Maithripala sirisena biography channels

Maithripala Sirisena

President of Sri Lanka munch through 2015 to 2019

Maithripala Yapa Sirisena (Sinhala: පල්ලෙවත්‍ත ගමරාළලාගේ මෛත්‍රීපාල යාපා සිරිසේන; Tamil: பல்லேவத்த கமராளலாகே மைத்திரிபால யாப்பா சிறிசேன; born 3 Sep 1951) is a Sri Lankan politician who served as grandeur seventh president of Sri Lanka from 9 January 2015 proffer 18 November 2019.[2][3] Sirisena go over Sri Lanka's first president free yourself of the North Central Province touch on the country and does note belong to the traditional Sri Lankan political elite.[4] He entered as a member of fantan from Polonnaruwa back in 2020 and ended his tenure bring to fruition 2024.[citation needed]

Sirisena joined mainstream machination in 1989 as a participant of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and has held various ministries since 1994.[5] He was the general-secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and was Minister of Health until Nov 2014 when he announced reward candidacy in the 2015 statesmanlike election as the opposition coalition's "common candidate", thus leading style him running against party director and incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa.[6][7] His victory in the discretion was generally viewed as spur-of-the-moment, coming to office through rectitude votes won from the vote Sinhala-majority rural constituency and primacy Tamil and Muslim minority assemblys that were alienated by justness Rajapaksa government on post-war appeasement and growing sectarian violence.[4][8][9][10] Maithripala Sirisena pledged to implement clean 100-day reform program where no problem promised to rebalance the provided that branch within 100 days bring into play being elected, by reinforcing Sri Lanka's judiciary and parliament, consign to fight corruption and to consider allegations of war crimes punishment 2009, repeal the controversial ordinal amendment, re-instate the seventeenth reformation and appoint UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister.[11][12][13] Subside later was reported to be blessed with publicly disavowed this program, claiming that he did not fracture where it originated.[14][15]

Sirisena was pledged in as the sixth As long as President before Supreme Court enthusiast K.

Sripavan in Independence Four-sided, Colombo at 6:20 p.m. on 9 January 2015.[16][17] Immediately afterwards he ordained Ranil Wickremesinghe as the newfound prime minister.[18][19] After being disastrous in, Sirisena stated that sand would only serve one term.[20] Sirisena voluntarily transferred significant statesmanly powers to parliament on 28 April.[21][22]

In 2018, Sirisena appointed nobleness former president Mahinda Rajapaksa (his former rival) as the top minister, wrote a letter cancellation Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (with whose major support he became the president in 2015) with prorogued Parliament, all in development contradiction to the Constitution govern Sri Lanka, instigating a native crisis.[23][24][25] This marks Sirisena's subsequent and most successful attempt have it in for bring Rajapaksa to power.[26][27]

Early living thing and career

Maithripala Sirisena was local as the eldest of organized family of 12 with 5 brothers and 6 sisters, bargain 3 September 1951 in Yagoda, a village in present-day Gampaha District.[28][29] His father Pallewatte Gamaralalage Albert Sirisena was a Sphere War II veteran who was awarded five acres of rage land in Polonnaruwa near Parakrama Samudra which resulted in representation family moving from Yagoda comprehensively Polonnaruwa.[29][30] His mother, Yapa Appuhamilage Dona Nandawathi, was a institution teacher.[31]

He was educated at Thopawewa Maha Vidyalaya and Rajakeeya Madya Maha Vidyalaya Polonnaruwa where subside first developed an interest infant politics.[30][31][32] While still in nursery school, as a teenager, Sirisena became interested in communism and hitched the Ceylon Communist Party (Maoist) becoming closely associated with tyrannical leader N.

Shanmugathasan in fete activities.[31] In 1968, he took part in a communist original anti-government rally which was brittle up by baton charging police.[4]

At the age of 17, blooper was chosen as the helper of the SLFP Youth Disposal in Polonnaruwa by the SLFP Member of Parliament for Polonnaruwa, Leelaratna Wijesingha.[30][31] In 1971, old 19, he was jailed be pleased about 15 months for alleged give away in the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Insurrection.[33][34] Following his release come across prison, Sirisena joined All Land SLFP Youth Organization led from one side to the ot Anura Bandaranaike and joined government at the national level.

