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

On WION Edit, we will explore what does Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory mean for India, China and the region at large?

First, there is no sugar-coating the fact that the Rajapaksas are close to China.

The rise of Chinese influence in Sri Lanka ran parallel to the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Under him, they sealed infrastructure deals worth billions of dollars. Between 2008 and 2012, 60 per cent of Sri Lanka's foreign borrowing came from China.

No wonder, India and the US were alarmed. However, this closeness to china did not mean that Rajapaksa was not cordial with India.

But china began having the larger say in a country where India was traditionally a major player.

Then Sirisena came to power. Under his presidency, India's influence rose.

New Delhi entered major port and airport projects - even though there was no matching the Chinese money.

Now another Rajapaksa is in power. India can only hope that he won't undo the gains made over the last 4 years.

China - on the other hand - will have a clear advantage. They share a Buddhist link and an old friendship.

When the world slammed Sri Lanka over human rights violations, China backed it.

It is no surprise that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has signalled at a revival of the China-Sri Lanka ties. Now, here's an important question--&nbsp;does advantage China mean disadvantage India?

The answer is no. India still has a higher share than China in trade imports to Sri Lanka. The relationship is older, beyond the framework of trade and economy.

Moreover, there's America. Sri Lanka cannot pigeonhole itself with china and face the wrath of the west.

It must consciously maintain balance. India, on its part, must expand ties with Sri Lanka irrespective of the Chinese presence.

Many Sri Lankans view China with suspicion. This election doesn't end the debate on Chinese debt.

It's very much a concern. India must come in here. If India backs good intentions with action, then it's a win-win influence in Sri Lanka and influence in the Indian ocean.

This is an opportunity for India to start on the same page with Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

On WION Edit, we will explore what does Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory mean for India, China and the region at large? First, there is no sugar-coating the fact that the Rajapaksas are close to China.

On WION Edit, we will explore what does Gotabaya Rajapaksa's victory mean for India, China and the region at large? First, there is no sugar-coating the fact that the Rajapaksas are close to China. The rise of Chinese influence in Sri Lanka ran parallel to the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa. Under him, they sealed infrastructure deals worth billions of dollars. Between 2008 and 2012, 60 per cent of Sri Lanka's foreign borrowing came from China. No wonder, India and the US were alarmed. However, this closeness to china did not mean that Rajapaksa was not cordial with India. But china began having the larger say in a country where India was traditionally a major player. Then Sirisena came to power. Under his presidency, India's influence rose. New Delhi entered major port and airport projects - even though there was no matching the Chinese money. Now another Rajapaksa is in power. India can only hope that he won't undo the gains made over the last 4 years. China - on the other hand - will have a clear advantage. They share a Buddhist link and an old friendship. When the world slammed Sri Lanka over human rights violations, China backed it. It is no surprise that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has signalled at a revival of the China-Sri Lanka ties. Now, here's an important question-- does advantage China mean disadvantage India? The answer is no. India still has a higher share than China in trade imports to Sri Lanka. The relationship is older, beyond the framework of trade and economy. Moreover, there's America. Sri Lanka cannot pigeonhole itself with china and face the wrath of the west. It must consciously maintain balance. India, on its part, must expand ties with Sri Lanka irrespective of the Chinese presence. Many Sri Lankans view China with suspicion. This election doesn't end the debate on Chinese debt. It's very much a concern. India must come in here. If India backs good intentions with action, then it's a win-win influence in Sri Lanka and influence in the Indian ocean. This is an opportunity for India to start on the same page with Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: What does Sri Lanka election results mean for India?

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, stormed to victory Sunday in Sri Lanka's presidential elections seven months after Islamist extremist attacks killed 269 people.

The retired lieutenant colonel, nicknamed the "Terminator" by his own family, won 53-54 per cent of the vote, his spokesman told AFP as Rajapaksa's main rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ruling-party-candidate-premadasa-concedes-sri-lanka-presidential-poll-to-rajapaksa-262678">Sajith Premadasa </a>of the ruling party conceded the race.

"It is a clear win. We envisaged it. We are very happy that Gota will be the next president. He will be sworn in tomorrow or the day after," spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Rajapaksa, 70, had a 49.6 per cent share of the vote with close to six million ballots counted. He is the younger brother of the charismatic but controversial Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was president from 2005-15.

