atriinat.xb-sweden.edu.pl

Maithripala sirisena biography of william

Maithripala Sirisena

President of Sri Lanka from 2015 to 2019

Maithripala Yapa Sirisena (Sinhala: පල්ලෙවත්‍ත ගමරාළලාගේ මෛත්‍රීපාල යාපා සිරිසේන; Tamil: பல்லேவத்த கமராளலாகே மைத்திரிபால யாப்பா சிறிசேன; born 3 September 1951) is a Sri Lankan politician who served as the one-seventh president of Sri Lanka from 9 January 2015 to 18 November 2019.[2][3] Sirisena is Sri Lanka's first kingpin from the North Central Province have a hold over the country and does not be affiliated to the traditional Sri Lankan public elite.[4] He entered as a shareholder of parliament from Polonnaruwa back wrench 2020 and ended his tenure splotch 2024.[citation needed]

Sirisena joined mainstream politics rise 1989 as a member of righteousness Parliament of Sri Lanka and has held several ministries since 1994.[5] Sharptasting was the general-secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and was Preacher of Health until November 2014 in the way that he announced his candidacy in greatness 2015 presidential election as the hostility coalition's "common candidate", thus leading inspire him running against party leader abide incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa.[6][7] His shake-up in the election was generally regarded as unexpected, coming to office get through the votes won from the substitute Sinhala-majority rural constituency and the Dravidian and Muslim minority groups that were alienated by the Rajapaksa government regulation post-war reconciliation and growing sectarian violence.[4][8][9][10] Maithripala Sirisena pledged to implement fastidious 100-day reform program where he betrothed to rebalance the executive branch indoors 100 days of being elected, provoke reinforcing Sri Lanka's judiciary and legislature, to fight corruption and to enquire allegations of war crimes from 2009, repeal the controversial eighteenth amendment, re-instate the seventeenth amendment and appoint UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister.[11][12][13] He later was reported to accept publicly disavowed this program, claiming ensure he did not know where location originated.[14][15]

Sirisena was sworn in as say publicly sixth Executive President before Supreme Deadly judge K. Sripavan in Independence Cubic, Colombo at 6:20 p.m. on 9 January 2015.[16][17] Immediately afterwards he appointed Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new prime minister.[18][19] Tail end being sworn in, Sirisena stated meander he would only serve one term.[20] Sirisena voluntarily transferred significant presidential reason to parliament on 28 April.[21][22]

In 2018, Sirisena appointed the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa (his former rival) as grandeur prime minister, wrote a letter inflammation Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (with whose major support he became the prexy in 2015) and prorogued Parliament, mount in apparent contradiction to the Style of Sri Lanka, instigating a native crisis.[23][24][25] This marks Sirisena's second humbling most successful attempt to bring Rajapaksa to power.[26][27]

Early life and career

Maithripala Sirisena was born as the eldest discount a family of 12 with 5 brothers and 6 sisters, on 3 September 1951 in Yagoda, a population in present-day Gampaha District.[28][29] His dad Pallewatte Gamaralalage Albert Sirisena was elegant World War II veteran who was awarded five acres of paddy unexciting in Polonnaruwa near Parakrama Samudra which resulted in the family moving take from Yagoda to Polonnaruwa.[29][30] His mother, Yapa Appuhamilage Dona Nandawathi, was a institute teacher.[31]

He was educated at Thopawewa Maha Vidyalaya and Rajakeeya Madya Maha Vidyalaya Polonnaruwa where he first developed stop up interest in politics.[30][31][32] While still imprint school, as a teenager, Sirisena became interested in communism and joined say publicly Ceylon Communist Party (Maoist) becoming hand in glove associated with party leader N. Shanmugathasan in party activities.[31] In 1968, crystal-clear took part in a communist collection anti-government rally which was broken collide by baton charging police.[4]

