After a British television report claimed that Sri Lankan intelligence had complicity in the 2019&nbsp; Easter Sunday bombings, the Sri Lankan government is expected to appoint a parliamentary committee to investigate the allegations.&nbsp;

Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Sri Lanka's State Minister of Defence confirmed to the&nbsp;parliament about setting up the committee.&nbsp;

"The president and the government hope to appoint a committee that will allow witnesses to provide evidence via Zoom from overseas if they cannot return to the country," said&nbsp;Tennakoon.&nbsp;

"What is amusing here is that a Muslim pregnant woman and nine men carried out suicide attacks to bring a Sinhala Buddhist leader to power. These things can only happen in Sri Lanka and in Indian cinema," said the minister, adding that the government was also summoning the former attorney general before a&nbsp;Parliamentary Select Committee.

Azad Maulana, a former spokesman of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP), who was interviewed in the Channel 4&nbsp;documentary, claimed that&nbsp;Sri Lankan military intelligence met the Easter Sunday bombers before the attacks in 2019.

Maulana said he arranged the meeting and the eventual&nbsp;bombings were hatched to create insecurity in the country and enable&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa to win the presidential election later that year.

Although Maulana himself did not participate in the meeting, the intelligence officer told him that creating insecurity was the only way the Rajapaksa family could return to power.&nbsp;

After the bombing took place and the security footage was released, Maulana said he recognised the faces of the attackers&nbsp;carrying bomb-laden backpacks as those whom he had arranged to meet with the intelligence officer.&nbsp;

The British channel said Maulana was interviewed by United Nations investigators and European intelligence services over his claims.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2019-easter-attack-sri-lanka-begins-trials-more-than-1200-witnesses-listed-431249">Watch |&nbsp;2019 Easter Attack: Sri Lanka begins trials, more than 1,200 witnesses listed</a>

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After the government's announcement, Gotabaya broke his silence and said the documentary by Channel-4 was mostly an&nbsp;anti-Rajapaksa tirade aimed at blackening the Rajapaksa legacy.&nbsp;

"Despite the politically motivated accusations being made against me by certain individuals, I have personally done everything possible to help the Roman Catholic community when I held government office," said Gotabaya.&nbsp;

"I also helped facilitate the arrangements to invite His Holiness the Pope to Sri Lanka and I headed the committee formed by the then government to organize the visit. I also played a key role in the construction of the Benedict XVI Catholic Institution of Higher Education in Bolawalana. I worked very closely with His Eminence the Cardinal during that period," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened on Easter 2019?</h2>

On April 21, 2019, a series of blasts tore through three churches and many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. Nine suicide bombers of the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS were behind the attacks which killed 270 people, including 11 Indians while leaving over 500 injured. Eight explosions rattled the Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikede and Batticaloa.

Earlier this year,&nbsp;Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on the occasion of Easter, assured the victims that justice would be delivered.&nbsp;

"I wish to reassure you that the legal proceedings related to this tragic incident are being processed independently and impartially, without any influence," he said in the message.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-in-easter-sunday-speech-assures-justice-for-2019-blasts-victims-580765">Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lankan president, in Easter Sunday speech, assures justice for 2019 blasts' victims</a>

"The necessary groundwork towards this end has been laid, to ensure justice for all the victims. I pledge my unwavering commitment to ensuring the security of our country, by preventing any recurrence of such heinous acts," the president added.&nbsp;

(Update: Gotabaya Rajapaksa's statement has been added)

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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After a British television report claimed that Sri Lankan intelligence had complicity in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, the Sri Lankan government is expected to appoint a parliamentary committee to investigate the allegations.

After a British television report claimed that Sri Lankan intelligence had complicity in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, the Sri Lankan government is expected to appoint a parliamentary committee to investigate the allegations. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Sri Lanka's State Minister of Defence confirmed to the parliament about setting up the committee. "The president and the government hope to appoint a committee that will allow witnesses to provide evidence via Zoom from overseas if they cannot return to the country," said Tennakoon. "What is amusing here is that a Muslim pregnant woman and nine men carried out suicide attacks to bring a Sinhala Buddhist leader to power. These things can only happen in Sri Lanka and in Indian cinema," said the minister, adding that the government was also summoning the former attorney general before a Parliamentary Select Committee. Azad Maulana, a former spokesman of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP), who was interviewed in the Channel 4 documentary, claimed that Sri Lankan military intelligence met the Easter Sunday bombers before the attacks in 2019. Maulana said he arranged the meeting and the eventual bombings were hatched to create insecurity in the country and enable Gotabaya Rajapaksa to win the presidential election later that year. Although Maulana himself did not participate in the meeting, the intelligence officer told him that creating insecurity was the only way the Rajapaksa family could return to power. After the bombing took place and the security footage was released, Maulana said he recognised the faces of the attackers carrying bomb-laden backpacks as those whom he had arranged to meet with the intelligence officer. The British channel said Maulana was interviewed by United Nations investigators and European intelligence services over his claims. Watch | 2019 Easter Attack: Sri Lanka begins trials, more than 1,200 witnesses listed × After the government's announcement, Gotabaya broke his silence and said the documentary by Channel-4 was mostly an anti-Rajapaksa tirade aimed at blackening the Rajapaksa legacy. "Despite the politically motivated accusations being made against me by certain individuals, I have personally done everything possible to help the Roman Catholic community when I held government office," said Gotabaya. "I also helped facilitate the arrangements to invite His Holiness the Pope to Sri Lanka and I headed the committee formed by the then government to organize the visit. I also played a key role in the construction of the Benedict XVI Catholic Institution of Higher Education in Bolawalana. I worked very closely with His Eminence the Cardinal during that period," he added. What happened on Easter 2019? On April 21, 2019, a series of blasts tore through three churches and many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. Nine suicide bombers of the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS were behind the attacks which killed 270 people, including 11 Indians while leaving over 500 injured. Eight explosions rattled the Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikede and Batticaloa. Earlier this year, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on the occasion of Easter, assured the victims that justice would be delivered. "I wish to reassure you that the legal proceedings related to this tragic incident are being processed independently and impartially, without any influence," he said in the message. Also read | Sri Lankan president, in Easter Sunday speech, assures justice for 2019 blasts' victims "The necessary groundwork towards this end has been laid, to ensure justice for all the victims. I pledge my unwavering commitment to ensuring the security of our country, by preventing any recurrence of such heinous acts," the president added. (Update: Gotabaya Rajapaksa's statement has been added) (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lankan government to investigate allegations of military's complicity in 2019 Easter bombings

Former Sri Lankan cricket team captain Sanath Jayasuriya joined the protests against the Sri Lankan government in the country on Saturday (July 09). Thousands of protests flooded Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence in Colombo on Saturday forcing him to flee. The protestors barged into his house demanding his resignation from the post.

In what was one of the biggest anti-government protests in the country, thousands of people broke police barricades before storming into Rajapaksa's residence. Some protestors were also seen taking a dip in his pool in videos that surfaced on social media.

