Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of Tamil Tigers a decade ago, stormed to power Sunday but promised to be a president for all Sri Lanka's races and religions after a divisive election.

Seven months after Islamist extremist attacks that killed 269 people, Rajapaksa was elected on Saturday on the back of a nationalist campaign promising security and to crush religious extremism in the Buddhist-majority country.

However, Rajapaksa's triumph will alarm Sri Lanka's Tamil and Muslim minorities as well as activists, journalists and possibly some in the international community following the 2005-15 presidency of his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa.

On Sunday Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 70, thanked all voters in an election that heightened ethnic and religious tensions in a country that only a decade ago emerged from a brutal civil war that cost 100,000 lives.

"I am conscious that I am also the president of those who used the vote against me," he said as he was formally declared the hands-down winner with 52.25 per cent of the vote.

"It is my duty to serve all Sri Lankans without race or religious discrimination," he said. "I promise to discharge my duties in a fair manner."

Election results showed minority Tamil and Muslim communities voting overwhelmingly for the ruling party candidate Sajith Premadasa who came a distant second with 41.99 per cent.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, with Gotabaya -- nicknamed "Terminator" by his own family -- effectively running the security forces, ended a 37-year civil war with Tamil separatists.

His decade in power was also marked by alleged rights abuses, murky extra-judicial killings and closer ties with China.

"I didn't sleep all night," said student Devni, 22, one of around 30 people who gathered outside Rajapaksa's Colombo residence. "I am so excited, he is the president we need."

Premadasa, 52, of the ruling party, conceded the race and congratulated Rajapaksa and urged him to implement his manifesto promising tax cuts, free food rations and subsidies to farmers.

Rajapaksa is due to be sworn in on Monday at the ancient north-central Buddhist pilgrim city of Anuradhapura. Turnout in Saturday's vote was 83.7 per cent.

Intelligence failure

Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who is under pressure from his cabinet colleagues to step down.

Wickremesinghe's administration failed to prevent the April attacks despite prior and detailed intelligence warnings from India, according to a parliamentary investigation.

On Sunday three cabinet members resigned -- including Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

Premadasa is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a Tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993.

But Gotabaya is adored by the Sinhalese majority and the powerful Buddhist clergy for how he and Mahinda ended the war in 2009 when 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly perished at the hands of the army.

Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations.

This makes the brothers detested and feared among many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. Some in the Muslim community -- who make up 10 per cent -- are also fearful of Gotabaya, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks.

Under Mahinda, Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Sunday that India looked forward to "deepening the close and fraternal ties... and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region".

The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations.

Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics.

The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking Muslim voters to cast ballots. Two people were injured.

According to the Election Commission, the contest was, however, the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of Tamil Tigers a decade ago, stormed to power Sunday but promised to be a president for all Sri Lanka's races and religions after a divisive election.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of Tamil Tigers a decade ago, stormed to power Sunday but promised to be a president for all Sri Lanka's races and religions after a divisive election. Seven months after Islamist extremist attacks that killed 269 people, Rajapaksa was elected on Saturday on the back of a nationalist campaign promising security and to crush religious extremism in the Buddhist-majority country. However, Rajapaksa's triumph will alarm Sri Lanka's Tamil and Muslim minorities as well as activists, journalists and possibly some in the international community following the 2005-15 presidency of his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa. On Sunday Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 70, thanked all voters in an election that heightened ethnic and religious tensions in a country that only a decade ago emerged from a brutal civil war that cost 100,000 lives. "I am conscious that I am also the president of those who used the vote against me," he said as he was formally declared the hands-down winner with 52.25 per cent of the vote. "It is my duty to serve all Sri Lankans without race or religious discrimination," he said. "I promise to discharge my duties in a fair manner." Election results showed minority Tamil and Muslim communities voting overwhelmingly for the ruling party candidate Sajith Premadasa who came a distant second with 41.99 per cent. Mahinda Rajapaksa, with Gotabaya -- nicknamed "Terminator" by his own family -- effectively running the security forces, ended a 37-year civil war with Tamil separatists. His decade in power was also marked by alleged rights abuses, murky extra-judicial killings and closer ties with China. "I didn't sleep all night," said student Devni, 22, one of around 30 people who gathered outside Rajapaksa's Colombo residence. "I am so excited, he is the president we need." Premadasa, 52, of the ruling party, conceded the race and congratulated Rajapaksa and urged him to implement his manifesto promising tax cuts, free food rations and subsidies to farmers. Rajapaksa is due to be sworn in on Monday at the ancient north-central Buddhist pilgrim city of Anuradhapura. Turnout in Saturday's vote was 83.7 per cent. Intelligence failure Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who is under pressure from his cabinet colleagues to step down. Wickremesinghe's administration failed to prevent the April attacks despite prior and detailed intelligence warnings from India, according to a parliamentary investigation. On Sunday three cabinet members resigned -- including Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera. Premadasa is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a Tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993. But Gotabaya is adored by the Sinhalese majority and the powerful Buddhist clergy for how he and Mahinda ended the war in 2009 when 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly perished at the hands of the army. Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations. This makes the brothers detested and feared among many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. Some in the Muslim community -- who make up 10 per cent -- are also fearful of Gotabaya, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks. Under Mahinda, Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Sunday that India looked forward to "deepening the close and fraternal ties... and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region". The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations. Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics. The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking Muslim voters to cast ballots. Two people were injured. According to the Election Commission, the contest was, however, the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation.

'It's my duty to serve all Sri Lankans without race, religious discrimination: Newly elected President Rajapaksa

Voting in Sri Lanka's presidential election concluded on Saturday with reportedly registering over&nbsp;80% voter turnout.&nbsp;

Some 85,000 police were on duty for the election with a record 35 candidates running for president, an office with considerable power similar to the French political system, with close to 16 million eligible voters.

Results could come as early as midday&nbsp;on Sunday if there is a clear winner.&nbsp;

Voting which began at 7 am in the morning&nbsp;ended at 5:00 pm.

One of the two frontrunners is grey-haired retired army lieutenant colonel Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 70, younger brother to the charismatic but controversial Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15.

Dubbed the "Terminator" by his own family, "Gota" is promising an infrastructure blitz and better security in the wake of the Islamist attacks in April that killed 269 people.

"Gotabaya will protect our country," construction worker Wasantha Samarajjeew, 51, said as he cast his ballot in Colombo.

His main rival is Sajith Premadasa, 52, from the governing liberal United National Party (UNP), son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa.

He is also pushing development and security as well as free sanitary pads for poor women, earning him the nickname "Padman" after a famous Bollywood movie.

The Rajapaksas are adored by Sri Lanka's Sinhalese majority for defeating Tamil Tiger separatists and ending a 37-year civil war in 2009.

They are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army.

During Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, even allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off political rivals, journalists and others.

He denies the allegations.

What also concerns Western countries, as well as India, is that strategically located Sri Lanka moved closer to China under Mahinda Rajapaksa, even allowing two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014.

Under its Belt and Road Initiative spanning Asia and beyond, China loaned and granted Sri Lanka billions of dollars for infrastructure projects, many of which turned into white elephants and mired in corruption allegations.

Mahinda says credit was unavailable elsewhere.

Western capitals "should give a fair chance to us", Basil Rajapaksa, another brother, told reporters. "They can't be monitors of this country. They must be partners."

(With inputs from agencies)

Voting in Sri Lanka's presidential election concluded on Saturday with reportedly registering over 80% voter turnout. Some 85,000 police were on duty for the election with a record 35 candidates running for president, an office with considerable power similar to the French political system, with close to 16 million eligible voters.

Voting in Sri Lanka's presidential election concluded on Saturday with reportedly registering over 80% voter turnout. Some 85,000 police were on duty for the election with a record 35 candidates running for president, an office with considerable power similar to the French political system, with close to 16 million eligible voters. Results could come as early as midday on Sunday if there is a clear winner. Voting which began at 7 am in the morning ended at 5:00 pm. One of the two frontrunners is grey-haired retired army lieutenant colonel Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 70, younger brother to the charismatic but controversial Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15. Dubbed the "Terminator" by his own family, "Gota" is promising an infrastructure blitz and better security in the wake of the Islamist attacks in April that killed 269 people. "Gotabaya will protect our country," construction worker Wasantha Samarajjeew, 51, said as he cast his ballot in Colombo. His main rival is Sajith Premadasa, 52, from the governing liberal United National Party (UNP), son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa. He is also pushing development and security as well as free sanitary pads for poor women, earning him the nickname "Padman" after a famous Bollywood movie. The Rajapaksas are adored by Sri Lanka's Sinhalese majority for defeating Tamil Tiger separatists and ending a 37-year civil war in 2009. They are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army. During Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, even allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off political rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations. What also concerns Western countries, as well as India, is that strategically located Sri Lanka moved closer to China under Mahinda Rajapaksa, even allowing two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014. Under its Belt and Road Initiative spanning Asia and beyond, China loaned and granted Sri Lanka billions of dollars for infrastructure projects, many of which turned into white elephants and mired in corruption allegations. Mahinda says credit was unavailable elsewhere. Western capitals "should give a fair chance to us", Basil Rajapaksa, another brother, told reporters. "They can't be monitors of this country. They must be partners." (With inputs from agencies)

Voting concludes in Sri Lanka president polls; result may come by Sunday afternoon

Two of the nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who had resigned in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments following the Easter Sunday bombings, returned to the government fold on Wednesday, days after the country's chief Buddhist prelate urged them to reconsider the decision.

