The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday announced that they'll extend conditional support to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-central-bank-seen-keeping-rates-on-hold-ahead-of-elections-254686">election campaign</a>. 
 
"The SLFP will sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to form a new alliance called Sri Lanka Freedom People's Alliance," said SLFP parliamentarian Nimal Siripala de Silva at a press meet here. 
 
Further explaining the terms, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that the MoUs will be signed by the party within the next two days. 
 
"One agreement is to be signed between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. The other agreement will be signed by the SLFP with the presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa," Jayasekara said. 
 
Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-faces-costliest-election-longest-ballot-paper-254467">the Sri Lankan Election Commission had announced that the Presidential elections are scheduled for November 16</a> and the acceptance of the nominations will be held on October 7. 
 
In August, Sri Lanka's main opposition party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, had named former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's younger brother and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its presidential candidate.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday announced that they'll extend conditional support to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's election campaign.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday announced that they'll extend conditional support to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's election campaign. "The SLFP will sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to form a new alliance called Sri Lanka Freedom People's Alliance," said SLFP parliamentarian Nimal Siripala de Silva at a press meet here. Further explaining the terms, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that the MoUs will be signed by the party within the next two days. "One agreement is to be signed between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. The other agreement will be signed by the SLFP with the presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa," Jayasekara said. Last week, the Sri Lankan Election Commission had announced that the Presidential elections are scheduled for November 16 and the acceptance of the nominations will be held on October 7. In August, Sri Lanka's main opposition party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, had named former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's younger brother and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its presidential candidate.

Sri Lanka Freedom Party extends conditional support to Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attackers-of-sri-lanka-easter-sunday-bombings-were-inspire-by-isis-238342">the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people</a>, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth.

Many are rooting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who despite fighting allegations of war crimes, is expected to be announced as the presidential candidate of the opposition nationalist Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, as early as Sunday.

The Rajapaksa brothers, Gotabaya and Mahinda, were credited with bringing peace to Sri Lanka in 2009 by defeating the Tamil Tigers in a brutal end to the 26-year-long civil war between the Sinhalese Buddhist majority and minority Tamil groups. Gotabaya was the defence secretary at the time and Mahinda the nation's president.

'The people have requested a leader who can ensure their security,' Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the SLPP and youngest brother of Gotabaya and Mahinda told reporters on Thursday.

Gotabaya is facing lawsuits in the United States for instigating and authorising the extrajudicial killing of a journalist and of war crimes against the Tamils during his time as defence secretary.

He has denied the allegations and said the lawsuits, brought by torture survivors and the daughter of the slain journalist, were timed to thwart his possible presidential run. The final date for the presidential elections has not been decided but must be held before Dec 9.

Ignored warnings

Sri Lanka's constitution is modelled on the French system of government where the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament.

The current government is headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is from the centre-right United National Party (UNP), which has a majority in the parliament.

Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who have been at loggerheads since last October, have blamed one another for ignoring warnings from India and failing to stop the attacks.

Calls for a nationalist leader like Gotabaya, who has strong support from within Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese Buddhist community, echo similar choices made by voters in other Asian nations including India and Bangladesh.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elected for a second term in May in a landslide victory, rallied his Hindu nationalist base and turned the campaign into a fight for national security and an aggressive stance against Pakistan.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won a third straight term in an election last December, has been criticised for suppressing dissent and jailing critics.

Echoes of Duterte

Reuters spoke to about 60 people, many of whom were victims of the terror attacks or affected by communal violence over the past year, and while some plan to abstain from voting, many of those who will vote to say they want a more authoritarian figure.

Many Sri Lankan Catholics will not vote for Sirisena if he stands, said a senior Sri Lankan priest.

He is looking at Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs as an example of the kind of behaviour that is required despite evidence that it involved extrajudicial killings by police.

"A third world country like us needs a tough leader like Duterte - he is doing whatever is needed to rid his country of evils," said the priest who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject.

"Gotabaya is accused of crimes but he is tough and that is what we need right now to bring back some order," he said.

Father Jude Chrysantha Fernando, director of social communication at the Archdiocese of Colombo, said the church did not take political sides and would not ask people to vote for one candidate over another.

“What the cardinal said was that the political leaders and some security officials had prior information about attacks, but they have not taken any action," he said. "That’s why the cardinal expressed his displeasure. But he did not take any political side. What he is asking is justice for the victims.”

Minorities divided&nbsp;

A country of 21 million, Sri Lanka has been a tinder box of sectarian and ethnic tensions, first between the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population and Tamil groups, and in recent years between the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Muslim minority.

While most Tamils are unlikely to vote for Gotabaya, the Muslim community may be divided.

SHM Thameem, a government employee who is a Muslim, said he will vote for Gotabaya because the current government has failed to deliver.

"When there were anti-Muslim riots when he was the defence secretary, they were controlled within a day or two but Sirisena and Wickremesinghe have failed to control it. That adversely impacted the Muslim businesses and overall economy," said Thameem who lives in the north-central district of Anuradhapura.

JM Faleel, a Muslim autorickshaw driver in Colombo feels differently.

"We need a dictator, but I will not vote for Gotabaya as he is partially responsible for most of the suffering we see today," said Faleel, referring to anti-Muslim riots and alleged abuses against the Tamils.

Keheliya Rambukwella, a spokesman for SLPP, said Gotabaya was out of the country when the worst violence against Muslims took place.

"But still he was able to prevent it within a day. This government could not control the spreading of anti-Muslim riots for a week last," he told Reuters.

The lawsuit allegations in the United States may not hurt Gotabaya's chances of winning because he has the overwhelming support of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, said Kusal Perera, a political columnist in Sri Lanka.

"This election will be decided by the large majority of Sinhalese Buddhists who believe they need a hardline president to put things right. The Tamils and Muslims will be left out in deciding the president," said Perera.

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth.

