The parliamentary election in Sri Lanka got over on Thursday (Nov 14). On Friday, initial results from the Election Commission showed that President&nbsp;Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party- the National People's Power (NPP) was headed for a victory in the polls.&nbsp;

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump has named&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;

In other news from around the world, the Indian home ministry&nbsp;extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in six Police Stations of five districts of Manipur with immediate effect up till March 31, 2025, to address well-coordinated operation by the security forces in the&nbsp;state to maintain security situation.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliamentary-election-ruling-npp-set-for-landslide-victory-in-polls-776337">Sri Lanka parliamentary election: Ruling NPP set for landslide victory in polls</a>

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Sri Lankan President&nbsp;Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party- the National People's Power (NPP) was headed for a victory in the parliamentary election, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (Nov 15) citing initial results from the Election Commission.

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United States President-elect Donald Trump announced yet another controversial appointment, naming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Calling it the "most important role of any Administration", Trump said that Kennedy will help "Make America Great and Healthy Again!”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-to-impose-afspa-in-six-police-stations-of-manipur-776341">Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur</a>

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Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday extended Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in six Police Stations of five districts of Manipur with immediate effect up till March 31, 2025 to address well-coordinated operation by the security forces in the ethnic violent-hit state to maintain security situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rfk-jr-todd-blanche-doug-burgum-donald-trumps-top-picks-spark-debate-776331">RFK Jr, Todd Blanche, Doug Burgum: Donald Trump's top picks spark debate</a>

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Donald Trump's top picks for his cabinet has sparked a debate. On Thursday (Nov 14), Trump announced&nbsp;North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as the secretary of the Department of the Interior,&nbsp;Doug Collins as the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and&nbsp;Todd Blanche as the second-highest-ranking Justice Department official.&nbsp;

Watch | World DNA:&nbsp;GRAP III curbs in Delhi amid ‘severe’ AQI

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The parliamentary election in Sri Lanka got over on Thursday (Nov 14). On Friday, initial results from the Election Commission showed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party- the National People's Power (NPP) was headed for a victory in the polls.

The parliamentary election in Sri Lanka got over on Thursday (Nov 14). On Friday, initial results from the Election Commission showed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party- the National People's Power (NPP) was headed for a victory in the polls. United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump has named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. In other news from around the world, the Indian home ministry extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in six Police Stations of five districts of Manipur with immediate effect up till March 31, 2025, to address well-coordinated operation by the security forces in the state to maintain security situation. Click on the headlines to read more: Sri Lanka parliamentary election: Ruling NPP set for landslide victory in polls Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party- the National People's Power (NPP) was headed for a victory in the parliamentary election, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (Nov 15) citing initial results from the Election Commission. Donald Trump names vaccine sceptic RFK Jr as Health and Human Services secretary United States President-elect Donald Trump announced yet another controversial appointment, naming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Calling it the "most important role of any Administration", Trump said that Kennedy will help "Make America Great and Healthy Again!” Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday extended Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in six Police Stations of five districts of Manipur with immediate effect up till March 31, 2025 to address well-coordinated operation by the security forces in the ethnic violent-hit state to maintain security situation. RFK Jr, Todd Blanche, Doug Burgum: Donald Trump's top picks spark debate Donald Trump's top picks for his cabinet has sparked a debate. On Thursday (Nov 14), Trump announced North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as the secretary of the Department of the Interior, Doug Collins as the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Todd Blanche as the second-highest-ranking Justice Department official. Watch | World DNA: GRAP III curbs in Delhi amid ‘severe’ AQI ×

Morning brief: NPP set for landslide win in Sri Lanka parliamentary polls; RFK Jr named US health secy, & more

The ruling National People's Power (NPP) coalition in Sri Lanka won a majority in Thursday's (Nov 14) parliamentary election, the news agency AFP reported on Friday citing the provisional results.