Kabir Hashim and AHM Haleem were sworn-in as ministers by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-policeman-defies-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-testify-at-attack-probe-228459">Maithripala Sirisena</a>.

The development came a day after a meeting of the Muslim ministers to reconsider their positions ended inconclusively.

Both Hashim and Haleem are from the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

It was not clear if other ministers from the main Muslim party, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, would return to the fold.

Along with the nine ministers, two provincial governors from the minority community also resigned on June 3 to allow the Lankan government to investigate allegations against some of them on links to an Islamist extremist group blamed for the deadly terror attacks that claimed 258 lives, including 11 Indians, and injured nearly 500.

They had also protested what they term the government's inability to ensure the safety of their community which constitutes nine per cent of the island's 21 million population.

The Muslim-owned properties and businesses were attacked by mobs and the Muslim ministers claimed that the minority community was facing arbitrary arrests on certain occasions.

A Muslim Cabinet minister and two provincial governors were accused of having sponsored the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/national-thowheeth-jamathntj-police-probe-sri-lanka-local-terror-groups-international-link-212667">National Thowheeth Jamaath</a> (NTJ) blamed for the attacks.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary probe was told that the Muslim clerics in the eastern Kathankudi area foresaw the Islam radicalism and had forewarned the political leadership as far back as 2017.

Moulavi Sahlan told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) that Sufi Islamic leaders in Kathankudi had informed the President's office, Prime Minister's Office and Attorney General's Department and the police chief about "the growing radicalism".

He said that Zahran Hashim, the leader of the NTJ, &nbsp;the banned outfit blamed for the attacks on three Colombo hotels and three churches, had asked them not to commemorate Christmas in 2016.

The former chief of the Kathankudi Police Ariyabandu Wedagedara said that he had not received any complaints on Zahran's extremism. Yet there had been sectarian clashes in the area.

Sirisena wanted the halt to proceedings of the PSC appointed by Assembly Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to probe the events leading to the attacks.

He had threatened not to reconvene the Cabinet until the government abandoned the select committee process.

Sirisena claimed that the committee proceedings were aimed at blaming the attacks on him being the Defence Minister for the intelligence failure.

There are 19 Muslims lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament and nine of them held Cabinet, state and deputy ministerial positions.

India had shared intelligence inputs with Sri Lanka about possible attacks weeks before the bombings.

Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath for the attacks.

Two of the nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who had resigned in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments following the Easter Sunday bombings, returned to the government fold on Wednesday, days after the country's chief Buddhist prelate urged them to reconsider the decision.

Two of the nine Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who had resigned in the wake of growing anti-minority sentiments following the Easter Sunday bombings, returned to the government fold on Wednesday, days after the country's chief Buddhist prelate urged them to reconsider the decision. Kabir Hashim and AHM Haleem were sworn-in as ministers by President Maithripala Sirisena. The development came a day after a meeting of the Muslim ministers to reconsider their positions ended inconclusively. Both Hashim and Haleem are from the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. It was not clear if other ministers from the main Muslim party, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, would return to the fold. Along with the nine ministers, two provincial governors from the minority community also resigned on June 3 to allow the Lankan government to investigate allegations against some of them on links to an Islamist extremist group blamed for the deadly terror attacks that claimed 258 lives, including 11 Indians, and injured nearly 500. They had also protested what they term the government's inability to ensure the safety of their community which constitutes nine per cent of the island's 21 million population. The Muslim-owned properties and businesses were attacked by mobs and the Muslim ministers claimed that the minority community was facing arbitrary arrests on certain occasions. A Muslim Cabinet minister and two provincial governors were accused of having sponsored the National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) blamed for the attacks. Meanwhile, a parliamentary probe was told that the Muslim clerics in the eastern Kathankudi area foresaw the Islam radicalism and had forewarned the political leadership as far back as 2017. Moulavi Sahlan told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) that Sufi Islamic leaders in Kathankudi had informed the President's office, Prime Minister's Office and Attorney General's Department and the police chief about "the growing radicalism". He said that Zahran Hashim, the leader of the NTJ, the banned outfit blamed for the attacks on three Colombo hotels and three churches, had asked them not to commemorate Christmas in 2016. The former chief of the Kathankudi Police Ariyabandu Wedagedara said that he had not received any complaints on Zahran's extremism. Yet there had been sectarian clashes in the area. Sirisena wanted the halt to proceedings of the PSC appointed by Assembly Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to probe the events leading to the attacks. He had threatened not to reconvene the Cabinet until the government abandoned the select committee process. Sirisena claimed that the committee proceedings were aimed at blaming the attacks on him being the Defence Minister for the intelligence failure. There are 19 Muslims lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament and nine of them held Cabinet, state and deputy ministerial positions. India had shared intelligence inputs with Sri Lanka about possible attacks weeks before the bombings. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath for the attacks.

Two Muslim ministers in Sri Lanka return to government fold

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between November 15 and December 7, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has said, clarifying that according to constitutional provisions the polls must be held one month before the end of the current president's term.&nbsp;

Deshapriya's clarification on the constitutional provisions regarding the date for the next presidential elections came after President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters last week in New Delhi that the presidential polls are likely to take place on December 7.

President Sirisena's five-year term is scheduled to end on January 8, 2020.

"The election must be held one month before the end of the current president's term," Deshapriya said, addressing the Voters' Day events held at the south Colombo suburb of Moratuwa Saturday.

"The nearest date the election can be held is November 15 as the November 10 is a Sunday and November 12 is a Poya Day (a Buddhist holy day). December 7 is the furthest day the election can be held," Deshapriya said, adding the Election Commission would be permitted to hold the election on any day between November 15 and December 7.

Sirisena was elected for a 5-year term on January 8, 2015, when he challenged the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former strongman had called snap elections two years ahead of the end of his second term.

Sirisena backed by the then main Opposition United National Party (UNP) became the common Opposition candidate against his former boss Rajapaksa.

Although Sirisena has not so far declared his intention for a re-run, his souring of the relationship with the UNP of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated that the UNP would be fielding its own candidate.

Sirisena in October last year sacked Wickremesinghe, who elevated him to the presidency, and replaced him with Rajapaksa. The move led to a constitutional impasse which lasted over 50 days.

After the intervention by the Supreme Court court, Wickremesinghe was restored as the prime minister.

Sirisena speaking to reporters in New Delhi after attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony said he had not decided on seeking another term in the election that is due by year-end.

"I am not in a hurry to decide whether to stand," Sirisena said. Sirisena has faced criticism over his leadership after a series of suicide bombings killed 258 people in the island nation on April 21.

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between November 15 and December 7, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has said, clarifying that according to constitutional provisions the polls must be held one month before the end of the current president's term.

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between November 15 and December 7, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has said, clarifying that according to constitutional provisions the polls must be held one month before the end of the current president's term. Deshapriya's clarification on the constitutional provisions regarding the date for the next presidential elections came after President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters last week in New Delhi that the presidential polls are likely to take place on December 7. President Sirisena's five-year term is scheduled to end on January 8, 2020. "The election must be held one month before the end of the current president's term," Deshapriya said, addressing the Voters' Day events held at the south Colombo suburb of Moratuwa Saturday. "The nearest date the election can be held is November 15 as the November 10 is a Sunday and November 12 is a Poya Day (a Buddhist holy day). December 7 is the furthest day the election can be held," Deshapriya said, adding the Election Commission would be permitted to hold the election on any day between November 15 and December 7. Sirisena was elected for a 5-year term on January 8, 2015, when he challenged the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former strongman had called snap elections two years ahead of the end of his second term. Sirisena backed by the then main Opposition United National Party (UNP) became the common Opposition candidate against his former boss Rajapaksa. Although Sirisena has not so far declared his intention for a re-run, his souring of the relationship with the UNP of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated that the UNP would be fielding its own candidate. Sirisena in October last year sacked Wickremesinghe, who elevated him to the presidency, and replaced him with Rajapaksa. The move led to a constitutional impasse which lasted over 50 days. After the intervention by the Supreme Court court, Wickremesinghe was restored as the prime minister. Sirisena speaking to reporters in New Delhi after attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony said he had not decided on seeking another term in the election that is due by year-end. "I am not in a hurry to decide whether to stand," Sirisena said. Sirisena has faced criticism over his leadership after a series of suicide bombings killed 258 people in the island nation on April 21.

Sri Lankan presidential polls to be held between November 15 and December 7

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday said it has reached an agreement with Sri Lanka to extend a $1.5 billion loan facility for an extra year, a move some analysts say could allow the government to boost spending ahead of key elections.