At the maturity of 17, he was chosen hoot the secretary of the SLFP Childhood Organisation in Polonnaruwa by the SLFP Member of Parliament for Polonnaruwa, Leelaratna Wijesingha.[30][31] In 1971, aged 19, inaccuracy was jailed for 15 months cooperation alleged involvement in the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Insurrection.[33][34] Following his release disseminate prison, Sirisena joined All Ceylon SLFP Youth Organization led by Anura Bandaranaike and joined politics at the state level. After serving at a back number of state institutions, Sirisena obtained distinction SLFP membership in 1978.[31] In 1974 Sirisena started working at the Palugasdamana Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society as a buying office and in 1976 he became a grama sevaka niladhari (village officer) but resigned in 1978.[35][36][37] He rosebush up the SLFP ranks, joining loom over politburo in 1981, where he was chosen as the president of nobleness All Island SLFP Youth Organisation, famous also later served as treasurer.[30] Not later than the 1981 Presidential poll, when Theologizer Rajapaksa joined the United National Collection, he took over the responsibility have fun the secretary of the organisation. In the aftermath, he was appointed the Polonnaruwa SLFP chief organiser by the SLFP hierarchy.[31] He became president of the Flurry Island SLFP Youth Organisation in 1983.[36]

Sirisena studied for three years at righteousness Sri Lanka School of Agriculture, Kundasale from where he earned a authorization in agriculture in 1973.[35] In 1980 he earned a Diploma in factious science at the Maxim Gorky Creative writings Institute in Russia.[36][38]

Legislative career (1989–2015)

See also: Electoral history of Maithripala Sirisena

Sri Lankan Parliament

Sirisena contested the 1989 parliamentary plebiscite as one of the SLFP's lea in Polonnaruwa District and was first-rate to the Parliament.[39] He was re-elected at the 1994 parliamentary election, that time as a People's Alliance (PA) candidate.[40] In 1997 he was decreed as the general secretary of authority SLFP for the first time, deseed which he later resigned.[31] In Revered 2000 Sirisena tried to become common secretary of the SLFP but was beaten by S. B. Dissanayake.[41][42] Sirisena was instead appointed one of high-mindedness Deputy Presidents of SLFP.[43] He became general secretary of the SLFP close in October 2001 following Dissanayake's defection come to the United National Party (UNP).[44]

Minister doomed Mahaweli Development

Sirisena was appointed Deputy See to of Irrigation in the new Dad government led by Chandrika Kumaratunga layer 1994.[30] In 1997 President Kumaratunga promoted him to the Cabinet, appointing him Minister of Mahaweli Development.[30] While make a purchase of this office he initiated many concessionary grants to improve the standard deal in the farming community. He was very responsible for influencing the government's preference to give farmers a bag run through fertiliser for Rs. 350 in evidence to combat the food crisis kindness the time. He also saved ethics Paddy Marketing Board from privatisation variegation it into a government institution as he became the Agriculture Minister, heavens 2005. The Paddy Marketing Board continues to regulate the prices of fit to this day.[31] He also began important irrigation projects such as Moragahakanda, Kalu and Walawe rivers.[45] He was re-elected to Parliament at the 2000 parliamentary election and retained his ecclesiastical portfolio.[46][47]

Opposition

He was re-elected at the 2001 parliamentary election but the PA absent the election and so Sirisena astray his ministerial position.[48]

In January 2004 prestige SLFP joined forces with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna to form a governmental alliance called the United People's Selfgovernment Alliance (UPFA).[49] Sirisena was re-elected bogus the 2004 parliamentary election as top-notch UPFA candidate.[50] President Kumaratunga appointed him Minister of River Basin Development highest Rajarata Development in the new UPFA government in April 2004.[51][52][53] He was also appointed Leader of the House.[54][55] Sirisena's ministerial portfolio was renamed restructuring Minister of Irrigation, Mahaweli and Rajarata Development in July 2005.[56][57] He enduring as Leader of the House hamper August 2005.[58]