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth. Many are rooting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who despite fighting allegations of war crimes, is expected to be announced as the presidential candidate of the opposition nationalist Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, as early as Sunday. The Rajapaksa brothers, Gotabaya and Mahinda, were credited with bringing peace to Sri Lanka in 2009 by defeating the Tamil Tigers in a brutal end to the 26-year-long civil war between the Sinhalese Buddhist majority and minority Tamil groups. Gotabaya was the defence secretary at the time and Mahinda the nation's president. 'The people have requested a leader who can ensure their security,' Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the SLPP and youngest brother of Gotabaya and Mahinda told reporters on Thursday. Gotabaya is facing lawsuits in the United States for instigating and authorising the extrajudicial killing of a journalist and of war crimes against the Tamils during his time as defence secretary. He has denied the allegations and said the lawsuits, brought by torture survivors and the daughter of the slain journalist, were timed to thwart his possible presidential run. The final date for the presidential elections has not been decided but must be held before Dec 9. Ignored warnings Sri Lanka's constitution is modelled on the French system of government where the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament. The current government is headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is from the centre-right United National Party (UNP), which has a majority in the parliament. Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who have been at loggerheads since last October, have blamed one another for ignoring warnings from India and failing to stop the attacks. Calls for a nationalist leader like Gotabaya, who has strong support from within Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese Buddhist community, echo similar choices made by voters in other Asian nations including India and Bangladesh. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elected for a second term in May in a landslide victory, rallied his Hindu nationalist base and turned the campaign into a fight for national security and an aggressive stance against Pakistan. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won a third straight term in an election last December, has been criticised for suppressing dissent and jailing critics. Echoes of Duterte Reuters spoke to about 60 people, many of whom were victims of the terror attacks or affected by communal violence over the past year, and while some plan to abstain from voting, many of those who will vote to say they want a more authoritarian figure. Many Sri Lankan Catholics will not vote for Sirisena if he stands, said a senior Sri Lankan priest. He is looking at Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs as an example of the kind of behaviour that is required despite evidence that it involved extrajudicial killings by police. "A third world country like us needs a tough leader like Duterte - he is doing whatever is needed to rid his country of evils," said the priest who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject. "Gotabaya is accused of crimes but he is tough and that is what we need right now to bring back some order," he said. Father Jude Chrysantha Fernando, director of social communication at the Archdiocese of Colombo, said the church did not take political sides and would not ask people to vote for one candidate over another. “What the cardinal said was that the political leaders and some security officials had prior information about attacks, but they have not taken any action," he said. "That’s why the cardinal expressed his displeasure. But he did not take any political side. What he is asking is justice for the victims.” Minorities divided A country of 21 million, Sri Lanka has been a tinder box of sectarian and ethnic tensions, first between the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population and Tamil groups, and in recent years between the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Muslim minority. While most Tamils are unlikely to vote for Gotabaya, the Muslim community may be divided. SHM Thameem, a government employee who is a Muslim, said he will vote for Gotabaya because the current government has failed to deliver. "When there were anti-Muslim riots when he was the defence secretary, they were controlled within a day or two but Sirisena and Wickremesinghe have failed to control it. That adversely impacted the Muslim businesses and overall economy," said Thameem who lives in the north-central district of Anuradhapura. JM Faleel, a Muslim autorickshaw driver in Colombo feels differently. "We need a dictator, but I will not vote for Gotabaya as he is partially responsible for most of the suffering we see today," said Faleel, referring to anti-Muslim riots and alleged abuses against the Tamils. Keheliya Rambukwella, a spokesman for SLPP, said Gotabaya was out of the country when the worst violence against Muslims took place. "But still he was able to prevent it within a day. This government could not control the spreading of anti-Muslim riots for a week last," he told Reuters. The lawsuit allegations in the United States may not hurt Gotabaya's chances of winning because he has the overwhelming support of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, said Kusal Perera, a political columnist in Sri Lanka. "This election will be decided by the large majority of Sinhalese Buddhists who believe they need a hardline president to put things right. The Tamils and Muslims will be left out in deciding the president," said Perera.

Many Sri Lankans want a strongman leader, and that favours Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka's parliament Tuesday defied President Maithripala Sirisena and resumed investigations into security lapses surrounding the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people, officials said, as a political crisis in the country deepened.&nbsp;

The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) began hearing testimony from Muslim leaders who claimed they repeatedly alerted the authorities to dangerous radicalisation, a parliamentary official said.

In what appeared to be a tit-for-tat move, Sirisena did not call the routine weekly cabinet meeting to discuss the day-to-day running of the administration.

The opposition Sri Lanka People's Front said the standoff between the president and the cabinet, controlled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party, meant the government was at a standstill.

"The current standoff effectively means that there is no government in Sri Lanka from today," Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPF) leader Gamini Lakshman Peiris told reporters in Colombo.

There was no immediate word either from the president or the prime minister on why the scheduled cabinet meeting was not held.

Sirisena had militantly opposed public questioning of military, police and intelligence officials, saying it would compromise national security. The PSC maintains that witnesses were free to give evidence in camera.&nbsp;

President Sirisena last week asked his coalition cabinet to stop the hearings, which have already revealed senior officials directly under him had ignored repeated intelligence warnings.

Sirisena sacked his intelligence chief over the weekend after he told the hearing that the April 21 attacks could have been avoided if police had been allowed to arrest the ringleader as early as last year.

An Islamic State-inspired local jihadist group has been blamed for the suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels. Among the dead were 45 foreign nationals, while nearly 500 people were injured.

Church reopens

One of the badly damaged churches, St. Anthony's, was scheduled to reopen for regular services Wednesday, church officials said in a sign of normality returning to the otherwise tense capital.

Two of the luxury hotels which were attacked have reopened, while the Shangri-La was also due to reopen on Wednesday.

Since the attacks, the country has been under a state of emergency which gives sweeping powers to the police and security forces to arrest and detain suspects for long periods of time.

Sirisena has insisted that as minister of defence and law and order he was unaware of precise intelligence warnings from India over the attacks.

He sacked his defence ministry secretary, Hemasiri Fernando, and suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara after blaming them for the catastrophic security failure.

Both have denied responsibility while the police chief has mounted a legal challenge against his suspension. Jayasundara has testified before the PSC.

Sirisena said he will not allow any current public servants to testify before the hearing, but parliament warned Sunday that any official refusing its summons could face up to 10 years in jail.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear if the PSC had asked any official to testify since Sirisena's remarks on Friday.

The president also ordered live broadcasts of the PSC proceedings to be halted.

New Delhi said it shared detailed information about the Sri Lanka attack with Colombo as early as April 4 -- two and a half weeks before the bombings -- following information gleaned from a jihadist in Indian custody.

Sri Lanka's parliament Tuesday defied President Maithripala Sirisena and resumed investigations into security lapses surrounding the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people, officials said, as a political crisis in the country deepened.

