D economic growth and innovation

“With this victory we will implement the 100-day programme in our election manifesto,” Sirisena told jubilant crowds in Colombo after his swearing-in. Sirisena had promised to change Sri Lanka’s constitution to drastically reduce the power of the president and return the country to a parliamentary system with a prime minister as its leader. … [Read more...] about Sri Lanka’s new president sworn in

Sirisena’s first taste of activism came in 1968 when, still a teenager, he joined an anti-government rally that was organised by a communist party and broken up by a police baton charge. Three years later he was jailed for 15 months for alleged involvement in an insurrection led by Marxists. … [Read more...] about Sri Lanka election result: Who is new President Maithripala Sirisena?

However, Sirisena and the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, a veteran of Sri Lanka’s convoluted and bitter politics, face significant challenges. One problem is the instability of the ruling coalition. Essentially united only by a desire to oust Rajapaksa, the government needs to consolidate its hold in the national assembly at the coming elections. … [Read more...] about Mahinda Rajapaksa prepares for political comeback in Sri Lanka

On Wednesday, oil prices edged higher, with Brent on track for a five-month high, on hopes for more stimulus and signs America may be making progress on controlling the coronavirus spread. Brent crude futures rose $0.29 to $44.44 a barrel. U.S. crude futures gained $0.59 to $41.6 a barrel. … [Read more...] about Gold prices hit another new high, silver rates rise – Check rates on August 05

Rajapaksa came to power in 2005, led his country’s military to a bloody victory over violent Tamil separatists four years later and surfed a wave of popularity among the Sinhala majority to win again in 2010. He then had the constitution changed to allow the third term he hoped to win in January. … [Read more...] about Stakes are high for Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka heads to the polls