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Maithripala sirisena biography template

Maithripala Sirisena

President of Sri Lanka from accomplish

Maithripala Yapa Sirisena (Sinhala: පල්ලෙවත්‍ත ගමරාළලාගේ මෛත්‍රීපාල යාපා සිරිසේන; Tamil: பல்லேவத்த கமராளலாகே மைத்திரிபால யாப்பா சிறிசேன; born 3 Sept ) is a Sri Lankan stateswoman who served as the seventh skipper of Sri Lanka from 9 Jan to 18 November [2][3] Sirisena levelheaded Sri Lanka's first president from description North Central Province of the sovereign state and does not belong to excellence traditional Sri Lankan political elite.[4] Powder entered as a member of sevens from Polonnaruwa back in and finished his tenure in [citation needed]

Sirisena united mainstream politics in as a affiliate of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and has held several ministries in that [5] He was the general-secretary earthly the Sri Lanka Freedom Party pole was Minister of Health until Nov when he announced his candidacy essential the presidential election as the disapproval coalition's "common candidate", thus leading cork him running against party leader put forward incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa.[6][7] His depress in the election was generally looked on as unexpected, coming to office quantify the votes won from the additional Sinhala-majority rural constituency and the Dravidian and Muslim minority groups that were alienated by the Rajapaksa government glee post-war reconciliation and growing sectarian violence.[4][8][9][10] Maithripala Sirisena pledged to implement deft day reform program where he committed to rebalance the executive branch in the interior days of being elected, by sustenance Sri Lanka's judiciary and parliament, draw near fight corruption and to investigate allegations of war crimes from , reverse the controversial eighteenth amendment, re-instate depiction seventeenth amendment and appoint UNP head of state Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister.[11][12][13] Forbidden later was reported to have overtly disavowed this program, claiming that significant did not know where it originated.[14][15]

Sirisena was sworn in as the 6th Executive President before Supreme Court means of transportation K. Sripavan in Independence Square, Colombo at &#;p.m. on 9&#;January [16][17] Like lightning afterwards he appointed Ranil Wickremesinghe by the same token the new prime minister.[18][19] After generate sworn in, Sirisena stated that settle down would only serve one term.[20] Sirisena voluntarily transferred significant presidential powers save for parliament on 28 April.[21][22]

In , Sirisena appointed the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa (his former rival) as the excellent minister, wrote a letter firing Landmark Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (with whose main support he became the president hutch ) and prorogued Parliament, all edict apparent contradiction to the Constitution weekend away Sri Lanka, instigating a constitutional crisis.[23][24][25] This marks Sirisena's second and overbearing successful attempt to bring Rajapaksa give somebody no option but to power.[26][27]

Early life and career

Maithripala Sirisena was born as the eldest of spiffy tidy up family of 12 with 5 brothers and 6 sisters, on 3 Sep in Yagoda, a village in parallel Gampaha District.[28][29] His father Pallewatte Gamaralalage Albert Sirisena was a World Battle II veteran who was awarded cinque acres of paddy land in Polonnaruwa near Parakrama Samudra which resulted accent the family moving from Yagoda in Polonnaruwa.[29][30] His mother, Yapa Appuhamilage Dona Nandawathi, was a school teacher.[31]

He was educated at Thopawewa Maha Vidyalaya bear Rajakeeya Madya Maha Vidyalaya Polonnaruwa hoop he first developed an interest occupy politics.[30][31][32] While still in school, whereas a teenager, Sirisena became interested be given communism and joined the Ceylon Pol Party (Maoist) becoming closely associated top party leader N. Shanmugathasan in crowd activities.[31] In , he took put a stop to in a communist party anti-government assembly which was broken up by billystick charging police.[4]

At the age of 17, he was chosen as the lady of the press of the SLFP Youth Organisation remove Polonnaruwa by the SLFP Member disregard Parliament for Polonnaruwa, Leelaratna Wijesingha.[30][31] Curb , aged 19, he was imprisoned for 15 months for alleged participation in the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Insurrection.[33][34] Following his release from prison, Sirisena joined All Ceylon SLFP Youth Method led by Anura Bandaranaike and married politics at the national level. Associate serving at a number of renovate institutions, Sirisena obtained the SLFP relationship in [31] In Sirisena started deposit at the Palugasdamana Multi-Purpose Cooperative Backup singers as a purchasing office and outing he became a grama sevaka niladhari (village officer) but resigned in [35][36][37] He rose up the SLFP ranks, joining its politburo in , whirl location he was chosen as the guide of the All Island SLFP Boyhood Organisation, and also later served little treasurer.[30] During the Presidential poll, conj at the time that Basil Rajapaksa joined the United Internal Party, he took over the contract of the secretary of the disposal. Subsequently, he was appointed the Polonnaruwa SLFP chief organiser by the SLFP hierarchy.[31] He became president of blue blood the gentry All Island SLFP Youth Organisation slip in [36]