The global lender also concluded its fifth review to ensure the terms of its lending facility are being met, allowing it to disburse the sixth tranche of the loan.&nbsp;

Reuters had earlier exclusively reported the IMF agreement on extending the loan programme and sixth tranche.

The loan programme, known as the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), now stretches to four years, from the originally agreed three in mid-2016.

Manuela Goretti, the head of visiting IMF staff team, in a statement, said the team welcomes the authorities’ efforts to bring their economic reform program back on track following the political turmoil of late 2018.&nbsp;

"The team reached understandings.... on the fifth review and their request to extend the EFF arrangement for an additional year with the remaining disbursements being evenly spread over this period to allow more time for the completion of the economic reform agenda," Goretti said in a statement.

The IMF has already disbursed over $1 billion of the $1.5 billion loans.&nbsp;

The global lender also said the island nation`s economic growth is expected to improve to about 3.5 per cent this year, speeding from 3 per cent last year and urged the central bank to be ready to tighten monetary policy if inflationary pressures re-emerge.

The loan is crucial for Sri Lanka, which plans to sell up to $3 billion of bonds as early as next week and needs the IMF programme to continue to ensure more attractive borrowing terms.

"This is very positive when the government goes for the sovereign bond," said Dimantha Mathew, head of research at broker First Capital Holdings.

"Extended time for targets considering election year also gives space for the government to face the elections. With this, investors would be very comfortable coming to Sri Lanka. Markets will also take this as a positive sign."

Sri Lanka is set to hold presidential elections later this year, followed by parliamentary polls in 2020.

The IMF in November said it had delayed the programme until it had more clarity on the political situation after President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked his prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a move that was later ruled unconstitutional. Wickremesinghe was later reinstated.

Sri Lanka is struggling to repay its foreign loans, with a record $5.9 billion due this year, including $2.6 billion in the first three months. It used its reserves to repay a $1 billion sovereign bond loan in January.

It was designed to avert a financial crisis and support the economic reform agenda of the Sirisena-led coalition government of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Wickremesinghe`s centre-right United National Party (UNP).&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday said it has reached an agreement with Sri Lanka to extend a $1.5 billion loan facility for an extra year, a move some analysts say could allow the government to boost spending ahead of key elections.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday said it has reached an agreement with Sri Lanka to extend a $1.5 billion loan facility for an extra year, a move some analysts say could allow the government to boost spending ahead of key elections. The global lender also concluded its fifth review to ensure the terms of its lending facility are being met, allowing it to disburse the sixth tranche of the loan. Reuters had earlier exclusively reported the IMF agreement on extending the loan programme and sixth tranche. The loan programme, known as the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), now stretches to four years, from the originally agreed three in mid-2016. Manuela Goretti, the head of visiting IMF staff team, in a statement, said the team welcomes the authorities’ efforts to bring their economic reform program back on track following the political turmoil of late 2018. "The team reached understandings.... on the fifth review and their request to extend the EFF arrangement for an additional year with the remaining disbursements being evenly spread over this period to allow more time for the completion of the economic reform agenda," Goretti said in a statement. The IMF has already disbursed over $1 billion of the $1.5 billion loans. The global lender also said the island nation`s economic growth is expected to improve to about 3.5 per cent this year, speeding from 3 per cent last year and urged the central bank to be ready to tighten monetary policy if inflationary pressures re-emerge. The loan is crucial for Sri Lanka, which plans to sell up to $3 billion of bonds as early as next week and needs the IMF programme to continue to ensure more attractive borrowing terms. "This is very positive when the government goes for the sovereign bond," said Dimantha Mathew, head of research at broker First Capital Holdings. "Extended time for targets considering election year also gives space for the government to face the elections. With this, investors would be very comfortable coming to Sri Lanka. Markets will also take this as a positive sign." Sri Lanka is set to hold presidential elections later this year, followed by parliamentary polls in 2020. The IMF in November said it had delayed the programme until it had more clarity on the political situation after President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked his prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a move that was later ruled unconstitutional. Wickremesinghe was later reinstated. Sri Lanka is struggling to repay its foreign loans, with a record $5.9 billion due this year, including $2.6 billion in the first three months. It used its reserves to repay a $1 billion sovereign bond loan in January. It was designed to avert a financial crisis and support the economic reform agenda of the Sirisena-led coalition government of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Wickremesinghe`s centre-right United National Party (UNP).

IMF agrees to extend Sri Lanka's $1.5 billion loan facility by one year

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday said the new Constitution would not change the unitary nature of the country.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's comments came in the wake of his political opponents headed by opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa alleging that his government is drafting a new Constitution to appease the main Tamil political party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA).&nbsp;

Addressing a gathering at Galle town, he said, "The United National Party (UNP) would not agree to abandoning the unitary state (of Sri Lanka)."&nbsp;

On January 11, Wickremesinghe tabled in Parliament a report of experts on drafting a new Constitution.&nbsp;

Stressing that the new Constitution is still a long way ahead, the prime minister said, "We have no new constitution or even a draft".&nbsp;

What was contained in the report was ideas from all parties, he said, adding, "Without two-third support in the constitutional assembly we cannot draft a new Constitution."&nbsp;

The Rajapaksa camp has also been accusing that the new Constitution will dilute the Buddhism's foremost position over other religions in the country. However, the prime minister emphasised that the foremost place given to the majority religion Buddhism has been preserved.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday said the new Constitution would not change the unitary nature of the country. Wickremesinghe's comments came in the wake of his political opponents headed by opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa alleging that his government is drafting a new Constitution to appease the main Tamil political party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday said the new Constitution would not change the unitary nature of the country. Wickremesinghe's comments came in the wake of his political opponents headed by opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa alleging that his government is drafting a new Constitution to appease the main Tamil political party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Addressing a gathering at Galle town, he said, "The United National Party (UNP) would not agree to abandoning the unitary state (of Sri Lanka)." On January 11, Wickremesinghe tabled in Parliament a report of experts on drafting a new Constitution. Stressing that the new Constitution is still a long way ahead, the prime minister said, "We have no new constitution or even a draft". What was contained in the report was ideas from all parties, he said, adding, "Without two-third support in the constitutional assembly we cannot draft a new Constitution." The Rajapaksa camp has also been accusing that the new Constitution will dilute the Buddhism's foremost position over other religions in the country. However, the prime minister emphasised that the foremost place given to the majority religion Buddhism has been preserved.

New Constitution won't change unitary nature of Sri Lanka: Wickremesinghe

The sharp political differences between Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have been further reflected in the allocation of key departments under various ministries.

According to the subjects gazette published on Saturday, Sirisena has kept control of the police department under him as the minister of defence.

The UNP led by Wickremesinghe argues that the police cannot be controlled by Sirisena whereas the 19th amendment to the Constitution has restricted the president to just one ministry in addition to the defence ministry.

Sirisena had also kept the government printer under him which is the authority which publishes government-gazetted decrees.

Sirisena's differences with Wickremesinghe led to a collapse of the unity government between the two leaders on October 26 as Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe as premier and withdrew his

UPFA alliance from the unity government, triggering a constitutional and political crisis never before seen in the island nation.

Both Wickremesinghe and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa who was appointed prime minister by Sirisena, were claiming the premiership.

Wickremesinghe citing the 19A said Sirisena had no power to sack him. After a 50-day standoff, Wickremesinghe was restored to office.

The country's highest court has termed Sirisena's action to dismiss parliament and his call for a fresh election as illegal.

Since Wickremesinghe's reinstatement a new Cabinet was sworn in. The UNP wants the Cabinet to consist of 30 members apart from Sirisena and Wickremesinghe.

"We have asked for the opinion of the attorney general on the number of ministers. The president and prime minister who hold portfolios must be excluded in our view," minister Mano Ganesan said.

The 19A amendment has restricted the Cabinet to 30 members when a single political party holds power without any coalition arrangement with another party. Sirisena had ignored the names of those who had crossed over from his SLFP to join Wickremesinghe when the prime minister recommended them for ministerial posts.

Under the Constitution, Cabinet ministers are appointed by the president under advise from the prime minister.

Significantly, Sirisena has also appointed his own representatives to state media directorates while giving Wickremesinghe's UNP control over institutions.

According to the subjects gazette published on Saturday, Sirisena has kept control of the police department under him as the minister of defence.

