News for 'Ranil Wickremesinghe'

Ex-Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe arrested

Ex-Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe arrested

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Wickremesinghe, 76, was arrested at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, where he was summoned to record a statement in connection with an investigation into the alleged misuse of government funds, police said.

Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Lanka's new president

Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Lanka's new president

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

Wickremesinghe is the first Sri Lankan president to be elected by Parliament following a vote.

Ranil Wickremesinghe is back as Sri Lanka's prime minister for 5th time

Ranil Wickremesinghe is back as Sri Lanka's prime minister for 5th time

Rediff.com12 May 2022

The 73-year-old United National Party was appointed as the prime minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after they held closed-door discussions on Wednesday.

Ranil Wickremesinghe reinstated as Sri Lanka PM

Ranil Wickremesinghe reinstated as Sri Lanka PM

Rediff.com16 Dec 2018

India welcomed resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka and exuded confidence that relations between the two countries will continue to move on in an upward trajectory.

Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Sri Lankan prime minister

Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Sri Lankan prime minister

Rediff.com21 Aug 2015

The swearing in ceremony was held inside the premises of the Presidential Secretariat at 9:30 am. President Sirisena administered the oath of office to 66-year-old Wickremesinghe, who has already served three times as the prime minister.

Ranil Wickremesinghe to return as Sri Lankan PM

Ranil Wickremesinghe to return as Sri Lankan PM

Rediff.com18 Aug 2015

Incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to take oath as Sri Lanka's new prime minister of a unity government on Tuesday after his United National Party appeared close to a simple majority, with rival Mahinda Rajapaksa admitting defeat in the closely contested parliamentary polls.

Cross-border terror top of SAARC agenda: Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe

Cross-border terror top of SAARC agenda: Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe

Rediff.com6 Oct 2016

The terrorists opened fire on the army camp at Langate in Kupwara district at around 5 am, which was retaliated by the jawans, a senior army officer said.

'Ranil Go Home'

'Ranil Go Home'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

Outside parliament, Sri Lankans continued their protests against their newly elected president, who they charge with being close to the Rajapaksa political dynasty.

Protestors Burn Wickremesinghe Effigy

Protestors Burn Wickremesinghe Effigy

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

The protestors protest against interim President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe demanding his resignation at the compound of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Celebration In Colombo As Ranil Wins

Celebration In Colombo As Ranil Wins

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

This is the first time in 44 years that Sri Lanka's parliament has directly elected a president.

India Tests Sky Shield

India Tests Sky Shield

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

'Ranil's views are same as Rajapaksas'

'Ranil's views are same as Rajapaksas'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

'While parliament has elected him, the people are demanding that he goes home.'

Ranil Realises His Dream

Ranil Realises His Dream

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

Ranil Wickremesinghe -- six times Sri Lanka's prime minister -- realised his long cherished dream when he arrived on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, to inaugurate the country's parliament, finally as its president.

Won't allow Sri Lanka to be used as base against India: Wickremesinghe

Won't allow Sri Lanka to be used as base against India: Wickremesinghe

Rediff.com27 Jun 2023

In an interview with France24, Wickremesinghe said, "We are a neutral country, but we also emphasise the fact that we cannot allow Sri Lanka to be used as a base for any threats against India."

Ensure dignity, respect for Tamils, implement 13A, Modi tells Ranil

Ensure dignity, respect for Tamils, implement 13A, Modi tells Ranil

Rediff.com21 Jul 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe India's expectations from Colombo to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and ensure a life of respect and dignity for it.

Victory For Pooches

Victory For Pooches

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Wickremesinghe rejects outside mediation, invites Tamil minority for talks

Wickremesinghe rejects outside mediation, invites Tamil minority for talks

Rediff.com10 Nov 2022

India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation's character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.

Lankan president asks Mamata in Dubai: Will you lead INDIA?

Lankan president asks Mamata in Dubai: Will you lead INDIA?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2023

A smiling Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee whether she is going to lead the Opposition alliance, INDIA.

'We don't believe in Wickremesinghe'

'We don't believe in Wickremesinghe'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2022

'If Ranil Wickremesinghe starts repressing and suppressing the protesters who represent the people, that will pose a danger for him to continue in office.'

Ranil thanks India for providing Lanka 'a breath of life'

Ranil thanks India for providing Lanka 'a breath of life'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving Sri Lanka 'a breath of life' by providing timely economic assistance to his country as it faced the worst economic crisis in decades.

Lankan peace process at risk: Wickremesinghe

Lankan peace process at risk: Wickremesinghe

Rediff.com7 Nov 2003

The Sri Lankan prime minister also vowed to reopen Parliament, which was suspended on Tuesday by President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Wickremesinghe elected Lankan president, to serve till November 2024

Wickremesinghe elected Lankan president, to serve till November 2024

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

Ranil Wickremesinghe was on Wednesday elected as Sri Lanka's new President by Parliament, in a rare move that could provide continuity for ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout for the cash-strapped nation but a development likely to anger anti-government protesters who have been demanding his resignation from office for weeks.

