Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in India on Sunday on a three-day visit in his first foreign trip after assuming the top office in September. Watch this report for more details!

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake On 3-Day India Visit

In a significant diplomatic move, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media during a joint press conference. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on key areas like trade, regional security, and cultural cooperation. This high-level interaction highlights the growing partnership between India and Sri Lanka, with both countries committed to deepening their collaboration for mutual growth and stability.

BREAKING: Sri Lankan President Anura and PM Modi Hold Joint Press Conference

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on his first international visit after assuming office in September this year, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Monday.

Sri Lanka's Dissanayake Meets Indian President Murmu, PM Modi

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today for crucial bilateral talks. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening the ties between the two neighboring nations, with discussions likely covering trade, security, and regional cooperation. This diplomatic visit comes at a time of evolving political and economic dynamics in South Asia, with both leaders aiming to enhance their strategic partnership for mutual benefit.

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake To Meet India's PM Modi In India Today

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today for crucial bilateral talks. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening the ties between the two neighboring nations, with discussions likely covering trade, security, and regional cooperation. This diplomatic visit comes at a time of evolving political and economic dynamics in South Asia, with both leaders aiming to enhance their strategic partnership for mutual benefit.



Sri Lanka's private creditors back 12.6 billion dollar debt restructuring plan. The restructuring of Sri Lanka's foreign debts is a crucial step in the country's effort to get out of its protracted default.

Sri Lanka Bondholders Back $12.6 Billion Debt Restructuring

Sri Lankan Speaker Asoka Ranwala tenders his resignation over the education qualification controversy. Watch this report for more details!

BREAKING: Sri Lankan Speaker Asoka Ranwala Tenders Resignation

Sri Lanka begins post-election plan to fix its economy. Country to change vehicles and housing allowance for ministers. Watch to know more!

Sri Lanka: No More State Bungalows For Ministers In Massive Expenditure Crackdown | Race To Power

Sri Lanka: Massive Crackdown On Minister's Benefits To Cure Ailing Economy | WION Dispatch

In a major Crackdown on narcotics smuggling the Indian and Sri Lankan navies have seized nearly 500 kg of crystal meth from two Sri Lankan flagged fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea. Watch in for more details!

Indian, Sri Lankan Navies Target Narcotics Smuggling; 500 Kg Crystal Meth Seized

Sri Lanka’s central bank has cut its benchmark interest rate to 8%, signaling efforts to stabilise its fragile economy. This move follows a major breakthrough in restructuring $12.55 billion in international sovereign bonds, a key requirement of the $2.9 billion bailout secured from the international monetary fund in 2023. Watch in for more details!

Sri Lanka's Bondholders To Vote On $12.55 Bn Debt Swap By December 12 |

Sri Lankan rescue teams reported on Thursday that they had recovered the bodies of four children who drowned in a flash flood triggered by torrential rains. The storm, described as powerful yet slow-moving, has left four others missing. The heavy rainfall and flooding are linked to a weather system now advancing towards India, raising concerns of further impact in the region. Watch to know more!

Sri Lanka: Four Children Die As Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding | WION Climate Tracker | World News

<p>A U.S. agency said on Sunday that it is reviewing the impact of Department of Justice bribery allegations against the founder of India's Adani Group on the agency's prior agreement to lend more than $550 million to a Sri Lankan port development backed by the group.</p>

<p>The U.S. International Development Finance Corp last November said it would&nbsp;provide&nbsp;$553 million in financing for the port terminal project in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The project is partly owned by the Adani Group.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bribery-allegations-rock-adani-group-global-projects-in-the-spotlight-779001">Bribery allegations rock Adani group: global projects in the spotlight</a></p>

<p>Federal prosecutors in New York on Wednesday announced that Gautam Adani, the billionaire founder of the Adani Group, and seven other individuals had been&nbsp;indicted on charges&nbsp;of paying about $265 billion in bribes to Indian government officials to obtain contracts expected to yield $2 billion of profit over 20 years and develop India's largest solar power plant project.</p>