Astern serving at a number introduce state institutions, Sirisena obtained interpretation SLFP membership in 1978.[31] Captive 1974 Sirisena started working rag the Palugasdamana Multi-Purpose Cooperative Speak in unison as a purchasing office topmost in 1976 he became capital grama sevaka niladhari (village officer) but resigned in 1978.[35][36][37] Earth rose up the SLFP ranks, joining its politburo in 1981, where he was chosen style the president of the Repeated Island SLFP Youth Organisation, present-day also later served as treasurer.[30] During the 1981 Presidential elect, when Basil Rajapaksa joined leadership United National Party, he took over the responsibility of rectitude secretary of the organisation.

Then, he was appointed the Polonnaruwa SLFP chief organiser by honesty SLFP hierarchy.[31] He became foreman of the All Island SLFP Youth Organisation in 1983.[36]

Sirisena contrived for three years at rank Sri Lanka School of Farming, Kundasale from where he due a diploma in agriculture bear 1973.[35] In 1980 he fair a Diploma in political branch of knowledge at the Maxim Gorky Belles-lettres Institute in Russia.[36][38]

Legislative career (1989–2015)

See also: Electoral history of Maithripala Sirisena

Sri Lankan Parliament

Sirisena contested nobility 1989 parliamentary election as twin of the SLFP's candidates family unit Polonnaruwa District and was selected to the Parliament.[39] He was re-elected at the 1994 according to roberts rules of order election, this time as unadorned People's Alliance (PA) candidate.[40] Unexciting 1997 he was appointed on account of the general secretary of position SLFP for the first interval, from which he later resigned.[31] In August 2000 Sirisena proved to become general secretary arrive at the SLFP but was cowed by S.

B. Dissanayake.[41][42] Sirisena was instead appointed one shop the Deputy Presidents of SLFP.[43] He became general secretary submit the SLFP in October 2001 following Dissanayake's defection to prestige United National Party (UNP).[44]

Minister rigidity Mahaweli Development

Sirisena was appointed Depute Minister of Irrigation in righteousness new PA government led gross Chandrika Kumaratunga in 1994.[30] Presume 1997 President Kumaratunga promoted him to the Cabinet, appointing him Minister of Mahaweli Development.[30] Measure in this office he initiated many concessionary grants to amend the standard of the earth community.

He was also solid for influencing the government's settling to give farmers a shoulder bag of fertiliser for Rs. 350 in order to combat description food crisis at the put on ice. He also saved the Bate Marketing Board from privatisation modification it into a government origination when he became the Frugality Minister, in 2005.

The Rage Marketing Board continues to calibrate the prices of paddy look after this day.[31] He also began important irrigation projects such chimpanzee Moragahakanda, Kalu and Walawe rivers.[45] He was re-elected to Talking shop parliamen at the 2000 parliamentary determination and retained his ministerial portfolio.[46][47]

Opposition

He was re-elected at the 2001 parliamentary election but the Begetter lost the election and deadpan Sirisena lost his ministerial position.[48]

In January 2004 the SLFP linked forces with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna to form a civic alliance called the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).[49] Sirisena was re-elected at the 2004 formal election as a UPFA candidate.[50] President Kumaratunga appointed him Clergyman of River Basin Development existing Rajarata Development in the fresh UPFA government in April 2004.[51][52][53] He was also appointed King of the House.[54][55] Sirisena's professional portfolio was renamed as Clergyman of Irrigation, Mahaweli and Rajarata Development in July 2005.[56][57] Blooper resigned as Leader of honourableness House in August 2005.[58]

Minister symbolize Agriculture

After the 2005 presidential referendum newly elected president Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Sirisena Minister of Farming, Environment, Irrigation and Mahaweli Expansion in November 2005.[59][60] On 27 March 2006 Sirisena's personal commentator M.

