The 350-metre (1,155-feet) Lotus Tower, dubbed South Asia’s tallest structure, built for an estimated US$113 million with Chinese debt is all set to commence operations on September 15 in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo city.

This huge green and purple communications tower is one of several “white elephant” projects built with Chinese loans under Mahinda Rajapaksa, brother of ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa who had to flee in July following months-long protests over Sri Lanka’s dire economic crisis.&nbsp;

Its construction began in 2012 and has been plagued by corruption claims since then.&nbsp;According to reports, Mahinda wanted to copy Beijing’s 405-metre Central Radio and TV tower.

State-owned Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company, which manages this tower, said they are opening its observation deck for visitors from Thursday and seek to earn from ticket sales to mitigate losses as the maintenance cost is huge.

“We can’t keep this closed. The maintenance costs are huge. We want to earn the upkeep of the building and turn this into an entertainment centre,” chief executive Prasad Samarasinghe told reporters, according to AFP news agency.

This tall structure is majorly financed by Chinese loans to the tune of $ 88.65 million, while the rest has been borne by the Sri Lankan government.

According to the president’s office, the loan instalments are due to be completed by 2024, and around $66 million has been repaid.

However, many broadcasters say that the communications tower is of no use as it can neither cover the island nor improve current transmissions from a mountain in the centre of Sri Lanka.

On Monday, a local media outlet called it a “towering story of pride and waste”.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The 350-metre (1,155-feet) Lotus Tower, dubbed South Asia’s tallest structure, built for an estimated US$113 million with Chinese debt is all set to commence operations on September 15 in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo city.

The 350-metre (1,155-feet) Lotus Tower, dubbed South Asia’s tallest structure, built for an estimated US$113 million with Chinese debt is all set to commence operations on September 15 in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo city. This huge green and purple communications tower is one of several “white elephant” projects built with Chinese loans under Mahinda Rajapaksa, brother of ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa who had to flee in July following months-long protests over Sri Lanka’s dire economic crisis. Its construction began in 2012 and has been plagued by corruption claims since then. According to reports, Mahinda wanted to copy Beijing’s 405-metre Central Radio and TV tower. State-owned Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company, which manages this tower, said they are opening its observation deck for visitors from Thursday and seek to earn from ticket sales to mitigate losses as the maintenance cost is huge. “We can’t keep this closed. The maintenance costs are huge. We want to earn the upkeep of the building and turn this into an entertainment centre,” chief executive Prasad Samarasinghe told reporters, according to AFP news agency. This tall structure is majorly financed by Chinese loans to the tune of $ 88.65 million, while the rest has been borne by the Sri Lankan government. According to the president’s office, the loan instalments are due to be completed by 2024, and around $66 million has been repaid. However, many broadcasters say that the communications tower is of no use as it can neither cover the island nor improve current transmissions from a mountain in the centre of Sri Lanka. On Monday, a local media outlet called it a “towering story of pride and waste”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese-built Lotus Tower in Sri Lanka all set to open this week

Sri Lanka is also witnessing an economic crisis. Top officials are in talks with the International Monetary Fund over a fresh $2.9 billion program. The two parties are trying to set out an ambitious primary surplus target of 2.3 percent of GDP by 2025 that will mean having to increase state revenue significantly.

Sri Lanka: Colombo continues talks with the IMF, fresh $2.9 bn programme in talks

The much deserved win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in the UAE has brought even more reasons to smile for majority of Sri Lankans currently battling their toughest times. The South Asian island nation is witnessing one of its worst economic crisis since Independence and this victory has come as a much needed respite from the ongoing suffering.

Asia Cup 2022: Fans rejoice as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan, Afghans celebrate title win

The opposition parties in Sri Lanka have criticised President Ranil Wickremesinghe for expanding his cabinet amid the country's economic crisis.

It comes after Wickremesinghe announced the addition of 37 state ministers, including lawmakers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Shehan Semasinghe who were sworn in as state ministers in the finance ministry.

Buffeted by runaway annual inflation that stands at almost 65 per cent, the veteran lawmaker has faced an uphill struggle to stabilise the economy.

Since its independence from Britain in 1948, the island of 22 million people is facing its worst economic turmoil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-22nd-constitutional-amendment-limiting-president-powers-to-become-a-law-soon-513181" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's 22nd constitutional amendment which limits president powers to become a law soon</a>

Stemming from economic mismanagement, the crisis worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out its key tourism industry.