The sharp political differences between Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have been further reflected in the allocation of key departments under various ministries. According to the subjects gazette published on Saturday, Sirisena has kept control of the police department under him as the minister of defence. The UNP led by Wickremesinghe argues that the police cannot be controlled by Sirisena whereas the 19th amendment to the Constitution has restricted the president to just one ministry in addition to the defence ministry. Sirisena had also kept the government printer under him which is the authority which publishes government-gazetted decrees. Sirisena's differences with Wickremesinghe led to a collapse of the unity government between the two leaders on October 26 as Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe as premier and withdrew his UPFA alliance from the unity government, triggering a constitutional and political crisis never before seen in the island nation. Both Wickremesinghe and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa who was appointed prime minister by Sirisena, were claiming the premiership. Wickremesinghe citing the 19A said Sirisena had no power to sack him. After a 50-day standoff, Wickremesinghe was restored to office. The country's highest court has termed Sirisena's action to dismiss parliament and his call for a fresh election as illegal. Since Wickremesinghe's reinstatement a new Cabinet was sworn in. The UNP wants the Cabinet to consist of 30 members apart from Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. "We have asked for the opinion of the attorney general on the number of ministers. The president and prime minister who hold portfolios must be excluded in our view," minister Mano Ganesan said. The 19A amendment has restricted the Cabinet to 30 members when a single political party holds power without any coalition arrangement with another party. Sirisena had ignored the names of those who had crossed over from his SLFP to join Wickremesinghe when the prime minister recommended them for ministerial posts. Under the Constitution, Cabinet ministers are appointed by the president under advise from the prime minister. Significantly, Sirisena has also appointed his own representatives to state media directorates while giving Wickremesinghe's UNP control over institutions.

Sirisena keeps control of police as Lanka political crisis festers

Sri Lanka's ruling UNP has no intention to go for an early snap general election, a party spokesman said Friday, ending weeks of speculation that the government may dissolve parliament before the end of its term.

Ajith P Perera, a United National Party (UNP) spokesman, said no parliamentary election would be held before February 2020 when President Maithripala Sirisena could sack the assembly.

"We must make it very clear that the UNP has not expressed any willingness to dissolve parliament before its term ends," Perera said.

The decision is contrary to the expectations of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's new political party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Buoyed by the excellent showing in the local council elections held in February, the SLPP leadership insists for an early election to gain control of the government.

They won over 70 per cent of the 300 plus local councils by thrashing both major parties of Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the UNP of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Mano Ganesan, a government ally and a minister said the decision that the general election will be held only when they are due in August 2020 was taken at a high level meeting held last night.

"The President if he so wishes could call an early presidential election, but all other elections would be held on schedule," Ganesan said.

Sri Lanka faced a major constitutional and political crisis which lasted over 50 days after Sirisena took a controversial decision of sacking Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister to replace him with Rajapaksa in late October.

The Supreme Court court in a landmark ruling said that Sirisena's subsequent action to dismiss parliament and set a fresh parliamentary poll for January 5 was illegal.

He was then forced to restore Wickremesinghe in office as Rajapaksa was not able to prove his majority in parliament.

Rajapaksa's SLPP has been clamouring for an early poll which they claim would be the key to end the political crisis and an unstable government resulting due to the never-ending rift between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe.

"We challenge the prime minister to dissolve the assembly with two thirds majority to hold an early election. We will support that resolution," Rajapaksa's elder son and legislator Namal Rajapaksa said.

The SLPP and Sirisena now find fault with the 19th amendment to the Constitution which took away powers of the President to dissolve parliament at his wish.

As per the amendment, he cannot do so until parliament has seen off four and a half years of its term.

However, parliament could resolve with two thirds to dissolve the assembly to call a snap election.

Ajith P Perera, a United National Party (UNP) spokesman, said no parliamentary election would be held before February 2020 when President Maithripala Sirisena could sack the assembly.

Sri Lanka's ruling UNP has no intention to go for an early snap general election, a party spokesman said Friday, ending weeks of speculation that the government may dissolve parliament before the end of its term. Ajith P Perera, a United National Party (UNP) spokesman, said no parliamentary election would be held before February 2020 when President Maithripala Sirisena could sack the assembly. "We must make it very clear that the UNP has not expressed any willingness to dissolve parliament before its term ends," Perera said. The decision is contrary to the expectations of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's new political party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). Buoyed by the excellent showing in the local council elections held in February, the SLPP leadership insists for an early election to gain control of the government. They won over 70 per cent of the 300 plus local councils by thrashing both major parties of Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the UNP of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Mano Ganesan, a government ally and a minister said the decision that the general election will be held only when they are due in August 2020 was taken at a high level meeting held last night. "The President if he so wishes could call an early presidential election, but all other elections would be held on schedule," Ganesan said. Sri Lanka faced a major constitutional and political crisis which lasted over 50 days after Sirisena took a controversial decision of sacking Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister to replace him with Rajapaksa in late October. The Supreme Court court in a landmark ruling said that Sirisena's subsequent action to dismiss parliament and set a fresh parliamentary poll for January 5 was illegal. He was then forced to restore Wickremesinghe in office as Rajapaksa was not able to prove his majority in parliament. Rajapaksa's SLPP has been clamouring for an early poll which they claim would be the key to end the political crisis and an unstable government resulting due to the never-ending rift between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. "We challenge the prime minister to dissolve the assembly with two thirds majority to hold an early election. We will support that resolution," Rajapaksa's elder son and legislator Namal Rajapaksa said. The SLPP and Sirisena now find fault with the 19th amendment to the Constitution which took away powers of the President to dissolve parliament at his wish. As per the amendment, he cannot do so until parliament has seen off four and a half years of its term. However, parliament could resolve with two thirds to dissolve the assembly to call a snap election.

Sri Lanka's ruling UNP rules out early snap poll

The year 2018 would be etched in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</a>'s history as the most turbulent one politically as the cash-strapped country saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister, causing much concern in major world capitals, including in New Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-meets-party-organisers-hints-2019-may-be-election-year-186363">President Maithripala Sirisena</a>'s dramatic move to sack <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wickremesinghe-acknowledges-differences-with-sirisena-on-ministerial-appointments-185841">Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> and install former strongman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-becomes-sri-lankas-main-opposition-leader-185083">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> in his place following differences over policy issues left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months.

Rajapaksa's return to power drew concern in India that China would tighten its grip on the country. The veteran leader, who is credited for ending the brutal civil war with the LTTE in 2009, is under intense criticism for his decade-long authoritarian rule.

However, a Supreme court verdict forced President Sirisena to reinstate United National Party (UNP) leader Wickremesinghe on December 16, ending Rajapaksa brief regime.

During the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-political-crisis-ends-as-president-sirisena-names-new-cabinet-185567">political crisis</a>, New Delhi sought to maintain a hands-off approach not wanting to be seen as taking sides. India chose to stay non-committal when Rajapaksa succeeded Wickremesinghe, who is seen as pro-India.

Following Wickremesinghe's re-appointment, India welcomed the resolution of the political crisis and exuded confidence that relations between the two countries will continue to move on in an upward trajectory.

The US, the European Union, Australia and Norway also welcomed the peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka came closer to China under Rajapaksa's decade-long tenure as the president, with Beijing pumping millions of dollars in the country's infrastructure since the end of the civil war.

However, some of the projects had been reversed under the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government as Chinese debt hit the country's economy.

China sees Lanka as crucial in its ambitious plan to expand trade routes, while India is concerned about growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.

Despite India's concerns over China's forays in Sri Lanka, including its acquisition of the strategic port of Hambantota, New Delhi and Colombo kept their relationship warm in 2018 with high-level exchanges and signing of pacts.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe visited India in October and held talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on ways to deepen the bilateral ties.

During the talks, Modi and Wickremesinghe reviewed the progress in the implementation of various decisions taken during the high-level exchanges in the recent past, including Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in May 2017. They also discussed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

The two countries signed an agreement for construction of 1,200 houses through 50 model villages, using Indian grant assistance of 60 crore Srilankan rupees.

The long-standing issue of fishermen, however, remained unresolved as India and Sri Lanka could not find common ground.

Both sides have agreed to set up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to expedite the release and handing over of fishermen in each other's custody on completion of respective legal and procedural formalities.

During the year, the Lankan economy grew at a slower than expected. The economy suffered due to nearly two month of political turmoil that led to government dysfunction.

Sri Lanka owes over US $50 billion to foreign lenders, which is 77 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

The country has to pay back more than US $4 billion of its foreign loans, which just got harder as the political turmoil has sent the rupee to its lowest ever level against the US dollar. Sri Lankan rupee weakened nearly 17 per cent this year.

Though the reinstatement of Wickremesinghe has brought some hope in Sri Lanka, the political stability in the country in the coming months would be decided by how the prime minister and the president work together despite their differences over policy issues.

This will also determine the path of India's ties with Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The year 2018 would be etched in Sri Lanka's history as the most turbulent one politically as the cash-strapped country saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister, causing much concern in major world capitals, including in New Delhi.