Sri Lanka's parliament Tuesday defied President Maithripala Sirisena and resumed investigations into security lapses surrounding the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people, officials said, as a political crisis in the country deepened. The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) began hearing testimony from Muslim leaders who claimed they repeatedly alerted the authorities to dangerous radicalisation, a parliamentary official said. In what appeared to be a tit-for-tat move, Sirisena did not call the routine weekly cabinet meeting to discuss the day-to-day running of the administration. The opposition Sri Lanka People's Front said the standoff between the president and the cabinet, controlled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party, meant the government was at a standstill. "The current standoff effectively means that there is no government in Sri Lanka from today," Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPF) leader Gamini Lakshman Peiris told reporters in Colombo. There was no immediate word either from the president or the prime minister on why the scheduled cabinet meeting was not held. Sirisena had militantly opposed public questioning of military, police and intelligence officials, saying it would compromise national security. The PSC maintains that witnesses were free to give evidence in camera. President Sirisena last week asked his coalition cabinet to stop the hearings, which have already revealed senior officials directly under him had ignored repeated intelligence warnings. Sirisena sacked his intelligence chief over the weekend after he told the hearing that the April 21 attacks could have been avoided if police had been allowed to arrest the ringleader as early as last year. An Islamic State-inspired local jihadist group has been blamed for the suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels. Among the dead were 45 foreign nationals, while nearly 500 people were injured. Church reopens One of the badly damaged churches, St. Anthony's, was scheduled to reopen for regular services Wednesday, church officials said in a sign of normality returning to the otherwise tense capital. Two of the luxury hotels which were attacked have reopened, while the Shangri-La was also due to reopen on Wednesday. Since the attacks, the country has been under a state of emergency which gives sweeping powers to the police and security forces to arrest and detain suspects for long periods of time. Sirisena has insisted that as minister of defence and law and order he was unaware of precise intelligence warnings from India over the attacks. He sacked his defence ministry secretary, Hemasiri Fernando, and suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara after blaming them for the catastrophic security failure. Both have denied responsibility while the police chief has mounted a legal challenge against his suspension. Jayasundara has testified before the PSC. Sirisena said he will not allow any current public servants to testify before the hearing, but parliament warned Sunday that any official refusing its summons could face up to 10 years in jail. It was not immediately clear if the PSC had asked any official to testify since Sirisena's remarks on Friday. The president also ordered live broadcasts of the PSC proceedings to be halted. New Delhi said it shared detailed information about the Sri Lanka attack with Colombo as early as April 4 -- two and a half weeks before the bombings -- following information gleaned from a jihadist in Indian custody.

Sri Lanka MPs defy president Maithripala Sirisena to resume Easter attack probe

Sri Lanka's new prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and 44 former lawmakers have defected from the party led by President Maithripala Sirisena, splitting with the president barely two weeks after he installed Rajapaksa in office.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-sacks-parliament-after-power-struggle-minister-176486">Sirisena dissolved parliament </a>on Friday night and called a general election for January 5 in a move that has drawn international criticism as it is likely to deepen the country's political crisis.

An intense power struggle has erupted in Sri Lanka in the past two weeks following Sirisena's sudden sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the appointment of former leader Rajapaksa, a pro-China strongman, in his place.

Rajapaksa and 44 former lawmakers of the Sirisena-led centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Sunday joined Sri Lanka Podujana Peremuna (SLPP), a political party formed in 2016 by Rajapaksa's younger brother Basil, a former economy minister.

An SLPP source said 65 out of 82 former SLFP MPs will eventually join the new party.

Namal Rajapaksa, an ex-lawmaker and son of Rajapaksa, said the SLFP's policies had not been pursued by Sirisena in the coalition government with the Wickremesinghe-led centre-right United National Party (UNP).

"We all decided that this is the right time to join the SLPP," he told Reuters.

The SLPP recorded a landslide victory in local polls in February after Rajapaksa backed it. He did that while remaining in the SLFP.

Sirisena's allies have told Reuters that he wants a SLFP-led government. However, the defections will weaken Sirisena's more than seven-decade old party, they say.

Rohana Piyadaya, the SLFP secretary general declined to comment on the defections.

Sirisena's move to sack the parliament has drawn international criticism.

Farhan Haq, the spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, said in a statement that Guterres has underlined the utmost importance of respecting democratic processes and institutions and resolving differences in accordance with the rule of law and due process.

"He renews his call on the Government to ensure peace and safety for all Sri Lankans and uphold its commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation," the spokesman said.

Sirisena previously defected from the SLFP, then led by Rajapaksa, in 2014 to join an opposition coalition that ousted Rajapaksa.

Later Sirisena rejoined the SLFP, took over its leadership and formed a national government with Wickremesinghe's party.

However, a rift developed over policy towards China and India - Wickremesinghe has favoured Indian investment as a counter to Chinese inroads in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects - and over Sirisena's intention to contest the 2020 presidential election under Wickremesinghe's party.

Sri Lanka's new prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and 44 former lawmakers have defected from the party led by President Maithripala Sirisena, splitting with the president barely two weeks after he installed Rajapaksa in office.

Sri Lanka's new prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and 44 former lawmakers have defected from the party led by President Maithripala Sirisena, splitting with the president barely two weeks after he installed Rajapaksa in office. Sirisena dissolved parliament on Friday night and called a general election for January 5 in a move that has drawn international criticism as it is likely to deepen the country's political crisis. An intense power struggle has erupted in Sri Lanka in the past two weeks following Sirisena's sudden sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the appointment of former leader Rajapaksa, a pro-China strongman, in his place. Rajapaksa and 44 former lawmakers of the Sirisena-led centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Sunday joined Sri Lanka Podujana Peremuna (SLPP), a political party formed in 2016 by Rajapaksa's younger brother Basil, a former economy minister. An SLPP source said 65 out of 82 former SLFP MPs will eventually join the new party. Namal Rajapaksa, an ex-lawmaker and son of Rajapaksa, said the SLFP's policies had not been pursued by Sirisena in the coalition government with the Wickremesinghe-led centre-right United National Party (UNP). "We all decided that this is the right time to join the SLPP," he told Reuters. The SLPP recorded a landslide victory in local polls in February after Rajapaksa backed it. He did that while remaining in the SLFP. Sirisena's allies have told Reuters that he wants a SLFP-led government. However, the defections will weaken Sirisena's more than seven-decade old party, they say. Rohana Piyadaya, the SLFP secretary general declined to comment on the defections. Sirisena's move to sack the parliament has drawn international criticism. Farhan Haq, the spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, said in a statement that Guterres has underlined the utmost importance of respecting democratic processes and institutions and resolving differences in accordance with the rule of law and due process. "He renews his call on the Government to ensure peace and safety for all Sri Lankans and uphold its commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation," the spokesman said. Sirisena previously defected from the SLFP, then led by Rajapaksa, in 2014 to join an opposition coalition that ousted Rajapaksa. Later Sirisena rejoined the SLFP, took over its leadership and formed a national government with Wickremesinghe's party. However, a rift developed over policy towards China and India - Wickremesinghe has favoured Indian investment as a counter to Chinese inroads in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects - and over Sirisena's intention to contest the 2020 presidential election under Wickremesinghe's party.