Leaving the country struggling to pay for essential imports of fuel, food and medicine, foreign exchange reserves have dropped to historic lows.

Following mass protests in July, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was the country's prime minister, resigned from their respective positions.

Although an uphill battle to negotiate repayments of billions of dollars with creditors, Sri Lanka secured a staff-level agreement for a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this month.

Extending financing assurances to the crisis-hit island nation, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Washington will support the restructuring of Sri Lanka's debt.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The opposition parties in Sri Lanka have criticised President Ranil Wickremesinghe for expanding his cabinet amid the country's economic crisis. It comes after Wickremesinghe announced the addition of 37 state ministers, including lawmakers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Shehan Semasinghe who were sworn in as state ministers in the finance ministry.

The opposition parties in Sri Lanka have criticised President Ranil Wickremesinghe for expanding his cabinet amid the country's economic crisis. It comes after Wickremesinghe announced the addition of 37 state ministers, including lawmakers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Shehan Semasinghe who were sworn in as state ministers in the finance ministry. Buffeted by runaway annual inflation that stands at almost 65 per cent, the veteran lawmaker has faced an uphill struggle to stabilise the economy. Since its independence from Britain in 1948, the island of 22 million people is facing its worst economic turmoil. Also read | Sri Lanka's 22nd constitutional amendment which limits president powers to become a law soon Stemming from economic mismanagement, the crisis worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out its key tourism industry. Leaving the country struggling to pay for essential imports of fuel, food and medicine, foreign exchange reserves have dropped to historic lows. Following mass protests in July, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was the country's prime minister, resigned from their respective positions. Although an uphill battle to negotiate repayments of billions of dollars with creditors, Sri Lanka secured a staff-level agreement for a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this month. Extending financing assurances to the crisis-hit island nation, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Washington will support the restructuring of Sri Lanka's debt. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Sri Lanka: Opposition parties criticise President Ranil Wickremesinghe for expanding his cabinet

The UN called for Sri Lanka to immediately reverse its light towards militarisation, it also said that the country should prosecute those responsible for leading the island nation into its current unprecedented economic crisis.

UN asks Sri Lanka to 'reverse the drift towards militarisation'

"Japan has deep roots in Sri Lanka and has been carrying out pro-people projects. India and Japan are also standing by Sri Lanka for seeking support from the International Monetary Fund," said Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), an Indian Army veteran who had last served as Director General Artillery. He emphasised that India and Japan could come together to counter the Chinese influence in Sri Lanka. He was speaking at an event organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S).&nbsp;

On India's twin interest in Sri Lanka, he said that it was about stability in a civilisational neighbour and marginalising Chinese influence in the region. In this regard, he pointed out the presence of Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman in Washington DC, during Sri Lanka's IMF negotiations and India's generous aid that continues to flow towards the island nation.&nbsp;

"Japan and Sri Lanka have had a cordial relationship since 1952 and the former is a major creditor of the island nation. Japan provides grants, loan assistance, technical cooperation, support through UN agencies, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Japanese and International NGOs. Japan has always had a multipronged pronged line of action which includes promoting high-quality inclusive growth, development cooperation for inclusive growth, mitigating vulnerability and tsunami relief," Lt Gen Shankar (retd) said.

However, he cautions that India must not once again be seen as interfering in Lankan internal affairs, as was the case during the IPKF, LTTE period. He points out that this led to India's marginalisation and created space for China's foray into the island nation. He opines, that India’s opportunity lies in China’s economic slowdown, internal problems, and its preoccupation with Taiwan and USA.

Regarding other nations that have an influence over Sri Lanka, he said that USA and Pakistan have not been major creditors but have a role to play. "USA's nod will be necessary for the IMF bailout to come through and given the strategic convergence with India, the US will not lose this opportunity to strengthen the Indo-Pacific strategy. The US will attempt to counter China's influence, by working with India and Japan," he opined.&nbsp;

He also noted that Pakistan has always had good ties with Sri Lanka and was the main provider of arms during the LTTE period. Gen Shankar(retd) mentioned the recent docking of PNS Taimur, a Pakistani naval ship in Colombo and a Naval exercise between two countries as a good indicator of Pak-Lanka relations, despite various other detracting factors. He urged that India take precautions to ensure that Pakistani influence (at the behest of China) stays marginalised in Sri Lanka.