Sri Lanka has been facing an unrest for quite a while now amid the country's worst financial crisis in decades. Earlier this year, Sri Lankan people faced an acute shortage of essential supplies, food and regular power cuts due to a financial crisis in the country.

Former Sri Lanka skipper Jayasuriya was spotted joining the protests in Colombo on Saturday as he also took to Twitter to assert he will always stand with the people of the country. Jayasuriya also demanded the president's resignation and said the people of the country will celebrate victory soon.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-not-aware-csk-official-reacts-after-ravindra-jadeja-removes-franchises-posts-from-instagram-495896">'We are not aware': CSK official reacts after Jadeja removes franchise's posts from Instagram</a>

"I always stand with the People of Sri Lanka. And will celebrate victory soon. This should be continued without any violation," Jayasuriya said in a tweet. "The siege is over. Your bastion has fallen. Aragalaya and peoples power has won. Please have the dignity to resign now," he added in another.

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Ialways stand with the People of Sri Lanka. And will celebrate victory soon. This should be continue without any violation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gohomegota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gohomegota</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B6%85%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%9C%E0%B6%BD%E0%B6%BA%E0%B6%A7%E0%B6%A2%E0%B6%BA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#අරගලයටජය</a> <a href="https://t.co/q7AtqLObyn">pic.twitter.com/q7AtqLObyn</a>
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sanath07/status/1545693749400854529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The siege is over. Your bastion has fallen. Aragalaya and peoples power has won. Please have the dignity to resign now ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHomeGota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHomeGota</a>
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sanath07/status/1545695749177896960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene also extended their support to the Sri Lankan public. Sangakkara took to Twitter to share a video of the protests and wrote - "This is our future."&nbsp;

"We as a country have changed direction and nothing can change that…people have spoken," tweeted Jayawardene.

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This is for our future. <a href="https://t.co/pSMmo4o81Q">pic.twitter.com/pSMmo4o81Q</a>
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) <a href="https://twitter.com/KumarSanga2/status/1545706015072583680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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We as a country has changed direction and nothing can change that… people have spoken!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHomeGota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHomeGota</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/peoplepower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#peoplepower</a> <a href="https://t.co/ptmlrM5ewz">https://t.co/ptmlrM5ewz</a>
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1545515682925752320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-they-learn-to-shut-james-anderson-reveals-how-bairstow-reacted-to-kohlis-sledging-in-5th-test-495841">'When will they learn to shut':&nbsp;Anderson reveals how Bairstow reacted to Kohli's sledging in 5th Test</a>

Sri Lankan public has been demanding Rajapaksa's resignation since March this year as he had been using the President's House as his residence and office. He reportedly had left his residence before the protests began in Colombo on Saturday and was spotted fleeing.

While his whereabouts are not known, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday announced that he will step down from his post. As per reports, Wickremesinghe has decided to resign as the Prime Minister of the island nation to make way for an all-party government to assume power in the nation.

Former Sri Lankan cricket team captain Sanath Jayasuriya joined the protests against the Sri Lankan government in the country on Saturday (July 09). Thousands of protests flooded Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence in Colombo on Saturday forcing him to flee.

Former Sri Lankan cricket team captain Sanath Jayasuriya joined the protests against the Sri Lankan government in the country on Saturday (July 09). Thousands of protests flooded Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence in Colombo on Saturday forcing him to flee. The protestors barged into his house demanding his resignation from the post. In what was one of the biggest anti-government protests in the country, thousands of people broke police barricades before storming into Rajapaksa's residence. Some protestors were also seen taking a dip in his pool in videos that surfaced on social media. Sri Lanka has been facing an unrest for quite a while now amid the country's worst financial crisis in decades. Earlier this year, Sri Lankan people faced an acute shortage of essential supplies, food and regular power cuts due to a financial crisis in the country. Former Sri Lanka skipper Jayasuriya was spotted joining the protests in Colombo on Saturday as he also took to Twitter to assert he will always stand with the people of the country. Jayasuriya also demanded the president's resignation and said the people of the country will celebrate victory soon. Also Read: 'We are not aware': CSK official reacts after Jadeja removes franchise's posts from Instagram "I always stand with the People of Sri Lanka. And will celebrate victory soon. This should be continued without any violation," Jayasuriya said in a tweet. "The siege is over. Your bastion has fallen. Aragalaya and peoples power has won. Please have the dignity to resign now," he added in another. Ialways stand with the People of Sri Lanka. And will celebrate victory soon. This should be continue without any violation. #Gohomegota#අරගලයටජය pic.twitter.com/q7AtqLObyn — Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) July 9, 2022 × The siege is over. Your bastion has fallen. Aragalaya and peoples power has won. Please have the dignity to resign now ! #GoHomeGota — Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) July 9, 2022 × Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene also extended their support to the Sri Lankan public. Sangakkara took to Twitter to share a video of the protests and wrote - "This is our future." "We as a country have changed direction and nothing can change that…people have spoken," tweeted Jayawardene. This is for our future. pic.twitter.com/pSMmo4o81Q — Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 9, 2022 × We as a country has changed direction and nothing can change that… people have spoken!! #GoHomeGota #peoplepower https://t.co/ptmlrM5ewz — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) July 8, 2022 × Also Read: 'When will they learn to shut': Anderson reveals how Bairstow reacted to Kohli's sledging in 5th Test Sri Lankan public has been demanding Rajapaksa's resignation since March this year as he had been using the President's House as his residence and office. He reportedly had left his residence before the protests began in Colombo on Saturday and was spotted fleeing. While his whereabouts are not known, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday announced that he will step down from his post. As per reports, Wickremesinghe has decided to resign as the Prime Minister of the island nation to make way for an all-party government to assume power in the nation.

'The siege is over': Sanath Jayasuriya joins anti-govt protests, Sangakkara & Jayawardene also extend support

Amid an unprecedented economic crisis in the country, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (April 27) said that he is willing to form an all-party government that can be formed after the Prime Minister and Cabinet resigns.&nbsp;

In a letter obtained by WION, Rajapaksa has extended an invitation to political parties in the government to discuss, establishing an all-party government.&nbsp;

WION asked the former Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila, who is an independent MP, about the letter. He confirmed that they received it and a final decision among the 40 MPs, who comprise 13 parties that now sit independently in parliament, on whether or not to attend the meeting will be made on Friday (April 28).&nbsp;

As mentioned in the letter, Rajapaksa has invited leaders of parties and independent groups that helped form his government to meet him.&nbsp;

In a letter, he noted that he had taken into consideration the requests made by the Mahanayake's of the Three Sects, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Religious Leaders, as well as those from political parties, and civil organisations.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-agrees-to-provide-600-million-in-financial-assistance-to-sri-lanka-474087">World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka</a>

<img alt="Letter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21fcead5-1c2b-45a4-b88e-51ee46469318" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sri%20lanka.jpg" />