Results from Sinhalese-majority regions -- the Rajapaksas' core support base -- were expected to push this above 50 per cent.

Premadasa, 52, of the ruling party was trailing at 44.4 per cent. He had strong support in minority Tamil areas and a poor showing in larger Sinhalese constituencies.

Election Commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-concludes-in-sri-lanka-president-polls-result-may-come-by-sunday-afternoon-262601">80 per cent </a>of the 15.99 million eligible voters participated in Saturday's poll, which was marred by isolated violence that left several people injured.

Rajapaksa conducted a nationalist campaign with a promise of security and a vow to crush religious extremism in the Buddhist-majority country following the April 21 suicide bomb attacks blamed on a homegrown jihadi group.

Three luxury hotels and three churches were targeted in the coordinated bombings. The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the attack, which left 45 foreigners dead.

Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who stepped aside and allowed his deputy Premadasa to stand in the election.

Intelligence failure&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's administration faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings from an intelligence agency of neighbouring India, according to findings of a parliamentary investigation.

Premadasa also offered better security and a pledge to make a former war general, Sarath Fonseka, his national security chief, projecting himself as a victim seeking to crush terrorism.

He is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a Tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993.

Gotabaya is adored by the Sinhalese majority and by the powerful Buddhist clergy for directing security forces to crush Tamil separatists and end a 37-year separatist war in May 2009 with brother Mahinda.

But they are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army.

Some in the Muslim community, who make up 10 per cent of the population, are also fearful of Gotabaya becoming president, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks.

Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations.

During that time, Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India.

The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations.

China also offered Sri Lanka "international diplomatic protection" against criticism for its rights record, analyst Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told AFP.

The Rajapaksas "spent and spent without giving any consideration to how it has to be paid back".

Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics.

The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking voters from the Muslim minority to vote. Two people were injured.

After a campaign that according to the Election Commission was the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation, final results could come by later Sunday.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, stormed to victory Sunday in Sri Lanka's presidential elections seven months after Islamist extremist attacks killed 269 people.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, stormed to victory Sunday in Sri Lanka's presidential elections seven months after Islamist extremist attacks killed 269 people. The retired lieutenant colonel, nicknamed the "Terminator" by his own family, won 53-54 per cent of the vote, his spokesman told AFP as Rajapaksa's main rival Sajith Premadasa of the ruling party conceded the race. "It is a clear win. We envisaged it. We are very happy that Gota will be the next president. He will be sworn in tomorrow or the day after," spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said. Rajapaksa, 70, had a 49.6 per cent share of the vote with close to six million ballots counted. He is the younger brother of the charismatic but controversial Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was president from 2005-15. Results from Sinhalese-majority regions -- the Rajapaksas' core support base -- were expected to push this above 50 per cent. Premadasa, 52, of the ruling party was trailing at 44.4 per cent. He had strong support in minority Tamil areas and a poor showing in larger Sinhalese constituencies. Election Commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said at least 80 per cent of the 15.99 million eligible voters participated in Saturday's poll, which was marred by isolated violence that left several people injured. Rajapaksa conducted a nationalist campaign with a promise of security and a vow to crush religious extremism in the Buddhist-majority country following the April 21 suicide bomb attacks blamed on a homegrown jihadi group. Three luxury hotels and three churches were targeted in the coordinated bombings. The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the attack, which left 45 foreigners dead. Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who stepped aside and allowed his deputy Premadasa to stand in the election. Intelligence failure Wickremesinghe's administration faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings from an intelligence agency of neighbouring India, according to findings of a parliamentary investigation. Premadasa also offered better security and a pledge to make a former war general, Sarath Fonseka, his national security chief, projecting himself as a victim seeking to crush terrorism. He is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a Tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993. Gotabaya is adored by the Sinhalese majority and by the powerful Buddhist clergy for directing security forces to crush Tamil separatists and end a 37-year separatist war in May 2009 with brother Mahinda. But they are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army. Some in the Muslim community, who make up 10 per cent of the population, are also fearful of Gotabaya becoming president, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks. Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations. During that time, Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India. The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations. China also offered Sri Lanka "international diplomatic protection" against criticism for its rights record, analyst Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told AFP. The Rajapaksas "spent and spent without giving any consideration to how it has to be paid back". Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics. The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking voters from the Muslim minority to vote. Two people were injured. After a campaign that according to the Election Commission was the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation, final results could come by later Sunday.

