Lanka’s ex-strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa makes 1st appearance in Parliament since quitting as PM


PTI, May 18, 2022, 12:51 PM IST

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday made his first appearance in Parliament since he was forced to resign as prime minister and take shelter in a navy camp under high security amidst violent protests against the economic crisis largely blamed on the Rajapaksas.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, who served as the country’s prime minister thrice, saw his residence set on fire last week. He, along with his wife and family, had fled his official residence – Temple Trees – and took shelter at the naval base in Trincomalee.

Mahinda resigned as prime minister last week, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army troops in the capital.

The attack triggered widespread violence against pro-Rajapaksa politicians.

At least 9 people died with over 200 being hospitalized. Some 58 of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government colleagues have seen arson attacks on their personal properties.

Mahinda, who is an MP, was seen in Parliament, his first appearance since he was forced to resign and retreat to a Navy Camp in the Eastern Province following the May 9th Black Monday violence, the News First newspaper reported.

His son and former cabinet minister Namal Rajapaksa also attended the Parliament session.

Both Rajapaksas were notable absentees on Tuesday when a motion to suspend the Standing Orders to debate the motion expressing displeasure on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was taken up for a vote, it said.

The motion was defeated.

On May 11, Defence Secretary Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne confirmed that former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was temporarily moved to the Trincomalee Navy Dockyard.

“He will not live there forever. After the situation returns to normal, he will be relocated to a residence or location of his choice,” he said.

He said the former prime minister will be protected as long as he lives, as every former president is entitled to security and protection.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.

The crisis is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency, which has meant that the country cannot afford to pay for imports of staple foods and fuel, leading to acute shortages and very high prices.

Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9 seeking the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the government ran out of money for vital imports.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court

Actress Kasthuri stokes controversy by her remarks on Telugu-speaking people in TN

Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case

Expect Canadian government to ensure justice, uphold rule of law: PM Modi

Lone tusker spotted on NH-166 near Karkala, disrupts traffic

Lokayukta police summon Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for questioning in MUDA case on Wednesday

Not ‘kaun banega mukhyamantri’ contest; MVA to name CM pick after polls: Jairam Ramesh

Related Articles More

Expect Canadian government to ensure justice, uphold rule of law: PM Modi

Khalistanis clash with people at Hindu temple in Canada, Trudeau says unacceptable

Trump says he would not mind somebody ‘shooting’ at him through fake news

US Elections: New Iowa poll shows Kamala Harris leading in presidential race

India-US partnership most important globally for future: Democratic leader Makhija

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court

Actress Kasthuri stokes controversy by her remarks on Telugu-speaking people in TN

Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case

Expect Canadian government to ensure justice, uphold rule of law: PM Modi

Group clash in Indore after argument over bursting firecrackers: NSA slapped against 2 accused

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.