<p>"DFC is aware of the recent allegations related to Adani and is actively assessing the ramifications in light of the recent DOJ announcement," an official with the development agency said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gautam Adani Indictment: Adani to Respond After Legal Review</strong></p>

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<p>"We are committed to ensuring that our projects and partners uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance," the official said.<br />
The agency said that no funds have yet been disbursed under the loan commitment.</p>

<p>Bloomberg News first reported the news on the DFC on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Adani Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Adani Group has said the Justice Department accusations as well as those levelled by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in a parallel civil case are "baseless and denied" and said it will seek "all possible legal recourse."</p>


A U.S. agency said on Sunday that it is reviewing the impact of Department of Justice bribery allegations against the founder of India's Adani Group on the agency's prior agreement to lend more than $550 million to a Sri Lankan port development backed by the group.

A U.S. agency said on Sunday that it is reviewing the impact of Department of Justice bribery allegations against the founder of India's Adani Group on the agency's prior agreement to lend more than $550 million to a Sri Lankan port development backed by the group. The U.S. International Development Finance Corp last November said it would provide $553 million in financing for the port terminal project in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The project is partly owned by the Adani Group. Also Read: Bribery allegations rock Adani group: global projects in the spotlight Federal prosecutors in New York on Wednesday announced that Gautam Adani, the billionaire founder of the Adani Group, and seven other individuals had been indicted on charges of paying about $265 billion in bribes to Indian government officials to obtain contracts expected to yield $2 billion of profit over 20 years and develop India's largest solar power plant project. "DFC is aware of the recent allegations related to Adani and is actively assessing the ramifications in light of the recent DOJ announcement," an official with the development agency said in a statement. Watch: Gautam Adani Indictment: Adani to Respond After Legal Review "We are committed to ensuring that our projects and partners uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance," the official said. The agency said that no funds have yet been disbursed under the loan commitment. Bloomberg News first reported the news on the DFC on Sunday. The Adani Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours on Sunday. The Adani Group has said the Justice Department accusations as well as those levelled by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in a parallel civil case are "baseless and denied" and said it will seek "all possible legal recourse."

US development agency says 'assessing ramifications' on Sri Lanka project of Adani

<p>Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to travel to India from December 15th onwards, with the key day of engagement being December 16th, when&nbsp;he will meet top Indian leadership, including PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This will be Dissanayake's first foreign visit abroad after taking charge as president in September this year.</p>

<p>The November parliamentary&nbsp;elections in Sri Lanka saw Dissanayake's National People's Power (NPP) coalition getting a landslide victory. The coalition got 159 seats out of the 225 seats, transforming the political landscape of the country since it is for the first time that a Sinhala-Buddhist party has&nbsp;won in the predominantly Tamil areas in the north.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-australia-woo-indian-tourists-with-new-initiatives-778776"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka, Australia woo Indian tourists with new initiatives</strong></a></p>

<p>He is the first top leader of Sri Lanka who is not from the nation's political elites, and his victory is seen as a sea change in the country's post-colonial political history.</p>

<p>After his win in the parliamentary elections, the Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha had met him. After congratulating him on his election victory, the Indian high commissioner also extended an invitation to the Sri Lankan leader to visit India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HC <a href="https://twitter.com/santjha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@santjha</a> called on President &amp; Leader of NPP <a href="https://twitter.com/anuradisanayake?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anuradisanayake</a> to congratulate on NPP’s victory in 🇱🇰 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParliamentaryElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParliamentaryElections2024</a>. As a fellow democracy,🇮🇳 welcomes the mandate &amp; remains committed to further strengthening bilateral ties for the benefit of our peoples. <a href="https://t.co/1qMEBn3uSO">pic.twitter.com/1qMEBn3uSO</a></p>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1857383289688031352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian high commissioner had also called on Dissanayake when he became president and congratulated him on "winning the people's mandate". Both times, the Indian high commissioner was the first foreign envoy to meet him, which shows the strong ties between the two countries and continued engagement as well.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HC <a href="https://twitter.com/santjha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@santjha</a> called on 🇱🇰 President-elect <a href="https://twitter.com/anuradisanayake?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anuradisanayake</a>. Conveyed greetings from India’s leadership and congratulated him on winning the people’s mandate. 🇮🇳 as 🇱🇰’s civilisational twin is committed to further deepen ties for the prosperity of the people of our two countries. <a href="https://t.co/l5qUxmAcA1">pic.twitter.com/l5qUxmAcA1</a></p>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1837893440685621539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Anura Kumara Dissanayake, often referred to by his initials AKD, visited India in early 2024 and met India's external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval. His upcoming visit will be as the President of Sri Lanka, with a big parliamentary majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In October, India's external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar, had visited Sri Lanka, which was the first high-level engagement&nbsp;between India and Sri Lanka after the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka's New Parliament Convened, Speaker &amp; Others Elected</strong></p>