In letter obtained by WION, Rajapaksa has extended an invitation to political parties in the government to discuss, establishing an all-party government.&nbsp;

The letter notes that discussions need to take place concerning the structure, period of implementation and individuals with responsibilities of the proposed all-party government.&nbsp;

While the meeting is set to take place on Friday, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to local government representatives at the Temple Trees today said that the "President has not asked me to resign and&nbsp;I also believe he will not do so".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/karachi-university-blast-woman-suicide-bomber-was-graduate-student-at-pakistani-university-474259">Woman suicide bomber who killed 3 Chinese was a student at Karachi University</a>

Sri Lanka is struggling to tackle the economic crisis, which is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency. The situation led to acute shortages and very high prices, leaving the economy in tatters with people protesting across the country.&nbsp;

It has been understood that Sri Lanka has nearly $7 billion in foreign debt due for repayment this year and will need to repay $25 billion over the next five years.&nbsp;

World Bank recently warned that more Sri Lankans will slip into poverty this year.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

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Amid an unprecedented economic crisis in the country, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (April 27) said that he is willing to form an all-party government that can be formed after the Prime Minister and Cabinet resigns.

Amid an unprecedented economic crisis in the country, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (April 27) said that he is willing to form an all-party government that can be formed after the Prime Minister and Cabinet resigns. In a letter obtained by WION, Rajapaksa has extended an invitation to political parties in the government to discuss, establishing an all-party government. WION asked the former Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila, who is an independent MP, about the letter. He confirmed that they received it and a final decision among the 40 MPs, who comprise 13 parties that now sit independently in parliament, on whether or not to attend the meeting will be made on Friday (April 28). As mentioned in the letter, Rajapaksa has invited leaders of parties and independent groups that helped form his government to meet him. In a letter, he noted that he had taken into consideration the requests made by the Mahanayake's of the Three Sects, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Religious Leaders, as well as those from political parties, and civil organisations. ALSO READ | World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka In letter obtained by WION, Rajapaksa has extended an invitation to political parties in the government to discuss, establishing an all-party government. The letter notes that discussions need to take place concerning the structure, period of implementation and individuals with responsibilities of the proposed all-party government. While the meeting is set to take place on Friday, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to local government representatives at the Temple Trees today said that the "President has not asked me to resign and I also believe he will not do so". ALSO READ | Woman suicide bomber who killed 3 Chinese was a student at Karachi University Sri Lanka is struggling to tackle the economic crisis, which is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency. The situation led to acute shortages and very high prices, leaving the economy in tatters with people protesting across the country. It has been understood that Sri Lanka has nearly $7 billion in foreign debt due for repayment this year and will need to repay $25 billion over the next five years. World Bank recently warned that more Sri Lankans will slip into poverty this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa willing to form an all-party government amid economic crisis

Sri Lanka reopened to foreign tourists Thursday after a nearly 10-month pandemic closure that cut deeply into the Indian Ocean island nation's lucrative travel industry. 
Full operations also resumed Thursday at the island's two international airports, accommodating the commercial flights.

Under new protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, tourists must be tested for the virus in their country 72 hours prior to their flight, when they arrive at their hotel in Sri Lanka and again seven days later. They must stay in a ''travel bubble''&nbsp;designated in 14 tourism zones without mixing with the local population.

About 180 hotels have been earmarked for tourist accommodations.

The resumption of tourism follows a pilot project that began December 26 in which 1,500 tourists from Ukraine visited Sri Lanka in such a travel bubble.

The government closed the country to tourists last March when an outbreak of the virus surfaced. The international airports were closed except for limited flights enabling Sri Lankans to return home.

Tourism is a vital economic sector for Sri Lanka, accounting for about 5 per cent of its gross domestic product and employing 250,000 people directly and up to 3 million indirectly. Hotels, other businesses and their employees faced crippling income losses.

Sri Lanka had fewer than 4,000 cases of coronavirus infection until October when clusters centred on a garment factory and fish market spread in the capital, Colombo, and its suburbs. As of Thursday, it has confirmed more than 55,000 cases with 274 fatalities.

Sri Lanka reopened to foreign tourists Thursday after a nearly 10-month pandemic closure that cut deeply into the Indian Ocean island nation's lucrative travel industry.

Sri Lanka reopened to foreign tourists Thursday after a nearly 10-month pandemic closure that cut deeply into the Indian Ocean island nation's lucrative travel industry. Full operations also resumed Thursday at the island's two international airports, accommodating the commercial flights. Under new protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, tourists must be tested for the virus in their country 72 hours prior to their flight, when they arrive at their hotel in Sri Lanka and again seven days later. They must stay in a ''travel bubble'' designated in 14 tourism zones without mixing with the local population. About 180 hotels have been earmarked for tourist accommodations. The resumption of tourism follows a pilot project that began December 26 in which 1,500 tourists from Ukraine visited Sri Lanka in such a travel bubble. The government closed the country to tourists last March when an outbreak of the virus surfaced. The international airports were closed except for limited flights enabling Sri Lankans to return home. Tourism is a vital economic sector for Sri Lanka, accounting for about 5 per cent of its gross domestic product and employing 250,000 people directly and up to 3 million indirectly. Hotels, other businesses and their employees faced crippling income losses. Sri Lanka had fewer than 4,000 cases of coronavirus infection until October when clusters centred on a garment factory and fish market spread in the capital, Colombo, and its suburbs. As of Thursday, it has confirmed more than 55,000 cases with 274 fatalities.

Sri Lanka reopens to tourists after 10 months

&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's government is digging a moat around one of its landfills to keep out hungry elephant herds and reduce conflicts between the animals and villagers.

Dozens of elephants lumber out of the forest daily into a garbage dump near the eastern town of Ampara, rummaging through mounds of rubbish for wilted vegetable scraps.

This has become a common sight at the country's three largest landfills, which are located next to wildlife protection zones. The elephants consume plastic along with the food scraps, which slowly kills them, officials say. In 2019, a record 361 elephants died mainly because of humans, local environmental groups reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kaavan-pakistans-loneliest-elephant-fan-of-music-left-for-indonesia-345013" hreflang="en">Kaavan: Pakistan's loneliest elephant, fan of music, left for Indonesia</a>

The Ampara landfill was created around a decade ago in the middle of an elephant corridor that is home to 200 to 300 elephants. Electric fences have not worked to keep the determined animals away.

"There is no proper plan or a system for this," said P.H. Kumara, part of the Gal Oya Farmers Committee, a farming collective in the region around Ampara. "Government institutions have established landfills on the border of wildlife protection zones. Once that is done, the wild elephants and other wild animals who eat the rubbish die."

The government is now trying trenches around the facility to deter the animals. Villagers who have had an uneasy co-existence with the wild herds, say the situation is only getting worse.

"The wild elephants that come to the landfill hang around here day and night," said Kumara. "Then they go into neighbouring villages and harm the villagers, their property and agricultural land. The end result is that the human-elephant conflict gets worse and we lose elephants that are a national asset."

