday that 73 people, including nine women, were being held. The bombings were blamed on a local group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), but the Islamic State group has also claimed responsibility. Police said religious tensions have eased at Negombo, a town north of Colombo that suffered the highest death toll in the Easter Sunday attacks. A bomb at St Sebastian's church in the town killed more than 100 worshippers. Dozens of Muslim-owned businesses, homes and vehicles in Negombo were damaged in clashes on Sunday night. The Roman Catholic Church appealed for calm and urged Christians not to carry out revenge attacks against Muslims. Police said two arrests were made and more suspects had been identified through CCTV footage.

Sri Lanka says jihadi threat persists despite arrests

Sri Lankan authorities Monday lifted an overnight curfew in the western coastal town of Negombo where violence erupted between groups of people over the weekend, days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-discover-suspected-training-camp-for-islamist-militants-216185">Easter bombings by Islamist extremists</a> that killed more than 250 people in the island nation.

The curfew was imposed on Sunday after a group of miscreants carrying swords attacked some people travelling on a three-wheeler in Porathota area of the town. The vehicle was set on fire.

Several people were injured in clashes in Negombo, where St. Sebastian's Church was targeted in the Easter attacks carried out by suicide bombers who had pledged support for the IS.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said on Monday that Negombo was calm and curfew had ended at 7 am.

The government also blocked some social media sites overnight, including Facebook and WhatsApp, in order to control the situation. The block was lifted early Monday.

The police said an argument had instigated the clash and it was escalated after a drunken man's intervention. The curfew was imposed in the town as a precaution. Two people have been arrested in connection with the clashes.

Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, said that it was a personal clash between two groups. "The situation was brought to my notice and we have restored calm," he said.

A senior police officer said an investigation was underway into the clashes.

Negombo is a majority Christian town where the St Sebastian's church was attacked by a suicide bomber on the Easter Sunday.

The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ).

Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts.

Meanwhile, the schools reopened Monday after the Easter Sunday blasts.

Police and soldiers combed school premises and the surrounding areas to make sure it is safe for children to go back on Monday, a senior police officer said.

Armed soldiers were seen guarding all leading schools in the city. However, the normal school traffic was not seen.

The education ministry's announcement to reopen schools after security guarantees were received from the military was still debated. Some leading Buddhist prelates had urged the government to delay the re-opening due to further possible attacks from the jihadists.

Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority.

Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans are Christians.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan authorities Monday lifted an overnight curfew in the western coastal town of Negombo where violence erupted between groups of people over the weekend, days after the Easter bombings by Islamist extremists that killed more than 250 people in the island nation.

Sri Lankan authorities Monday lifted an overnight curfew in the western coastal town of Negombo where violence erupted between groups of people over the weekend, days after the Easter bombings by Islamist extremists that killed more than 250 people in the island nation. The curfew was imposed on Sunday after a group of miscreants carrying swords attacked some people travelling on a three-wheeler in Porathota area of the town. The vehicle was set on fire. Several people were injured in clashes in Negombo, where St. Sebastian's Church was targeted in the Easter attacks carried out by suicide bombers who had pledged support for the IS. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said on Monday that Negombo was calm and curfew had ended at 7 am. The government also blocked some social media sites overnight, including Facebook and WhatsApp, in order to control the situation. The block was lifted early Monday. The police said an argument had instigated the clash and it was escalated after a drunken man's intervention. The curfew was imposed in the town as a precaution. Two people have been arrested in connection with the clashes. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, said that it was a personal clash between two groups. "The situation was brought to my notice and we have restored calm," he said. A senior police officer said an investigation was underway into the clashes. Negombo is a majority Christian town where the St Sebastian's church was attacked by a suicide bomber on the Easter Sunday. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts. Meanwhile, the schools reopened Monday after the Easter Sunday blasts. Police and soldiers combed school premises and the surrounding areas to make sure it is safe for children to go back on Monday, a senior police officer said. Armed soldiers were seen guarding all leading schools in the city. However, the normal school traffic was not seen. The education ministry's announcement to reopen schools after security guarantees were received from the military was still debated. Some leading Buddhist prelates had urged the government to delay the re-opening due to further possible attacks from the jihadists. Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority. Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans are Christians.

