The Election is over. All the mudslinging and propaganda stunts that were visible and annoying are over. The loud call for a regime change has happened and many promises have been made both visible and invisible to voters. The two sides are almost equally divided with the majority being a thin sliver that accounts for mostly the minority votes that didn’t want Mahinda Rajapakse. Corruption and nepotism was a major issue. The Executive Presidency that is still in place was one of the pivotal issues – discussions resulted in promises that ranged from abolishing to modifying... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
Almuslimaath, The Srilankan Association of Muslim women and Girls welcome you and wish you all the best Mr. President. Needless to say, just like those who wished you to come to power, we are overwhelmed by your magnificent victory. We feel it is the victory of the voice of the oppressed people, especially the minority, even more pointedly the Muslims. The agony the Muslims had to face in the latter part of last regime, specifically the Muslim women, needs no repetition. We openly expressed wish for a change and fervently prayed to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
Since long “Foreign Recruitment Centres” have been established in Afghanistan and Pakistan, through which Asians and Arabs are being offered foreign citizenships. The aim of such a recruitment is that foreign citizens, having dual nationalities will be sent back to the countries of their origin to serve as mercenaries to achieve US’ and other foreign nation’s objectives. Today foreign intelligence agencies and their front offices claim that they have brigades of Pakistanis serving and retired government officers and staff who are working for them. They include bureaucrats, Armed Forces personnel, government employees and others. One wonders,... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka on the successful and peaceful conclusion of Sri Lanka’s presidential election and incoming President Maithripala Sirisena on his victory. I also commend the outgoing administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for facilitating a swift and orderly transition of power. Beyond the significance of this election to Sri Lanka, it is also a symbol of hope for those who support democracy all around the world. International and domestic monitors and observers were permitted to do their jobs. Sri Lankans... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
Maithripala Sirisena has taken oaths as President. He made pacts with everyone opposed to Mahinda. Mahinda failed to recognise that those who were around him were corrupt . Most Ministers were arrogant and corrupt to the core and were basking in the glory of former President's victory over the terrorists. Some alleged that Mahinda was authoritarian. Corruption and the cost of living were two major factors which went against him. During the elections the new President made never ending promises. For eg a salary increase of Rs.15,000, cancellation of motor cycle loans for public servants, cost of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
He had highlighted the foreign debt “trap” in manifesto Sri Lanka watchers in India believe that with Maithripala Sirisena coming to power in Sri Lanka, the island nation’s tilt towards China will be reduced considerably. They have been critical of the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his “tilt towards China” and ignoring India’s pleas to grant devolution of powers to the Tamil-majority northern region, as he had repeatedly promised. “The tilt towards China will be reduced considerably with this stunning victory, and, if India is willing, it can be given the advantage... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal submitted his resignation from the post of Central Bank Governor to pave the way for the new President to appoint a person of his choice a news report said. “It’s a good thing for a new president to have a new governor, so I have paved the way for that.” Cabraal, who held the post since 2006, is the first high profile Rajapaksa appointee to step down since the election. Meanwhile, UNP Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva today said that Mr. Cabraal should answer to the financial allegations during his tenure before... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
President Maithripala Sirisena sworn in as the 6th Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka before Supreme Court Judge K. Sri Pawan at the Independence Square in Colombo, a short while ago. Taking oaths President Maithripala Sirisena vowed not to contest for a second term in future signalling abolition of executive presidency within his term. Shortly after Sirisena's swearing-in United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in by president Maithripala Sirisena as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister this afternoon at the same place. The move paves the way for a consensus government that will rule the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/15)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa phoned Maithripala Sirisena early this morning and congratulated him on his impending victory and inquired from the Common Candidate when he would assume duties, Presidential Spokesman Mohan Samaranayake said. President Mahinda Rajapaksa left Temple Trees, after a discussing with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Cabinet assuring a smooth transfer of power, Presidential Media Division said. -... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/15)