In light of Sri Lanka's foreign policy dilemma, Col R Hariharan(retd) a veteran Military Intelligence specialist who served the Indian Army said that the island nation is a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific. Elaborating on Sri Lanka's Geostrategic compulsions, he said that the country was midway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and had a favourable tropical climate.&nbsp;

On how Sri Lankans viewed India and China, he feels that the Lankan side would always think about India's reaction on any issue, as India is barely 29kms away (from certain points in the Southern State of Tamil Nadu), whereas China is more than 2000kms away. He pointed out that Sri Lanka is a strategic pivot whose foreign policy is guided by physical, and geographical factors and that Colombo is a good eavesdropping location.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

"Japan has deep roots in Sri Lanka and has been carrying out pro-people projects. India and Japan are also standing by Sri Lanka for seeking support from the International Monetary Fund," said Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), an Indian Army veteran who had last served as Director General Artillery.

"Japan has deep roots in Sri Lanka and has been carrying out pro-people projects. India and Japan are also standing by Sri Lanka for seeking support from the International Monetary Fund," said Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), an Indian Army veteran who had last served as Director General Artillery. He emphasised that India and Japan could come together to counter the Chinese influence in Sri Lanka. He was speaking at an event organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S). On India's twin interest in Sri Lanka, he said that it was about stability in a civilisational neighbour and marginalising Chinese influence in the region. In this regard, he pointed out the presence of Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman in Washington DC, during Sri Lanka's IMF negotiations and India's generous aid that continues to flow towards the island nation. "Japan and Sri Lanka have had a cordial relationship since 1952 and the former is a major creditor of the island nation. Japan provides grants, loan assistance, technical cooperation, support through UN agencies, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Japanese and International NGOs. Japan has always had a multipronged pronged line of action which includes promoting high-quality inclusive growth, development cooperation for inclusive growth, mitigating vulnerability and tsunami relief," Lt Gen Shankar (retd) said. However, he cautions that India must not once again be seen as interfering in Lankan internal affairs, as was the case during the IPKF, LTTE period. He points out that this led to India's marginalisation and created space for China's foray into the island nation. He opines, that India’s opportunity lies in China’s economic slowdown, internal problems, and its preoccupation with Taiwan and USA. Regarding other nations that have an influence over Sri Lanka, he said that USA and Pakistan have not been major creditors but have a role to play. "USA's nod will be necessary for the IMF bailout to come through and given the strategic convergence with India, the US will not lose this opportunity to strengthen the Indo-Pacific strategy. The US will attempt to counter China's influence, by working with India and Japan," he opined. He also noted that Pakistan has always had good ties with Sri Lanka and was the main provider of arms during the LTTE period. Gen Shankar(retd) mentioned the recent docking of PNS Taimur, a Pakistani naval ship in Colombo and a Naval exercise between two countries as a good indicator of Pak-Lanka relations, despite various other detracting factors. He urged that India take precautions to ensure that Pakistani influence (at the behest of China) stays marginalised in Sri Lanka. In light of Sri Lanka's foreign policy dilemma, Col R Hariharan(retd) a veteran Military Intelligence specialist who served the Indian Army said that the island nation is a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific. Elaborating on Sri Lanka's Geostrategic compulsions, he said that the country was midway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and had a favourable tropical climate. On how Sri Lankans viewed India and China, he feels that the Lankan side would always think about India's reaction on any issue, as India is barely 29kms away (from certain points in the Southern State of Tamil Nadu), whereas China is more than 2000kms away. He pointed out that Sri Lanka is a strategic pivot whose foreign policy is guided by physical, and geographical factors and that Colombo is a good eavesdropping location. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India and Japan can unite to counter Chinese influence in Sri Lanka, say experts

In its latest human rights report on Tuesday, the UN called for Sri Lanka to immediately reverse its light towards militarization, it also said that the country should prosecute those responsible for leading the island nation into its current unprecedented economic crisis.

UN asks Sri Lanka to reverse militarization

7 weeks & 3 stopovers later, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has returned to Sri Lanka. He's being accorded all state privileges & a state-bungalow to live in. A SLPP MP has even offered her seat to him. Is Gotabaya going to re-enter politics? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: 7 weeks & 3 stopovers later, Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns to Colombo

Smaller South Asian nations, far from being meeting ground, are actually a battleground for the Asian giants—India and China.

Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar are all contested sites with both Beijing and New Delhi competing for influence in these countries. There can be no denying the geopolitics involved in bilateral relations in the region. Time was when most of the South Asian nations were conceded to be in “India’s zone of influence”. Pakistan, as China’s all-weather friend, has been the long-standing exception to this rule. Despite its tilts towards China now and then, Nepal remained bound to India by civilisational bonds; and, the reality that China can never be and do for Nepal what India is and can do. In recent years though, that bond has begun to wear thin.