There are around 7,500 wild elephants in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, which has a population of 22 million people.

Domesticated elephants are revered on the island and are used in religious and cultural events throughout the year.

Sri Lanka's government is digging a moat around one of its landfills to keep out hungry elephant herds and reduce conflicts between the animals and villagers. Dozens of elephants lumber out of the forest daily into a garbage dump near the eastern town of Ampara, rummaging through mounds of rubbish for wilted vegetable scraps.

Sri Lanka's government is digging a moat around one of its landfills to keep out hungry elephant herds and reduce conflicts between the animals and villagers. Dozens of elephants lumber out of the forest daily into a garbage dump near the eastern town of Ampara, rummaging through mounds of rubbish for wilted vegetable scraps. This has become a common sight at the country's three largest landfills, which are located next to wildlife protection zones. The elephants consume plastic along with the food scraps, which slowly kills them, officials say. In 2019, a record 361 elephants died mainly because of humans, local environmental groups reported. Also read| Kaavan: Pakistan's loneliest elephant, fan of music, left for Indonesia The Ampara landfill was created around a decade ago in the middle of an elephant corridor that is home to 200 to 300 elephants. Electric fences have not worked to keep the determined animals away. "There is no proper plan or a system for this," said P.H. Kumara, part of the Gal Oya Farmers Committee, a farming collective in the region around Ampara. "Government institutions have established landfills on the border of wildlife protection zones. Once that is done, the wild elephants and other wild animals who eat the rubbish die." The government is now trying trenches around the facility to deter the animals. Villagers who have had an uneasy co-existence with the wild herds, say the situation is only getting worse. "The wild elephants that come to the landfill hang around here day and night," said Kumara. "Then they go into neighbouring villages and harm the villagers, their property and agricultural land. The end result is that the human-elephant conflict gets worse and we lose elephants that are a national asset." There are around 7,500 wild elephants in Sri Lanka, which has a population of 22 million people. Domesticated elephants are revered on the island and are used in religious and cultural events throughout the year.

Sri Lanka digs moat around landfill to keep out hungry elephants

The Rajapaksa Government has opposed the delisting of LTTE as a terror group in the UK. Sri Lanka has appealed against a judgment, calling for the LTTE to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation again. Are the Rajapaksas trying to keep an old enemy alive? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka wants UK to list LTTE as a terrorist organisation

Former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage created a huge controversy as he claimed that the ICC World Cup 2011 final was “fixed”. Aluthgamage was Sri Lanka’s sports minister back then and alleged that the national team’s defeat to India in the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed by “certain parties”. Reacting to the allegation, Sri Lanka’s sports ministry has ordered an investigation and asked for a progress report every two weeks.

Sports Minister of Sri Lanka, Dullas Alahapperuma has order investigation and sports secretary, KADS Ruwanchandra, on Alahapperuma’s directive, has&nbsp;complained to the ministry’s investigation unit.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-2011-world-cup-final-fixed-kumar-sangakkara-mahela-jayawardene-respond-to-shocking-claims-by-former-sri-lanka-sports-minister-306812" hreflang="en">Was 2011 World Cup final fixed? Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene respond to shocking claims by former Sri Lanka sports minister</a>

Aluthgamage has alleged that Sri Lanka “sold” the game to India, however, the claim has been ridiculed by former Sri Lankan captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, both part of the match, as the duo demanded evidence from him.

In an interview with local TV channel ‘Sirasa’, Aluthgamage alleged that the 2011 World Cup final was “fixed”. India were handed 275 runs to win and claimed the coveted trophy courtest Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and skipper MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2011-final-was-fixed-former-sri-lanka-sports-minister-comes-up-with-shocking-claim-306797" hreflang="en">'World Cup 2011 final was fixed': Former Sri Lanka Sports Minister comes up with shocking claim</a>

"Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, said.

"As a country I do not want to announce this. I can't exactly remember if it was 2011 or 2012. But we were to win that game," added the politician, who was the state minister of power in the current caretaker government which is in-charge until the election to be held on August 5.

"He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," he tweeted.

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He needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated throughly <a href="https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc">https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc</a>
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) <a href="https://twitter.com/KumarSanga2/status/1273578234718957568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Jayawardene, who scored a century in that game, ridiculed the charge.

"Is the elections around the corner...like the circus has started...names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet.

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Is the elections around the corner 🤔Looks like the circus has started 🤡 names and evidence? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLpolitics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLpolitics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICC</a> <a href="https://t.co/bA4FxdqXhu">https://t.co/bA4FxdqXhu</a>
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1273518778941411328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Aluthgamage said that he wouldn’t bring players into the debate while adding "certain parties were."

Both Aluthgamage and the then president Mahinda Rajapaksa were in the guest list at the final played in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Earlier, former World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga had also called for a probe on the alleged match-fixing in the 2011 World Cup final. 
&nbsp;

Former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage created a huge controversy as he claimed that the ICC World Cup 2011 final was “fixed”. Aluthgamage was Sri Lanka’s sports minister back then and alleged that the national team’s defeat to India in the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed by “certain parties”.

Former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage created a huge controversy as he claimed that the ICC World Cup 2011 final was “fixed”. Aluthgamage was Sri Lanka’s sports minister back then and alleged that the national team’s defeat to India in the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed by “certain parties”. Reacting to the allegation, Sri Lanka’s sports ministry has ordered an investigation and asked for a progress report every two weeks. Sports Minister of Sri Lanka, Dullas Alahapperuma has order investigation and sports secretary, KADS Ruwanchandra, on Alahapperuma’s directive, has complained to the ministry’s investigation unit. ALSO READ: Was 2011 World Cup final fixed? Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene respond to shocking claims by former Sri Lanka sports minister Aluthgamage has alleged that Sri Lanka “sold” the game to India, however, the claim has been ridiculed by former Sri Lankan captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, both part of the match, as the duo demanded evidence from him. In an interview with local TV channel ‘Sirasa’, Aluthgamage alleged that the 2011 World Cup final was “fixed”. India were handed 275 runs to win and claimed the coveted trophy courtest Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and skipper MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91. ALSO READ: 'World Cup 2011 final was fixed': Former Sri Lanka Sports Minister comes up with shocking claim "Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, said. "As a country I do not want to announce this. I can't exactly remember if it was 2011 or 2012. But we were to win that game," added the politician, who was the state minister of power in the current caretaker government which is in-charge until the election to be held on August 5. "He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," he tweeted. He needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated throughly https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc — Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 18, 2020 × Jayawardene, who scored a century in that game, ridiculed the charge. "Is the elections around the corner...like the circus has started...names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet. Is the elections around the corner 🤔Looks like the circus has started 🤡 names and evidence? #SLpolitics #ICC https://t.co/bA4FxdqXhu — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) June 18, 2020 × Aluthgamage said that he wouldn’t bring players into the debate while adding "certain parties were." Both Aluthgamage and the then president Mahinda Rajapaksa were in the guest list at the final played in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Earlier, former World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga had also called for a probe on the alleged match-fixing in the 2011 World Cup final.