The year 2018 would be etched in Sri Lanka's history as the most turbulent one politically as the cash-strapped country saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister, causing much concern in major world capitals, including in New Delhi. President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. Rajapaksa's return to power drew concern in India that China would tighten its grip on the country. The veteran leader, who is credited for ending the brutal civil war with the LTTE in 2009, is under intense criticism for his decade-long authoritarian rule. However, a Supreme court verdict forced President Sirisena to reinstate United National Party (UNP) leader Wickremesinghe on December 16, ending Rajapaksa brief regime. During the political crisis, New Delhi sought to maintain a hands-off approach not wanting to be seen as taking sides. India chose to stay non-committal when Rajapaksa succeeded Wickremesinghe, who is seen as pro-India. Following Wickremesinghe's re-appointment, India welcomed the resolution of the political crisis and exuded confidence that relations between the two countries will continue to move on in an upward trajectory. The US, the European Union, Australia and Norway also welcomed the peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka came closer to China under Rajapaksa's decade-long tenure as the president, with Beijing pumping millions of dollars in the country's infrastructure since the end of the civil war. However, some of the projects had been reversed under the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government as Chinese debt hit the country's economy. China sees Lanka as crucial in its ambitious plan to expand trade routes, while India is concerned about growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. Despite India's concerns over China's forays in Sri Lanka, including its acquisition of the strategic port of Hambantota, New Delhi and Colombo kept their relationship warm in 2018 with high-level exchanges and signing of pacts. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe visited India in October and held talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on ways to deepen the bilateral ties. During the talks, Modi and Wickremesinghe reviewed the progress in the implementation of various decisions taken during the high-level exchanges in the recent past, including Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in May 2017. They also discussed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation. The two countries signed an agreement for construction of 1,200 houses through 50 model villages, using Indian grant assistance of 60 crore Srilankan rupees. The long-standing issue of fishermen, however, remained unresolved as India and Sri Lanka could not find common ground. Both sides have agreed to set up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to expedite the release and handing over of fishermen in each other's custody on completion of respective legal and procedural formalities. During the year, the Lankan economy grew at a slower than expected. The economy suffered due to nearly two month of political turmoil that led to government dysfunction. Sri Lanka owes over US $50 billion to foreign lenders, which is 77 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP). The country has to pay back more than US $4 billion of its foreign loans, which just got harder as the political turmoil has sent the rupee to its lowest ever level against the US dollar. Sri Lankan rupee weakened nearly 17 per cent this year. Though the reinstatement of Wickremesinghe has brought some hope in Sri Lanka, the political stability in the country in the coming months would be decided by how the prime minister and the president work together despite their differences over policy issues. This will also determine the path of India's ties with Sri Lanka.

2018 will be remembered for worst political crisis in Lanka's history

The Sri Lankan government Friday secured parliamentary approval to avert a debt default of $1.5 billion after the annual budget was blocked by a <a href="http://13.232.42.114/south-asia/sri-lankan-political-turmoil-crisis-that-caused-mighty-embarrassment-for-president-sirisena-185676">seven-week political crisis</a>.

During the last day of the legislature for 2018, MPs voted 102 to six to approve an interim budget to pay for urgent government expenditure in the first four months of 2019.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said he was finalising an appropriation bill for next year when President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pms-termination-done-in-good-faith-reinstated-him-to-uphold-democracy-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-184631">Maithripala Sirisena</a> sacked the government on October 26, plunging the country into a constitutional crisis.

"We don't have time to present a new budget, but we need to meet our (debt and salary) obligations," Samaraweera told parliament to introduce the vote on the interim budget.

Legislators approved four months of government spending pending a full-fledged budget around February.

Sirisena sacked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ranil-wickremesinghe-sri-lankas-reformist-premiere-184790">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> as prime minister but he refused to quit and parliament and Sri Lanka's courts blocked Sirisena's candidate Mahinda Rajapakse, a fervent nationalist former president.&nbsp;

During the power struggle, three international credit rating agencies downgraded Sri Lanka making foreign borrowings more expensive.

There were fears that Sri Lanka could default on $1.5 billion sovereign bonds maturing on January 10.

Sirisena finally gave in and reinstated Wickremesinghe as prime minister on Sunday. He named a 30-member cabinet on Thursday.

While UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres led the international welcome for the end to the power struggle, Sirisena has made it clear it will be difficult to work with Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena came to power in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), but personal and political clashes came to a head with the October sacking.

The Sri Lankan government Friday secured parliamentary approval to avert a debt default of $1.5 billion after the annual budget was blocked by a seven-week political crisis.

The Sri Lankan government Friday secured parliamentary approval to avert a debt default of $1.5 billion after the annual budget was blocked by a seven-week political crisis. During the last day of the legislature for 2018, MPs voted 102 to six to approve an interim budget to pay for urgent government expenditure in the first four months of 2019. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said he was finalising an appropriation bill for next year when President Maithripala Sirisena sacked the government on October 26, plunging the country into a constitutional crisis. "We don't have time to present a new budget, but we need to meet our (debt and salary) obligations," Samaraweera told parliament to introduce the vote on the interim budget. Legislators approved four months of government spending pending a full-fledged budget around February. Sirisena sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister but he refused to quit and parliament and Sri Lanka's courts blocked Sirisena's candidate Mahinda Rajapakse, a fervent nationalist former president. During the power struggle, three international credit rating agencies downgraded Sri Lanka making foreign borrowings more expensive. There were fears that Sri Lanka could default on $1.5 billion sovereign bonds maturing on January 10. Sirisena finally gave in and reinstated Wickremesinghe as prime minister on Sunday. He named a 30-member cabinet on Thursday. While UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres led the international welcome for the end to the power struggle, Sirisena has made it clear it will be difficult to work with Wickremesinghe. Sirisena came to power in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), but personal and political clashes came to a head with the October sacking.

Sri Lanka averts $1.5 billion foreign debt default

Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ranil-wickremesinghe-sworn-in-as-the-prime-minister-of-sri-lanka-184452">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>'s United National Party (UNP) has said it is ready to work with President Maithripala Sirisena, who was "misled by some groups" against the unity government.

Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26 and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place, in a controversial move which plunged the island nation into a constitutional crisis.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-resigns-as-sri-lankas-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-likely-to-take-oath-on-sunday-184207">Rajapaksa resigned on Saturday </a>after two crucial Supreme Court decisions made his efforts to cling to premiership untenable, paving the way for the return of 69-year-old Wickremesinghe who had refused to step down asserting that his sacking was illegal.

UNP deputy leader Sajith Premadasa said that he was not surprised that the President had agreed to appoint Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister again despite taking a firm position earlier that he will not appoint Wickremesinghe.

"This showed the true character of the President," he was quoted as saying by the Colombo Gazette.

Premadasa said that the President was "misled by some groups who were against the unity Government" and this resulted in the President removing Wickremesinghe. But now truth has prevailed,"&nbsp;he said.

"The party is prepared to work with Sirisena again in the government," he said.

Premadasa said, "The lessons from the incident must be used to strengthen the foundation of democracy and promote justice and fairness."&nbsp;

UNP General Secretary MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the new Cabinet will be appointed within two days.

Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) has said it is ready to work with President Maithripala Sirisena, who was "misled by some groups" against the unity government.

Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) has said it is ready to work with President Maithripala Sirisena, who was "misled by some groups" against the unity government. Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on October 26 and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place, in a controversial move which plunged the island nation into a constitutional crisis. Rajapaksa resigned on Saturday after two crucial Supreme Court decisions made his efforts to cling to premiership untenable, paving the way for the return of 69-year-old Wickremesinghe who had refused to step down asserting that his sacking was illegal. UNP deputy leader Sajith Premadasa said that he was not surprised that the President had agreed to appoint Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister again despite taking a firm position earlier that he will not appoint Wickremesinghe. "This showed the true character of the President," he was quoted as saying by the Colombo Gazette. Premadasa said that the President was "misled by some groups who were against the unity Government" and this resulted in the President removing Wickremesinghe. But now truth has prevailed," he said. "The party is prepared to work with Sirisena again in the government," he said. Premadasa said, "The lessons from the incident must be used to strengthen the foundation of democracy and promote justice and fairness." UNP General Secretary MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the new Cabinet will be appointed within two days.

Ready to work with Sirisena again: Wickremesinghe's United National Party

Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to take oath as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister on Sunday after disputed Premier <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahinda-rajapaksa-to-resign-as-sri-lanka-prime-minister-tomorrow-says-son-namal-184099">Mahinda Rajapaksa will resign </a>on Saturday, signalling an end to the nearly two-month power tussle in the island nation.

President Maithripala Sirisena has reportedly agreed to reinstate ousted Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in the post after a discussion with him over the phone on Friday, Colombo Page reported.

Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) said that it was decided during the discussion that he will take oath as the Prime Minister at 10 am on Sunday.

The President removed Wickremesinghe from the post of Prime Minister on October 26 and appointed former president Rajapaksa as the Premier, plunging the country into an unprecedented crisis.

Wickremesinghe refused to accept the sacking and challenged it in a court and in the Parliament.

The daily reported that a new Cabinet will be sworn in on Monday. The Cabinet will consist of 30 members and include six Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarians, it said.

Rajapaksa's son on Friday announced that the former strongman will resign on Saturday, after two crucial Supreme Court decisions made the embattled leader's efforts to cling to premiership untenable.

The apex court on Friday refused to stay a court order restraining Rajapaksa, 73, from holding the office of Prime Minister until it fully heard the case next month.