L. Dharmasiri was pot shot dead by unknown gunmen hutch Aranangawila.[61] Following a cabinet rationalize in January 2007 he was appointed Minister of Agricultural Course and Agrarian Services Development gross President Rajapaksa.[62][63]

In order to brave the 2007–08 world food be inattentive crisis, Sirisena initiated a method under the scheme 'Api Wavamu – Rata Nagamu' to improve shut down food production on a state-run scale.

Festivals of tilling were conducted in each divisional secretariate every year leading to dignity re-cultivation of more than 1 million abandoned paddy fields underneath directed by the programme. The project was considered a great success body acknowledged as his green revolution.[31][45]

While serving as the Minister magnetize Agriculture Sirisena also served by reason of the acting Defence Minister chart several occasions during the Sri Lankan civil war.[64][65] He was acting defence minister during representation last two weeks of say publicly civil war when some ransack the worst alleged war crimes were committed.[66][67]

Sirisena has claimed desert LTTE may have tried conjoin assassinate him on at least possible five occasions.[68] Sirisena narrowly escapee death on 9 October 2008 when a convoy he was part of was attacked coarse a Liberation Tigers of Dravidian Eelam's suicide bomber at Piriwena Junction in Boralesgamuwa, Colombo.[69][70] Attack person was killed and heptad injured.[71]

Minister of health

Sirisena was re-elected at the 2010 parliamentary selection and was appointed minister swallow health in April 2010.[72][73][74] Lasting his time Sirisena sought erect combat cigarette and alcohol uptake within the country.

He exotic a National Medicinal Drug Scheme based on that of integrity Sri Lanka National Pharmaceuticals Course of Seneka Bibile and bring down the Cigarette and Alcohol without ornamentation to parliament against cigarette wrap that includes pictorial warnings. Nobleness act recommended 80% of wrap include pictorial warnings, however, that was reduced to 60% unjust to pressure from many corporation companies and from some areas of the government itself.[31][45] Mosquito May 2014 Sirisena was choice as one of the Promote Presidents of the World Nausea Assembly.[75]

Committees

Committees Involved[76]
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee on Irrigation mount Water Resources Management
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee on Health
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Body on Agriculture
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee on Co-operatives with the addition of Internal Trade
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee on Livestock & Rural Community Development
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee on Defence
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Chamber on Defence and Urban Development
Committees Served[76]
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Board on Parliamentary Business (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Committee make known Selection (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Committee on High Posts (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Select Committee of Parliament inform on Traffic Accidents (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament elaborate Sri Lanka Select Committee ceremony Parliament to Recommend and Tone on Political and Constitutional Setting up to Empower the Peoples a few Sri Lanka to Live similarly One Nation (14th Parliament)

For smashing chronological guide, see Timeline exercise the presidency of Maithripala Sirisena.

Main article: 2015 Sri Lankan statesmanlike election

Following days of speculation orders the media, Sirisena announced artificial 21 November 2014 that significant would challenge incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa at the 2015 statesmanly election as the common unfriendliness candidate.[77][78] Sirisena claimed that the entirety in Sri Lanka was pressurized by one family and prowl the country was heading to a dictatorship with rampant immorality, nepotism and a breakdown celebrate the rule of law.[79][80] Inaccuracy has pledged to abolish interpretation executive presidency within 100 period of being elected, repeal nobility controversial eighteenth amendment, re-instate excellence seventeenth amendment and appoint UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe as pioneering minister.[11][12][13] Following the announcement Sirisena, along with several other ministers who supported him, were exposed of their ministerial positions added expelled from the SLFP.[81][82][83] Wreath ministerial security and vehicles were also withdrawn.[84][85]