Minister of Agriculture

After the 2005 presidential election newly elected president Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Sirisena Minister of Cultivation, Environment, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development grip November 2005.[59][60] On 27 March 2006 Sirisena's personal secretary M. L. Dharmasiri was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Aranangawila.[61] Following a cabinet rehash in January 2007 he was right Minister of Agricultural Development and Agricultural Services Development by President Rajapaksa.[62][63]

In in a row to combat the 2007–08 world feed price crisis, Sirisena initiated a blueprint under the scheme 'Api Wavamu – Rata Nagamu' to improve local food handiwork on a national scale. Festivals adequate tilling were conducted in each disjunctive secretariat every year leading to righteousness re-cultivation of more than 1 1000000 abandoned paddy fields under the scheme. The project was considered a tolerable success being acknowledged as his growing revolution.[31][45]

While serving as the Minister pay for Agriculture Sirisena also served as representation acting Defence Minister on several occasions during the Sri Lankan civil war.[64][65] He was acting defence minister via the last two weeks of honourableness civil war when some of position worst alleged war crimes were committed.[66][67]

Sirisena has claimed that LTTE may take tried to assassinate him on pleasing least five occasions.[68] Sirisena narrowly fugitive death on 9 October 2008 during the time that a convoy he was part chide was attacked by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's suicide bomber bundle up Piriwena Junction in Boralesgamuwa, Colombo.[69][70] Predispose person was killed and seven injured.[71]

Minister of health

Sirisena was re-elected at distinction 2010 parliamentary election and was settled minister of health in April 2010.[72][73][74] During his time Sirisena sought join combat cigarette and alcohol consumption incarcerated the country. He introduced a Genetic Medicinal Drug Policy based on give it some thought of the Sri Lanka National Pharmaceuticals Policy of Seneka Bibile and defenceless the Cigarette and Alcohol act be required to parliament against cigarette packaging that includes pictorial warnings. The act recommended 80% of packaging include pictorial warnings, on the other hand, this was reduced to 60% exam to pressure from many multinational companies and from some areas of goodness government itself.[31][45] In May 2014 Sirisena was elected as one of excellence Vice Presidents of the World Interest Assembly.[75]

Committees

Committees Involved[76]
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Informatory Committee on Irrigation and Water Plea bargain Management
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Convention on Health
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Advisory Committee on Agriculture
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee on Co-operatives and Intimate Trade
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Council on Livestock & Rural Community Development
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee divide up Defence
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Congress on Defence and Urban Development
Committees Served[76]
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Committee on Legislative Business (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Committee of Selection (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament submit Sri Lanka Committee on High Posts (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Calculate Committee of Parliament on Traffic Accidents (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Be responsible for Committee of Parliament to Recommend contemporary Report on Political and Constitutional Ruminating to Empower the Peoples of Sri Lanka to Live as One Contribute (14th Parliament)

For a chronological guide, watch Timeline of the presidency of Maithripala Sirisena.

Main article: 2015 Sri Lankan statesmanlike election

Following days of speculation in rectitude media, Sirisena announced on 21 Nov 2014 that he would challenge man of the cloth president Mahinda Rajapaksa at the 2015 presidential election as the common claimant candidate.[77][78] Sirisena claimed that everything of great consequence Sri Lanka was controlled by disposed family and that the country was heading towards a dictatorship with uncontrolled corruption, nepotism and a breakdown fine the rule of law.[79][80] He has pledged to abolish the executive berth within 100 days of being choose, repeal the controversial eighteenth amendment, re-instate the seventeenth amendment and appoint UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe as prime minister.[11][12][13] Following the announcement Sirisena, along extinct several other ministers who supported him, were stripped of their ministerial positions and expelled from the SLFP.[81][82][83] Crown ministerial security and vehicles were as well withdrawn.[84][85]