In Afghanistan, a prized trophy in the Great Game of world powers, it is open season for all powers big and small and India has long ceased to be the dominant influence. In Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh both India and China are engaged in expanding and strengthening their influence. Sri Lanka, too, among the South Asian nations once perceived to be almost exclusively in India’s zone of influence, is now witnessing China’s rapid rise as a counterpoint.

Other countries that could influence Colombo generally deferred to India’s primacy. China’s economic and military prowess combined with its massive investments, especially the development of ports and airports, seem to have changed that. Even India and the US together are finding it difficult to prevail against China in Sri Lanka.

This was borne out by New Delhi’s perceived hand in the Chinese ship Yuan Wang-5 being ‘stopped’ from docking at Hambantota. As it turned out, Colombo had not stopped but only shifted the dates of the ship’s visit for the same duration. If the first act rankled in Beijing, the second ruffled feathers in New Delhi.

That is the cause of the ongoing verbal spat between Beijing and New Delhi in Colombo. The Chinese ambassador’s article in a Sri Lankan media outlet found India rising to the bait and giving a “befitting response”.

Such exchanges between New Delhi and Beijing, and the underlying tensions these betray, are not doing the neighbourhood any good. India and China, as the biggest stakeholders in the region, need to recognise that their interests and South Asia’s would be better served by a purposeful partnership than such recriminations.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Smaller South Asian nations, far from being meeting ground, are actually a battleground for the Asian giants—India and China. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar are all contested sites with both Beijing and New Delhi competing for influence in these countries.

Smaller South Asian nations, far from being meeting ground, are actually a battleground for the Asian giants—India and China. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar are all contested sites with both Beijing and New Delhi competing for influence in these countries. There can be no denying the geopolitics involved in bilateral relations in the region. Time was when most of the South Asian nations were conceded to be in “India’s zone of influence”. Pakistan, as China’s all-weather friend, has been the long-standing exception to this rule. Despite its tilts towards China now and then, Nepal remained bound to India by civilisational bonds; and, the reality that China can never be and do for Nepal what India is and can do. In recent years though, that bond has begun to wear thin. In Afghanistan, a prized trophy in the Great Game of world powers, it is open season for all powers big and small and India has long ceased to be the dominant influence. In Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh both India and China are engaged in expanding and strengthening their influence. Sri Lanka, too, among the South Asian nations once perceived to be almost exclusively in India’s zone of influence, is now witnessing China’s rapid rise as a counterpoint. Other countries that could influence Colombo generally deferred to India’s primacy. China’s economic and military prowess combined with its massive investments, especially the development of ports and airports, seem to have changed that. Even India and the US together are finding it difficult to prevail against China in Sri Lanka. This was borne out by New Delhi’s perceived hand in the Chinese ship Yuan Wang-5 being ‘stopped’ from docking at Hambantota. As it turned out, Colombo had not stopped but only shifted the dates of the ship’s visit for the same duration. If the first act rankled in Beijing, the second ruffled feathers in New Delhi. That is the cause of the ongoing verbal spat between Beijing and New Delhi in Colombo. The Chinese ambassador’s article in a Sri Lankan media outlet found India rising to the bait and giving a “befitting response”. Such exchanges between New Delhi and Beijing, and the underlying tensions these betray, are not doing the neighbourhood any good. India and China, as the biggest stakeholders in the region, need to recognise that their interests and South Asia’s would be better served by a purposeful partnership than such recriminations. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Wion Spotlight | China & India slug it out in Colombo

Sri Lanka's ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been given special security and a State Bungalow on his arrival to Colombo. This comes after he was stripped of constitutional immunity and is looking to face legal action of a forced disappearances of activists.

Sri Lanka: Gotabaya returns; faces arrest calls, receives special security

A new constitutional amendment that will curb the powers of Sri Lankan president is expected to be enacted into law within a couple of weeks.

Talking to reporters, the nation's foreign minister Ali Sabry on Monday said, "The new amendment will reduce presidential powers and bring back participatory governance."

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka: Gotabaya returns; faces arrest calls, receives special security

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-gotabaya-returns-faces-arrest-calls-receives-special-security-512928/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

To strengthen governance, the proposed 22nd amendment to the Sri Lanka constitution would set up a constitutional council and nine independent commissions, reports Reuters. The commission's objectives include advancing human rights, strengthening anti-corruption investigations, and enhancing audit control of government entities.