"To ensure stability of the nation, Former President @PresRajapaksa has decided to resign from the Premiership tomorrow after an address to the nation," Rajapaksa's son Namal tweeted.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) with former president, SLFP and others will "now work to form a broader political coalition with President Sirisena", Namal, a lawmaker, added.

The apex court's Friday ruling came a day after it unanimously declared that the dissolution of Parliament by President Sirisena was "illegal".&nbsp;

Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to take oath as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister on Sunday after disputed Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa will resign on Saturday, signalling an end to the nearly two-month power tussle in the island nation.

Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to take oath as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister on Sunday after disputed Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa will resign on Saturday, signalling an end to the nearly two-month power tussle in the island nation. President Maithripala Sirisena has reportedly agreed to reinstate ousted Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in the post after a discussion with him over the phone on Friday, Colombo Page reported. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) said that it was decided during the discussion that he will take oath as the Prime Minister at 10 am on Sunday. The President removed Wickremesinghe from the post of Prime Minister on October 26 and appointed former president Rajapaksa as the Premier, plunging the country into an unprecedented crisis. Wickremesinghe refused to accept the sacking and challenged it in a court and in the Parliament. The daily reported that a new Cabinet will be sworn in on Monday. The Cabinet will consist of 30 members and include six Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarians, it said. Rajapaksa's son on Friday announced that the former strongman will resign on Saturday, after two crucial Supreme Court decisions made the embattled leader's efforts to cling to premiership untenable. The apex court on Friday refused to stay a court order restraining Rajapaksa, 73, from holding the office of Prime Minister until it fully heard the case next month. "To ensure stability of the nation, Former President @PresRajapaksa has decided to resign from the Premiership tomorrow after an address to the nation," Rajapaksa's son Namal tweeted. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) with former president, SLFP and others will "now work to form a broader political coalition with President Sirisena", Namal, a lawmaker, added. The apex court's Friday ruling came a day after it unanimously declared that the dissolution of Parliament by President Sirisena was "illegal".

Wickremesinghe likely to take oath as Sri Lanka's PM on Sunday

Sri Lanka has been reeling from a turbulent political crisis for almost a month, when President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 abruptly sacked then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed the now-ousted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's former President, as the new premier.

The power struggle has left the Sri Lankan democratic system in tatters, with massive protests being held by the United National Party (UNP), where its members and supporters of Wickremesinghe have repeatedly called President Sirisena's move as "unconstitutional".

Even Wickremesinghe voiced his views, asserting that he was legally still the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He and his supporters have accused Sirisena of staging an "undemocratic coup".

Sirisena further suspended the country's Parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Amid rising demands by legislators to end the political crisis in the South Asian island nation, the Sri Lankan President preponed the date to reconvene the Parliament on November 14.

Defending his decision to oust Wickremesinghe, the Sri Lankan President claimed that the former's political conduct was unbecoming of civilised politics, as he grossly violated the principles of good governance. Sirisena asserted that political change was necessary, as Wickremesinghe "destroyed the concept and the noble expectations of good governance by his actions during the last few years."

Sirisena then called for a snap election to be held on January 5. Amidst the political chaos, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court stepped in and suspended Sirisena's order to dissolve the island nation's Parliament and call a snap general election. The court will hear more arguments and would deliver a verdict next month.

The Sri Lankan President remained defiant, saying that he would not re-appoint Wickremesinghe, in what was a move, considered by many, to allow Rajapaksa to buy more time to gain legislators, in order to prove his majority in the Parliament.

China, whose protege is Rajapaksa, was bankrolling this entire process.

The political turmoil in Sri Lanka turned topsy-turvy, when Rajapaksa, was defeated in the Parliament during a 'No-Confidence' motion on November 15. The No-Confidence motion against Rajapaksa was passed after 122 members voted against him in the 225-member House. In an unusual turn of events, the Parliament became a virtual war-zone, when the legislators got into fistfights, hurled objects at each other and even tried to attack Speaker Karu Jayasuriya following Rajapaksa's loss in the trust vote.

The Parliament was reconvened in Colombo after the UNP lawmakers approved a motion of no-confidence in Rajapaksa's "purported" cabinet. They even passed motions declaring President Sirisena's move as illegal.

Following this major upset for Mahinda Rajapaksa, he is using his money and muscle power to obstruct the functioning of the House, and also intimidating his opponents and their supporters. An atmosphere of absolute terror now prevails in the country, with the complicity of President Sirisena, who is allowing Mahinda Rajapaksa's goons a free run.

Legislators supporting Rajapaksa, hurled chairs at police officers and throw chilli powder at the leaders of opposing parties.

"They (MPs of Sirisena - Rajapaksa faction) have assaulted me by using a copy of the Constitution, and they have used chilli powder mixed with water to attack the MPs," The Guardian quoted Member of Parliament, Vijitha Herath, as saying on Friday.

With Sirisena vehemently rejecting the no-confidence vote against Rajapaksa, Speaker Jayasuriya said that Sri Lanka as of now does not have a Prime Minister or a Cabinet.

While the Parliament is expected to be reconvened on November 19, there is still no clear sign on whether the political turmoil would come to an end soon.

The political parties are now waiting for the Supreme Court's verdict next month to see if the House will be dissolved and elections will be announced or whether the Wickremesinghe-led government will continue in office.

Many countries, including India and the United States, are closely watching the developments in the island nation, and have called on the Sirisena government to act as per the Constitution and refrain from committing violence and to restore democracy.

Sri Lanka has been reeling from a turbulent political crisis for almost a month, when President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 abruptly sacked then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed the now-ousted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's former President, as the new premier.

Sri Lanka has been reeling from a turbulent political crisis for almost a month, when President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 abruptly sacked then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed the now-ousted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's former President, as the new premier. The power struggle has left the Sri Lankan democratic system in tatters, with massive protests being held by the United National Party (UNP), where its members and supporters of Wickremesinghe have repeatedly called President Sirisena's move as "unconstitutional". Even Wickremesinghe voiced his views, asserting that he was legally still the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He and his supporters have accused Sirisena of staging an "undemocratic coup". Sirisena further suspended the country's Parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Amid rising demands by legislators to end the political crisis in the South Asian island nation, the Sri Lankan President preponed the date to reconvene the Parliament on November 14. Defending his decision to oust Wickremesinghe, the Sri Lankan President claimed that the former's political conduct was unbecoming of civilised politics, as he grossly violated the principles of good governance. Sirisena asserted that political change was necessary, as Wickremesinghe "destroyed the concept and the noble expectations of good governance by his actions during the last few years." Sirisena then called for a snap election to be held on January 5. Amidst the political chaos, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court stepped in and suspended Sirisena's order to dissolve the island nation's Parliament and call a snap general election. The court will hear more arguments and would deliver a verdict next month. The Sri Lankan President remained defiant, saying that he would not re-appoint Wickremesinghe, in what was a move, considered by many, to allow Rajapaksa to buy more time to gain legislators, in order to prove his majority in the Parliament. China, whose protege is Rajapaksa, was bankrolling this entire process. The political turmoil in Sri Lanka turned topsy-turvy, when Rajapaksa, was defeated in the Parliament during a 'No-Confidence' motion on November 15. The No-Confidence motion against Rajapaksa was passed after 122 members voted against him in the 225-member House. In an unusual turn of events, the Parliament became a virtual war-zone, when the legislators got into fistfights, hurled objects at each other and even tried to attack Speaker Karu Jayasuriya following Rajapaksa's loss in the trust vote. The Parliament was reconvened in Colombo after the UNP lawmakers approved a motion of no-confidence in Rajapaksa's "purported" cabinet. They even passed motions declaring President Sirisena's move as illegal. Following this major upset for Mahinda Rajapaksa, he is using his money and muscle power to obstruct the functioning of the House, and also intimidating his opponents and their supporters. An atmosphere of absolute terror now prevails in the country, with the complicity of President Sirisena, who is allowing Mahinda Rajapaksa's goons a free run. Legislators supporting Rajapaksa, hurled chairs at police officers and throw chilli powder at the leaders of opposing parties. "They (MPs of Sirisena - Rajapaksa faction) have assaulted me by using a copy of the Constitution, and they have used chilli powder mixed with water to attack the MPs," The Guardian quoted Member of Parliament, Vijitha Herath, as saying on Friday. With Sirisena vehemently rejecting the no-confidence vote against Rajapaksa, Speaker Jayasuriya said that Sri Lanka as of now does not have a Prime Minister or a Cabinet. While the Parliament is expected to be reconvened on November 19, there is still no clear sign on whether the political turmoil would come to an end soon. The political parties are now waiting for the Supreme Court's verdict next month to see if the House will be dissolved and elections will be announced or whether the Wickremesinghe-led government will continue in office. Many countries, including India and the United States, are closely watching the developments in the island nation, and have called on the Sirisena government to act as per the Constitution and refrain from committing violence and to restore democracy.

Explainer: Sri Lanka's escalating political turmoil

Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the country's newly appointed leader -- a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses.

Wickremesinghe left his official residence for the first time since Friday to condemn President Maithripala Sirisena for dismissing him and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of human rights violations and corruption.