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<p>During the visit, EAM Jaishankar met&nbsp;President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AKDs' visit will be key in continuing the India and Sri Lanka engagement with a focus on economic recovery and connectivity—both physical with talks of a land bridge&nbsp;and a petroleum pipeline to financial connectivity with India's UPI being extended to Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>India played a key role in the economic recovery of Sri Lanka during the massive economic crisis with bailout support of $4 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi provided currency swaps to help Sri Lanka manage its foreign exchange shortages and supplied diesel, petrol, and other essentials like food grains through credit lines, which were crucial for maintaining basic services.</p>

<p>However, the fishing issue remains a point of contention between the two nations. Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody have been an irritant, though both countries have sought to resolve it under the Joint Working Group mechanism.</p>

<p>India has also been calling for reconciliation on the Tamil issue and implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that aims to give autonomy to the country's Tamil community.</p>


Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to travel to India from December 15th onwards, with the key day of engagement being December 16th, when he will meet top Indian leadership, including PM Narendra Modi.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to travel to India from December 15th onwards, with the key day of engagement being December 16th, when he will meet top Indian leadership, including PM Narendra Modi. This will be Dissanayake's first foreign visit abroad after taking charge as president in September this year. The November parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka saw Dissanayake's National People's Power (NPP) coalition getting a landslide victory. The coalition got 159 seats out of the 225 seats, transforming the political landscape of the country since it is for the first time that a Sinhala-Buddhist party has won in the predominantly Tamil areas in the north. Also read: Sri Lanka, Australia woo Indian tourists with new initiatives He is the first top leader of Sri Lanka who is not from the nation's political elites, and his victory is seen as a sea change in the country's post-colonial political history. After his win in the parliamentary elections, the Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha had met him. After congratulating him on his election victory, the Indian high commissioner also extended an invitation to the Sri Lankan leader to visit India. HC @santjha called on President & Leader of NPP @anuradisanayake to congratulate on NPP’s victory in 🇱🇰 #ParliamentaryElections2024. As a fellow democracy,🇮🇳 welcomes the mandate & remains committed to further strengthening bilateral ties for the benefit of our peoples. pic.twitter.com/1qMEBn3uSO — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 15, 2024 × The Indian high commissioner had also called on Dissanayake when he became president and congratulated him on "winning the people's mandate". Both times, the Indian high commissioner was the first foreign envoy to meet him, which shows the strong ties between the two countries and continued engagement as well. HC @santjha called on 🇱🇰 President-elect @anuradisanayake. Conveyed greetings from India’s leadership and congratulated him on winning the people’s mandate. 🇮🇳 as 🇱🇰’s civilisational twin is committed to further deepen ties for the prosperity of the people of our two countries. pic.twitter.com/l5qUxmAcA1 — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) September 22, 2024 × Anura Kumara Dissanayake, often referred to by his initials AKD, visited India in early 2024 and met India's external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval. His upcoming visit will be as the President of Sri Lanka, with a big parliamentary majority. In October, India's external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar, had visited Sri Lanka, which was the first high-level engagement between India and Sri Lanka after the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Watch | Sri Lanka's New Parliament Convened, Speaker & Others Elected × During the visit, EAM Jaishankar met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. AKDs' visit will be key in continuing the India and Sri Lanka engagement with a focus on economic recovery and connectivity—both physical with talks of a land bridge and a petroleum pipeline to financial connectivity with India's UPI being extended to Sri Lanka. India played a key role in the economic recovery of Sri Lanka during the massive economic crisis with bailout support of $4 billion. Delhi provided currency swaps to help Sri Lanka manage its foreign exchange shortages and supplied diesel, petrol, and other essentials like food grains through credit lines, which were crucial for maintaining basic services. However, the fishing issue remains a point of contention between the two nations. Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody have been an irritant, though both countries have sought to resolve it under the Joint Working Group mechanism. India has also been calling for reconciliation on the Tamil issue and implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that aims to give autonomy to the country's Tamil community.

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake's India visit begins on December 15

<p>Sri Lanka's new leftist government has agreed to press ahead with a controversial IMF bailout program that involves tough austerity and economic reforms, the international lender announced Saturday.</p>

<p>The International Monetary Fund said it reached an agreement with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration to continue with the four-year loan negotiated by his predecessor last year.</p>

<p>"The authorities have committed to staying within the guardrails of the programme," IMF team leader Peter Breuer told reporters at the end of talks with the new government.</p>

<p>He said the new government's commitment ensured policy continuity.</p>

<p>"Sustaining the reform momentum is critical to safeguarding the hard-won gains of the programme, and putting the economy on a path towards lasting recovery and stable and inclusive growth," Breuer added.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka went to the IMF for a rescue package after the country defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022 during an unprecedented economic meltdown.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-dissanayake-retains-defence-and-finance-in-new-cabinet-777192"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka: President Dissanayake retains defence and finance portfolios in new cabinet</strong></a></p>

<p>The shortage of foreign exchange, which left the country unable to finance even the most essential imports of food and fuel, led to months of street protests and forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.</p>

<p>The $2.9 billion loan secured early last year required Colombo to sharply raise taxes, remove generous energy subsidies, and agree to restructure more than 50 loss-making state enterprises.</p>

<p>Dissanayake's predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe secured the rescue that involved the disbursement of a $2.9 billion loan over four years.</p>

<p>In his first address to parliament, after his National People's Power party won a landslide at the November 14 election, Dissanayake backed the IMF deal on Thursday, marking a U-turn from his election pledge.</p>

<p>The dissatisfaction with traditional politicians held responsible for the economic collapse was a key driver of Dissanayake's electoral success.</p>

<p>Dissanayake said there was no room to make any mistakes in managing the economy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka's New President Seeks IMF Deal Revisions, Eases Austerity</strong></p>

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<p>According to Breuer, the new government's pledge to fight corruption will "reinvigorate governance reforms", rebuild economic confidence, and make growth more robust and inclusive.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka will now be able to draw down $333 million, subject to IMF board approval, by the end of the year.</p>

<p>Last month, Dissanayake's interim cabinet signed off on a controversial restructuring of $14.7 billion in foreign commercial credit tentatively agreed by Wickremesinghe.</p>

<p>The debt restructuring is a key IMF demand to rebuild the island's economy, which shrank 7.8 per cent in 2022, its worst performance ever.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Sri Lanka's new leftist government has agreed to press ahead with a controversial IMF bailout program that involves tough austerity and economic reforms, the international lender announced Saturday.