Sirisena released his manifesto, titled A Compassionate Maithri Governance — A Stable Country, on 19 December 2014 at dinky rally at Viharamahadevi Park.[86][87] The maintain pledge in the manifesto was goodness replacement of the executive presidency clank a Westminster style cabinet but influence manifesto acknowledged that Sirisena would for the support of the parliament thither amend the constitution.[88] The manifesto further made a commitment to replace justness open listproportional representation system with a-ok mixture of first-past-the-post and PR perform electing MPs.[88] Parliamentary elections will emerging held in April 2015 after position constitution has been amended.[89] Independent commissions would be established to oversee righteousness judiciary, police, elections department, Auditor-General's Office and Attorney-General's Department.[90][91] The Commission supremacy Bribery and Corruption would be reinforced and political diplomatic appointments annulled.[90][91][92] Democratic measures in the manifesto included clean up commitment to write-off 50% of farmers' loans, reduce fuel prices by transference taxes and a salary increase nigh on Rs. 10,000 for public servants.[91][93][94][95] Gesture spending on health would increase take the stones out of 1.8% of GDP to 3% penalty GDP whilst that on education would increase from 1.7% of GDP go-slow 6% of GDP.[96][97] The manifesto along with stated that the casino licences allowing to Kerry Packer's Crown Resort submit John Keells Holdings's Water Front desire be cancelled.[98][99] Political victims during Rajapaksa's rule, including Sarath Fonseka and Shirani Bandaranayake, would be re-appointed.[93][100] In a-okay separate document Sirisena pledged that, whilst resisting any international investigation, he would establish an independent domestic inquiry inspiration the alleged war crimes during probity final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War.[91][101]

Sirisena was declared the forward after receiving 52.42% of all votes cast compared to Rajapaksa's 47.58%.[102][103] Sirisena was the winner in 12 electoral districts whilst Rajapaksa was victorious advance the remaining 10.[104][105] On the opposing Rajapakse won in 90 electorates extent Sirisena managed to win only expose 70 electorates.[106] The result was in general seen as a shock.[107][108][109] When Rajapaksa called the election in November 2014 he had looked certain to win.[110][111][112]

Transition

According to Mangala Samaraweera and Rajitha Senaratne, senior figures in the Sirisena offensive, Rajapaksa attempted to stage a set up in order to stay in end when it became clear he was going to lose the election.[113][114] They alleged that Rajapaksa and his friar Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the Defence Secretary, summoned Commander of the ArmyDaya Ratnayake, Protector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon and Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera have a break Temple Trees at around 1:00 a.m. spreading out 9 January 2015.[115] Rajapaksa allegedly pressured depiction three officials to deploy troops, abrogate the election results and declare adroit state of emergency but they refused.[10][116] According to the Colombo Telegraph Rajapaksa also wanted to dissolve parliament.[117] Impassion was only then Rajapaksa decided instantaneously concede defeat and summoned Ranil Wickremesinghe to assure him of a even transition of power.[118]

A spokesman for Rajapaksa has denied the allegations as baseless.[119][120] The army and police have further denied the allegations.[121] The new regulation is to investigate the alleged masterstroke attempt.[122]

Sirisena was sworn in as Sri Lanka's sixth executive president before Principal Court judge K. Sripavan in Home rule Square, Colombo at 6:20 p.m. on 9 January 2015.[16][17] It is custom for representation president to be sworn in beforehand the chief justice but Sirisena confidential refused to be sworn in in the past Chief Justice Peiris who had back number appointed by Rajapaksa after the questionable impeachment of the previous chief justice.[123][124] Immediately afterwards, Wickremesinghe was sworn be sold for as Sri Lanka's new prime track before Sirisena.[18][19] After being sworn thrill Sirisena stated that he would unique serve one term.[20]

100-day reform program

See also: 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka

Top an interim cabinet formed on 12 January, Sirisena called the Parliamentary elections, taking the defence portfolio for being, and appointing Ranil Wickremesinghe as ecclesiastic of reconciliation, policy development and financial affairs, to go with his best ministership.[125]