Sri Lanka presidential election 2019: Gotabaya Rajapaksa storms to victory

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has won the presidency with a clear majority, his spokesman told AFP on Sunday, a day after the polls.

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has won the presidency with a clear majority, his spokesman told AFP on Sunday, a day after the polls. "We got between 53 to 54 percent (of the vote)," Keheliya Rambukwella said as official results showed the 70-year-old heading to victory in Saturday's fiercely contested election. The 70-year-old retired lieutenant colonel secured massive support in majority Sinhalese constituencies and had 52.87 per cent of the vote, according to early official results of Saturday's poll. His younger rival, Housing minister Sajith Premadasa, 52, was trailing with 39.67 per cent in the first half a million votes counted. He had strong support in minority Tamil areas and a poor showing in larger Sinhalese constituencies. Leftist Anura Kumara Dissanayake was in third place with less than five per cent of the vote. There were 32 other candidates for the top job. Election Commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said at least 80 per cent of the 15.99 million eligible voters participated in Saturday's poll, which was marred by isolated violence that left several people injured. Rajapaksa conducted a nationalist campaign with a promise of security and a vow to crush religious extremism following the April 21 suicide bomb attacks blamed on a homegrown jihadi group. Three luxury hotels and three churches were targeted in the coordinated bombings. The Islamic State too claimed responsibility for the attack which also left 45 foreigners dead. Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who stepped aside and allowed his deputy Premadasa to stand in the election. Costly intelligence failure Wickremesinghe's administration faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings from an intelligence agency of neighbouring India, according to findings of a parliamentary investigation. Premadasa also offered better security and a pledge to make a former war general, Sarath Fonseka, his national security chief and projected himself as a victim seeking to crush terrorism. He is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993. Gotabaya is credited with directing security forces to crush Tamil rebels and end a 37-year separatist war in May 2009 during the tenure of his elder brother Mahinda, who was president from 2005 to 2015. The Rajapaksas are adored by Sri Lanka's Sinhalese majority, as well as the powerful Buddhist clergy, for defeating Tamil Tiger separatists and ending a 37-year civil war in 2009. But they are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army. Some in the Muslim community, who make up 10 per cent of the population, are also fearful of Gotabaya becoming president, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks. Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations. During that time Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India. The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations. China also offered Sri Lanka "international diplomatic protection" against criticism for its rights record, analyst Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told AFP. The Rajapaksas "spent and spent without giving any consideration to how it has to be paid back." Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics. The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking voters from the Muslim minority to vote. Two people were injured. After a campaign that according to the Election Commission was the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation, final results could come by later Sunday.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa spokesman claims victory in Sri Lanka election

The Indian Ocean nation of Sri Lanka emerged a decade ago from a devastating civil war to be rocked again this year by a series of Easter suicide bombings.

Here are some key facts:

Mostly Buddhist&nbsp;

The teardrop-shaped tropical island off the southern tip of India is separated from the subcontinent by a shallow strip of sea known as the Palk Strait that is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) wide at the narrowest point. The island has a population of 21.6 million, according to the World Bank in 2018.

Seventy percent are Buddhist, most of them ethnic Sinhalese; around 12 percent are Hindus -- mostly Tamils, who mainly live in the north and northeast of the island.

Muslims make up 10 percent of the population and Christians about seven percent.

Once Ceylon&nbsp;

A strategic point on early maritime trade routes, the island was controlled by Portugal (1505-1656) and The Netherlands (1656-1796) before becoming a British colony called Ceylon in 1815.

The last Sinhalese king reigned from 1798 to 1815.&nbsp;

After more than 130 years of British rule, the island gained independence in 1948.

In 1972 it became a republic and adopted the name Sri Lanka.

Tamil Tigers crushed&nbsp;

In 1972, Tamil rebels launched an armed struggle for a separate homeland that triggered a nearly four-decade civil war estimated to have claimed up to 100,000 lives.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) campaign was marked by suicide bombings and assassinations, including of President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, and it was labeled a terrorist group by some Western nations and India.

After a ceasefire failed, the Sinhalese-majority government crushed the Tigers in an all-out military offensive in 2009, killing their founder and leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

The operation was criticised for its brutality, with troops accused of killing at least 40,000 Tamil civilians.&nbsp;

The United Nations Human Rights Council has demanded an independent investigation into war crimes in the conflict.