The ruling National People's Power (NPP) coalition in Sri Lanka won a majority in Thursday's (Nov 14) parliamentary election, the news agency AFP reported on Friday citing the provisional results. The NPP coalition won at least 159 seats in the 225-member assembly -- exceeding a two-thirds majority. "Thank you to all who voted for a renaissance," Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in a brief statement on social media platform X. The coalition had a monumental 61.5 per cent of the vote while opposition leader Sajith Premadasa's party was well behind with only 17.6 per cent, AFP reported. NPP leading in almost every constituency A total of 8,880 candidates were vying for Parliament's 225 seats. Voting closed after nine hours on Thursday. AFP reported that voter turnout was estimated at under 70 per cent, less than that in the September presidential election where nearly 80 per cent of Sri Lanka's eligible voters cast a ballot. Also read | Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards conduct 7th high-level meet, to combat transnational maritime crime The initial results (of the parliamentary election) had revealed that the NPP was comfortably leading in almost every constituency in the 225-member house. The NPP had only three seats in the outgoing Parliament. The police said on Thursday that voting happened without any incidents of violence, unlike most ballots of recent years. However, three election workers died due to illness while on duty. 'A crucial election' Addressing a press conference in Colombo, President Dissanayake said, "We believe that this is a crucial election that will mark a turning point in Sri Lanka." Also watch | Sri Lanka's Race to Power: Ruling NPP heads for landslide victory in parliamentary polls × "At this election, the NPP expects a mandate for a very strong majority in parliament," he said referring to the coalition party in which his JVP, or People's Liberation Front, (JVP) which is the main constituent. Dissanayake won the September presidential election on a promise to combat graft and recover the country's stolen assets, two years following an unprecedented economic meltdown when then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was ousted. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka parliamentary election: Ruling NPP coalition wins majority in polls

Yet another election will be held in Sri Lanka, undeterred by the COVID-19 crisis. Though some sane voices have pleaded for postponement of election to a future date after the end of &nbsp;COVID-19 crisis, the powers that be in Sri Lanka have decided that election should take place now. &nbsp;Certainly, heaven will not fall if the election&nbsp;in Sri Lanka would be postponed by a few months. &nbsp;But, these days, all&nbsp;over the world, sane voices are seldom heard.

With election fever now gripping Sri Lanka, political parties and politicians are placing themselves in the forefront, with COVID-19 crisis being relegated to the background.

The Tamil parties in Sri Lanka, which are&nbsp;quite a few now, are campaigning&nbsp;and advancing several arguments, largely related to the past issues&nbsp;that confronted Sri Lankan Tamils. One of the prime focus point in the campaign is the genocide that has taken place during the civil war between Tamil rebels and Sri Lankan army. Some Tamil parties seem to think that the demand for punishing those involved in genocide would appeal to the Tamil voters and win them the vote bank.

While it is true that thousands of people lost their lives in the unfortunate &nbsp;civil war that took place over several years, the fact is that innocent Tamils, innocent Sinhalese &nbsp;too have lost their lives, apart from the fighters in the Tamil militant groups and Sri Lankan armed forces. The ground reality is that substantial number of innocent Tamils lost their lives due to the quarrel and conflict of interest between different Tamil militant groups, who were fighting bitterly amongst themselves to get leadership position.

The genocide did happen but it happened not only due to the action of the Sri Lankan army but also due to the action of several militant Tamil groups. The militant Tamil groups fought between themselves to eliminate one another and in the process, several innocent Tamils died.

Now, the situation has turned one full circle and normalcy has been restored in Tamil region of Sri Lanka and the solidarity of Sri Lanka nation has been protected .

While the UN Human Rights Commission has ordered an enquiry and several activists from distance have also condemned &nbsp;the violent developments during the war period, the discerning people in Sri Lanka including the Tamils know that such enquiry commission and views of activists are only for public consumption and nothing worthwhile would happen.

The entire Sri Lanka has suffered due to the civil war and it is high time that everyone in Sri Lanka including the Tamils would &nbsp;look forward to the future, instead getting bogged down in discussions and arguments about the past conflicts, for which both the Sri Lankan army&nbsp;and Tamil militant groups should be held equally responsible for the loss of lives of innocent people and severe damage caused to the economy.

After the militant groups lost their battle &nbsp;and unity of Sri Lanka was restored, several reconstruction projects have been implemented in the&nbsp;region devastated by war with international support and more of such projects are now being planned and implemented.

The Tamils in Sri Lanka have enormous opportunities ahead and they can avail them only if they would integrate themselves with the rest of the Sri Lankan population.&nbsp;

During the forthcoming election, Sri Lankan Tamils should clearly demand that the political parties campaigning for votes should submit their blue print for industrial, economic and social growth of Sri Lanka.

It is high time that Tamils in Sri Lanka, whose voices were not heard by the Sri Lankan army or Tamil militants during several years of civil &nbsp;war, should now assert themselves and ask for forward looking policies and programmes in the integrated Sri Lanka.