Sirisena released his decree, titled A Compassionate Maithri Governance — A Stable Country, on 19 December 2014 at a assembly at Viharamahadevi Park.[86][87] The be pledge in the manifesto was the replacement of the chairman of the board presidency with a Westminster waylay cabinet but the manifesto obvious that Sirisena would need illustriousness support of the parliament highlight amend the constitution.[88] The declaration also made a commitment show replace the open listproportional imitation system with a mixture run through first-past-the-post and PR for vote MPs.[88] Parliamentary elections will get into held in April 2015 end the constitution has been amended.[89] Independent commissions would be customary to oversee the judiciary, fuzz, elections department, Auditor-General's Department status Attorney-General's Department.[90][91] The Commission trembling Bribery and Corruption would live strengthened and political diplomatic household goods annulled.[90][91][92] Populist measures in blue blood the gentry manifesto included a commitment pause write-off 50% of farmers' loans, reduce fuel prices by dethroning taxes and a salary flood of Rs.

10,000 for get out servants.[91][93][94][95] Public spending on fettle would increase from 1.8% dominate GDP to 3% of Volume whilst that on education would increase from 1.7% of Gathering to 6% of GDP.[96][97] Character manifesto also stated that integrity casino licences granted to Kerry Packer's Crown Resort and Bathroom Keells Holdings's Water Front volition declaration be cancelled.[98][99] Political victims by Rajapaksa's rule, including Sarath Fonseka and Shirani Bandaranayake, would fix re-appointed.[93][100] In a separate mind-set Sirisena pledged that, whilst resisting any international investigation, he would establish an independent domestic interrogation into the alleged war crimes during the final stages topple the Sri Lankan Civil War.[91][101]

Sirisena was declared the winner back receiving 52.42% of all votes cast compared to Rajapaksa's 47.58%.[102][103] Sirisena was the winner grind 12 electoral districts whilst Rajapaksa was victorious in the outstanding 10.[104][105] On the contrary Rajapakse won in 90 electorates extent Sirisena managed to win solitary in 70 electorates.[106] The happen next was generally seen as adroit shock.[107][108][109] When Rajapaksa called probity election in November 2014 bankruptcy had looked certain to win.[110][111][112]

Transition

According to Mangala Samaraweera and Rajitha Senaratne, senior figures in influence Sirisena campaign, Rajapaksa attempted be required to stage a coup in give orders to stay in power like that which it became clear he was going to lose the election.[113][114] They alleged that Rajapaksa challenging his brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, significance Defence Secretary, summoned Commander deal in the ArmyDaya Ratnayake, Inspector Accepted of Police N.

K. Illangakoon and Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera to Temple Trees at interact 1:00 a.m. on 9 January 2015.[115] Rajapaksa allegedly pressured the three authorities to deploy troops, annul birth election results and declare well-organized state of emergency but they refused.[10][116] According to the Colombo Telegraph Rajapaksa also wanted be introduced to dissolve parliament.[117] It was matchless then Rajapaksa decided to part with defeat and summoned Ranil Wickremesinghe to assure him of grand smooth transition of power.[118]

A exponent for Rajapaksa has denied blue blood the gentry allegations as baseless.[119][120] The soldiers and police have also denied the allegations.[121] The new management is to investigate the purported coup attempt.[122]

Sirisena was sworn impossible to differentiate as Sri Lanka's sixth heed president before Supreme Court deft K.

Sripavan in Independence Field, Colombo at 6:20 p.m. on 9 January 2015.[16][17] It is custom make available the president to be fatal in before the chief disgraceful but Sirisena had refused cheer be sworn in before Big Justice Peiris who had archaic appointed by Rajapaksa after illustriousness controversial impeachment of the sometime chief justice.[123][124] Immediately afterwards, Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister earlier Sirisena.[18][19] After being sworn show Sirisena stated that he would only serve one term.[20]

100-day correct program

See also: 14th Parliament be in the region of Sri Lanka

With an lag cabinet formed on 12 Jan, Sirisena called the Parliamentary elections, taking the defence portfolio use himself, and appointing Ranil Wickremesinghe as minister of reconciliation, practice development and economic affairs, call for go with his prime ministership.[125]

Main article: 2015 Sri Lankan lawmaking election

In his election manifesto, Sirisena had promised a 100-day convert program planning to dissolve dignity parliament and holding new elections on 23 April 2015.[112][126][127] Dismal reforms, such as the curtailing of presidential powers and re-introducing the two-term limit, were extrinsic by the passing of goodness nineteenth amendment.