Ranil agrees to meet Chandrika

Ranil agrees to meet Chandrika

Rediff.com11 Nov 2003

The prime minister, however, made it clear that he will not discuss the president's proposal to form a government of national unity.

'The evil has not left our system yet'

'The evil has not left our system yet'

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

'We don't have a plan for the crisis at all. The uncertainty will continue.'

Let Kumaratunga talk to LTTE: Wickremesinghe

Let Kumaratunga talk to LTTE: Wickremesinghe

Rediff.com9 Nov 2003

President Kumaratunga has embroiled the nation in a crisis by sacking three ministers and suspending parliament.

Meet Sri Lanka's New 'Wildlife Minister'

Meet Sri Lanka's New 'Wildlife Minister'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2022

Mayhem prevails in Colombo after protesters enter President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's home; mysterious vandals set afire Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's private residence.

Wickremesinghe, Premadasa among 4 in fray for presidential polls in Sri Lanka

Wickremesinghe, Premadasa among 4 in fray for presidential polls in Sri Lanka

Rediff.com16 Jul 2022

Parliament met for a brief special session on Saturday to announce the vacancy in the presidency following the resignation of Rajapaksa.

Speaker appoints Prime Minister Wickremesinghe as Lanka's acting president

Speaker appoints Prime Minister Wickremesinghe as Lanka's acting president

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as the country's acting president after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives on a military jet on Wednesday in the face of a public revolt against his government for mishandling the economy that has bankrupted the country.

Lankan PM Wickremesinghe appointed as Finance Minister

Lankan PM Wickremesinghe appointed as Finance Minister

Rediff.com25 May 2022

The five-time prime minister was re-appointed to the job on May 12 following the political circus precipitated by the unprecedented economic crisis in the island's history.

Sri Lanka Votes For Next President

Sri Lanka Votes For Next President

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Glimpses from Sri Lanka's presidential election, the first polls since the island's economic crisis, in Colombo and Jaffna, September 21, 2024.

Who Will Win Sri Lanka's Presidential Poll?

Who Will Win Sri Lanka's Presidential Poll?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'The Indian government is better prepared this time and has reached out to all contenders and not putting all eggs in one basket.'

Anura Kumar Dissanayake sworn in as Sri Lankan president

Anura Kumar Dissanayake sworn in as Sri Lankan president

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as Sri Lanka's ninth president on Monday, amid hopes that he will bolster the country's economy and eliminate corruption.

Wickremesinghe sworn in as Lanka interim Prez

Wickremesinghe sworn in as Lanka interim Prez

Rediff.com15 Jul 2022

Lankan Speaker told the party leaders that Parliament will meet on July 20 to elect a new president.

Rajapaksa Flees, But Protests Continue

Rajapaksa Flees, But Protests Continue

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

Demonstrators continue to protest outside the office of Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Wednesday, July 13, 2022, the day the veteran leader was appointed acting president by the speaker of the island's parliament.

Lanka's parliament to pick president on July 20, Wickremesinghe frontrunner

Lanka's parliament to pick president on July 20, Wickremesinghe frontrunner

Rediff.com15 Jul 2022

The 225-member Parliament will elect the new president by a secret vote on July 20, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said on Friday.

'Night club visit not behind SL's flop show in WC T20'

'Night club visit not behind SL's flop show in WC T20'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Sri Lanka was unable to progress to the Super 8s stage, finishing third in Group D behind South Africa and Bangladesh, who advanced.

Sri Lanka Cricket suspension lifted

Sri Lanka Cricket suspension lifted

Rediff.com28 Jan 2024

The ICC Board on Sunday lifted the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect.

Colombo Celebrates As Rajapaksa Quits

Colombo Celebrates As Rajapaksa Quits

Rediff.com15 Jul 2022

After Gotabaya Rajapaksa e-mailed his promised letter of resignation as Sri Lanka's president shortly after arriving in Singapore, Sri Lankans celebrated on the streets of Colombo late on Thursday, July 14, 2022, night.

Sri Lankan Parliament votes to elect new President

Sri Lankan Parliament votes to elect new President

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

The Sri Lankan Parliament is all set to elect the successor to Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a three-way presidential contest on Wednesday, following a high-voltage political drama which saw the former president fleeing the country and resigning after a popular uprising against his government for mismanaging the economy.

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Modi for 3rd term

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Modi for 3rd term

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Sharif was the only prime minister from India's neighbourhood who wasn't invited to the swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi.