News for '-mahinda-rajapaksa'

India encouraged LTTE in the 1980s: Book

India encouraged LTTE in the 1980s: Book

Rediff.com15 May 2012

The book, Gota's War, talks about India's "covert" role in LTTE's growth as the outfit undertook frequent terrorist strikes in the island.

'Indian officials worked against Prez Rajapaksa'

'Indian officials worked against Prez Rajapaksa'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2010

A Sri Lankan federal minister on Monday alleged that 'certain Indian officials' wanted President Mahinda Rajapaksa to lose the recent polls and worked towards it, but India rejected the claims, saying it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.Minister of Post and Telecommunications Nandana Goonathilake also claimed that the Indian government 'strengthened' Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Ex-Lanka president Rajapaksa to run for Parliament

Ex-Lanka president Rajapaksa to run for Parliament

Rediff.com1 Jul 2015

Ending months of speculation, Sri Lanka's vanquished former president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday announced his return to electoral politics, saying he will lead an opposition faction during the general elections in August.

PM, Rajapaksa discuss issue of displaced Tamils

PM, Rajapaksa discuss issue of displaced Tamils

Rediff.com15 Oct 2010

Rehabilitation of displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka on Friday came up for discussion during a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa amid India's insistence that it was time for its neighbour to act decisively to 'win over' the ethnic minority.

Pakistan to let fully-vaccinated Sikh pilgrims visit Kartarpur Sahib with strict protocols

Pakistan to let fully-vaccinated Sikh pilgrims visit Kartarpur Sahib with strict protocols

Rediff.com22 Aug 2021

The decision to open Kartarpur shrine was taken by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday due to the approaching death anniversary of Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak Dev on September 22.

SL: Fonseka challenges Rajapaksa's victory

SL: Fonseka challenges Rajapaksa's victory

Rediff.com16 Feb 2010

Sri Lanka's defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka on Tuesday filed a petition in the supreme court in Colombo challenging the results of the January 26 polls and accused President Mahinda Rajapaksa of rigging the vote.

War crime charges filed against Rajapaksa in Australia

War crime charges filed against Rajapaksa in Australia

Rediff.com25 Oct 2011

Ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, a Sri Lankan man, who migrated to Australia, has filed war crimes charges against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Melbourne court. Rajapaksa is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne to participate in the CHOGM to be held at Perth. Jegan Waran, a retired engineer who migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka, said before the magistrate that he was still haunted by what he saw in the hospitals.

Lanka detains 37 in 'Rajapaksa assassination bid'

Lanka detains 37 in 'Rajapaksa assassination bid'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2010

Sri Lankan authorities are questioning 37 persons, including a brigadier, a colonel and some army deserters, detained for their alleged role in a plot to assassinate President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Foreign secretary discusses Tamil fishermen issue in Lanka

Foreign secretary discusses Tamil fishermen issue in Lanka

Rediff.com10 Oct 2011

Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai on Monday met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and raised the issue of frequent attacks on fishermen from Tamil Nadu during his talks with authorities in the island nation, underlining that there was no room for violence. Ending his three-day visit to the nation, Mathai said that he had taken up the issue with the Lankan government. He was told that the Lankan navy was not involved in the attacks.

Lanka panel starts public hearings on LTTE war

Lanka panel starts public hearings on LTTE war

Rediff.com11 Aug 2010

A high-level commission appointed by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to look into the last seven years of conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam opened public hearings on Wednesday, amid global apprehensions over its credibility and mandate to probe war crimes.The eight-member 'Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission' recorded the testimony of its first witness, former top diplomat Bernard Goonatilake.

Lankan singer apologises for offensive WCup song

Lankan singer apologises for offensive WCup song

Rediff.com25 Feb 2011

The Sri Lankan singer, who composed a song backing the country in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, has apologised after his much-hyped song was banned, as President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his disapproval of the lyrics over fears that it might cause offence to other competitors.

Sri Lanka dumps 'insulting' WC anthem

Sri Lanka dumps 'insulting' WC anthem

Rediff.com24 Feb 2011

Lyrics sung by young pop star Lahiru Perera reportedly upset Rajapaksa and a presidential aide said that the President was unhappy at taunts in the song against competing countries.