Sri Lanka's new leftist government has agreed to press ahead with a controversial IMF bailout program that involves tough austerity and economic reforms, the international lender announced Saturday. The International Monetary Fund said it reached an agreement with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration to continue with the four-year loan negotiated by his predecessor last year. "The authorities have committed to staying within the guardrails of the programme," IMF team leader Peter Breuer told reporters at the end of talks with the new government. He said the new government's commitment ensured policy continuity. "Sustaining the reform momentum is critical to safeguarding the hard-won gains of the programme, and putting the economy on a path towards lasting recovery and stable and inclusive growth," Breuer added. Sri Lanka went to the IMF for a rescue package after the country defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022 during an unprecedented economic meltdown. Also read: Sri Lanka: President Dissanayake retains defence and finance portfolios in new cabinet The shortage of foreign exchange, which left the country unable to finance even the most essential imports of food and fuel, led to months of street protests and forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign. The $2.9 billion loan secured early last year required Colombo to sharply raise taxes, remove generous energy subsidies, and agree to restructure more than 50 loss-making state enterprises. Dissanayake's predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe secured the rescue that involved the disbursement of a $2.9 billion loan over four years. In his first address to parliament, after his National People's Power party won a landslide at the November 14 election, Dissanayake backed the IMF deal on Thursday, marking a U-turn from his election pledge. The dissatisfaction with traditional politicians held responsible for the economic collapse was a key driver of Dissanayake's electoral success. Dissanayake said there was no room to make any mistakes in managing the economy. Watch | Sri Lanka's New President Seeks IMF Deal Revisions, Eases Austerity × According to Breuer, the new government's pledge to fight corruption will "reinvigorate governance reforms", rebuild economic confidence, and make growth more robust and inclusive. Sri Lanka will now be able to draw down $333 million, subject to IMF board approval, by the end of the year. Last month, Dissanayake's interim cabinet signed off on a controversial restructuring of $14.7 billion in foreign commercial credit tentatively agreed by Wickremesinghe. The debt restructuring is a key IMF demand to rebuild the island's economy, which shrank 7.8 per cent in 2022, its worst performance ever. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

IMF approves third review of Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout

Sri Lanka's newly elected Parliament has convened, with the Speaker and other key officials elected. The session marks the beginning of the country's next legislative term.

Sri Lanka: President Anura Dissanayake Addresses The Parliament

Sri Lanka's New Parliament Convened, Speaker & Others Elected

Sri Lanka’s new cabinet has sparked widespread disappointment within the Muslim community. For the first time in recent memory, the cabinet has been formed without a single Muslim representative. Watch this report for more details!

Sri Lanka: Opposition Targets New Cabinet Over Lack of Muslim Presence

<p>Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake retained the key defence and finance portfolios in a new cabinet he announced Monday after winning the snap parliamentary elections last week.</p>

<p>The leftist leader, who won the September presidential election, confirmed his interim cabinet colleagues -- Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath -- would keep their portfolios.</p>

<p>Dissanayake's decision to call polls nearly 10 months ahead of schedule and secure legislative backing for his agenda was vindicated when his National People's Power (NPP) won 159 seats in the 225-member assembly.</p>

<p>The more than two-thirds majority is the biggest any party has won since the South Asian nation introduced proportional representation under a 1978 constitution.</p>

<p>"We must ensure that this absolute power does not corrupt us absolutely," Dissanayake told the new 22-member cabinet at a nationally televised ceremony.</p>

<p>"This huge power that has been given to us must be exercised with responsibility, to fulfil the aspirations of the people who had been oppressed economically and politically for too long."</p>

<p>The new government holds its first parliamentary sitting on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-alleges-biden-of-risking-start-of-world-war-iii-by-giving-missile-permission-to-ukraine-777097">Russia says Biden 'risking start of World War III' with missile permission</a></strong></p>

<p>It is expected to prepare a budget for 2025 in line with an ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout secured by the previous government.</p>

<p>Dissanayake told a visiting IMF delegation that he wanted the international lender of last resort to "maintain a balanced approach" in dealing with the bankrupt nation.</p>

<p>"Highlighting his government's commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people, President Dissanayake urged the IMF to maintain a balanced approach that considers the hardships faced by citizens," his office said in a statement.</p>

<p>The former government doubled taxes and removed energy subsidies in line with the IMF bailout and Dissanayake came to power promising to ease austerity measures.</p>

<p>The IMF team is in Colombo to review progress of the bailout loan program before releasing the next instalment of $330 million.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka went to the IMF for a rescue package after the country defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022 during an unprecedented economic meltdown.</p>

<p>The worst shortage of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports of food and fuel led to months of street protests that forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to temporarily flee the country and resign.</p>

<p>Dissanayake had campaigned on a pledge to renegotiate a controversial $2.9 billion IMF bailout secured by his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe.</p>