Wickremesinghe's party said about 100,000 people flooded the streets, while police sources estimated 25,000 even as scores of buses brought more demonstrators to the biggest rally since the constitutional crisis erupted.

The army of followers chanted "Down With the Rogue PM" as they targeted Rajapakse, who Sirisena has brought back into frontline politics as his prime minister.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-following-development-in-sri-lanka-urges-all-sides-to-respect-due-process-state-dept-174303">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-following-development-in-sri-lanka-urges-all-sides-to-respect-due-process-state-dept-174303"> following development in Sri Lanka, urges all sides to respect due process</a>

Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president, who has faced international calls to end a suspension of parliament so it can hold a vote on the rival prime ministers.

"We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done."

Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets if the assembly does not hold a vote.

But the rally remained peaceful, watched by more than 2,600 police and special task force commandos.

Behind the scenes, the rivals battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held.

Rajapakse, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to defect on Monday.

Wickremesinghe has in turn convinced two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party.

Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 98.

A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said.

A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapakse -- who favoured a pro-Beijing policy during his decade-long tenure as president -- to buy legislators.

"I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said.

China denies interference

The Chinese embassy in Colombo denied the claims in a statement to AFP.&nbsp;

"Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," the statement said, adding that Beijing follows "the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs."

With Sirisena showing no sign of lifting the parliamentary suspension which runs until November 16, Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president was trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapakse.

Speaker Jayasuriya followed up his "bloodbath" warning by officially calling on Sirisena to recall parliament or risk unrest.

"If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP.

Tensions have been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday.

The army has insisted however that it will let politicians solve the crisis.

Sri Lanka's army chief Mahesh Senanayake told AFP the military expected politicians to "constitutionally and legally" end the dispute.

"The army will not get involved," he said, responding to queries on the role of security forces as the constitutional crisis drags on.

"The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and only if they require our assistance, we will help."

Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday, giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Aides said the cabinet would be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday.

Rajapakse -- whose rule was marked by allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said Monday he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies".

"I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapakse said. "Hence, I accepted the invitation."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-scrambles-to-claw-back-ground-in-sri-lanka-after-pro-china-leader-named-pm-174317">As Rajapaksa takes over as Sri Lanka PM, India scrambles to claw back ground from China</a> 
&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the country's newly appointed leader -- a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses.

Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the country's newly appointed leader -- a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses. Wickremesinghe left his official residence for the first time since Friday to condemn President Maithripala Sirisena for dismissing him and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of human rights violations and corruption. Wickremesinghe's party said about 100,000 people flooded the streets, while police sources estimated 25,000 even as scores of buses brought more demonstrators to the biggest rally since the constitutional crisis erupted. The army of followers chanted "Down With the Rogue PM" as they targeted Rajapakse, who Sirisena has brought back into frontline politics as his prime minister. Also read: US following development in Sri Lanka, urges all sides to respect due process Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president, who has faced international calls to end a suspension of parliament so it can hold a vote on the rival prime ministers. "We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done." Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets if the assembly does not hold a vote. But the rally remained peaceful, watched by more than 2,600 police and special task force commandos. Behind the scenes, the rivals battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held. Rajapakse, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to defect on Monday. Wickremesinghe has in turn convinced two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 98. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapakse -- who favoured a pro-Beijing policy during his decade-long tenure as president -- to buy legislators. "I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said. China denies interference The Chinese embassy in Colombo denied the claims in a statement to AFP. "Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," the statement said, adding that Beijing follows "the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs." With Sirisena showing no sign of lifting the parliamentary suspension which runs until November 16, Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president was trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapakse. Speaker Jayasuriya followed up his "bloodbath" warning by officially calling on Sirisena to recall parliament or risk unrest. "If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP. Tensions have been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday. The army has insisted however that it will let politicians solve the crisis. Sri Lanka's army chief Mahesh Senanayake told AFP the military expected politicians to "constitutionally and legally" end the dispute. "The army will not get involved," he said, responding to queries on the role of security forces as the constitutional crisis drags on. "The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and only if they require our assistance, we will help." Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday, giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Aides said the cabinet would be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday. Rajapakse -- whose rule was marked by allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said Monday he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies". "I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapakse said. "Hence, I accepted the invitation." Also read: As Rajapaksa takes over as Sri Lanka PM, India scrambles to claw back ground from China

Sri Lanka crisis: Thousands take to streets to protest against Ranil Wickremesinghe sacking

In a dramatic political development in Sri Lanka, former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was on Friday sworn in as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena after his party abruptly quit the ruling coalition.

Visuals of the former president Rajapaksa taking oath as the premier were released to media and was shown on TV channels.

The sudden development came after Sirisena's broader political front United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) announced that it has decided to quit the current unity government with prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP).

Mahinda Amaraweera, agriculture minister and the general secretary of the UPFA, told reporters that the UPFA decision has been conveyed to Parliament.

The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa.

Sirisena, who was Rajapaksa's minister of health, broke away from him to contest the presidential elections.

Political analysts said Sirisena's move to install Rajapaksa as the prime minister could lead to a constitutional crisis as the 19th amendment to the Constitution would not allow the sacking of Wickremesinghe as the premier without a majority.

Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority. Wickremesinghe's UNP has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of the majority.

There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe or the UNP.

President Sirisena's party withdrew from the ruling coalition after simmering tensions between him and Wickremesinghe.

The unity government was thrown into a crisis after Rajapaksa's new party pulled off a stunning victory in local elections in February seen as a referendum on the ruling alliance.

Last week, it was reported that Sirisena accused his senior coalition partner the UNP of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to assassinate him and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the former top defence ministry bureaucrat and brother of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

In a dramatic political development in Sri Lanka, former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was on Friday sworn in as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena after his party abruptly quit the ruling coalition.

In a dramatic political development in Sri Lanka, former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was on Friday sworn in as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena after his party abruptly quit the ruling coalition. Visuals of the former president Rajapaksa taking oath as the premier were released to media and was shown on TV channels. The sudden development came after Sirisena's broader political front United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) announced that it has decided to quit the current unity government with prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP). Mahinda Amaraweera, agriculture minister and the general secretary of the UPFA, told reporters that the UPFA decision has been conveyed to Parliament. The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa. Sirisena, who was Rajapaksa's minister of health, broke away from him to contest the presidential elections. Political analysts said Sirisena's move to install Rajapaksa as the prime minister could lead to a constitutional crisis as the 19th amendment to the Constitution would not allow the sacking of Wickremesinghe as the premier without a majority. Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple majority. Wickremesinghe's UNP has 106 seats on its own with just seven short of the majority. There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe or the UNP. President Sirisena's party withdrew from the ruling coalition after simmering tensions between him and Wickremesinghe. The unity government was thrown into a crisis after Rajapaksa's new party pulled off a stunning victory in local elections in February seen as a referendum on the ruling alliance. Last week, it was reported that Sirisena accused his senior coalition partner the UNP of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to assassinate him and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the former top defence ministry bureaucrat and brother of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka's ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn in as new Prime Minister

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Sri Lankan ministers quit Sirisena-led unity government

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

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

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

Sri Lanka prime minister wins no-confidence vote

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

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

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

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

Former President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa is on a comeback trail. His newly formed Sri Lanka People&rsquo;s Party (SLPP) swept local polls over the weekend, decimating both the main parties of Colombo&rsquo;s ruling coalition: the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of President Maithripala Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) of PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. &nbsp;WION spoke to Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and &ndash; Mr Rajapaksa&rsquo;s son and political heir apparent.

Q: Namal Rajapaksa, your father the former President is as popular in Sri Lanka as he is controversial overseas. Your Sri Lanka People&rsquo;s Party (SLPP) is relatively new. Did either of you foresee such a sweeping win of the local polls over this previous weekend?

A: Thank you. Yes, I think we were expecting a big victory. If you look at the way the government has been reacting to people&rsquo;s demands over the past three years, it has always been from the government&rsquo;s point of view, rather than actually delivering what people need. Of the total of 96 MPs of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of the current President, 51 of us who split are seated in the opposition. Even though we are in the majority there, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) which has only 16 members, leads the opposition, &nbsp;the Janatha Vimukthi Perumuna (JVP) has only four seats but yet provides the chief organizer whip of the opposition. So the current government is simply not responsive to people&rsquo;s demands and &ndash; this election result is a clear indication.

Q: These local polls were essentially elections to your &quot;pradeshiya sabhas&quot;, comparable to &lsquo;panchayat&rsquo; elections in India. And yet, you are already calling for snap parliamentary polls&hellip;

A: The people&rsquo;s verdict is very clear. The majority is not with the government. The government itself is in a crisis. Even though it calls itself a &quot;unity government&quot;, you can&rsquo;t see any unity within the government. You can&rsquo;t run a country like this. The President represents a different party than that of the PM. They are not on the same page and can&rsquo;t agree on anything the country needs. So, what&rsquo;s the point? This government cannot last.