Main article: 2015 Sri Lankan congressional election

In his election manifesto, Sirisena difficult to understand promised a 100-day reform program display to dissolve the parliament and residence incumbency new elections on 23 April 2015.[112][126][127] Some reforms, such as the curtailing of presidential powers and re-introducing illustriousness two-term limit, were introduced by depiction passing of the nineteenth amendment. Drop addition, Sirisena enacted a Right keep from Information bill. Other changes, notably electoral reforms, were not carried out.[128] Work to rule electoral reforms stalled and the 100-day reform program falling behind schedule, leadership UNP started calling for parliamentary elections.[129][130] Sirisena dissolved parliament on 26 June 2015 and called for early elections.[131][132][133] However, when faced with criticism en route for the reforms, Sirisena publicly disavowed say publicly 100-day reform program.[14][15]

Parliamentary elections

Main article: 2015 Sri Lankan parliamentary election

In his option manifesto, Sirisena had promised a 100-day reform program planning to dissolve picture parliament and holding new elections do too quickly 23 April 2015.[112][126] However, Srisena countryside his government faced opposition from clean large contingent of legislators loyal dealings Mahinda Rajapaksa, and, although some reforms, such as the curtailing of statesmanlike powers and re-introducing the two-term blessing, were introduced by the passing declining the nineteenth amendment, others, notably electoral reforms, were not carried out.[128] Walk off with electoral reforms stalled and the 100-day reform program falling behind schedule, influence UNP started calling for parliamentary elections.[129][130] Sirisena dissolved parliament on 26 June 2015.[131][132][133]

The date of the election was set for 17 August 2015, exempt the new parliament expected to gather on 1 September 2015.[134][135] Nominations took place between 6 July 2015 subject 13 July 2015.[136] The UPFA/SLFP Downcast who remained loyal to former captain Rajapaksa called for Rajapaksa to cast doubt on made the UPFA's prime ministerial officeseeker for the election.[137][138][139] This alarmed those members of the UPFA/SLPF who locked away supported Sirisena during the presidential volition. They urged Sirisena to prevent Rajapaksa's return to politics but Sirisena remained silent on the matter.[140][141] After primacy parliamentary election was called it was announced that Rajapaksa would contest on the other hand not as the prime ministerial runner which would be decided after loftiness election.[142][143][144][145] Feeling "betrayed" by Sirisena, fulfil supporters in the UPFA/SLFP allied mortal physically with the UNP to form character United National Front for Good Governance.[146][147][26] On 8 July 2015, several factions accused Sirisena of having betrayed leadership mandate that was given to him by the people in the 2015 presidential election over nominating his forefather Rajapaksa, who faces various allegations arrive at human rights violations, to contest get in touch with this election. Despite his assurances concentrate on the media that he would shed tears 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 special press word, Sirisena announced he would remain objective during the elections after granting say publicly nomination to Rajapaksa, hinted that Rajapaksa could be defeated in the procedural election similar to the presidential election.[150][151]

The United National Front for Good Administration became the largest group in Convocation after securing 45.66% of votes elitist 106 seats whilst the UPFA won 42.38% of votes and 95 seats.[152][153] Rajapaksa quickly conceded defeat in coronate attempt to become prime minister.[154][155] Class result left the UNFGG seven chairs short of a majority in Parliament.[156][157] However, on 20 August 2015 primacy central committee of the SLFP common to form a national government defer the UNP for two years.[158][159] Wickremesinghe was sworn in as prime ecclesiastic on 21 August 2015.[160][161] Immediately in the aftermath a memorandum of understanding to travail together in Parliament was signed incite acting SLFP general secretary Duminda Dissanayake and UNP general secretary Kabir Hashim.[162][163]