The bill was introduced a couple of months back&nbsp;as a means to support stability in Sri Lanka and quell the unrest ignited by the nation's greatest financial crisis in decades.&nbsp;

It will need a two-thirds majority in the 225-member parliament to become a law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-ousted-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-reside-in-state-bungalow-guarded-with-heavy-security-512607" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka’s ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to live in state bungalow with heavy security blanket</a>

Once enacted into law, the revisions would restore the 2015 democratic reforms the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa undid after winning the 2019 election.

Sri Lanka in the recent past saw its worst financial crisis that soon triggered violence on the streets. The unrest saw the previous president fleeing the country after his official residence was overtaken by a mob.

As per Reuters, the finance minister also announced that Sri Lanka is also in the midst of crafting a new anti-terrorism law that will be in accordance with international best practices.&nbsp;

This comes as a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session starts next week.&nbsp;Ahead of the session, Sabry also stated that Sri Lanka would oppose any foreign effort to compile evidence of alleged rights violations during the nation's campaign against the Tamil Tiger insurgents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksas-debt-fuelled-infra-development-didnt-help-sri-lanka-says-former-indian-hc-to-lanka-512034" hreflang="en">Mahinda Rajapaksa's debt-fuelled infra development didn't help Sri Lanka, says former Indian HC to Lanka</a>

He said, "Our stance is very clear. We are a vibrant participant in the international community and intend to discuss with all bilateral and multilateral partners," adding "any external mechanism we are not agreeable to because our Constitution does not allow that."

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A new constitutional amendment that will curb the powers of Sri Lankan president is expected to be enacted into law within a couple of weeks. Talking to reporters, the nation's foreign minister Ali Sabry on Monday said, "The new amendment will reduce presidential powers and bring back participatory governance.

A new constitutional amendment that will curb the powers of Sri Lankan president is expected to be enacted into law within a couple of weeks. Talking to reporters, the nation's foreign minister Ali Sabry on Monday said, "The new amendment will reduce presidential powers and bring back participatory governance." Watch | Sri Lanka: Gotabaya returns; faces arrest calls, receives special security To strengthen governance, the proposed 22nd amendment to the Sri Lanka constitution would set up a constitutional council and nine independent commissions, reports Reuters. The commission's objectives include advancing human rights, strengthening anti-corruption investigations, and enhancing audit control of government entities. The bill was introduced a couple of months back as a means to support stability in Sri Lanka and quell the unrest ignited by the nation's greatest financial crisis in decades. It will need a two-thirds majority in the 225-member parliament to become a law. Also read | Sri Lanka’s ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to live in state bungalow with heavy security blanket Once enacted into law, the revisions would restore the 2015 democratic reforms the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa undid after winning the 2019 election. Sri Lanka in the recent past saw its worst financial crisis that soon triggered violence on the streets. The unrest saw the previous president fleeing the country after his official residence was overtaken by a mob. As per Reuters, the finance minister also announced that Sri Lanka is also in the midst of crafting a new anti-terrorism law that will be in accordance with international best practices. This comes as a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session starts next week. Ahead of the session, Sabry also stated that Sri Lanka would oppose any foreign effort to compile evidence of alleged rights violations during the nation's campaign against the Tamil Tiger insurgents. Also read | Mahinda Rajapaksa's debt-fuelled infra development didn't help Sri Lanka, says former Indian HC to Lanka He said, "Our stance is very clear. We are a vibrant participant in the international community and intend to discuss with all bilateral and multilateral partners," adding "any external mechanism we are not agreeable to because our Constitution does not allow that." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka's 22nd constitutional amendment which limits president powers to become a law soon

Sri Lanka's deposed former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa returned to Colombo near midnight on Friday. He had fled Sri Lanka in early July as the country faced its worst economic crisis in its history. Rajapaksa arrived at Colombo's international airport.

Sri Lanka: Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns back from Thailand, greeted by party members

Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns to Sri Lanka, armed convoy escorts from airport

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION | Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns to Sri Lanka from exile

Gotabaya Rajapaksa greeted by party members upon arrival, fled to Singapore in early July

The Sri Lankan government has provided official&nbsp;residence and heavy blanket security to ousted former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who returned to the country after he had fled in July following unrest&nbsp;triggered by economic crises, according to reports.

Rajapaksa fled on July 13 following massive protests in Colombo, where enraged demonstrators barged into his official residence and office and was residing in Thailand.