Afridi high-five as Pak drub Kenya

Afridi high-five as Pak drub Kenya

Rediff.com23 Feb 2011

Shahidi Afridi claimed five wickets as Pakistan opened their World Cup campaign with a thumping 205-run victory over Kenya.

Tharanga leads SL to big win over Aus

Tharanga leads SL to big win over Aus

Rediff.com16 Aug 2011

A brilliant 13th one-day international century from opener Upul Tharanga guided Sri Lanka to a 78-run win over Australia in the third one-day international at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium on Tuesday.

UN concerned over recent developments in Sri Lanka

UN concerned over recent developments in Sri Lanka

Rediff.com18 Sep 2009

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday expressed concern over the recent developments in Sri Lanka, including the detention of two UN staff members without charges.

SL prez and family committed war crimes: US Cable

SL prez and family committed war crimes: US Cable

Rediff.com2 Dec 2010

The cable, dated 15 January 2010, updated the Secretary of State on war crimes accountability following the end of the country's long and bloody conflict.

Jayaratne sworn in as Lanka PM

Jayaratne sworn in as Lanka PM

Rediff.com21 Apr 2010

Veteran Sri Lankan socialist leader D M Jayaratne, a close ally of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was sworn-in on Wednesday as the country's 20th prime minister after the ruling party secured a near two-thirds majority.

Gambhir, Nehra fit after Ayurvedic treatment in SL

Gambhir, Nehra fit after Ayurvedic treatment in SL

Rediff.com23 Mar 2010

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir and fast bowler Ashish Nehra met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and thanked him for facilitating their quick treatment at the hands of a reputed Sri Lankan Ayurvedic physician.

Rajapaksa won't extend term without polls:Lanka

Rajapaksa won't extend term without polls:Lanka

Rediff.com22 Jun 2009

Dismissing reports that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was planning constitutional amendments to extend his term without holding elections, the Sri Lankan government said on Monday that he had no intention to be in power "beyond the period mandated by the ballot".

Lanka ex-army chief begins 30-month prison term

Lanka ex-army chief begins 30-month prison term

Rediff.com1 Oct 2010

Sri Lanka's former army chief Sarath Fonseka has been moved to prison to serve out his 30-month sentence ratified by president Mahinda Rajapaksa, even as the opposition termed his incarceration as a 'degrading form of revenge'. Fonseka was court-martialled on charges of corruption in defence deals and subsequently transferred to the prison from his detention centre at the naval headquarters.

Lanka President approves 30-month jail for Fonseka

Lanka President approves 30-month jail for Fonseka

Rediff.com30 Sep 2010

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has approved the 30-month jail term given to former army chief Sarath Fonseka by a military court on charges of corruption, top officials said on Thursday.

Buddhist clergy intervenes, wants Fonseka freed

Buddhist clergy intervenes, wants Fonseka freed

Rediff.com14 Feb 2010

In a letter addressed to the President, the 'Mahanayakes' or the Buddhist religious leaders said the monks' grouping 'Maha Sangha' has throughout its long history come forward to help resolve grave national issues, including conflicts among the rulers.

SL announces dates for snap parliamentary polls

SL announces dates for snap parliamentary polls

Rediff.com10 Feb 2010

As street violence broke out in Colombo to protest the jailing of defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka on Wednesday announced the dates for snap parliamentary polls which will be held on April 8.

'Fonseka tried to assassinate Rajapaksa'

'Fonseka tried to assassinate Rajapaksa'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2010

The Sri Lankan government hit back at defeated opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka on Thursday alleging that he had attempted to "assassinate" President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family.

President, PM congratulate Rajapaksa

President, PM congratulate Rajapaksa

Rediff.com27 Jan 2010

President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday congratulated Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election and expressed confidence that the country would find lasting peace in which all communities would live with dignity and harmony.

Rajapaksa promises political solution

Rajapaksa promises political solution

Rediff.com23 May 2009

President Mahinda Rajapaksa promised on Friday to seek a political solution to address the ethnic conflict in a post-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Sri Lanka, even as a top UN official pressed Colombo to begin process of national reconciliation by accommodating "legitimate" grievances of Tamils.

Find solution to Tamil problem, India tells Lanka

Find solution to Tamil problem, India tells Lanka

Rediff.com2 Sep 2010

India on Thursday asked Sri Lanka to move beyond the resettlement of people displaced due to the civil war in the country's north and find a political solution to the long-pending Tamil question.