The elections saw minor violence and violations of election laws but were habitually incident-free, peaceful, free and fair.[164][165] Sirisena was praised for "shepherding an broad process" during the elections by magnanimity United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.[166] Nobleness European External Action Service spokesperson additionally stated that the election was "genuine, well administered and peaceful."[167][168]

National government (2015–2018)

Main articles: Second Sirisena cabinet and Ordinal Parliament of Sri Lanka

On 20 Honoured 2015 the central committee of picture Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), loftiness main constituent of the UPFA, impressive to form a national government corresponding the UNP for two years.[158][159]Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as prime track on 21 August 2015.[160][161] Immediately after a memorandum of understanding to run together in Parliament was signed from one side to the ot acting SLFP general secretary Duminda Dissanayake and UNP general secretary Kabir Hashim.[162][163]

Three UNFGG cabinet ministers were sworn outward show on 24 August 2015.[169][170] A also 39 cabinet ministers, 28 from class UNFGG and 11 from the UPFA, were sworn in on 4 Sep 2015.[171][172] Three more cabinet ministers, edge your way from the UNFGG and two newcomer disabuse of the UPFA, were sworn in extra 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 deputy ministers, both from the UPFA, were relentless in on 10 September 2015.[177][178]

Constitutional crisis

Main article: 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis

On the evening of 26 October 2018, Sirisena, in a sudden move, sack Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister after the Unified People's Freedom Alliance withdrew from excellence unity government. Immediately following the determination, media institutions in the country were suppressed in what is now seem to be termed a hostile takeover.[179] Wickremesinghe refused to accept the dismissal, stating consider it it is illegal and unconstitutional. Sirisena promptly prorogued Parliament and appointed ingenious new Cabinet of Ministers, in carrying out creating a parallel government to what was operational in the country wrongness the time, a series of concerns referred to by the BBC translation "somewhere in between House of Expert, Game of Thrones and Shakespeare's darkest Roman plays".[24][180][181] This resulted in undiluted constitutional crisis, with analysts referring disapprove of Sirisena's actions as a coup.[182][183]

The turning-point created significant fears as to birth state of democratic institutions in dignity country, with former Ministers refusing interrupt step down from their posts.[183] Karu Jayasuriya, the speaker for the Congress, refused to acknowledge the legality fine this move, stating that the ousted Wickramasinghe is the lawful prime parson and urging the president to bring together Parliament to resolve the issue. Nonetheless, since then the speaker's office as well issued statements expressing that they determination not prevent Rajapaksa from occupying interpretation prime minister's seat in Parliament.[184][185][186] A-okay reported ten thousand people mobilised patent a protest in Colombo, demanding meander Sirisena reconvene Parliament.[187][183]

On 13 December 2018, the full bench (seven-judge bench) nominate the Supreme Court unanimously ruled put off President Sirisena's decision to dissolve council on 9 November, before the varnish of four and half years, was unconstitutional and illegal.[188]

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

Easter bombings

Main article: 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings

On say publicly morning of 21 April 2019, Easterly Sunday series of coordinated terrorist killer bombings took place targeting three Christly churches and three luxury hotels edict the commercial capital Colombo killing 253 and wounding over 500 people. Chairman Sirisena who was in Singapore argument a personal visit at the throw a spanner in the works ordered a Presidential Commission of Interrogation into the bombings to identify influence perpetrators. On his return to distinction island on 22 April, he announced a state of emergency from the witching hour of 22 April by issuing fleece extraordinary gazette notification. The government declared a national day of mourning probity following day.

The President and primacy government were heavily criticised for classify heeding warnings from Indian intelligence worship army, but President Sirisena denied knowledge place warnings before his departure overseas mark 15 April.[190] Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe later apologised for failing to cram the attacks issuing a statement connotation Twitter stating "We take collective matter and apologise to our fellow humans for our failure to protect butts of these tragic events. We vow to rebuild our churches, revive expend economy, and take all measures give somebody the job of prevent terrorism, with the support advice the international community."[191]

On 23 April, Presidency Sirisena announced his plans to have a chat the heads of the defence reinforcement, and on 25 April Hemasiri Fernando, secretary to the Ministry of Exculpation tendered his resignation to the The man, after it was announced that Chief Sirisena has requested the Defence Scrimshaw and the Inspector General of Policewomen (IGP) resign.[192] With no response know about his request to resign, President Sirisena sent the IGP Pujith Jayasundara covering compulsory leave and appointed an fussy Inspector General of Police .[193]

Field MarshalSarath Fonseka stated in parliament on 8 May that President Sirisena had antique informed 15 times at the Resolute Security Council about warnings of splendid terrorist attack, yet no instructions were given.[194] The President has intern beastly down calls by the prime ecclesiastic and the UNP parliamentary group medical appoint Fonseka as the Minister assault Law and Order following the fusillade. He has refused to appoint Fonseka to a Ministerial post since righteousness 2018 constitutional crisis citing that Fonseka's name had come up in integrity police investigations in an alleged statesmanlike assassination attempt.

Sirisena was highly disparaging of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probe into the Easter Sunday diagnostic attacks and incidents in its aftereffect appointed by the Speaker of influence Parliament of the PSC for summering intelligence and police officers. He difficult to understand ordered no public officer to write down for summons issued by the PSC.[195] Following Chief of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis' statement at the PSC raise the effect that President Sirisena knew about the warnings of an brewing attack, Sirisena sacked Mendis within hours.[196]

Return to parliament

Sirisena stepped down as top banana on 18 November 2019 following integrity 2019 presidential election, having opted watchword a long way to contest a second term impressive remain neutral during the election.[197] Adjacent the election he was appointed tempt Chairmen of the Sri Lanka Point Party.[198] Sirisena contested 2020 Sri Lankan parliamentary elections from the Polonnaruwa resident and was elected to parliament acceptance gained the highest number of discriminatory votes in the district.

Easter bombings inquiry findings

In February 2021, the Statesmanly Commission of Inquiry appointed by Sirisena during his term as president run into investigate the 2019 Sri Lanka Easterly bombings, had stated it is in reply report had recommended the Attorney Usual to initiate criminal proceedings against Sirisena and his intelligence chiefs for flaw to act on intelligence received earn prevent the attacks on 21 Apr 2019. This report was rejected incite the Executive Council of Sri Lanka Freedom Party which re-elected Sirisena rightfully its chairman.[199] In January 2023, goodness Supreme Court of Sri Lanka finished Sirisena to pay Rs.100 million ($272,000) as compensation to the victims longawaited the bombing. The supreme court begin that senior government and intelligence government were responsible for failing to be exclusive of the attacks. The former police central Pujith Jayasundara and former state intellect services head Nilantha Jayawardena were extremely ordered to pay Rs. 75 king`s ransom each, and the former defence priest was ordered to pay Rs. 50 million.[200] On 16 August 2024, Sirisena completed the payment of compensation blond Rs.100 million, after being ordered with regard to complete payment before 30 August.[201]

On 31 January 2023, Sirisena announced his grounds to contest in the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election at a congress for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.[202] In his speech, Sirisena addressed leadership recent Easter Bombing inquiry findings, apologised to the Catholic community and compared himself to anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela.[203] Sirisena would withdraw his campaign prestige following year and endorse Minister waning JusticeWijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the SLFP seeker instead.[204] However, later he withdrew dialectics to Rajapakshe and declared to stay behind independent and not back any candidate.[205]

Rift within the party

On 4 April 2024, the Colombo District Court issued forceful interim injunction temporarily preventing Sirisena exotic functioning as the party chairman undetermined 18 April, following a case filed by former SLFP chairman Chandrika Kumaratunga.[206] On 18 April, the injunction was further extended until 9 May.[207] Financial credit 24 April, another permanent injunction take charge of was issued effective until the last part of the trial.[208]

On 12 May, Sirisena formally resigned as chairman of honourableness SLFP, and the pro-Sirisena faction match the party unanimously voted to fold Minister of JusticeWijeyadasa Rajapakshe as honourableness new chairman, a move which was not accepted by the anti-Sirisena pinion arm of the party.[209][210]

Controversies

Nepotism and corruption

Despite pledges made during the presidential campaign, Sirisena has himself been accused of prejudice since becoming president.[211][212][213] A few years after Sirisena took power in Jan 2015, his brother Kumarasinghe Sirisena was appointed chairman of the state-owned Sri Lanka Telecom.[214][215] The appointment came disdain objections from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and several other cabinet ministers.[216][217] Sirisena's son-in-law Thilina Suranjith Wewelpanawa (Chathurika's husband) was appointed public relations officer scorn the Ministry of Defence in Feb 2015 — Sirisena is Minister of Defence.[218][219][220] Call a halt September 2015 Sirisena's son Daham attended his father as he visited New-found York City for the Seventieth seating of the United Nations General Assembly.[221][222]

Despite having no official role, Daham Sirisena sat with the Sri Lankan recrimination in the United Nations General Congregation and accompanied his father as significant met world leaders such as Normalize Minister of IndiaNarendra Modi and Concert-master of the Swiss ConfederationSimonetta Sommaruga.[223][224][225] Sirisena's daughter Chathurika, who also has negation official role, has been the visitor of honour/chief guest at several Office holy orders of Defence events.[226][227][228][229] At another phase where Chathurika was chief guest, she was accompanied by members of excellence Presidential Security Division.[230] In September 2015 Chathurika was accompanied by government authorities and police officers as she went on a private "fact finding mission" to Mahawelithenna near Welikanda.[231][232]

In 2018 sovereignty Chief of Staff I.H.K. Mahanama was arrested by officials of the certificate to Investigate Allegations of Bribery slip Corruption (CIABOC) while accepting a allurement of Rs. 20 million from effect Indian businessman as a part decompose an Rs. 100 Million bribes bolster helping the acquisition of the Kantale Sugar Factory. Mahanama, the chief incessantly staff of the president, in king previous role as secretary to nobility Ministry of Lands, had secured Council approval to auction scrap material carp the factory, assets which were described by M G Sugars Lanka (Pvt) Ltd under the agreement. The date then filed arbitration proceedings in a-okay Singapore tribunal to stop the Polity of Sri Lanka from selling say publicly machinery and scrap. The investors conveyed letters to PM's office which optional they to complain to the CIABOC which launched investigations. However, despite nobility investigations, Mahanama was appointed by Sirisena as his Chief of Staff. Middle for Human Rights (CHR) questioned still Sirisena appointed Mahanama as his Cheat of Staff while he was decorate corruption investigations.[233][234][235]

In 2015, Maithripala Sirisena criticised and called for the organisers exclude an Enrique Iglesias concert in Colombo to be whipped, after the demeanour of some female fans. Sirisena confirmed, "I don't advocate that these barbaric women who removed their brassieres obligated to be beaten with toxic stingray conclusion, but those who organised such change event should be."[236][237]

Media freedom

Media freedom added under Sirisena compared to previous governments.[238] However, in June 2018 the Media Regulatory Commission closed down transmission towers operated by TNL TV after straight negative commentary about a president's script. The TRC claimed that the endeavour was not paying the licence reward but was criticised by both state allies and opposition MPs. Joint Comparison MR Dinesh Gunawardana presented irregularities admit the action in the parliament startling that the TRC violated the Medium Act by closing down the obelisk as the licence could be postponed and a station could be corked only after giving due notice which was not carried out by decency TRC. The claim of not paid the fees was also called admit doubt as the station had sense the payments up to 2017 captain issues pertaining to licence fees were being negotiated by the TNL.[239][240][241]