The 73-year-old was greeted by his supporters, and ministers after he landed at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport from Bangkok.

Shortly after leaving the airport, Rajapaksa was escorted in a motorcade heavily guarded by armed soldiers and was driven to the posh Colombo residential area of Cinnamon Gardens where a state-maintained bungalow was provided to him, officials said.

According to PTI news agency, Rajapaksa wanted to move into his private residence at Mirihana in Colombo’s eastern suburb of Nugegoda, but he was prevented from going to his private residence due to security considerations.

The former Sri Lankan leader will be residing in a state bungalow close to Wijerama Mawatha area in Colombo, where a heavy security has been arranged, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

A source from the ruling SLPP told EconomyNext website said that Rajapaksa won’t be involved in politics despite many of the “party members urging him to start again”.

Many core party members are also against the former president coming into parliament. They do not want him to become the leader again.

"He has not committed any crimes. So, he has all the rights to return to the country and all privileges as the former president,” the report quoted the source as saying.

Earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who shares cordial relations with Rajapaksa, said that the former president’s return is a sensitive issue and will ensure his security.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Sri Lankan government has provided official residence and heavy blanket security to ousted former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who returned to the country after he had fled in July following unrest triggered by economic crises, according to reports.

The Sri Lankan government has provided official residence and heavy blanket security to ousted former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who returned to the country after he had fled in July following unrest triggered by economic crises, according to reports. Rajapaksa fled on July 13 following massive protests in Colombo, where enraged demonstrators barged into his official residence and office and was residing in Thailand. The 73-year-old was greeted by his supporters, and ministers after he landed at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport from Bangkok. Shortly after leaving the airport, Rajapaksa was escorted in a motorcade heavily guarded by armed soldiers and was driven to the posh Colombo residential area of Cinnamon Gardens where a state-maintained bungalow was provided to him, officials said. According to PTI news agency, Rajapaksa wanted to move into his private residence at Mirihana in Colombo’s eastern suburb of Nugegoda, but he was prevented from going to his private residence due to security considerations. The former Sri Lankan leader will be residing in a state bungalow close to Wijerama Mawatha area in Colombo, where a heavy security has been arranged, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. A source from the ruling SLPP told EconomyNext website said that Rajapaksa won’t be involved in politics despite many of the “party members urging him to start again”. Many core party members are also against the former president coming into parliament. They do not want him to become the leader again. "He has not committed any crimes. So, he has all the rights to return to the country and all privileges as the former president,” the report quoted the source as saying. Earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who shares cordial relations with Rajapaksa, said that the former president’s return is a sensitive issue and will ensure his security. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka’s ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to live in state bungalow with heavy security blanket

An airport official reported that former president of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived back in the nation on Friday, seven weeks after fleeing in the face of irate protests over the island's worst-ever economic crisis.&nbsp;

The official stated that Rajapaksa, 73, had arrived from Bangkok through Singapore and was greeted with flowers by a welcoming party of ministers and lawmakers when he disembarked at the main international airport.&nbsp;

He announced his resignation in Singapore before travelling to Bangkok, where he has been pleading with his replacement to make arrangements for his return, which is now scheduled for late Friday or early Saturday.

The constitution of Sri Lanka provides past presidents with bodyguards, a vehicle, and lodging.&nbsp;

In response to a number of crimes, including his alleged involvement in the 2009 murder of renowned newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, rights advocates declared they would pursue Rajapaksa's arrest.&nbsp;

Due to the termination of Rajapaksa's presidential immunity, old criminal proceedings against the former president may now be reopened.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-releases-list-of-materials-seized-from-donald-trumps-mar-a-lago-home-512492">US court releases detailed list of materials seized from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home</a>

In addition, he is accused of murdering Wickrematunge and torturing Tamil detainees in 2009, after the close of the horrific civil war on the island.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa travelled to Thailand in August after Singapore declined to extend his short-term visa; nevertheless, Bangkok authorities advised him to stay inside his hotel for his own protection.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

An airport official reported that former president of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived back in the nation on Friday, seven weeks after fleeing in the face of irate protests over the island's worst-ever economic crisis.