Sri Lanka PM, 44 ex-MPs defect from party led by president ahead of election

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has come under intense pressure from a section of his party to take his Sri Lanka Freedom Party out of the ruling coalition with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe's United National Party, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources.&nbsp;

The report quoting the party sources added that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party's policy-making Central Committee will have a crucial session Tuesday night.

"We will be analysing the current political situation and certain problems related to the party," Prof Rohana Laxman Piyadasa, the general secretary, said.

The meeting comes in the wake of a reported dialogue between Sirisena and his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The new party of the former president wants Sirisena to dissolve the Parliament to hold fresh elections. However, the earliest a parliamentary election could be held is after February 2020.

It was reported that Sirisena and Rajapaksa had met due to the former's growing dissatisfaction with Wickremesinghe as the prime minister.

Rajapaksa had mooted the idea for a caretaker government replacing Wickremesinghe.

Piyadasa, however, said that caretaker government was not on the agenda for the meeting.&nbsp;

"We can still discuss it under the current situation."

The group of 16 of Sirisena's men who had left the Wickremesinghe cabinet are pressuring Sirisena to leave the government, party sources said.&nbsp;

They had written a letter to Sirisena a fortnight back urging him to take the SLFP out of the government. They left their Cabinet positions in April after they had voted against Wickremesinghe in the motion of no confidence which he easily won with support coming from the Tamil and Muslim minority parties.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has come under intense pressure from a section of his party to take his Sri Lanka Freedom Party out of the ruling coalition with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe's United National Party, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has come under intense pressure from a section of his party to take his Sri Lanka Freedom Party out of the ruling coalition with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe's United National Party, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources. The report quoting the party sources added that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party's policy-making Central Committee will have a crucial session Tuesday night. "We will be analysing the current political situation and certain problems related to the party," Prof Rohana Laxman Piyadasa, the general secretary, said. The meeting comes in the wake of a reported dialogue between Sirisena and his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa. The new party of the former president wants Sirisena to dissolve the Parliament to hold fresh elections. However, the earliest a parliamentary election could be held is after February 2020. It was reported that Sirisena and Rajapaksa had met due to the former's growing dissatisfaction with Wickremesinghe as the prime minister. Rajapaksa had mooted the idea for a caretaker government replacing Wickremesinghe. Piyadasa, however, said that caretaker government was not on the agenda for the meeting. "We can still discuss it under the current situation." The group of 16 of Sirisena's men who had left the Wickremesinghe cabinet are pressuring Sirisena to leave the government, party sources said. They had written a letter to Sirisena a fortnight back urging him to take the SLFP out of the government. They left their Cabinet positions in April after they had voted against Wickremesinghe in the motion of no confidence which he easily won with support coming from the Tamil and Muslim minority parties. (With PTI inputs)

Sri Lanka: President Sirisena under pressure to quit Lanka unity government

Sri Lanka's anti-graft agency arrested President Maithripala Sirisena's chief of staff and another state official on Thursday on suspicion of accepting a bribe, officials of the agency said.

Officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested IHK&nbsp;Mahanama, the president's chief of staff, and P&nbsp;Dissanayake, the head of the State Timber Corporation (STC), the commission said.

"Our officials arrested Mahanama and Dissanayake while accepting 20 million (rupees)," Sarath Jayamanna, the director general of CIABOC told Reuters, indicating a sum equivalent to $127,000.

Jayamanna said Mahanama and Dissanayake were remanded on until May 9 after being produced in a court.

Malik Samarawickrema, a senior minister who is in charge of foreign direct investment and the state-run Board of Investment (BOI) said the suspected corruption was an "exception".

"This is not the rule. Taking bribe is a serious issue and as far as BOI is concerned, we don't have that issue," he told reporters in Colombo on Friday.

Neither Mahanama and Dissanayake were available for comment on Friday, nor were their lawyers or other representatives.

Jayamanna said Mahanama, a former secretary of the lands ministry, had asked for a bribe of 540 million Sri Lankan rupees ($3.43 million) from an Indian investor interested in acquiring a state-owned sugar factory.

The two were arrested at a car park of a hotel in the capital, Colombo, while they were accepting 20 million rupees from the investor for the transfer of land, he said.

The President's Office said in a statement both officials had been suspended from their duties, and the president had instructed the commission to enforce the law strictly against the two without any obstruction.

The arrests come as Sirisena’s government is under heavy criticism for not fulfilling his main 2015 election pledge to eliminate rampant corruption.

The previous government was defeated in a 2015 election amid widespread allegations of corruption.

However, Sirisena's administration has taken insufficient steps to deal with the problem, his critics complain.

The government rejects such complaints saying investigations and judicial processes take time.

The governing coalition of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe lost local government polls in February partly due to failure to fulfill promises to punish corrupt politicians and officials.

Officials of CIABOC arrested IHK Mahanama, the president's chief of staff, and P Dissanayake, the head of the State Timber Corporation (STC)

Sri Lanka's anti-graft agency arrested President Maithripala Sirisena's chief of staff and another state official on Thursday on suspicion of accepting a bribe, officials of the agency said. Officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested IHK Mahanama, the president's chief of staff, and P Dissanayake, the head of the State Timber Corporation (STC), the commission said. "Our officials arrested Mahanama and Dissanayake while accepting 20 million (rupees)," Sarath Jayamanna, the director general of CIABOC told Reuters, indicating a sum equivalent to $127,000. Jayamanna said Mahanama and Dissanayake were remanded on until May 9 after being produced in a court. Malik Samarawickrema, a senior minister who is in charge of foreign direct investment and the state-run Board of Investment (BOI) said the suspected corruption was an "exception". "This is not the rule. Taking bribe is a serious issue and as far as BOI is concerned, we don't have that issue," he told reporters in Colombo on Friday. Neither Mahanama and Dissanayake were available for comment on Friday, nor were their lawyers or other representatives. Jayamanna said Mahanama, a former secretary of the lands ministry, had asked for a bribe of 540 million Sri Lankan rupees ($3.43 million) from an Indian investor interested in acquiring a state-owned sugar factory. The two were arrested at a car park of a hotel in the capital, Colombo, while they were accepting 20 million rupees from the investor for the transfer of land, he said. The President's Office said in a statement both officials had been suspended from their duties, and the president had instructed the commission to enforce the law strictly against the two without any obstruction. The arrests come as Sirisena’s government is under heavy criticism for not fulfilling his main 2015 election pledge to eliminate rampant corruption. The previous government was defeated in a 2015 election amid widespread allegations of corruption. However, Sirisena's administration has taken insufficient steps to deal with the problem, his critics complain. The government rejects such complaints saying investigations and judicial processes take time. The governing coalition of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe lost local government polls in February partly due to failure to fulfill promises to punish corrupt politicians and officials.