After 2011 World Cup final fixing allegation, Sri Lankan government launches probe

A worrying start for the new government in Sri Lanka. Global media says there is an atmosphere of fear in the country. Is a crackdown looming over Sri Lanka or are the claims just political propaganda?

Gravitas: Why are critics of the Rajapaksas living in fear

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

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

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

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

A 47-year old Muslim cleric wanted by the Sri Lankan security forces for using social media platform to air extremist views has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, a media report said.

The cleric, whose identity has not been disclosed, was wanted for releasing videos in a manner that harms reconciliation in the country and has been remanded till May 14, the Daily Mirror reported.

The suspect, a resident of Vavuniya, was arrested on Saturday at the airport after his arrival from Mecca after performing Hajj.&nbsp;

The suspect had been organising pilgrimage tours to Mecca, the paper reported.

The arrest of the cleric came days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-sri-lanka-arrest-throws-spotlight-on-wahhabism-in-eastern-hotbed-218004">Sri Lankan government</a> said the trustees of all the mosques in the country should not engage in or allow any gathering to promote or propagate hatred and also directed them to send the audio recordings of the sermons to authorities.

The government's order was after security forces recovered swords and other weapons from mosques during search operations following the April 21 bomb blasts in which over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured.

Security has been beefed up across Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday attacks on three churches, two of them Catholic, and three luxury hotels.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/all-suspects-in-sri-lanka-bombings-arrested-or-dead-acting-police-chief-216566">National Thawheed Jama'ath </a>(NTJ), for the bombings.

The security forces are conducting round the clock security operations since the attack in the crackdown on radical Muslims with links to the bombings.&nbsp;

A 47-year old Muslim cleric wanted by the Sri Lankan security forces for using social media platform to air extremist views has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, a media report said.

A 47-year old Muslim cleric wanted by the Sri Lankan security forces for using social media platform to air extremist views has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, a media report said. The cleric, whose identity has not been disclosed, was wanted for releasing videos in a manner that harms reconciliation in the country and has been remanded till May 14, the Daily Mirror reported. The suspect, a resident of Vavuniya, was arrested on Saturday at the airport after his arrival from Mecca after performing Hajj. The suspect had been organising pilgrimage tours to Mecca, the paper reported. The arrest of the cleric came days after the Sri Lankan government said the trustees of all the mosques in the country should not engage in or allow any gathering to promote or propagate hatred and also directed them to send the audio recordings of the sermons to authorities. The government's order was after security forces recovered swords and other weapons from mosques during search operations following the April 21 bomb blasts in which over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured. Security has been beefed up across Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday attacks on three churches, two of them Catholic, and three luxury hotels. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group, the National Thawheed Jama'ath (NTJ), for the bombings. The security forces are conducting round the clock security operations since the attack in the crackdown on radical Muslims with links to the bombings.

Muslim cleric wanted for airing extremist views arrested by Sri Lankan authorities

It's been 3 weeks since the Sri Lanka Easter Bombings, in this video, we ask: Is the Sri Lanka bombing mastermind really dead? Watch the full video to know more.

Sri Lanka Easter Bombings: Is attack mastermind really dead?

It has been more than a week since the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka in which 250 people were killed. The attacks have left a deep scar in the live of the people of Sri Lanka and raised questions on the response of the government.

Sri Lankan leader Namal Rajapaksa spoke to WION's Palki Sharma about the attacks and why he thinks the government has not done enough. Here are the excerpts:

WION: It's been more than a week since the attacks in Sri Lanka. Do you think the country is safe now? Has the government been able to secure Sri Lanka?

Namal Rajapaksa: The forces are doing their level best. If you look at last eight days, they have been very active and acting very fast on information they get. And public has been very cooperative. We see on television, we hear from security forces that how public shares information. But as far as the government is concerned, we don't have faith in the President and the Prime Minister (looking at the way) they acted - before the incident, during the incident and after the incident.

WION: The US ambassador to Sri Lanka has said they still have information about more attacks possibly in the days ahead. At a time like this, what can you as a leader also do? You have raised your concern, you have said the government needs to come together. But beyond that, what do you want to do?

Namal Rajapaksa: We will work with the civil and military organisations, and also with the community to bring back normalcy in the lives of the people of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan people have to get back to their normal lives. I was meeting my local leaders today (Tuesday) and political organisations in my constituency. People are not moving out of their houses because they are scared as they do not have confidence in the government that it will look after them, that the government can make people safe. So people have to come back to their normal lives. And normalcy has to be brought to the country.

WION: Many would say that at a time when your country is going through this crisis, the fact that you are saying all of this - even your uncle said he will contest for President - and blaming the government, is political opportunism. How do you respond to that?

Namal Rajapaksa: It's not that he announced it, he said he is ready for it. It is upto the party to decide who is going to be the candidate. Candidates are not decided by me, my father or my uncle. It is the party and the people who decide. And this is not the time to talk about who is going to be the candidate. Anyone can say they are ready for elections, but candidacy should be decided when the elections are called.

WION: But blaming the government at a time like this. Don't you think it weakens their morale?

Namal Rajapaksa: There is nothing to weaken in this government and we are not blaming the government. We are telling what the government is saying. It is a government minister who said his father knew beforehand. It is not Namal Rajapksa who is saying this, but the government is saying. When they blame themselves, and when they don't take any sort of action, what else can we do?

WION: Are you going to ask for an early election because the government is in disarray and the country needs a stable, decisive government?

Namal Rajapaksa: See, Parliament should have been dissolved then and there when we dissolved it. If we would have dissolved it at that time and gone for parliamentary election, something like this would have never happened. I am talking about October. Then and there, we should have gone for election. But now, today, tomorrow or for next 15 days is not the time to talk about election. But definitely, if this government has some sort of courtesy, it should resign.

It has been more than a week since the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka in which 250 people were killed. The attacks have left a deep scar in the live of the people of Sri Lanka and raised questions on the response of the government.