Easter bloodshed&nbsp;

Sri Lanka was about to mark a decade since the end of the Tamil separatist war when its capital was struck by new terror attacks on Easter Sunday this year.

A series of suicide bombings on three packed churches and three luxury hotels on April 21 killed 269 people including 45 foreigners.

The government blamed a local jihadi group while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

It sparked anti-Muslim riots in which one Muslim man was lynched and hundreds of homes, shops and mosques vandalised.

A state of emergency was relaxed in August.

The attacks took place amid a power struggle between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and both have backed down from running in the upcoming presidential election.

Tourism and tea&nbsp;

Following the end of the civil war, international tourism flourished in Sri Lanka with more than two million visitors per year since 2016 compared to 448,000 in 2009.

But after the Easter bombings, the country estimates it will lose about $1.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2019 because of a sharp dip in arrivals.

Sri Lanka's main export is tea, with more than 90 per cent of its production traded abroad. It ranks with China and Kenya as the top international exporters.

The garment industry and remittances from workers abroad are also key sources of revenue.

Growth is forecast at 2.7 per cent in 2019, after an average of 5.6 per cent between 2010 and 2018, according to the World Bank.

The Indian Ocean nation of Sri Lanka emerged a decade ago from a devastating civil war to be rocked again this year by a series of Easter suicide bombings. Here are some key facts: Mostly Buddhist The teardrop-shaped tropical island off the southern tip of India is separated from the subcontinent by a shallow strip of sea known as the Palk Strait that is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) wide at the narrowest point.

The Indian Ocean nation of Sri Lanka emerged a decade ago from a devastating civil war to be rocked again this year by a series of Easter suicide bombings. Here are some key facts: Mostly Buddhist The teardrop-shaped tropical island off the southern tip of India is separated from the subcontinent by a shallow strip of sea known as the Palk Strait that is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) wide at the narrowest point. The island has a population of 21.6 million, according to the World Bank in 2018. Seventy percent are Buddhist, most of them ethnic Sinhalese; around 12 percent are Hindus -- mostly Tamils, who mainly live in the north and northeast of the island. Muslims make up 10 percent of the population and Christians about seven percent. Once Ceylon A strategic point on early maritime trade routes, the island was controlled by Portugal (1505-1656) and The Netherlands (1656-1796) before becoming a British colony called Ceylon in 1815. The last Sinhalese king reigned from 1798 to 1815. After more than 130 years of British rule, the island gained independence in 1948. In 1972 it became a republic and adopted the name Sri Lanka. Tamil Tigers crushed In 1972, Tamil rebels launched an armed struggle for a separate homeland that triggered a nearly four-decade civil war estimated to have claimed up to 100,000 lives. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) campaign was marked by suicide bombings and assassinations, including of President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, and it was labeled a terrorist group by some Western nations and India. After a ceasefire failed, the Sinhalese-majority government crushed the Tigers in an all-out military offensive in 2009, killing their founder and leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. The operation was criticised for its brutality, with troops accused of killing at least 40,000 Tamil civilians. The United Nations Human Rights Council has demanded an independent investigation into war crimes in the conflict. Easter bloodshed Sri Lanka was about to mark a decade since the end of the Tamil separatist war when its capital was struck by new terror attacks on Easter Sunday this year. A series of suicide bombings on three packed churches and three luxury hotels on April 21 killed 269 people including 45 foreigners. The government blamed a local jihadi group while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility. It sparked anti-Muslim riots in which one Muslim man was lynched and hundreds of homes, shops and mosques vandalised. A state of emergency was relaxed in August. The attacks took place amid a power struggle between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and both have backed down from running in the upcoming presidential election. Tourism and tea Following the end of the civil war, international tourism flourished in Sri Lanka with more than two million visitors per year since 2016 compared to 448,000 in 2009. But after the Easter bombings, the country estimates it will lose about $1.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2019 because of a sharp dip in arrivals. Sri Lanka's main export is tea, with more than 90 per cent of its production traded abroad. It ranks with China and Kenya as the top international exporters. The garment industry and remittances from workers abroad are also key sources of revenue. Growth is forecast at 2.7 per cent in 2019, after an average of 5.6 per cent between 2010 and 2018, according to the World Bank.

Sri Lanka: Indian Ocean island marked by civil war