Sirisen's top aides arrested for taking bribe from Indian investor: Report

Sri Lanka's unity government will come up with a new plan to identify its weaknesses and find suitable remedies for them, a senior minister has said, amid the ongoing tussle between the country's president and the prime minister.

A new programme and pact is being prepared by President Maithripala Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP).&nbsp;

The two parties and arch political foes have been in the government sharing cabinet positions since mid-2015. However, early this month, 16 from Sirisena's party voted to remove Wickremesinghe as the prime minister.&nbsp;

"By preparing a new program and a new pact we aim to be more people oriented during the government's rest of the term," senior minister Mahinda Amaraweera who is also the general secretary of SLFP's broader front United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) said.&nbsp;

"We will be identifying the weaknesses in the unity government thus far and also remedies for them," Amaraweera added.

Amaraweera said with the new pact to be signed there will be no need for the 16 to join the government.

Cracks appeared in the unity government since February 10 when former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's new party defeated both parties in the unity government by winning two-third of control of 340 local councils.&nbsp;

Sirisena immediately demanded Wickremesinghe's resignation. He stood ground and that led to a motion of no confidence being moved against him.&nbsp;

The premier convincingly won the motion defeating both Sirisena and Rajapaksa factions.&nbsp;

A new programme and pact is being prepared by President Maithripala Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP)

Sri Lanka's unity government will come up with a new plan to identify its weaknesses and find suitable remedies for them, a senior minister has said, amid the ongoing tussle between the country's president and the prime minister. A new programme and pact is being prepared by President Maithripala Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP). The two parties and arch political foes have been in the government sharing cabinet positions since mid-2015. However, early this month, 16 from Sirisena's party voted to remove Wickremesinghe as the prime minister. "By preparing a new program and a new pact we aim to be more people oriented during the government's rest of the term," senior minister Mahinda Amaraweera who is also the general secretary of SLFP's broader front United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) said. "We will be identifying the weaknesses in the unity government thus far and also remedies for them," Amaraweera added. Amaraweera said with the new pact to be signed there will be no need for the 16 to join the government. Cracks appeared in the unity government since February 10 when former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's new party defeated both parties in the unity government by winning two-third of control of 340 local councils. Sirisena immediately demanded Wickremesinghe's resignation. He stood ground and that led to a motion of no confidence being moved against him. The premier convincingly won the motion defeating both Sirisena and Rajapaksa factions.

Sri Lanka's unity government to form pact to identify weaknesses: Minister

Six ministers of President Maithripala Sirisena-led unity government in Sri Lanka resigned on Thursday, days after they voted against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the no-trust motion moved by the Joint Opposition.

The ministers, who were from the Sirisena-led ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which is a coalition partner in the unity government with the Wickremesinghe-led United National Party (UNP), sent their resignation to the President late last night.

We have informed the President that we are leaving the government as of midnight yesterday," Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

The other ministers who have resigned include Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Social Empowerment and Welfare S B Dissanayake, Labour Minister John Seneviratne, Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha and Minister of Skills

Development and Vocational Training Chandima Weerakkody.

Yapa and the five ministers had voted against Wickremesinghe in the last week's no trust motion brought by former President Mahinda Rajapaska-led Joint Opposition (JO), following which the UNP members had been demanding their ouster from the government.

Ten other state and deputy ministers had also voted against the premier.

Yapa said they were aware that it was not ethical for them to remain in the Cabinet after voting against the PM. We will now act as SLFP members, we will not be joining the JO. Our duty will be to promote the SLFP from now on?, he added.

The other SLFP ministers, who had remained absent from the House during the no-confidence motion, will remain in the government, sources said.

The country had plunged into a political crisis after the victory of Rajapaksa's newly formed party in elections to 10 local councils in February.

It won two-thirds of the 340 council seats, trouncing the parties headed by Sirisena and Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena immediately urged the resignation of Wickremesinghe but he stood ground. The premier also was faced with resignation calls by at least two of his own party ministers.

With strong backing from the Tamil and Muslim minority parties, including some allies of Sirisena, Wickremesinghe romped home dealing political blows on both Sirisena and Rajapaksa.

The resignation of minister has now triggered a Cabinet reshuffle, officials said.&nbsp;

The ministers, who were from the Sirisena-led ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which is a coalition partner in the unity government with the Wickremesinghe-led United National Party (UNP), sent their resignation to the President late last night

Six ministers of President Maithripala Sirisena-led unity government in Sri Lanka resigned on Thursday, days after they voted against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the no-trust motion moved by the Joint Opposition. The ministers, who were from the Sirisena-led ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which is a coalition partner in the unity government with the Wickremesinghe-led United National Party (UNP), sent their resignation to the President late last night. We have informed the President that we are leaving the government as of midnight yesterday," Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said. The other ministers who have resigned include Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Social Empowerment and Welfare S B Dissanayake, Labour Minister John Seneviratne, Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha and Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Chandima Weerakkody. Yapa and the five ministers had voted against Wickremesinghe in the last week's no trust motion brought by former President Mahinda Rajapaska-led Joint Opposition (JO), following which the UNP members had been demanding their ouster from the government. Ten other state and deputy ministers had also voted against the premier. Yapa said they were aware that it was not ethical for them to remain in the Cabinet after voting against the PM. We will now act as SLFP members, we will not be joining the JO. Our duty will be to promote the SLFP from now on?, he added. The other SLFP ministers, who had remained absent from the House during the no-confidence motion, will remain in the government, sources said. The country had plunged into a political crisis after the victory of Rajapaksa's newly formed party in elections to 10 local councils in February. It won two-thirds of the 340 council seats, trouncing the parties headed by Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. Sirisena immediately urged the resignation of Wickremesinghe but he stood ground. The premier also was faced with resignation calls by at least two of his own party ministers. With strong backing from the Tamil and Muslim minority parties, including some allies of Sirisena, Wickremesinghe romped home dealing political blows on both Sirisena and Rajapaksa. The resignation of minister has now triggered a Cabinet reshuffle, officials said.

6 Sri Lankan ministers quit Sirisena-led unity government

Sri Lanka's Joint Opposition has accused President Maithripala Sirisena of "betraying" not only them but also his own party and allies after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe comfortably won a no-trust motion.

Wickremesinghe, 68, who leads a national unity government in alliance with Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), received 122 votes against the motion while 76 favoured the motion to oust him.