An airport official reported that former president of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived back in the nation on Friday, seven weeks after fleeing in the face of irate protests over the island's worst-ever economic crisis. The official stated that Rajapaksa, 73, had arrived from Bangkok through Singapore and was greeted with flowers by a welcoming party of ministers and lawmakers when he disembarked at the main international airport. He announced his resignation in Singapore before travelling to Bangkok, where he has been pleading with his replacement to make arrangements for his return, which is now scheduled for late Friday or early Saturday. The constitution of Sri Lanka provides past presidents with bodyguards, a vehicle, and lodging. In response to a number of crimes, including his alleged involvement in the 2009 murder of renowned newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, rights advocates declared they would pursue Rajapaksa's arrest. Due to the termination of Rajapaksa's presidential immunity, old criminal proceedings against the former president may now be reopened. Also Read: US court releases detailed list of materials seized from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home In addition, he is accused of murdering Wickrematunge and torturing Tamil detainees in 2009, after the close of the horrific civil war on the island. Rajapaksa travelled to Thailand in August after Singapore declined to extend his short-term visa; nevertheless, Bangkok authorities advised him to stay inside his hotel for his own protection. (with inputs from agencies)

Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns to Sri Lanka from exile after seven weeks

Sri Lankan defense official has said that Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return to the country on Saturday. Security arrangements are being made for the return of the President. Rajapaksa fled Columbo on the 9th of July after sustained protests against his economic mismanagement of the country.

WION Dispatch: Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return home

Sri Lanka Defence official: Rajapaksa trying to return, security detail being arranged

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)&nbsp;announced a $2.9 billion bailout for Sri Lanka on Thursday as the country suffers from its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sri Lanka had sought up to $3 billion from the IMF, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

The decision was taken after prolonged talks between an IMF team and the Sri Lankan government headed by Ranil Wickremesinghe and treasury secretary Mahinda Siriwardana.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-human-rights-violations-committed-in-chinas-xinjiang-un-human-rights-chief-511904">Human rights violations committed in China's Xinjiang: UN human rights chief</a>

The official statement released by the IMF&nbsp;said that they have reached a staff-level agreement to support the Sri Lankan economy and the bailout will be spread over four years.&nbsp;

The IMF team, comprising Peter Breuer and Masahiro Nozaki, said that the bailout loan&nbsp;is aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability and unlocking the country’s growth potential.&nbsp;

“The Sri Lankan authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff-level agreement to support the authorities’ economic adjustment and reform policies with a new 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with a requested access of about SDR 2.2 billion (equivalent to US$2.9 billion).”&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-lawyers-say-discover-of-classified-records-in-fbi-raid-no-cause-for-alarm-511927" hreflang="en">Donald Trump's lawyers say the discovery of classified records in FBI raid ‘no cause for alarm’</a>

“The new EFF arrangement will support Sri Lanka’s programme to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while safeguarding financial stability, reducing corruption vulnerabilities and unlocking Sri Lanka’s growth potential,”&nbsp;the IMF statement read.

Sri Lanka, which is currently facing the worst inflation in its history, also went through a lot of political turmoil due to the crisis. The food and fuel shortages caused a massive uproar among the public and constant protests resulted in the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a $2.9 billion bailout for Sri Lanka on Thursday as the country suffers from its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a $2.9 billion bailout for Sri Lanka on Thursday as the country suffers from its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948. Earlier, Sri Lanka had sought up to $3 billion from the IMF, according to Reuters. The decision was taken after prolonged talks between an IMF team and the Sri Lankan government headed by Ranil Wickremesinghe and treasury secretary Mahinda Siriwardana. Also read | Human rights violations committed in China's Xinjiang: UN human rights chief The official statement released by the IMF said that they have reached a staff-level agreement to support the Sri Lankan economy and the bailout will be spread over four years. The IMF team, comprising Peter Breuer and Masahiro Nozaki, said that the bailout loan is aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability and unlocking the country’s growth potential. “The Sri Lankan authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff-level agreement to support the authorities’ economic adjustment and reform policies with a new 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with a requested access of about SDR 2.2 billion (equivalent to US$2.9 billion).” Also read | Donald Trump's lawyers say the discovery of classified records in FBI raid ‘no cause for alarm’ “The new EFF arrangement will support Sri Lanka’s programme to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while safeguarding financial stability, reducing corruption vulnerabilities and unlocking Sri Lanka’s growth potential,” the IMF statement read. Sri Lanka, which is currently facing the worst inflation in its history, also went through a lot of political turmoil due to the crisis. The food and fuel shortages caused a massive uproar among the public and constant protests resulted in the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka and IMF reach staff-level agreement for $2.9 billion bailout loan

There seems to be some respite for Sri Lanka which is battling is worst hit economic crisis in history. The International Monetary Fund has announced a preliminary bailout package worth $2.9 billion for the struggling island nation.