Concerned UN sends envoy to Lanka

Concerned UN sends envoy to Lanka

Rediff.com15 May 2009

Concerned over the plight of civilians caught up in the ongoing fighting in Sri Lanka, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has dispatched his Chef de Cabinet Vijay Nambiar, a former Indian diplomat, to the island nation to underscore his message for protection of civilians and resolution of the humanitarian situation there. Members of the UN Security Council on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the worsening crisis in northern Sri Lanka.

'Lanka Prez helped Cong-DMK alliance in TN polls'

'Lanka Prez helped Cong-DMK alliance in TN polls'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2010

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa helped the Congress-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance's performance in Tamil Nadu during last year's parliamentary elections by agreeing to halt the use of heavy weapons against the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam in the final stages of the civil war, a top Sri Lankan official has claimed.

Rajapaksa ratifies Fonseka's court martial

Rajapaksa ratifies Fonseka's court martial

Rediff.com14 Aug 2010

"The President in his capacity of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces has confirmed the findings and the punishment handed down by the first court martial," a military official said.

We, not India, take our own decisions: Sri Lanka

We, not India, take our own decisions: Sri Lanka

Rediff.com16 Dec 2009

"Sri Lanka has a sovereign government and all its administrative matters (of the army) are with the President and commander in chief (Mahinda Rajapaksa) and defence secretary," Defence Spokesman and senior cabinet Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told PTI.

Lankans gear up for easy opener against Canada

Lankans gear up for easy opener against Canada

Rediff.com19 Feb 2011

Sri Lanka, one of the favourites of the tournament, kickstart their World Cup campaign against minnows Canada, well aware that any slip-up could cause embarrassment at the hands of a side which will be eager to prove its worth at the biggest stage of cricket in Hambantota, Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Sri Lankan cabinet fails to finalise poll dates

Sri Lankan cabinet fails to finalise poll dates

Rediff.com19 Nov 2009

The Sri Lankan cabinet has failed to take a decision on the timing of the Presidential elections in the country, amid reports that the country's former top General may be the opposition candidate to challenge incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Pranab meets Lankan Prez, discusses Tamil IDPs

Pranab meets Lankan Prez, discusses Tamil IDPs

Rediff.com15 Nov 2009

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday called on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed with him bilateral relations and the issue of resettlement of the war displaced Tamils.

Set up standard war-crime probe: US to Lanka

Set up standard war-crime probe: US to Lanka

Rediff.com10 Aug 2011

The United States asked Sri Lanka to carry out credible probe on violations of human rights during the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam war, as it warned it of more international pressure on the issue.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to rush to Pakistan

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to rush to Pakistan

Rediff.com3 Mar 2009

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa instructed Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama to immediately rush to Pakistan on Tuesday, hours after the terrorist atack on Sri Lankan cricket team which left six cricketers injured.

'US to interview SL army chief on war crimes'

'US to interview SL army chief on war crimes'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2009

Sri Lankan Army General Sarath Fonseka, who presided over the military offensive on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, has been asked by the United States authorities to testify before them against Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse over allegations of widespread human rights abuse during the war.

Sri Lanka marks anniversary of LTTE's fall

Sri Lanka marks anniversary of LTTE's fall

Rediff.com18 Jun 2010

Under international flak for his handling of the Tamil issue, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Friday that nations who sympathise with separatism are bound to become the victims of terrorism, as Sri Lanka celebrated with pomp a year of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's military defeat.

No pressure from India on Tamil ethnic problem: SL

No pressure from India on Tamil ethnic problem: SL

Rediff.com13 Jun 2010

Sri Lanka said on Sunday that the relationship between New Delhi and Colombo was "strong," as it dismissed suggestions that there was "pressure" from New Delhi" for an early political solution to the Tamil ethnic problem during the visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

'India to engage Lankan Tamil parties'

'India to engage Lankan Tamil parties'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2010

India plans to directly invite Sri Lankan ethnic parties, including the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Tamil National Alliance, for parleys to resolve the Tamil issue in the country, a media report has claimed, prompting the main opposition party to seek a clarification from the Mahinda Rajapaksa government.