In addition, Sirisena enacted a Right to Record bill. Other changes, notably electoral reforms, were not carried out.[128] With electoral reforms stalled flourishing the 100-day reform program smooth behind schedule, the UNP begun calling for parliamentary elections.[129][130] Sirisena dissolved parliament on 26 June 2015 and called for inconvenient elections.[131][132][133] However, when faced exhausted criticism concerning the reforms, Sirisena publicly disavowed the 100-day transfer program.[14][15]

Parliamentary elections

Main article: 2015 Sri Lankan parliamentary election

In his choosing manifesto, Sirisena had promised grand 100-day reform program planning hold down dissolve the parliament and tenure new elections on 23 Apr 2015.[112][126] However, Srisena and climax government faced opposition from excellent large contingent of legislators devoted to Mahinda Rajapaksa, and, allowing some reforms, such as authority curtailing of presidential powers accept re-introducing the two-term limit, were introduced by the passing hold sway over the nineteenth amendment, others, surprisingly electoral reforms, were not bamboozle b kidnap and murder out.[128] With electoral reforms stalled and the 100-day reform announcement falling behind schedule, the UNP started calling for parliamentary elections.[129][130] Sirisena dissolved parliament on 26 June 2015.[131][132][133]

The date of influence election was set for 17 August 2015, with the another parliament expected to convene stroke 1 September 2015.[134][135] Nominations took place between 6 July 2015 and 13 July 2015.[136] Rectitude UPFA/SLFP MPs who remained nationalistic to former president Rajapaksa entitled for Rajapaksa to be notion the UPFA's prime ministerial entrant for the election.[137][138][139] This appalled those members of the UPFA/SLPF who had supported Sirisena cloth the presidential election.

They urged Sirisena to prevent Rajapaksa's resurface to politics but Sirisena remained silent on the matter.[140][141] Associate the parliamentary election was cryed it was announced that Rajapaksa would contest but not considerably the prime ministerial candidate which would be decided after primacy election.[142][143][144][145] Feeling "betrayed" by Sirisena, his supporters in the UPFA/SLFP allied themselves with the UNP to form the United Nationwide Front for Good Governance.[146][147][26] Approve 8 July 2015, several factions accused Sirisena of having betrayed the mandate that was obtain to him by the community in the 2015 presidential purpose over nominating his predecessor Rajapaksa, who faces various allegations lady human rights violations, to competition in this election.

Despite crown assurances to the media think about it he would not grant nominations to pro-Rajapaksa parliamentarians who were involved in various criminal activities, some were nominated.[27][148][149] On 14 July 2015, at a all-important press conference, Sirisena announced noteworthy would remain impartial during primacy elections after granting the punishment to Rajapaksa, hinted that Rajapaksa could be defeated in grandeur parliamentary election similar to class presidential election.[150][151]

The United National Model for Good Governance became decency largest group in Parliament rearguard securing 45.66% of votes don 106 seats whilst the UPFA won 42.38% of votes suggest 95 seats.[152][153] Rajapaksa quickly professed defeat in his attempt be introduced to become prime minister.[154][155] The adhere to left the UNFGG seven way short of a majority break off Parliament.[156][157] However, on 20 Sage 2015 the central committee be more or less the SLFP agreed to organization a national government with leadership UNP for two years.[158][159] Wickremesinghe was sworn in as make ready minister on 21 August 2015.[160][161] Immediately afterwards a memorandum disregard understanding to work together upgrade Parliament was signed by accurate SLFP general secretary Duminda Dissanayake and UNP general secretary Kabir Hashim.[162][163]

The elections saw minor bloodshed and violations of election reserve but were generally incident-free, sedate, free and fair.[164][165] Sirisena was praised for "shepherding an allencompassing process" during the elections prep between the United Nations Secretary-General Break off Ki-moon.[166] The European External Instantaneous Service spokesperson also stated focus the election was "genuine, petit mal administered and peaceful."[167][168]

National government (2015–2018)

Main articles: Second Sirisena cabinet dominant 15th Parliament of Sri Lanka

On 20 August 2015 the main committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the dominant constituent of the UPFA, large-scale to form a national direction with the UNP for duo years.[158][159]Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn principal as prime minister on 21 August 2015.[160][161] Immediately afterwards deft memorandum of understanding to make a hole together in Parliament was full-strength by acting SLFP general essayist Duminda Dissanayake and UNP public secretary Kabir Hashim.[162][163]

Three UNFGG cupboard ministers were sworn in preparation 24 August 2015.[169][170] A in mint condition 39 cabinet ministers, 28 hold up the UNFGG and 11 use the UPFA, were sworn pop into on 4 September 2015.[171][172] Twosome more cabinet ministers, one unapproachable the UNFGG and two plant the UPFA, were sworn integrate on 9 September 2015.[173][174] 19 state ministers (11 UNFGG, 8 UPFA) and 21 deputy ministers (11 UNFGG, 10 UPFA) were also sworn in on 9 September 2015.[175][176] Two more right-hand man ministers, both from the UPFA, were sworn in on 10 September 2015.[177][178]

Constitutional crisis

Main article: 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis

On dignity evening of 26 October 2018, Sirisena, in a sudden set in motion, sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe and determined Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime cleric after the United People's Self-direction Alliance withdrew from the wholeness accord government.

Immediately following the budge, media institutions in the declare were suppressed in what practical now being termed a against takeover.[179] Wickremesinghe refused to defend against the dismissal, stating that station is illegal and unconstitutional. Sirisena promptly prorogued Parliament and decreed a new Cabinet of Ministers, in effect creating a analogical government to what was in operation in the country at integrity time, a series of exploits referred to by the BBC as "somewhere in between Bedsit of Cards, Game of Thrones and Shakespeare's darkest Roman plays".[24][180][181] This resulted in a fundamental crisis, with analysts referring equal Sirisena's actions as a coup.[182][183]

The crisis created significant fears laugh to the state of representative institutions in the country, change former Ministers refusing to entrance down from their posts.[183] Karu Jayasuriya, the speaker for character Parliament, refused to acknowledge primacy legality of this move, stating that the ousted Wickramasinghe abridge the lawful prime minister remarkable urging the president to genre Parliament to resolve the subject.

However, since then the speaker's office also issued statements eloquent that they will not avoid Rajapaksa from occupying the number minister's seat in Parliament.[184][185][186] Unornamented reported ten thousand people mobilised in a protest in Colombo, demanding that Sirisena reconvene Parliament.[187][183]

On 13 December 2018, the jampacked bench (seven-judge bench) of rectitude Supreme Court unanimously ruled wind President Sirisena's decision to put away parliament on 9 November, earlier the completion of four essential half years, was unconstitutional add-on illegal.[188]

Following the Supreme court judgment, Rajapaksa backed down and Wickremesinghe was re-appointed prime minister.[189]

Easter bombings

Main article: 2019 Sri Lanka Wind bombings

On the morning of 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday keep fit of coordinated terrorist suicide bombings took place targeting three Faith churches and three luxury hotels in the commercial capital Colombo killing 253 and wounding hegemony 500 people.

President Sirisena who was in Singapore on on the rocks personal visit at the halt in its tracks ordered a Presidential Commission a few Inquiry into the bombings endure identify the perpetrators. On diadem return to the island rolling 22 April, he declared grand state of emergency from dead of night of 22 April by happening an extraordinary gazette notification.

Representation government announced a national way in of mourning the following allot.

The President and the create were heavily criticised for band heeding warnings from Indian brains services, but President Sirisena denied knowledge of warnings before fulfil departure overseas on 15 April.[190] Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe consequent apologised for failing to directly the attacks issuing a bystander on Twitter stating "We equipment collective responsibility and apologise competent our fellow citizens for utilize failure to protect victims defer to these tragic events.

We chance to rebuild our churches, recover our economy, and take each and every measures to prevent terrorism, fumble the support of the worldwide community."[191]

On 23 April, President Sirisena announced his plans to incident the heads of the safeguard forces, and on 25 Apr Hemasiri Fernando, secretary to dignity Ministry of Defence tendered wreath resignation to the President, sustenance it was announced that Commander Sirisena has requested the Nub Secretary and the Inspector Accepted of Police (IGP) resign.[192] Swop no response to his charm to resign, President Sirisena dispatched the IGP Pujith Jayasundara fasten compulsory leave and appointed fraudster acting Inspector General of The law .[193]

Field MarshalSarath Fonseka stated meet parliament on 8 May dump President Sirisena had been knowledgeable 15 times at the Formal Security Council about warnings lady a terrorist attack, yet maladroit thumbs down d instructions were given.[194] The Governor has intern turned down calls by the prime minister person in charge the UNP parliamentary group shut appoint Fonseka as the Preacher of Law and Order pursuing the bombing.

He has refused to appoint Fonseka to cool Ministerial post since the 2018 constitutional crisis citing that Fonseka's name had come up dainty the police investigations in key alleged presidential assassination attempt.

Sirisena was highly critical of distinction Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) distrust into the Easter Sunday subversive attacks and incidents in tight aftermath appointed by the Rabble-rouser of the Parliament of integrity PSC for summering intelligence crucial police officers.

He had organized no public officer to put in writing for summons issued by righteousness PSC.[195] Following Chief of Internal Intelligence Sisira Mendis' statement parallel with the ground the PSC to the briefcase that President Sirisena knew high opinion the warnings of an imminent attack, Sirisena sacked Mendis contents hours.[196]

Return to parliament

Sirisena stepped tender as president on 18 Nov 2019 following the 2019 statesmanly election, having opted not pore over contest a second term leading remain neutral during the election.[197] Following the election he was appointed as Chairmen of honourableness Sri Lanka Freedom Party.[198] Sirisena contested 2020 Sri Lankan lawgiving elections from the Polonnaruwa local and was elected to convocation having gained the highest back copy of preferential votes in goodness district.

Easter bombings inquiry findings

In February 2021, the Presidential Court case of Inquiry appointed by Sirisena during his term as leader to investigate the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, had alleged it is final report esoteric recommended the Attorney General union initiate criminal proceedings against Sirisena and his intelligence chiefs get to failing to act on brainpower received to prevent the attacks on 21 April 2019.

That report was rejected by ethics Executive Council of Sri Lanka Freedom Party which re-elected Sirisena as its chairman.[199] In Jan 2023, the Supreme Court dominate Sri Lanka ordered Sirisena fall prey to pay Rs.100 million ($272,000) pass for compensation to the victims longed-for the bombing. The supreme challenge found that senior government charge intelligence officials were responsible ferry failing to prevent the attacks.

The former police chief Pujith Jayasundara and former state acumen services head Nilantha Jayawardena were also ordered to pay Adapt to. 75 million each, and say publicly former defence minister was not to be faulted to pay Rs. 50 million.[200] On 16 August 2024, Sirisena completed the payment of alimony of Rs.100 million, after self ordered to complete payment hitherto 30 August.[201]

On 31 January 2023, Sirisena announced his intention survive contest in the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election at simple conference for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.[202] In his lecture, Sirisena addressed the recent Wind Bombing inquiry findings, apologised give a lift the Catholic community and compared himself to anti-apartheid activist Admiral Mandela.[203] Sirisena would withdraw surmount campaign the following year gift endorse Minister of JusticeWijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the SLFP candidate instead.[204] However, later he withdrew argumentation to Rajapakshe and declared work remain independent and not shorten any candidate.[205]

Rift within the party

On 4 April 2024, the Colombo District Court issued an provisional injunction temporarily preventing Sirisena shun functioning as the party chair until 18 April, following systematic case filed by former SLFP chairman Chandrika Kumaratunga.[206] On 18 April, the injunction was very extended until 9 May.[207] Handling 24 April, another permanent interdict order was issued effective \'til the conclusion of the trial.[208]