It has been more than a week since the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka in which 250 people were killed. The attacks have left a deep scar in the live of the people of Sri Lanka and raised questions on the response of the government. Sri Lankan leader Namal Rajapaksa spoke to WION's Palki Sharma about the attacks and why he thinks the government has not done enough. Here are the excerpts: WION: It's been more than a week since the attacks in Sri Lanka. Do you think the country is safe now? Has the government been able to secure Sri Lanka? Namal Rajapaksa: The forces are doing their level best. If you look at last eight days, they have been very active and acting very fast on information they get. And public has been very cooperative. We see on television, we hear from security forces that how public shares information. But as far as the government is concerned, we don't have faith in the President and the Prime Minister (looking at the way) they acted - before the incident, during the incident and after the incident. WION: The US ambassador to Sri Lanka has said they still have information about more attacks possibly in the days ahead. At a time like this, what can you as a leader also do? You have raised your concern, you have said the government needs to come together. But beyond that, what do you want to do? Namal Rajapaksa: We will work with the civil and military organisations, and also with the community to bring back normalcy in the lives of the people of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan people have to get back to their normal lives. I was meeting my local leaders today (Tuesday) and political organisations in my constituency. People are not moving out of their houses because they are scared as they do not have confidence in the government that it will look after them, that the government can make people safe. So people have to come back to their normal lives. And normalcy has to be brought to the country. WION: Many would say that at a time when your country is going through this crisis, the fact that you are saying all of this - even your uncle said he will contest for President - and blaming the government, is political opportunism. How do you respond to that? Namal Rajapaksa: It's not that he announced it, he said he is ready for it. It is upto the party to decide who is going to be the candidate. Candidates are not decided by me, my father or my uncle. It is the party and the people who decide. And this is not the time to talk about who is going to be the candidate. Anyone can say they are ready for elections, but candidacy should be decided when the elections are called. WION: But blaming the government at a time like this. Don't you think it weakens their morale? Namal Rajapaksa: There is nothing to weaken in this government and we are not blaming the government. We are telling what the government is saying. It is a government minister who said his father knew beforehand. It is not Namal Rajapksa who is saying this, but the government is saying. When they blame themselves, and when they don't take any sort of action, what else can we do? WION: Are you going to ask for an early election because the government is in disarray and the country needs a stable, decisive government? Namal Rajapaksa: See, Parliament should have been dissolved then and there when we dissolved it. If we would have dissolved it at that time and gone for parliamentary election, something like this would have never happened. I am talking about October. Then and there, we should have gone for election. But now, today, tomorrow or for next 15 days is not the time to talk about election. But definitely, if this government has some sort of courtesy, it should resign.

Sri Lankan government playing politics over crisis: Namal Rajapaksa to WION

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 26th, 2019

The National Security Council has gone on to impose a conditional State of Emergency with articles on combating terrorism to come into effect at midnight on 22 April. Watch video to know more.

Sri Lanka blasts: Government addressing press conference 3 days after blasts

The Attacks In Sri Lanka Matter Happened In India's Own Backyard. Besides That, The Presence Of ISIS In The Island Nation Should Ring An Alarm To New Delhi With the presence of ISIS in Sri Lanka, is it time for India to involve itself in the probe to find out the perpetrators of the SL terror attacks? Palki tells us why India cannot afford to ignore the situation in Sri Lanka.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka terror attacks; Why it matters for India?

Watch: Lawrence Sellin is a retired U.S. Army and has spoken to WION on Sri Lanka bombings. Watch the full video to know more.

Lawrence Sellin, Retired U.S. Army colonel speaks to WION on Sri Lanka blasts

Thousands of Sri Lankans marched Monday in support of a new government led by the country's former strongman, highlighting the political polarization in the Indian Ocean island nation.

The rally near Parliament came amid a constitutional crisis sparked by President Maithripala Sirisena's move to oust Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, replace him with ex-leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and suspend Parliament.

Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate his official residence, insisting he is the lawful prime minister and that the president had no constitutional right to replace him. Thousands of his supporters have been keeping vigil.

Supporters of Rajapaksa at the rally chanted "Whose power is this? Mahinda's power!"&nbsp;

As patriotic songs blared over loudspeakers, thousands shuffled through heavy rain toward a makeshift stage. Police and Sri Lankan special forces with semi-automatic rifles stood guard.

Pradeep Kariyawasam, the head of Rajapaksa's party in Colombo, said that although Wickremesinghe continues to maintain he is the country's legitimate leader, "the people are with us."&nbsp;

"Give people a chance to choose their government and not hide behind constitutional interpretations," he said.

Sirisena and Rajapaksa arrived at the rally amid loud cheers.

Sirisena told the crowd that the change he initiated was more than a personnel shift.

"I ousted a vision that is incompatible with our local culture and values, and that works according to foreign agendas," Sirisena said.

"For the past 3 ? years, poor people were suppressed by Ranil Wickremesinghe's economic and political vision. Local thoughts were rejected and an extreme neo-liberal form of governance was carried out."&nbsp;

He was referring to Wickremesinghe's free-market economic policies and public-private partnerships with companies from China and India to operate strategic centers such as ports and airports.

Rajapaksa supporters have accused Wickremesinghe of selling Sri Lanka's assets, citing a 99-year lease agreement his government struck with Hong Kong conglomerate China Merchants Port Holdings Co Ltd last year to operate a failing port developed with Chinese debt during Rajapaksa's decadelong presidency.

Critics of Sirisena's actions say Parliament was suspended to give Rajapaksa time to gather enough support to survive a no-confidence vote when lawmakers reconvene November 14.

Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said on Monday that he won't recognize the new appointments until either side is able to prove it has a majority. It means that the speaker still recognizes a Wickremesinghe-led Parliament.

"I wish to emphasize that I am compelled to accept the status that existed previously until such time that they (the pro-Wickremesinghe lawmakers) and the new political alliance prove their majority in Parliament," he said.

The statement was fuel at Rajapaksa's five-hour rally. Lawmaker Susil Premjayantha told the crowd that electing a new speaker could be the first order of business when Parliament reopens, suggesting the party will bring a no-confidence motion against Jayasuriya.

Wickremesinghe said in an interview with The Associated Press last week that there is credible evidence that Rajapaksa's party is attempting to buy support in Parliament. Palitha Range Bandara, a United National Party lawmaker, has said that he was offered millions of dollars and a minister portfolio if he crossed over.

Lawmakers from Rajapaksa's party have denied the allegations. Seven members of Wickremesinghe's United National Front have defected to Rajapaksa's government.

On Saturday, the Tamil National Alliance ? an ethnic minority Tamil party ? said it will support a no-confidence motion to be brought against Rajapaksa, after one lawmaker from their party joined Rajapaksa's government.

The Tamil party's 15 votes could give Wickremesinghe's camp a decisive edge over Rajapaksa.

Both Sirisena and Rajapaksa attempted to woo Tamil lawmakers in their speeches at the rally.

Speaking in the Tamil language, Rajapaksa promised to fulfill the Tamil people's needs.

"What I ask from all Tamil and (Tamil-speaking) Muslim people and their political parties is to help to build up our country. I trust you and you can always trust me," Rajapaksa said.

Ethnic minority Tamils in the country's north and east are still reeling from the effects of a 26-year civil war between Tamil Tiger separatists and government troops.

Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by the ethnic Sinhalese majority for winning the conflict.

Tens of thousands of civilians were reportedly killed in the final months of the war in 2009, when government troops brutally crushed the rebels. Thousands more are still missing.

Sirisena came into power in 2015 promising to address the issues affecting the Tamils and investigate allegations of war crimes against both sides of the conflict, but has done little in either area. He was also critical of investigations into military personnel accused of human rights violations during the civil war.