While the Tamils need to stop looking at themselves as separate entity and whole heartedly&nbsp;and emotionally think that they are Sri Lankan citizens, it is vitally important that the political leaders in Sri Lanka including those in charge of the Sri Lankan government and opposition parties in Sri Lankan parliament should facilitate a progressive&nbsp;and civilized climate, by avoiding hate speeches or trying to whip up passion for the sake of votes in the election.

Sri Lankan Tamils have now an opportunity to revisit their priorities and exercise their franchise in the forthcoming election in favour of unifying forces, to pave way for a progressive path for the Sri Lankan Tamils, who have suffered enormously in the past due to the civil war and deserve better, forward looking and prosperous future.

 
&nbsp;

Yet another election will be held in Sri Lanka, undeterred by the COVID-19 crisis. Though some sane voices have pleaded for postponement of election to a future date after the end of COVID-19 crisis, the powers that be in Sri Lanka have decided that election should take place now.

Yet another election will be held in Sri Lanka, undeterred by the COVID-19 crisis. Though some sane voices have pleaded for postponement of election to a future date after the end of COVID-19 crisis, the powers that be in Sri Lanka have decided that election should take place now. Certainly, heaven will not fall if the election in Sri Lanka would be postponed by a few months. But, these days, all over the world, sane voices are seldom heard. With election fever now gripping Sri Lanka, political parties and politicians are placing themselves in the forefront, with COVID-19 crisis being relegated to the background. The Tamil parties in Sri Lanka, which are quite a few now, are campaigning and advancing several arguments, largely related to the past issues that confronted Sri Lankan Tamils. One of the prime focus point in the campaign is the genocide that has taken place during the civil war between Tamil rebels and Sri Lankan army. Some Tamil parties seem to think that the demand for punishing those involved in genocide would appeal to the Tamil voters and win them the vote bank. While it is true that thousands of people lost their lives in the unfortunate civil war that took place over several years, the fact is that innocent Tamils, innocent Sinhalese too have lost their lives, apart from the fighters in the Tamil militant groups and Sri Lankan armed forces. The ground reality is that substantial number of innocent Tamils lost their lives due to the quarrel and conflict of interest between different Tamil militant groups, who were fighting bitterly amongst themselves to get leadership position. The genocide did happen but it happened not only due to the action of the Sri Lankan army but also due to the action of several militant Tamil groups. The militant Tamil groups fought between themselves to eliminate one another and in the process, several innocent Tamils died. Now, the situation has turned one full circle and normalcy has been restored in Tamil region of Sri Lanka and the solidarity of Sri Lanka nation has been protected . While the UN Human Rights Commission has ordered an enquiry and several activists from distance have also condemned the violent developments during the war period, the discerning people in Sri Lanka including the Tamils know that such enquiry commission and views of activists are only for public consumption and nothing worthwhile would happen. The entire Sri Lanka has suffered due to the civil war and it is high time that everyone in Sri Lanka including the Tamils would look forward to the future, instead getting bogged down in discussions and arguments about the past conflicts, for which both the Sri Lankan army and Tamil militant groups should be held equally responsible for the loss of lives of innocent people and severe damage caused to the economy. After the militant groups lost their battle and unity of Sri Lanka was restored, several reconstruction projects have been implemented in the region devastated by war with international support and more of such projects are now being planned and implemented. The Tamils in Sri Lanka have enormous opportunities ahead and they can avail them only if they would integrate themselves with the rest of the Sri Lankan population. During the forthcoming election, Sri Lankan Tamils should clearly demand that the political parties campaigning for votes should submit their blue print for industrial, economic and social growth of Sri Lanka. It is high time that Tamils in Sri Lanka, whose voices were not heard by the Sri Lankan army or Tamil militants during several years of civil war, should now assert themselves and ask for forward looking policies and programmes in the integrated Sri Lanka. While the Tamils need to stop looking at themselves as separate entity and whole heartedly and emotionally think that they are Sri Lankan citizens, it is vitally important that the political leaders in Sri Lanka including those in charge of the Sri Lankan government and opposition parties in Sri Lankan parliament should facilitate a progressive and civilized climate, by avoiding hate speeches or trying to whip up passion for the sake of votes in the election. Sri Lankan Tamils have now an opportunity to revisit their priorities and exercise their franchise in the forthcoming election in favour of unifying forces, to pave way for a progressive path for the Sri Lankan Tamils, who have suffered enormously in the past due to the civil war and deserve better, forward looking and prosperous future.