On 12 May, Sirisena formally reconciled as chairman of the SLFP, and the pro-Sirisena faction pursuit the party unanimously voted withstand appoint Minister of JusticeWijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the new chairman, regular move which was not acknowledged by the anti-Sirisena faction interrupt the party.[209][210]

Controversies

Nepotism and corruption

Despite pledges made during the presidential crusade, Sirisena has himself been culprit of nepotism since becoming president.[211][212][213] A few days after Sirisena took power in January 2015, his brother Kumarasinghe Sirisena was appointed chairman of the state-owned Sri Lanka Telecom.[214][215] The time came despite objections from Central Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and some other cabinet ministers.[216][217] Sirisena's son-in-law Thilina Suranjith Wewelpanawa (Chathurika's husband) was appointed public relations dignitary at the Ministry of Cover in February 2015 — Sirisena is Priest of Defence.[218][219][220] In September 2015 Sirisena's son Daham accompanied diadem father as he visited Another York City for the Ordinal session of the United Altruism General Assembly.[221][222]

Despite having no authoritative role, Daham Sirisena sat shrivel the Sri Lankan delegation put in the United Nations General Collection and accompanied his father tempt he met world leaders much as Prime Minister of IndiaNarendra Modi and President of honesty Swiss ConfederationSimonetta Sommaruga.[223][224][225] Sirisena's bird Chathurika, who also has rebuff official role, has been class guest of honour/chief guest disapproval several Ministry of Defence events.[226][227][228][229] At another event where Chathurika was chief guest, she was accompanied by members of prestige Presidential Security Division.[230] In Sep 2015 Chathurika was accompanied in and out of government officials and police organization as she went on first-class private "fact finding mission" pocket Mahawelithenna near Welikanda.[231][232]

In 2018 rulership Chief of Staff I.H.K.

Mahanama was arrested by officials lecture the commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) while accepting a bribe weekend away Rs. 20 million from prominence Indian businessman as a worth of an Rs. 100 Bundle bribes for helping the getting hold of of the Kantale Sugar Middling. Mahanama, the chief of pole of the president, in coronet previous role as secretary assemble the Ministry of Lands, locked away secured Cabinet approval to disposal scrap material of the affordable, assets which were claimed shy M G Sugars Lanka (Pvt) Ltd under the agreement.

Description company then filed arbitration transcript in a Singapore tribunal observe stop the Government of Sri Lanka from selling the tools and scrap. The investors dead heat letters to PM's office which recommended they to complain accept the CIABOC which launched investigations. However, despite the investigations, Mahanama was appointed by Sirisena orangutan his Chief of Staff.

Palsy-walsy for Human Rights (CHR) iffy how Sirisena appointed Mahanama gorilla his Chief of Staff period he was under corruption investigations.[233][234][235]

In 2015, Maithripala Sirisena criticised playing field called for the organisers refreshing an Enrique Iglesias concert bring Colombo to be whipped, equate the behaviour of some individual fans.

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Sirisena stated, "I don't advocate that these uncivilized women who removed their brassieres should be beaten with cyanogenetic stingray tails, but those who organised such an event have to be."[236][237]

Media freedom

Media freedom increased botched job Sirisena compared to previous governments.[238] However, in June 2018 nobleness Telecommunications Regulatory Commission closed slam transmission towers operated by TNL TV after a negative exegesis about a president's speech.

Representation TRC claimed that the rationale was not paying the exactly fee but was criticised rough both government allies and objection MPs. Joint Opposition MR Dinesh Gunawardana presented irregularities of honourableness action in the parliament startling that the TRC violated depiction Telecommunication Act by closing destitute the tower as the prerrogative could be cancelled and precise station could be sealed single after giving due notice which was not carried out in and out of the TRC.

The claim type not paying the fees was also called to doubt importation the station had made rectitude payments up to 2017 scold issues pertaining to licence fees were being negotiated by illustriousness TNL.[239][240][241]