Tensions had been building between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe for some time, as the president did not approve of economic reforms introduced by the prime minister.

Sirisena said at the rally that he would not be discouraged by resistance in Parliament, civil society and the international community to his actions.

"Even if there are threats, pressure and forces, I will only move forward and will not take a step back," he said.

Thousands of Sri Lankans marched Monday in support of a new government led by the country's former strongman, highlighting the political polarization in the Indian Ocean island nation.

Thousands of Sri Lankans marched Monday in support of a new government led by the country's former strongman, highlighting the political polarization in the Indian Ocean island nation. The rally near Parliament came amid a constitutional crisis sparked by President Maithripala Sirisena's move to oust Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, replace him with ex-leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and suspend Parliament. Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate his official residence, insisting he is the lawful prime minister and that the president had no constitutional right to replace him. Thousands of his supporters have been keeping vigil. Supporters of Rajapaksa at the rally chanted "Whose power is this? Mahinda's power!" As patriotic songs blared over loudspeakers, thousands shuffled through heavy rain toward a makeshift stage. Police and Sri Lankan special forces with semi-automatic rifles stood guard. Pradeep Kariyawasam, the head of Rajapaksa's party in Colombo, said that although Wickremesinghe continues to maintain he is the country's legitimate leader, "the people are with us." "Give people a chance to choose their government and not hide behind constitutional interpretations," he said. Sirisena and Rajapaksa arrived at the rally amid loud cheers. Sirisena told the crowd that the change he initiated was more than a personnel shift. "I ousted a vision that is incompatible with our local culture and values, and that works according to foreign agendas," Sirisena said. "For the past 3 ? years, poor people were suppressed by Ranil Wickremesinghe's economic and political vision. Local thoughts were rejected and an extreme neo-liberal form of governance was carried out." He was referring to Wickremesinghe's free-market economic policies and public-private partnerships with companies from China and India to operate strategic centers such as ports and airports. Rajapaksa supporters have accused Wickremesinghe of selling Sri Lanka's assets, citing a 99-year lease agreement his government struck with Hong Kong conglomerate China Merchants Port Holdings Co Ltd last year to operate a failing port developed with Chinese debt during Rajapaksa's decadelong presidency. Critics of Sirisena's actions say Parliament was suspended to give Rajapaksa time to gather enough support to survive a no-confidence vote when lawmakers reconvene November 14. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said on Monday that he won't recognize the new appointments until either side is able to prove it has a majority. It means that the speaker still recognizes a Wickremesinghe-led Parliament. "I wish to emphasize that I am compelled to accept the status that existed previously until such time that they (the pro-Wickremesinghe lawmakers) and the new political alliance prove their majority in Parliament," he said. The statement was fuel at Rajapaksa's five-hour rally. Lawmaker Susil Premjayantha told the crowd that electing a new speaker could be the first order of business when Parliament reopens, suggesting the party will bring a no-confidence motion against Jayasuriya. Wickremesinghe said in an interview with The Associated Press last week that there is credible evidence that Rajapaksa's party is attempting to buy support in Parliament. Palitha Range Bandara, a United National Party lawmaker, has said that he was offered millions of dollars and a minister portfolio if he crossed over. Lawmakers from Rajapaksa's party have denied the allegations. Seven members of Wickremesinghe's United National Front have defected to Rajapaksa's government. On Saturday, the Tamil National Alliance ? an ethnic minority Tamil party ? said it will support a no-confidence motion to be brought against Rajapaksa, after one lawmaker from their party joined Rajapaksa's government. The Tamil party's 15 votes could give Wickremesinghe's camp a decisive edge over Rajapaksa. Both Sirisena and Rajapaksa attempted to woo Tamil lawmakers in their speeches at the rally. Speaking in the Tamil language, Rajapaksa promised to fulfill the Tamil people's needs. "What I ask from all Tamil and (Tamil-speaking) Muslim people and their political parties is to help to build up our country. I trust you and you can always trust me," Rajapaksa said. Ethnic minority Tamils in the country's north and east are still reeling from the effects of a 26-year civil war between Tamil Tiger separatists and government troops. Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by the ethnic Sinhalese majority for winning the conflict. Tens of thousands of civilians were reportedly killed in the final months of the war in 2009, when government troops brutally crushed the rebels. Thousands more are still missing. Sirisena came into power in 2015 promising to address the issues affecting the Tamils and investigate allegations of war crimes against both sides of the conflict, but has done little in either area. He was also critical of investigations into military personnel accused of human rights violations during the civil war. Tensions had been building between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe for some time, as the president did not approve of economic reforms introduced by the prime minister. Sirisena said at the rally that he would not be discouraged by resistance in Parliament, civil society and the international community to his actions. "Even if there are threats, pressure and forces, I will only move forward and will not take a step back," he said.

Thousands march in support of Sri Lanka's new government

Sri Lanka has yet to fully restore civilian ownership of thousands of acres of land taken over during the civil war with the LTTE for military purposes, according to a US-based human rights group.

The Human Rights Watch, in a report published this week, said the progress, particularly since the election of a new government in 2015, has been hindered by broad military claims of national security and the lack of a transparent process.

"The Sri Lankan government has yet to fully restore civilian ownership of land and property nearly a decade since the end of the civil war in 2009," said the 80-page report titled "'Why Can't We Go Home?': Military Occupation of Land in Sri Lanka."

The report identifies the lack of transparency and due process, failure to map occupied land, inadequate support to affected people and communities, and prolonged delays in providing appropriate reparations for decades of loss and suffering.

&nbsp;The military has also used some confiscated lands for commercial profit rather than national security and returned damaged or destroyed property to owners without compensation, the report said.

The HRW report is based on over 100 interviews between August 2017 to May 2018 with members of affected communities, activists, local officials, and lawyers. It looks into cases of military occupation and land release in 20 areas in six districts, primarily in Sri Lanka's north and east.

The three-decade long civil war in Sri Lanka ended with the defeat of the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009. Large areas, including those previously held by the LTTE in the north and east, came under military control after the war.

While the then president Mahinda Rajapaksa released some land to its original owners, the military retained control over large areas, the report said. 
The new government led by President Maithripala Sirisena took some steps to release civilian land held by the security forces, it added.

At the United Nations Human Rights Council in October 2015, the Sri Lankan government promised to address conflict-related issues, including returning land to its original owners. However, the government's response has fallen far short of its promises, it added.

Sirisena has asked his officials to complete the return of lands to civilians by the end of this year, it noted.

Human Rights Watch has documented a number of cases in which properties were destroyed while held by the military after the war, including temples, churches, mosques, and Buddhist shrines.

Sri Lanka has yet to fully restore civilian ownership of thousands of acres of land taken over during the civil war with the LTTE for military purposes, according to a US-based human rights group.