Sri Lanka lifts curfew in Negombo; police says situation under control

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church will televise a private Sunday mass after cancelling regular services over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorists-planning-attacks-on-bridges-in-colombo-police-215597&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwioptfOsYHiAhWn6XMBHWOLCnkQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pCFjL2IalEdBvliyYzKJ8">fears of a repeat of Easter suicide bombings</a> that killed 257 people, a spokesman said.

Father Edmund Tillakaratne said public masses were suspended for a second week, but a service conducted by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith will be broadcast on national television.

"It will be like last Sunday when we had a service at Archbishop's chapel and telecast it live," Tillakaratne said.

Ranjith, who is also archbishop of Colombo, said Thursday that a "reliable foreign source" had alerted him to possible attacks this weekend, leading him to cancel Sunday services for the second week.

"The information we have from a reliable foreign source is that attackers are planning to hit a very famous church and a Catholic institution," the Cardinal said in a statement.

Official sources said the Thewatte National Basilica, just outside Colombo, was the suspected target, and the military deployed hundreds of troops to search the area.

"There were no explosives found, but we have stepped up security in the neighbourhood," a police official said.

The government is going ahead with plans to reopen public schools on Monday, but the Church said Catholic schools will remain shut "until further notice".

Sri Lankan authorities had advance warnings from Indian intelligence of the impending Easter attacks but police and security forces failed to act, leading to Sri Lanka's worst single suicide attack against civilians.

There were at least 42 foreigners among the 257 killed while some 480 were also wounded in the attacks targeting three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21.

Armed guards have been stationed outside hotels, churches, Buddhist temples and mosques across the country since the attacks.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Friday that some of the conspirators may still be at large.

"Most of those responsible for the Easter attacks have been arrested. Some have been killed," Wickremesinghe said during a tour of island's east, where a Christian church was hit.

"We are trying to see if there are any more secret IS cells in the country. We will ensure that IS terrorism will be eradicated from our land", he siad.

Sri Lanka bolstered security Friday with fears of attacks against several bridges and flyovers in Colombo as well as police stations.

He hoped normality would return by Monday when public schools reopen after an extended Easter vacation.

About 50 children were among those killed.

The attacks were blamed on the local National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attack-mastermind-used-chatrooms-to-sway-suicide-bombers-215665&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwioptfOsYHiAhWn6XMBHWOLCnkQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1_5akCHWZpKSva9LdCSGtA">whose leader was among the suicide bombers. </a>

The group had pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church will televise a private Sunday mass after cancelling regular services over fears of a repeat of Easter suicide bombings that killed 257 people, a spokesman said.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church will televise a private Sunday mass after cancelling regular services over fears of a repeat of Easter suicide bombings that killed 257 people, a spokesman said. Father Edmund Tillakaratne said public masses were suspended for a second week, but a service conducted by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith will be broadcast on national television. "It will be like last Sunday when we had a service at Archbishop's chapel and telecast it live," Tillakaratne said. Ranjith, who is also archbishop of Colombo, said Thursday that a "reliable foreign source" had alerted him to possible attacks this weekend, leading him to cancel Sunday services for the second week. "The information we have from a reliable foreign source is that attackers are planning to hit a very famous church and a Catholic institution," the Cardinal said in a statement. Official sources said the Thewatte National Basilica, just outside Colombo, was the suspected target, and the military deployed hundreds of troops to search the area. "There were no explosives found, but we have stepped up security in the neighbourhood," a police official said. The government is going ahead with plans to reopen public schools on Monday, but the Church said Catholic schools will remain shut "until further notice". Sri Lankan authorities had advance warnings from Indian intelligence of the impending Easter attacks but police and security forces failed to act, leading to Sri Lanka's worst single suicide attack against civilians. There were at least 42 foreigners among the 257 killed while some 480 were also wounded in the attacks targeting three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21. Armed guards have been stationed outside hotels, churches, Buddhist temples and mosques across the country since the attacks. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Friday that some of the conspirators may still be at large. "Most of those responsible for the Easter attacks have been arrested. Some have been killed," Wickremesinghe said during a tour of island's east, where a Christian church was hit. "We are trying to see if there are any more secret IS cells in the country. We will ensure that IS terrorism will be eradicated from our land", he siad. Sri Lanka bolstered security Friday with fears of attacks against several bridges and flyovers in Colombo as well as police stations. He hoped normality would return by Monday when public schools reopen after an extended Easter vacation. About 50 children were among those killed. The attacks were blamed on the local National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) whose leader was among the suicide bombers. The group had pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Sri Lanka Catholics turn to TV mass amid bomb threat