Banking on votes of legislators of Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), former President Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Joint Opposition moved the motion, accusing Wickremesinghe of financial mismanagement and his failure to tackle anti-Muslim riots last month in the central Kandy district.'

Only 19 out of Sirisena's 40 plus MPs voted while 22 of them remain absent in the House, helping the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to sail through.

"President Sirisena's habit of betrayal proven again at the no-confidence motion. First, he encouraged SLFP members to support it and then backs off. He has betrayed both the SLFP and the UNP," Rajpaksha's legislator son Namal Rajapaksa tweeted last night.

Wickremesinghe also got the help of Tamil and Muslim minority parties. 
"Sirisena must take the responsibility for preventing the end of the Prime Minister's political journey," a senior opposition leader Prasanna Ranatunga said.

According to the final vote tally, even if legislators of Sirisena and Rajapaksa-led parties had voted for the motion, Wickremesinghe would still had sailed through as no member from his UNP broke ranks.

The 19 ministers, who had voted against Wickremesinghe, have asked that they be allowed to continue in the cabinet despite their lack of confidence in the unity government.

The UNP backbenchers, however, signed a petition addressed to Sirisena to sack the SLFP dissenters in the cabinet.

Wickremesinghe has no power to remove ministers. It can only be done either by Sirisena or through a no-confidence motion in Parliament.

"The conspirators who undermined the government during the last 3 years must be sacked," a UNP legislator Hesha Withanage said.

After winning the trust vote last night, Wickremesinghe said the government would venture in a new journey with all those who supported.

"We have lost some but we can move forward with the rest." He was hoping to meet Sirisena soon to discuss the future of the government and to preserve the mandate received by Sirisena in January 2015 for implementing reform.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe received 122 votes against the motion while 76 favoured the motion to oust him

Sri Lanka's Joint Opposition has accused President Maithripala Sirisena of "betraying" not only them but also his own party and allies after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe comfortably won a no-trust motion. Wickremesinghe, 68, who leads a national unity government in alliance with Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), received 122 votes against the motion while 76 favoured the motion to oust him. Banking on votes of legislators of Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), former President Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Joint Opposition moved the motion, accusing Wickremesinghe of financial mismanagement and his failure to tackle anti-Muslim riots last month in the central Kandy district.' Only 19 out of Sirisena's 40 plus MPs voted while 22 of them remain absent in the House, helping the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to sail through. "President Sirisena's habit of betrayal proven again at the no-confidence motion. First, he encouraged SLFP members to support it and then backs off. He has betrayed both the SLFP and the UNP," Rajpaksha's legislator son Namal Rajapaksa tweeted last night. Wickremesinghe also got the help of Tamil and Muslim minority parties. "Sirisena must take the responsibility for preventing the end of the Prime Minister's political journey," a senior opposition leader Prasanna Ranatunga said. According to the final vote tally, even if legislators of Sirisena and Rajapaksa-led parties had voted for the motion, Wickremesinghe would still had sailed through as no member from his UNP broke ranks. The 19 ministers, who had voted against Wickremesinghe, have asked that they be allowed to continue in the cabinet despite their lack of confidence in the unity government. The UNP backbenchers, however, signed a petition addressed to Sirisena to sack the SLFP dissenters in the cabinet. Wickremesinghe has no power to remove ministers. It can only be done either by Sirisena or through a no-confidence motion in Parliament. "The conspirators who undermined the government during the last 3 years must be sacked," a UNP legislator Hesha Withanage said. After winning the trust vote last night, Wickremesinghe said the government would venture in a new journey with all those who supported. "We have lost some but we can move forward with the rest." He was hoping to meet Sirisena soon to discuss the future of the government and to preserve the mandate received by Sirisena in January 2015 for implementing reform.

Lanka Prez under attack from Opposition over no-trust motion defeat

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe defeated a no-confidence motion in parliament late Wednesday but political tensions rose after 13 MPs from an allied party voted against him.

Wickremesinghe said he would hold talks with President Maithripala Sirisena after coming through the battle by 122 votes to 76.

Sirisena has criticised the prime minister's handling of the economy and has in the past called on Wickremesinghe to stand down.

Thirteen members of Sirisena`s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) joined opposition lawmakers to vote against the prime minister, whose United National Party is the largest single party in the 225-member assembly.

"We have started a lot of work and made many changes -- democracy, economy and rural development," the prime minister told reporters after the vote.

"We also faced problems such as drought, cost of living and some economic issues, we will study both positives and negatives and move forward."

Wickremesinghe said he will meet Sirisena soon to discuss how to proceed with their government, which was formed in 2015.

SLFP ministers were among the rebels who voted against the government.

"We will continue to be in the government," Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, one of the 13, said after the vote.

But MP Hector Appuhamy, a Wickremesinghe supporter, said: "If they have any backbone, they should now leave the government."

Sirisena joined hands with Wickremesinghe's United National Party to end strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse's decade in power in a January 2015 election.

But the pair have become embroiled in a power struggle, especially over the economy and corruption, which has divided the coalition leadership.

Sirisena publicly blamed Wickremesinghe, a free-market champion, for mismanaging the economy as Sri Lanka's growth plunged to a 16-year low of 3.1 per cent in 2017.

A large bond scandal at Sri Lanka's central bank -- which fell under Wickremesinghe`s portfolio until Sirisena took it away last month -- deepened the acrimony between the two leaders.

The prime minister was cleared of any wrongdoing but was accused of trying to protect a former central bank governor, who is a suspect in the insider-trading scam.

The no-confidence motion was moved by an opposition group led by Rajapakse, who humiliated the governing coalition in a surprise blitz at the local elections in February.

The former strongman president wants a national election slated for 2020 brought forward.

Presidential powers to sack the government and call early elections were removed through a constitutional amendment introduced in the early days of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition.