WION Dispatch | Sri Lanka: IMF agrees to bailout, preliminary agreement to restructure economy

"Mahinda Rajapaksa's model of large infrastructure development based on domestic and foreign borrowing didn’t help their country, as the large infrastructure projects were not economically viable and saw high levels of corruption," said Ashok Kantha, India's former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. 
 
Referring to hugely expensive projects such as the Hambantota port, Port City Project and Matara Airport, he said they were "white elephants" and that such a growth model made the economy vulnerable.

He was speaking at a session on 'Sri Lanka-The Present Crisis, Geopolitical Challenges &amp; Way Ahead', organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies. He said that by pressing Sri Lanka to explore an alternate growth model, it could capitalise on its vantage strategic location, encourage greater economic linkages with the Indian economy, encourage private investment, establish power-generation projects, tap into its human resources, etc.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-announces-agreement-for-29bn-sri-lanka-bailout-511949">Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka and IMF reach staff-level agreement for $2.9 billion bailout loan</a>

Pointing out the impact of China's debt-trap diplomacy on Sri Lanka, Kantha quoted Sri Lankan analysts and stated that Sri Lanka's debt to China is much more than the widely quoted 10 per cent&nbsp;of total foreign debt. 
 
"China's commercial lending to government and state-owned enterprises in Sri Lanka is 19.9 per cent by the end of 2021 and the actual number might be higher, given the opacity of loans."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-ranil-wickremesinghe-to-present-maiden-budget-in-hopes-of-imf-loan-511326">Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka: President Ranil Wickremesinghe to present maiden budget in hopes of IMF loan</a>

Foreseeing a long and painful transition for Sri Lanka, the former Indian ambassador to the island nation said that they had the requisite resilience to overcome the same. He suggests that Sri Lanka look at economic development rather than debt-fueled growth. With regards to India’s stance, he said that India must remain closely engaged without getting involved in Lankan domestic politics, avoid picking favourites, and must let democratic processes play out.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

"Mahinda Rajapaksa's model of large infrastructure development based on domestic and foreign borrowing didn’t help their country, as the large infrastructure projects were not economically viable and saw high levels of corruption," said Ashok Kantha, India's former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.

"Mahinda Rajapaksa's model of large infrastructure development based on domestic and foreign borrowing didn’t help their country, as the large infrastructure projects were not economically viable and saw high levels of corruption," said Ashok Kantha, India's former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Referring to hugely expensive projects such as the Hambantota port, Port City Project and Matara Airport, he said they were "white elephants" and that such a growth model made the economy vulnerable. He was speaking at a session on 'Sri Lanka-The Present Crisis, Geopolitical Challenges & Way Ahead', organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies. He said that by pressing Sri Lanka to explore an alternate growth model, it could capitalise on its vantage strategic location, encourage greater economic linkages with the Indian economy, encourage private investment, establish power-generation projects, tap into its human resources, etc. Also read | Sri Lanka and IMF reach staff-level agreement for $2.9 billion bailout loan Pointing out the impact of China's debt-trap diplomacy on Sri Lanka, Kantha quoted Sri Lankan analysts and stated that Sri Lanka's debt to China is much more than the widely quoted 10 per cent of total foreign debt. "China's commercial lending to government and state-owned enterprises in Sri Lanka is 19.9 per cent by the end of 2021 and the actual number might be higher, given the opacity of loans." Also read | Sri Lanka: President Ranil Wickremesinghe to present maiden budget in hopes of IMF loan Foreseeing a long and painful transition for Sri Lanka, the former Indian ambassador to the island nation said that they had the requisite resilience to overcome the same. He suggests that Sri Lanka look at economic development rather than debt-fueled growth. With regards to India’s stance, he said that India must remain closely engaged without getting involved in Lankan domestic politics, avoid picking favourites, and must let democratic processes play out.

Mahinda Rajapaksa's debt-fuelled infra development didn't help Sri Lanka, says former Indian HC to Lanka

Sri Lanka: IMF agrees to $2.9 billion bailout, preliminary agreement to restructure economy

Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a preliminary agreement on an emergency loan to the crisis-hit country and a formal announcement will be made on Thursday.

WION Dispatch | Reports: Sri Lanka seals staff-level agreement with IMF on loan

sri-lanka-0

Sri Lanka, News on Sri Lanka, stories on Sri Lanka, articles on Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka stories at Wion, Sri Lanka news, Sri Lanka latest news

sri lanka-0