Opportunity for Sri Lankan Tamils to revisit their priorities

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed&nbsp;heads of all state institutions, including corporations and statutory boards as well as members of the director boards, not to support any political party or engage in political activity at the upcoming parliamentary election.&nbsp;

If the head of any state institution, director board member or any other official wishes to support a political party or engage in any political activity, the President insisted that they should first resign from their post, the President's Media Division (PMD) said today.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-holds-mock-poll-to-test-covid-19-guidelines-for-parliamentary-election-304008" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka holds mock poll to test COVID-19 guidelines for parliamentary election</a>

The PMD added that President Rajapaksa never expects heads of state&nbsp;institutions or any other government official to engage in politics on behalf of the government. Their task is to ensure that their institution works efficiently, is free of corruption, disciplined and is profitable. State institutions run on public funds. Therefore, they should not be a burden to the people, he stressed.&nbsp;

Accordingly, the President insisted that physical resources such as vehicles and equipment belonging to ministries, departments, corporations, statutory boards or financial resources belonging to them should not be used for political activities of any party during the upcoming parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Stern legal action will be taken against any official who is found to have disregarded these instructions, the PMD stressed.&nbsp;

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed heads of all state institutions, including corporations and statutory boards as well as members of the director boards, not to support any political party or engage in political activity at the upcoming parliamentary election.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed heads of all state institutions, including corporations and statutory boards as well as members of the director boards, not to support any political party or engage in political activity at the upcoming parliamentary election. If the head of any state institution, director board member or any other official wishes to support a political party or engage in any political activity, the President insisted that they should first resign from their post, the President's Media Division (PMD) said today. Also read: Sri Lanka holds mock poll to test COVID-19 guidelines for parliamentary election The PMD added that President Rajapaksa never expects heads of state institutions or any other government official to engage in politics on behalf of the government. Their task is to ensure that their institution works efficiently, is free of corruption, disciplined and is profitable. State institutions run on public funds. Therefore, they should not be a burden to the people, he stressed. Accordingly, the President insisted that physical resources such as vehicles and equipment belonging to ministries, departments, corporations, statutory boards or financial resources belonging to them should not be used for political activities of any party during the upcoming parliamentary election. Stern legal action will be taken against any official who is found to have disregarded these instructions, the PMD stressed.

Sri Lankan President tells state officials not to get involved in political campaigning

With 619 total positive coronavirus cases and 7 deaths, Sri Lanka has been subject to economic and health problems since it began the nationwide lockdown. As the country is trying to fight the war against the virus, the island is also facing political disturbances.

The number of positive cases increased tremendously after 30 new positive cases were&nbsp;reported in a Sri Lankan Navy facility few days ago. Colombo is one the worst-hit cities in the country with more than 150 cases.&nbsp;Health officials have said that&nbsp;they have increased the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and&nbsp;aim to conduct around 100 PCR tests in a day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sewage-new-way-to-deduct-prevalence-of-covid-19-by-scientists-295127">Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists</a>

Now, the country is also facing a huge cash crunch as the Parliament has been shut for the past few weeks with respect to the lockdown.&nbsp;Opposition MP and former finance minister Mangala Samaraweera demanded an&nbsp;immediate return of the 225-member assembly to avoid a financial crisis.

"Failure to do so, especially at a time of a pandemic is bound to have serious repercussions... in light of international obligations," Samaraweera said in a letter to the President.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-coronavirus-root-cause-or-bear-worse-pandemics-say-worlds-leading-scientists-295122" hreflang="en">Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists</a>

The opposition is accusing the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of using this&nbsp;lockdown to sidestep constitutional requirements, and have called on urgently&nbsp;recalling parliament, which was dissolved ahead of elections.

"The question is whether they want a parliament at all. To me it looks like they want to continue without a parliament," former legislator Harsha de Silva told a media organization.

The President has dismissed all accusations assuring that he means well for his citizens.

With 619 total positive coronavirus cases and 7 deaths, Sri Lanka has been subject to economic and health problems since it began the nationwide lockdown. As the country is trying to fight the war against the virus, the island is also facing political disturbances.