<p>But since taking office, he has resolved to maintain the existing agreement with the international lender, and has been strongly backed by the country's private sector.</p>

<p>The outgoing parliament was dominated by the party of Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, two brothers from a powerful political clan who have both served as president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their party won just three seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake retained the key defence and finance portfolios in a new cabinet he announced Monday after winning the snap parliamentary elections last week.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake retained the key defence and finance portfolios in a new cabinet he announced Monday after winning the snap parliamentary elections last week. The leftist leader, who won the September presidential election, confirmed his interim cabinet colleagues -- Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath -- would keep their portfolios. Dissanayake's decision to call polls nearly 10 months ahead of schedule and secure legislative backing for his agenda was vindicated when his National People's Power (NPP) won 159 seats in the 225-member assembly. The more than two-thirds majority is the biggest any party has won since the South Asian nation introduced proportional representation under a 1978 constitution. "We must ensure that this absolute power does not corrupt us absolutely," Dissanayake told the new 22-member cabinet at a nationally televised ceremony. "This huge power that has been given to us must be exercised with responsibility, to fulfil the aspirations of the people who had been oppressed economically and politically for too long." The new government holds its first parliamentary sitting on Thursday. Also read: Russia says Biden 'risking start of World War III' with missile permission It is expected to prepare a budget for 2025 in line with an ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout secured by the previous government. Dissanayake told a visiting IMF delegation that he wanted the international lender of last resort to "maintain a balanced approach" in dealing with the bankrupt nation. "Highlighting his government's commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people, President Dissanayake urged the IMF to maintain a balanced approach that considers the hardships faced by citizens," his office said in a statement. The former government doubled taxes and removed energy subsidies in line with the IMF bailout and Dissanayake came to power promising to ease austerity measures. The IMF team is in Colombo to review progress of the bailout loan program before releasing the next instalment of $330 million. Sri Lanka went to the IMF for a rescue package after the country defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022 during an unprecedented economic meltdown. The worst shortage of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports of food and fuel led to months of street protests that forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to temporarily flee the country and resign. Dissanayake had campaigned on a pledge to renegotiate a controversial $2.9 billion IMF bailout secured by his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe. But since taking office, he has resolved to maintain the existing agreement with the international lender, and has been strongly backed by the country's private sector. The outgoing parliament was dominated by the party of Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, two brothers from a powerful political clan who have both served as president. Their party won just three seats. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka: President Dissanayake retains defence and finance portfolios in new cabinet

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake formed a 21-member Cabinet on Monday after securing a two-thirds majority in last week's parliamentary elections. Watch this report for more details!

Sri Lanka's New Cabinet Sworn in

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The ruling National People's Power party, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has won the parliamentary elections. According to provisional results, the NPP has won a parliamentary majority as the counting of votes is still underway. Watch in or more details!

Sri Lanka Election Result: President Dissanayake's NPP Wins Majority In General Election

The ruling National People's Power party, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is all set for a sweeping victory in the parliamentary election. As of 6:30 a.m. local time, with partial results declared, the NPP has secured a substantial 60% of the vote. Watch in or more details!

Sri Lanka Parliamentary Polls 2024: President Dissanayake Seeks To Expand Military Presence

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's leftist coalition secured a resounding victory in snap legislative elections, according to results released on Friday. The win reflects widespread public discontent with establishment parties, which voters blame for the country's ongoing economic crisis. Dissanayake's coalition's triumph marks a significant shift in Sri Lanka's political landscape, as citizens demand change and accountability.

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The ruling National People's Power party, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is all set for a sweeping victory in the parliamentary election. As of 6:30 a.m. local time, with partial results declared, the NPP has secured a substantial 60% of the vote.

Sri Lanka Parliamentary Polls 2024: Counting Underway In Snap Parliamentary Elections In Sri Lanka

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In Sri Lanka's upcoming elections, President Anura seeks to strengthen his party's influence in Parliament. With a focus on expanding his parliamentary presence, he aims to push forward key reforms and enhance political stability. His strategy includes building broader support across the political spectrum.

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Sri Lanka: President Dissanayake retains defence and finance portfolios in new cabinet

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