Q: Your SLPP won especially handsomely in Hambantota, the home constituency of all the Rajapaksas. Did it have anything to do with the equity-for-debt deal with China over the Hambantota port and the 99-year-lease on 15000 acres of farmland in the area for the Chinese to build a free trade zone?

A: Yes, of course, that port is a national asset. &nbsp;But there is more. One of the main reasons for our victory there are the government&rsquo;s policies on agriculture and fisheries. &nbsp;Hambantota has a very strong agriculture base and it is badly affected by the government cutting down the fertilizer subsidy. And also by the fixed prices the government has introduced for paddy. The government is on the verge of privatising the fisheries industry of this country. But I must reiterate, it is not only in Hambantota that we won. We won all local councils even in Pollunaruwa, the district that the current President, Maithripala Sirisena, represents. &nbsp;That clearly shows how frustrated people are with his government.

Q: But what about the Tamils of Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka? That&rsquo;s an extremely sensitive question. A bloody civil war was fought for almost thirty years. It ended during your father&rsquo;s presidency. The outstanding question of maximum autonomy for the Tamils still remains unsolved. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA)&#39;s local party ITAK, won the recent local polls. &nbsp;If snap polls are held and your SLPP does come to power, what will you do for the North?

A: The government has to go for a snap poll. That&rsquo;s the only option now: a proper general election and the opportunity for the people to elect a strong government. As far as the North is concerned, please note : neither the SLFP, nor the UNP, nor the JVP nor even we, the UNPP, have so far been able to establish ourselves in the north as national political parties. So the only option in the north is to vote for TNA. Even though this government talks about reconciliation and unity, this govt hasn&rsquo;t taken the north seriously. Instead, it&rsquo;s still depending on the regional party. And is still depending on the regional ITAK. Look at the recent statements by the TNA leader, the Honourable Mr Sambandan and I say this with all due respect for his seniority and position. &nbsp;He categorically says that Tamil youth should not demand jobs and employment but should wait for a devolution package. Tamil people have been waiting for these opportunities for the last thirty years and now he wants them to wait for another thirty years!

Q: But will they have to wait much longer if your party, the SLPP wins a snap poll if one is held? What are your own plans for greater autonomy for the North and the East? &nbsp;

A: We need to come up with a solid development programme, over which both southern and northern Sri Lanka will agree. You can&rsquo;t come up with a devolution package only for the north. &nbsp;There are more Tamils living in Colombo, there are more Tamils living in upcountry Sri Lanka (up-country equal to tea estates). You know, the issue has never been between Tamils and Sinhalese. Look at the businesses in Colombo and elsewhere in Sri Lanka. Most are controlled by Tamils. I am sure that they don&rsquo;t all want to sell their businesses and live in Jaffna. That&rsquo;s not going to happen. So it has to be something that is accepted by Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese living in both the North and South. It is not about what Hon Sambandan wants, not about what Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Prabhakaran wanted: that&rsquo;s history. And yet, that&rsquo;s what all these regional parties want. We have to have a holistic approach towards a solution and - the entire country has to accept it.

Q: Now give us a scoop before you go. Will your father Mahinda Rajapaksa be the next Prime Minister and your uncle, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa (former defence secretary) be the President after the next presidential election?

A: That&rsquo;s &nbsp;a very difficult question. Of course, the candidate for PM will be my father, the former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa. And it is clearly evident from the majority votes that we have got at this election - &nbsp;it&rsquo;s clear that people voted for him. The campaign was based on him, people voted for Mahinda Rajapaksa. &nbsp;But the presidential election is in 2020 and we haven&rsquo;t decided yet. My uncle Gotabhaya has just arrived in Sri Lanka. When the media asked him about getting into parliament or doing politics, &nbsp;he said he hasn&rsquo;t decided yet. &nbsp;So we&rsquo;ll think about the next presidency when the time comes. For now, our main objective is to go for a snap parliamentary election and form a very strong government. One which wants to and will take this country forward.

 
&nbsp;

Former President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa is on a comeback trail. His newly formed Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) swept local polls over the weekend. WION spoke to Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and – Mr Rajapaksa’s son and political heir apparent

Former President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa is on a comeback trail. His newly formed Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) swept local polls over the weekend, decimating both the main parties of Colombo’s ruling coalition: the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of President Maithripala Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) of PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. WION spoke to Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and – Mr Rajapaksa’s son and political heir apparent. Q: Namal Rajapaksa, your father the former President is as popular in Sri Lanka as he is controversial overseas. Your Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) is relatively new. Did either of you foresee such a sweeping win of the local polls over this previous weekend? A: Thank you. Yes, I think we were expecting a big victory. If you look at the way the government has been reacting to people’s demands over the past three years, it has always been from the government’s point of view, rather than actually delivering what people need. Of the total of 96 MPs of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of the current President, 51 of us who split are seated in the opposition. Even though we are in the majority there, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) which has only 16 members, leads the opposition, the Janatha Vimukthi Perumuna (JVP) has only four seats but yet provides the chief organizer whip of the opposition. So the current government is simply not responsive to people’s demands and – this election result is a clear indication. Q: These local polls were essentially elections to your "pradeshiya sabhas", comparable to ‘panchayat’ elections in India. And yet, you are already calling for snap parliamentary polls… A: The people’s verdict is very clear. The majority is not with the government. The government itself is in a crisis. Even though it calls itself a "unity government", you can’t see any unity within the government. You can’t run a country like this. The President represents a different party than that of the PM. They are not on the same page and can’t agree on anything the country needs. So, what’s the point? This government cannot last. Q: Your SLPP won especially handsomely in Hambantota, the home constituency of all the Rajapaksas. Did it have anything to do with the equity-for-debt deal with China over the Hambantota port and the 99-year-lease on 15000 acres of farmland in the area for the Chinese to build a free trade zone? A: Yes, of course, that port is a national asset. But there is more. One of the main reasons for our victory there are the government’s policies on agriculture and fisheries. Hambantota has a very strong agriculture base and it is badly affected by the government cutting down the fertilizer subsidy. And also by the fixed prices the government has introduced for paddy. The government is on the verge of privatising the fisheries industry of this country. But I must reiterate, it is not only in Hambantota that we won. We won all local councils even in Pollunaruwa, the district that the current President, Maithripala Sirisena, represents. That clearly shows how frustrated people are with his government. Q: But what about the Tamils of Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka? That’s an extremely sensitive question. A bloody civil war was fought for almost thirty years. It ended during your father’s presidency. The outstanding question of maximum autonomy for the Tamils still remains unsolved. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA)'s local party ITAK, won the recent local polls. If snap polls are held and your SLPP does come to power, what will you do for the North? A: The government has to go for a snap poll. That’s the only option now: a proper general election and the opportunity for the people to elect a strong government. As far as the North is concerned, please note : neither the SLFP, nor the UNP, nor the JVP nor even we, the UNPP, have so far been able to establish ourselves in the north as national political parties. So the only option in the north is to vote for TNA. Even though this government talks about reconciliation and unity, this govt hasn’t taken the north seriously. Instead, it’s still depending on the regional party. And is still depending on the regional ITAK. Look at the recent statements by the TNA leader, the Honourable Mr Sambandan and I say this with all due respect for his seniority and position. He categorically says that Tamil youth should not demand jobs and employment but should wait for a devolution package. Tamil people have been waiting for these opportunities for the last thirty years and now he wants them to wait for another thirty years! Q: But will they have to wait much longer if your party, the SLPP wins a snap poll if one is held? What are your own plans for greater autonomy for the North and the East? A: We need to come up with a solid development programme, over which both southern and northern Sri Lanka will agree. You can’t come up with a devolution package only for the north. There are more Tamils living in Colombo, there are more Tamils living in upcountry Sri Lanka (up-country equal to tea estates). You know, the issue has never been between Tamils and Sinhalese. Look at the businesses in Colombo and elsewhere in Sri Lanka. Most are controlled by Tamils. I am sure that they don’t all want to sell their businesses and live in Jaffna. That’s not going to happen. So it has to be something that is accepted by Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese living in both the North and South. It is not about what Hon Sambandan wants, not about what Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Prabhakaran wanted: that’s history. And yet, that’s what all these regional parties want. We have to have a holistic approach towards a solution and - the entire country has to accept it. Q: Now give us a scoop before you go. Will your father Mahinda Rajapaksa be the next Prime Minister and your uncle, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa (former defence secretary) be the President after the next presidential election? A: That’s a very difficult question. Of course, the candidate for PM will be my father, the former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa. And it is clearly evident from the majority votes that we have got at this election - it’s clear that people voted for him. The campaign was based on him, people voted for Mahinda Rajapaksa. But the presidential election is in 2020 and we haven’t decided yet. My uncle Gotabhaya has just arrived in Sri Lanka. When the media asked him about getting into parliament or doing politics, he said he hasn’t decided yet. So we’ll think about the next presidency when the time comes. For now, our main objective is to go for a snap parliamentary election and form a very strong government. One which wants to and will take this country forward.

We want snap polls in Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaksa's son to WION