Coalition tensions have also escalated over Sirisena's attempts to extend his presidential term by a year until 2021, a move that was rejected by the Supreme Court.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would hold talks with President Maithripala Sirisena after coming through the battle by 122 votes to 76

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe defeated a no-confidence motion in parliament late Wednesday but political tensions rose after 13 MPs from an allied party voted against him. Wickremesinghe said he would hold talks with President Maithripala Sirisena after coming through the battle by 122 votes to 76. Sirisena has criticised the prime minister's handling of the economy and has in the past called on Wickremesinghe to stand down. Thirteen members of Sirisena`s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) joined opposition lawmakers to vote against the prime minister, whose United National Party is the largest single party in the 225-member assembly. "We have started a lot of work and made many changes -- democracy, economy and rural development," the prime minister told reporters after the vote. "We also faced problems such as drought, cost of living and some economic issues, we will study both positives and negatives and move forward." Wickremesinghe said he will meet Sirisena soon to discuss how to proceed with their government, which was formed in 2015. SLFP ministers were among the rebels who voted against the government. "We will continue to be in the government," Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, one of the 13, said after the vote. But MP Hector Appuhamy, a Wickremesinghe supporter, said: "If they have any backbone, they should now leave the government." Sirisena joined hands with Wickremesinghe's United National Party to end strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse's decade in power in a January 2015 election. But the pair have become embroiled in a power struggle, especially over the economy and corruption, which has divided the coalition leadership. Sirisena publicly blamed Wickremesinghe, a free-market champion, for mismanaging the economy as Sri Lanka's growth plunged to a 16-year low of 3.1 per cent in 2017. A large bond scandal at Sri Lanka's central bank -- which fell under Wickremesinghe`s portfolio until Sirisena took it away last month -- deepened the acrimony between the two leaders. The prime minister was cleared of any wrongdoing but was accused of trying to protect a former central bank governor, who is a suspect in the insider-trading scam. The no-confidence motion was moved by an opposition group led by Rajapakse, who humiliated the governing coalition in a surprise blitz at the local elections in February. The former strongman president wants a national election slated for 2020 brought forward. Presidential powers to sack the government and call early elections were removed through a constitutional amendment introduced in the early days of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition. Coalition tensions have also escalated over Sirisena's attempts to extend his presidential term by a year until 2021, a move that was rejected by the Supreme Court.

Sri Lanka prime minister wins no-confidence vote

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe faces a no-confidence motion on Wednesday that could go down to the wire and lead to political instability in the island nation, even if the government manages to scrape a win.

Wickremesinghe leads a national unity government in alliance with President Maithripala Sirisena's party, which has said it would vote against the prime minister, blaming him for failing to prevent an alleged scam in the bond market.

The opposition, which swept local elections last month, aims to drive a deeper wedge within the ruling coalition with the no-confidence motion and bring forward a national election due in 2020.

"There is a common consensus in the party to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion," said Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, a minister of Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

"Clearly the SLFP is of the view that the prime minister should step down."

Wickremesinghe has faced criticism for failing to deliver on economic growth which slumped to 3.1 per cent last year, its worst pace since a recession in 2001. The rupee currency is hovering at a record low.

The government is also under pressure as it tries to manage China's expanding infrastructure push in Sri Lanka, located near key shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, but which has raised fears that it could push the tiny country deep into debt.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party has 107 members in the 225-member parliament and, until now, the support of 42 members of the SLFP, which gave it a comfortable majority.

But if the SLFP votes against the government, Wickremesinghe could lose his majority. He would then need the backing of minority parties in the opposition to stay in office.

Eran Wickramaratne, the junior finance minister, said the UNP had asked for a quick vote "to end any uncertainty people will have in their minds" and hoped for a stronger government to emerge afterwards.&nbsp;

Political instability is weighing on the economy, he said.

"You are not going to get 6-percent-plus kind of growth because of the political issues. We will move into 4-percent-plus in 2018," he told.

The yields on Sri Lanka’s benchmark bonds have risen 83 basis points since early this year, and the central bank chief has also warned of risks to economic growth from political instability.

Shailesh Kumar, Asian director at consultancy Eurasia group, foresaw limited cooperation between the UNP and the SLFP after the no-confidence motion, even if the prime minister survived.

"This means there will be limited appetite for economic legislation and instead the two will likely indulge in populism to shore up their positions ahead of the 2020 elections," he told.

Foreign direct investments (FDI) doubled to $1.6 billion last year, but more than 40 per cent of that was from China, for two key projects that have dragged on for more than a year.

A trade pact signed with Singapore in January and expected free trade agreements with China and India later this year are seen boosting Sri Lanka's export revenue through new FDIs. But officials of the Board of Investment say investors have been waiting for clarity on the political front.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe faces a no-confidence motion on Wednesday

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe faces a no-confidence motion on Wednesday that could go down to the wire and lead to political instability in the island nation, even if the government manages to scrape a win. Wickremesinghe leads a national unity government in alliance with President Maithripala Sirisena's party, which has said it would vote against the prime minister, blaming him for failing to prevent an alleged scam in the bond market. The opposition, which swept local elections last month, aims to drive a deeper wedge within the ruling coalition with the no-confidence motion and bring forward a national election due in 2020. "There is a common consensus in the party to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion," said Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, a minister of Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). "Clearly the SLFP is of the view that the prime minister should step down." Wickremesinghe has faced criticism for failing to deliver on economic growth which slumped to 3.1 per cent last year, its worst pace since a recession in 2001. The rupee currency is hovering at a record low. The government is also under pressure as it tries to manage China's expanding infrastructure push in Sri Lanka, located near key shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, but which has raised fears that it could push the tiny country deep into debt. Wickremesinghe's United National Party has 107 members in the 225-member parliament and, until now, the support of 42 members of the SLFP, which gave it a comfortable majority. But if the SLFP votes against the government, Wickremesinghe could lose his majority. He would then need the backing of minority parties in the opposition to stay in office. Eran Wickramaratne, the junior finance minister, said the UNP had asked for a quick vote "to end any uncertainty people will have in their minds" and hoped for a stronger government to emerge afterwards. Political instability is weighing on the economy, he said. "You are not going to get 6-percent-plus kind of growth because of the political issues. We will move into 4-percent-plus in 2018," he told. The yields on Sri Lanka’s benchmark bonds have risen 83 basis points since early this year, and the central bank chief has also warned of risks to economic growth from political instability. Shailesh Kumar, Asian director at consultancy Eurasia group, foresaw limited cooperation between the UNP and the SLFP after the no-confidence motion, even if the prime minister survived. "This means there will be limited appetite for economic legislation and instead the two will likely indulge in populism to shore up their positions ahead of the 2020 elections," he told. Foreign direct investments (FDI) doubled to $1.6 billion last year, but more than 40 per cent of that was from China, for two key projects that have dragged on for more than a year. A trade pact signed with Singapore in January and expected free trade agreements with China and India later this year are seen boosting Sri Lanka's export revenue through new FDIs. But officials of the Board of Investment say investors have been waiting for clarity on the political front.

Sri Lanka's PM faces tight confidence vote as key ally plans to defect

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Friday he planned to stay in office and reshuffle his cabinet in the wake of a stinging loss in local elections for both parties in the ruling coalition.

Wickremesinghe`s centre-right United National Party (UNP) and President Maithripala Sirisena`s centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) were routed by a party backed by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in local polls last weekend, plunging the government into crisis.