Sri Lanka has yet to fully restore civilian ownership of thousands of acres of land taken over during the civil war with the LTTE for military purposes, according to a US-based human rights group. The Human Rights Watch, in a report published this week, said the progress, particularly since the election of a new government in 2015, has been hindered by broad military claims of national security and the lack of a transparent process. "The Sri Lankan government has yet to fully restore civilian ownership of land and property nearly a decade since the end of the civil war in 2009," said the 80-page report titled "'Why Can't We Go Home?': Military Occupation of Land in Sri Lanka." The report identifies the lack of transparency and due process, failure to map occupied land, inadequate support to affected people and communities, and prolonged delays in providing appropriate reparations for decades of loss and suffering. The military has also used some confiscated lands for commercial profit rather than national security and returned damaged or destroyed property to owners without compensation, the report said. The HRW report is based on over 100 interviews between August 2017 to May 2018 with members of affected communities, activists, local officials, and lawyers. It looks into cases of military occupation and land release in 20 areas in six districts, primarily in Sri Lanka's north and east. The three-decade long civil war in Sri Lanka ended with the defeat of the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009. Large areas, including those previously held by the LTTE in the north and east, came under military control after the war. While the then president Mahinda Rajapaksa released some land to its original owners, the military retained control over large areas, the report said. The new government led by President Maithripala Sirisena took some steps to release civilian land held by the security forces, it added. At the United Nations Human Rights Council in October 2015, the Sri Lankan government promised to address conflict-related issues, including returning land to its original owners. However, the government's response has fallen far short of its promises, it added. Sirisena has asked his officials to complete the return of lands to civilians by the end of this year, it noted. Human Rights Watch has documented a number of cases in which properties were destroyed while held by the military after the war, including temples, churches, mosques, and Buddhist shrines.

Lankan government too slow to return civilian lands held for military activity: Report

A political party backed by Sri Lanka`s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa looks set for a landslide victory in local polls, early results showed on Sunday, potentially undermining the country`s unity government and its reform agenda.&nbsp;

The unexpectedly strong showing could lead to defections away from the centre-left party led by President Maithripala Sirisena, a partner in the country`s coalition government, analysts said, creating instability in the legislature.

The local polls were the first elections since the unity government of Sirisena`s centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe`s centre-right United National Party (UNP) took office in August 2015.

Rajapaksa`s Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a party formed by breakaway members of Sirisena` party, has secured 97 local bodies out of results for 139 councils so far released as at 0650 GMT. The UNP took control of 18 councils and SLFP six.

Results for another 201 local bodies are yet to be released. The long-delayed election comes after the councils were dissolved over two years ago after their tenure ended.

&quot;Rajapaksa`s electoral performance comes as a surprise and will be problematic for President Sirisena,&quot; Shailesh Kumar, director with political risk consultants Eurasia Group said.

Dinesh Gunawardena, an opposition legislator and member of SLPP, told reporters in Colombo that the Sirisena &quot;government has lost the people`s mandate and should resign now&quot;.

Rajapaksa, a legislator in the opposition benches, commands the backing of 54 legislators who have defected from Sirisena`s party. The president`s party has 41 legislators and the prime minister`s party commands 106 MPs in the 225-member parliament.

&quot;The parliament is likely to see defections and Rajapaksa will call the shots,&quot; Kusal Perera, a local political columnist said.

Rajapaksa campaigned against the government`s failure to curb the cost of living and to take action against corruption, as well as higher taxes, the privatisation of state assets, and less welfare for the poor and retired soldiers.&nbsp;

The government has promised a new constitution that devolves power, the facilitation of an international probe into alleged war crimes during the final phase of a 26-year civil war, IMF-backed fiscal discipline and post-war reconciliation.&nbsp;

However, it has yet to deliver on these reforms or on promised anti-corruption measures.

The unexpected defeat comes after a bitter fight between the parties led by the president and prime minister, which blamed each other for the failures in the run-up to the local polls.&nbsp;

The president and his supporters have opposed or neutralised many of the UNP reforms. Under the constitution, Sirisena cannot dissolve the parliament until early 2020, while the parliament needs a two-third majority to impeach the president.

Sirisena has said he wants to take charge of the economy, which is currently handled by the UNP, and has blamed the prime minister`s party for failing to tackle corruption.&nbsp;

Danushka Samarasinghe, research head at Softlogic Stockbrokers said the results could bring more uncertainty to the market and ongoing economic reforms could be overshadowed by parliamentary politics.

A political party backed by Sri Lanka`s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa looks set for a landslide victory in local polls, early results showed on Sunday, potentially undermining the country`s unity government and its reform agenda.

A political party backed by Sri Lanka`s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa looks set for a landslide victory in local polls, early results showed on Sunday, potentially undermining the country`s unity government and its reform agenda. The unexpectedly strong showing could lead to defections away from the centre-left party led by President Maithripala Sirisena, a partner in the country`s coalition government, analysts said, creating instability in the legislature. The local polls were the first elections since the unity government of Sirisena`s centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe`s centre-right United National Party (UNP) took office in August 2015. Rajapaksa`s Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a party formed by breakaway members of Sirisena` party, has secured 97 local bodies out of results for 139 councils so far released as at 0650 GMT. The UNP took control of 18 councils and SLFP six. Results for another 201 local bodies are yet to be released. The long-delayed election comes after the councils were dissolved over two years ago after their tenure ended. "Rajapaksa`s electoral performance comes as a surprise and will be problematic for President Sirisena," Shailesh Kumar, director with political risk consultants Eurasia Group said. Dinesh Gunawardena, an opposition legislator and member of SLPP, told reporters in Colombo that the Sirisena "government has lost the people`s mandate and should resign now". Rajapaksa, a legislator in the opposition benches, commands the backing of 54 legislators who have defected from Sirisena`s party. The president`s party has 41 legislators and the prime minister`s party commands 106 MPs in the 225-member parliament. "The parliament is likely to see defections and Rajapaksa will call the shots," Kusal Perera, a local political columnist said. Rajapaksa campaigned against the government`s failure to curb the cost of living and to take action against corruption, as well as higher taxes, the privatisation of state assets, and less welfare for the poor and retired soldiers. The government has promised a new constitution that devolves power, the facilitation of an international probe into alleged war crimes during the final phase of a 26-year civil war, IMF-backed fiscal discipline and post-war reconciliation. However, it has yet to deliver on these reforms or on promised anti-corruption measures. The unexpected defeat comes after a bitter fight between the parties led by the president and prime minister, which blamed each other for the failures in the run-up to the local polls. The president and his supporters have opposed or neutralised many of the UNP reforms. Under the constitution, Sirisena cannot dissolve the parliament until early 2020, while the parliament needs a two-third majority to impeach the president. Sirisena has said he wants to take charge of the economy, which is currently handled by the UNP, and has blamed the prime minister`s party for failing to tackle corruption. Danushka Samarasinghe, research head at Softlogic Stockbrokers said the results could bring more uncertainty to the market and ongoing economic reforms could be overshadowed by parliamentary politics.

Sri Lanka ex-leader-backed party set for landslide victory in local polls