With 619 total positive coronavirus cases and 7 deaths, Sri Lanka has been subject to economic and health problems since it began the nationwide lockdown. As the country is trying to fight the war against the virus, the island is also facing political disturbances. The number of positive cases increased tremendously after 30 new positive cases were reported in a Sri Lankan Navy facility few days ago. Colombo is one the worst-hit cities in the country with more than 150 cases. Health officials have said that they have increased the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and aim to conduct around 100 PCR tests in a day. Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists Now, the country is also facing a huge cash crunch as the Parliament has been shut for the past few weeks with respect to the lockdown. Opposition MP and former finance minister Mangala Samaraweera demanded an immediate return of the 225-member assembly to avoid a financial crisis. "Failure to do so, especially at a time of a pandemic is bound to have serious repercussions... in light of international obligations," Samaraweera said in a letter to the President. Also read: Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists The opposition is accusing the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of using this lockdown to sidestep constitutional requirements, and have called on urgently recalling parliament, which was dissolved ahead of elections. "The question is whether they want a parliament at all. To me it looks like they want to continue without a parliament," former legislator Harsha de Silva told a media organization. The President has dismissed all accusations assuring that he means well for his citizens.

Sri Lanka in financial crisis as Parliament shuts due to coronavirus

Sri Lanka delayed parliamentary elections as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-climb-to-43-in-sri-lanka-no-lockdown-says-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-287155">deadly coronavirus cases continue to surge</a> globally, country's election commission informed on Thurday. The elections were schedued for April 25.

Sri Lanka will not be in a position to conduct parliamentary elections due to the coronavirus outbreak, Mahinda Deshapriya, the chairman of the country's election commission, said.

Globally, there are almost 219,000 reported cases of coronavirus and over 8,900 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-confirmed-cases-surge-to-237-in-pakistan-287088">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus confirmed cases surge to 237 in Pakistan</a>

Over 20,000 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, over 5,000 more than China reported during the peak of the virus in Wuhan.

The virus has now been confirmed in 172 countries and territories.

In Sri Lanka, there are over 50 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyi-claims-myanmar-has-zero-coronavirus-cases-despite-1400-mile-porous-border-with-china-287112">Also Read: Aung San Suu Kyi claims Myanmar has zero coronavirus</a>

Earlier this week, Sri Lanka banned all incoming flights for two weeks, and imposed a curfew in some areas under the prcationary measures.

The authorities also announced closure of schools, bringing forward the holidays by three weeks.

On Wednesday, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said there was no need for a lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-climb-to-43-in-sri-lanka-no-lockdown-says-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-287155">Also read: Coronavirus cases climb to 43 in Sri Lanka; no lockdown, says President Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a>

“Even during the 30-year war, during the tenure of the Rajapaksa government, we did not take any decision to lockdown cities or the country," the Sri Lankan President said.

"We managed to defeat LTTE terrorism unlike other countries in the world. Other countries may have the best medical facilities but we managed to cure infected people with our efforts," Gotabaya Rajapaksa added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka delayed parliamentary elections as the deadly coronavirus cases continue to surge globally, country's election commission informed on Thurday. The elections were schedued for April 25.

Sri Lanka delayed parliamentary elections as the deadly coronavirus cases continue to surge globally, country's election commission informed on Thurday. The elections were schedued for April 25. Sri Lanka will not be in a position to conduct parliamentary elections due to the coronavirus outbreak, Mahinda Deshapriya, the chairman of the country's election commission, said. Globally, there are almost 219,000 reported cases of coronavirus and over 8,900 deaths. Also Read: Coronavirus confirmed cases surge to 237 in Pakistan Over 20,000 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, over 5,000 more than China reported during the peak of the virus in Wuhan. The virus has now been confirmed in 172 countries and territories. In Sri Lanka, there are over 50 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far. Also Read: Aung San Suu Kyi claims Myanmar has zero coronavirus Earlier this week, Sri Lanka banned all incoming flights for two weeks, and imposed a curfew in some areas under the prcationary measures. The authorities also announced closure of schools, bringing forward the holidays by three weeks. On Wednesday, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said there was no need for a lockdown. Also read: Coronavirus cases climb to 43 in Sri Lanka; no lockdown, says President Gotabaya Rajapaksa “Even during the 30-year war, during the tenure of the Rajapaksa government, we did not take any decision to lockdown cities or the country," the Sri Lankan President said. "We managed to defeat LTTE terrorism unlike other countries in the world. Other countries may have the best medical facilities but we managed to cure infected people with our efforts," Gotabaya Rajapaksa added. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka delays parliamentary elections due to coronavirus outbreak