News for 'Mahinda'

Hashan denies naming de Silva, Sanath in fixing

Hashan denies naming de Silva, Sanath in fixing

Rediff.com8 Jun 2011

Former Sri Lanka captain Hashan Tillakaratne has denied naming ex-skippers Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya as being involved in match-fixing.

Rajapaksa vows to guard SL army from intl probe

Rajapaksa vows to guard SL army from intl probe

Rediff.com27 May 2011

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday vowed to protect the country's military from possible international scrutiny over allegations of human rights violations during its prolonged conflict to end ethnic violence.

How Jaya's victory changes Indo-Lanka relations

How Jaya's victory changes Indo-Lanka relations

Rediff.com19 May 2011

What will be the effect of Jayalalithaa first salvo against Rajapaksa? How will it impact India's Sri Lanka policy? These are some of the questions likely to be debated more frequently in the coming months.

In TN, Rajapaksa's friend seeks a second chance

In TN, Rajapaksa's friend seeks a second chance

Rediff.com11 Apr 2011

A Ganesh Nadar visits Ramanathapuram in poll-bound Tamil Nadu and meets Congress MLA K Hasan Ali, whom his opponents dub as 'traitor' for being a friend to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.

'SL minister finds fault with WC arrangements'

'SL minister finds fault with WC arrangements'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2011

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has expressed displeasure over the facilities extended to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sri Lankan ministers at last Saturday's World Cup final against India at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, a report said on Sunday.

World leaders mourn death of Pranab Mukherjee

World leaders mourn death of Pranab Mukherjee

Rediff.com1 Sep 2020

Many world leaders on Monday condoled the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee, saying they have lost a true friend who made immense contributions to the strengthening of India's relations with their countries.

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.

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 rejects US court summons served on Rajapaksa

Lanka rejects US court summons served on Rajapaksa

Rediff.com20 Jun 2011

Sri Lanka has rejected a United States court summons served on President Mahinda Rajapaksa over a $ 30 million damages suit against him.

Sirisena suspends parliament till Nov 16 as political crisis deepens in Lanka

Sirisena suspends parliament till Nov 16 as political crisis deepens in Lanka

Rediff.com27 Oct 2018

Sirisena's sacking of Wickremesinghe was the culmination of an year of bitter relations between them on several policy matters. The president has been critical of the prime minister and his policies, especially on economy and security.

Modi gets to work soon after taking over as PM

Modi gets to work soon after taking over as PM

Rediff.com27 May 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with officials on Monday night soon after taking over.

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.

Lanka seeks humanitarian solution to fishing row

Lanka seeks humanitarian solution to fishing row

Rediff.com14 Jan 2011

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa advocated a "humanitarian approach" to avoid clashes between fishermen from India and his country near the international maritime border (IMB).

SL voting ends with high turn out; Rajapaksa faces tough test

SL voting ends with high turn out; Rajapaksa faces tough test

Rediff.com8 Jan 2015

Sri Lankans on Thursday voted in large numbers in the bitterly contested presidential election in which incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa is seeking a record third term against his friend-turned-foe Maithripala Sirisena, with an unusually high voter turnout in Tamil and Muslim areas.

Sri Lanka president offers prayers at Tirumala temple

Sri Lanka president offers prayers at Tirumala temple

Rediff.com10 Dec 2014

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday offered worship at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in the wee hours near Tirupati.

Lanka cabinet holds meeting in former LTTE bastion

Lanka cabinet holds meeting in former LTTE bastion

Rediff.com14 Jul 2010

The Sri Lankan government on Wednesday held its first ever Cabinet meeting in the Tamil heartland of Kilinochchi, the erstwhile administrative capital of the vanquished Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam."The weekly Cabinet meeting commenced in Kilinochchi at 10 am today under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapakse," a statement said.The meeting was conducted at the administrative building of the defence forces headquarters near the Iranamadu tank.

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.

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.

Declare Lankan prez a war criminal: Jayalalithaa

Declare Lankan prez a war criminal: Jayalalithaa

Rediff.com13 May 2011

Set to form the next government in Tamil Nadu, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo J Jayalalithaa on Friday said the top agenda for her government would be to restore "law and order" which had "totally deteriorated".

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 court bars Rajapaksa from acting as PM

Sri Lankan court bars Rajapaksa from acting as PM

Rediff.com3 Dec 2018

Lanka is witnessing a political crisis since October 26 when President Sirisena sacked Wickeremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka landslide: Hopes fade of finding survivors

Sri Lanka landslide: Hopes fade of finding survivors

Rediff.com30 Oct 2014

Nearly 200 people were feared to have been buried alive in Sri Lanka after a devastating landslide triggered by rains destroyed the homes of mostly Indian-origin plantation workers, as heavy machinery was deployed on Thursday in rescue operations involving the army.

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.

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.

Fonseka charged with employing deserters

Fonseka charged with employing deserters

Rediff.com14 Jul 2010

The Sri Lankan government has slapped a fresh case on detained former army chief Sarath Fonseka for allegedly employing military deserters during the presidential campaign earlier this year, the poll which he contested unsuccessfully against President Mahinda Rajapakse. The attorney general's department filed a fresh case against Fonseka, who is now an opposition lawmaker. He is accused of employing 10 army deserters in the run-up to the January presidential poll.

Sri Lanka prez orders W Cup song to be banned

Sri Lanka prez orders W Cup song to be banned

Rediff.com23 Feb 2011

Sri Lanka's president Mahinda Rajapakse on Wednesday ordered a ban on a World Cup song that carries a latent threat to defending champions Australia and New Zealand.

Lankan navy hands over Indian fishermen to Coast Guard

Lankan navy hands over Indian fishermen to Coast Guard

Rediff.com16 Aug 2014

Sri Lankan navy on Saturday handed over 94 Tamil Nadu fishermen taken into custody by them to the Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line, police said.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rajapaksa guilty of war crimes in Lanka: WikiLeaks

Rajapaksa guilty of war crimes in Lanka: WikiLeaks

Rediff.com2 Dec 2010

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his former army chief Sarath Fonseka were responsible for alleged war crimes and killing of Tamil civilians during the last phase of the 30-year-old civil war, according to a secret United States cable made public by WikiLeaks.

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.