Since the election, Sirisena has been in talks with Wickremesinghe`s party as well as opponents led by Rajapaksa, whom he defeated in a presidential vote in 2015 polls, on forming a new government.

The central bank chief said the political uncertainty this had created could weigh on Sri Lankan economic growth this year.

On Friday, Wickremesinghe told a news conference in Colombo he had decided to stay in office despite the election blow.

&quot;It was a big setback for the government parties, but we have time to correct it. We are looking at reshuffling some of the ministries where it is necessary.&quot;

He said the main reasons for his party`s defeat were the sluggish economy and high cost of living, partly due to intermittent floods and a prolonged drought, and the government`s failure to implement strong anti-corruption measures.

When Sirisena won the presidency in 2015, backed by Wickremesinghe`s party, he had promised reforms, anti-corruption measures and punishment for those who plundered public funds under the previous Rajapaksa regime.

But Wickremesinghe`s own government has faced corruption allegations over a bond scam and it has failed to deliver the corruption crackdown promised.

The government has promised a new constitution aimed at devolving some powers to provincial governments dominated by ethnic minorities, and it has said it will facilitate an international probe into alleged war crimes in the final phase of a 26-year civil war. It has also promised IMF-backed fiscal discipline efforts.

Nationwide elections are not due until 2020. The president can bring the vote forward if two-thirds of parliament endorses such a move. He also cannot remove the prime minister directly, according to a constitutional amendment introduced in 2015.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Friday he planned to stay in office and reshuffle his cabinet in the wake of a stinging loss in local elections for both parties in the ruling coalition

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Friday he planned to stay in office and reshuffle his cabinet in the wake of a stinging loss in local elections for both parties in the ruling coalition. Wickremesinghe`s centre-right United National Party (UNP) and President Maithripala Sirisena`s centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) were routed by a party backed by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in local polls last weekend, plunging the government into crisis. Since the election, Sirisena has been in talks with Wickremesinghe`s party as well as opponents led by Rajapaksa, whom he defeated in a presidential vote in 2015 polls, on forming a new government. The central bank chief said the political uncertainty this had created could weigh on Sri Lankan economic growth this year. On Friday, Wickremesinghe told a news conference in Colombo he had decided to stay in office despite the election blow. "It was a big setback for the government parties, but we have time to correct it. We are looking at reshuffling some of the ministries where it is necessary." He said the main reasons for his party`s defeat were the sluggish economy and high cost of living, partly due to intermittent floods and a prolonged drought, and the government`s failure to implement strong anti-corruption measures. When Sirisena won the presidency in 2015, backed by Wickremesinghe`s party, he had promised reforms, anti-corruption measures and punishment for those who plundered public funds under the previous Rajapaksa regime. But Wickremesinghe`s own government has faced corruption allegations over a bond scam and it has failed to deliver the corruption crackdown promised. The government has promised a new constitution aimed at devolving some powers to provincial governments dominated by ethnic minorities, and it has said it will facilitate an international probe into alleged war crimes in the final phase of a 26-year civil war. It has also promised IMF-backed fiscal discipline efforts. Nationwide elections are not due until 2020. The president can bring the vote forward if two-thirds of parliament endorses such a move. He also cannot remove the prime minister directly, according to a constitutional amendment introduced in 2015.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister plans reshuffle in wake of local election drubbing

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena-led SLFP has suspended an MP over &quot;derogatory&quot; comments about the party leadership as it vowed to initiate a disciplinary whip against members who back Mahinda Rajapaksa, prompting a sharp reaction from the former strongman today. 
 
At the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) central committee meeting last night, the party decided to take disciplinary action against members who back Rajapaksa, Sirisena loyalist and deputy minister of finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said. 
 
Accordingly, Sanath Nishantha, a member of parliament backing Rajapaksa, was suspended of his membership for making comments &quot;derogatory&quot; of Sirisena over the national television. 
 
&quot;I do not accept Sirisena&#39;s leadership,&quot; Nishantha had said in response to a question by a party member on the same.&nbsp;Action would also be taken against several members of the party&#39;s local councillors for defying party discipline, said Abeywardena. 
 
Rajapaksa hit back at the move, saying: &quot;MP Nishantha is a very popular member who had come up in the ranks due to his hard work with the people. This is no action to unite the party.&nbsp;A party should not try to chase people out,&quot; he told reporters on the eve of a private visit to South Korea. 
 
Sirisena, who succeeded Rajapaksa as the leader of the SLFP, now in unity government with its archrival United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been struggling to get the Rajapaksa loyalists under his leadership. 
 
The Rajapaksa group, who call themselves the joint opposition with three other fringe opposition parties, have taken Sirisena head on, challenging both him and Wickremesinghe. 
 
Last week, the Rajapaksa loyalists held an opposition protest march which lasted over five days. They were charged of bringing disrepute to the party by hooting at party headquarters while on the way to the rally. So, more Rajapaksa loyalists would be under fire soon, party sources said.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

This comes after the Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by Sirisena decided to take disciplinary action against members who back Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena-led SLFP has suspended an MP over "derogatory" comments about the party leadership as it vowed to initiate a disciplinary whip against members who back Mahinda Rajapaksa, prompting a sharp reaction from the former strongman today. At the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) central committee meeting last night, the party decided to take disciplinary action against members who back Rajapaksa, Sirisena loyalist and deputy minister of finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said. Accordingly, Sanath Nishantha, a member of parliament backing Rajapaksa, was suspended of his membership for making comments "derogatory" of Sirisena over the national television. "I do not accept Sirisena's leadership," Nishantha had said in response to a question by a party member on the same. Action would also be taken against several members of the party's local councillors for defying party discipline, said Abeywardena. Rajapaksa hit back at the move, saying: "MP Nishantha is a very popular member who had come up in the ranks due to his hard work with the people. This is no action to unite the party. A party should not try to chase people out," he told reporters on the eve of a private visit to South Korea. Sirisena, who succeeded Rajapaksa as the leader of the SLFP, now in unity government with its archrival United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been struggling to get the Rajapaksa loyalists under his leadership. The Rajapaksa group, who call themselves the joint opposition with three other fringe opposition parties, have taken Sirisena head on, challenging both him and Wickremesinghe. Last week, the Rajapaksa loyalists held an opposition protest march which lasted over five days. They were charged of bringing disrepute to the party by hooting at party headquarters while on the way to the rally. So, more Rajapaksa loyalists would be under fire soon, party sources said. (PTI)

Sri Lanka: MP suspended for making 'derogatory' comments about President Sirisena