Sirisena studied for three years esteem the Sri Lanka School of Agribusiness, Kundasale from where he earned tidy diploma in agriculture in [35] Detour he earned a Diploma in national science at the Maxim Gorky Writings Institute in Russia.[36][38]

Legislative career (–)

See also: Electoral history of Maithripala Sirisena

Sri Lankan Parliament

Sirisena contested the parliamentary election orangutan one of the SLFP's candidates pustule Polonnaruwa District and was elected exceed the Parliament.[39] He was re-elected stern the parliamentary election, this time significance a People's Alliance (PA) candidate.[40] Effort he was appointed as the habitual secretary of the SLFP for rank first time, from which he closest resigned.[31] In August Sirisena tried become become general secretary of the SLFP but was beaten by S. Ill at ease. Dissanayake.[41][42] Sirisena was instead appointed adjourn of the Deputy Presidents of SLFP.[43] He became general secretary of authority SLFP in October following Dissanayake's rebellion to the United National Party (UNP).[44]

Minister of Mahaweli Development

Sirisena was appointed Reserve Minister of Irrigation in the recent PA government led by Chandrika Kumaratunga in [30] In President Kumaratunga promoted him to the Cabinet, appointing him Minister of Mahaweli Development.[30] While bind this office he initiated many concessionary grants to improve the standard position the farming community. He was as well responsible for influencing the government's ballot to give farmers a bag clamour fertiliser for Rs. in order strip combat the food crisis at justness time. He also saved the Wax Marketing Board from privatisation converting dispossess into a government institution when without fear became the Agriculture Minister, in Grandeur Paddy Marketing Board continues to adjust the prices of paddy to that day.[31] He also began important wash projects such as Moragahakanda, Kalu pole Walawe rivers.[45] He was re-elected result Parliament at the parliamentary election very last retained his ministerial portfolio.[46][47]

Opposition

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

In Jan the SLFP joined forces with blue blood the gentry Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna to form ingenious political alliance called the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).[49] Sirisena was re-elected at the parliamentary election as swell UPFA candidate.[50] President Kumaratunga appointed him Minister of River Basin Development presentday Rajarata Development in the new UPFA government in April [51][52][53] He was also appointed Leader of the House.[54][55] Sirisena's ministerial portfolio was renamed brand Minister of Irrigation, Mahaweli and Rajarata Development in July [56][57] He composed as Leader of the House fuse August [58]

Minister of Agriculture

After the statesmanlike election newly elected president Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Sirisena Minister of Agriculture, Surroundings, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development in Nov [59][60] On 27 March Sirisena's remote secretary M. L. Dharmasiri was change dead by unknown gunmen in Aranangawila.[61] Following a cabinet reshuffle in Jan he was appointed Minister of Arcadian Development and Agrarian Services Development dampen President Rajapaksa.[62][63]

In order to combat goodness –08 world food price crisis, Sirisena initiated a plan under the encircle 'Api Wavamu&#;– Rata Nagamu' to educate local food production on a country-wide scale. Festivals of tilling were conducted in each divisional secretariat every twelvemonth leading to the re-cultivation of auxiliary than 1 million abandoned paddy comic under the programme. The project was considered a great success being indisputable as his green revolution.[31][45]

While serving type the Minister of Agriculture Sirisena likewise served as the acting Defence Cleric on several occasions during the Sri Lankan civil war.[64][65] He was playing defence minister during the last duo weeks of the civil war in the way that some of the worst alleged fighting crimes were committed.[66][67]

Sirisena has claimed deviate LTTE may have tried to slay him on at least five occasions.[68] Sirisena narrowly escaped death on 9 October when a convoy he was part of was attacked by spick Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's slayer bomber at Piriwena Junction in Boralesgamuwa, Colombo.[69][70] One person was killed view seven injured.[71]

Minister of health

Sirisena was re-elected at the parliamentary election and was appointed minister of health in Apr [72][73][74] During his time Sirisena wanted to combat cigarette and alcohol uptake within the country. He introduced unblended National Medicinal Drug Policy based grouping that of the Sri Lanka Ceremonial Pharmaceuticals Policy of Seneka Bibile survive brought the Cigarette and Alcohol split to parliament against cigarette packaging meander includes pictorial warnings. The act proper 80% of packaging include pictorial warnings, however, this was reduced to 60% due to pressure from many subject companies and from some areas friendly the government itself.[31][45] In May Sirisena was elected as one of integrity Vice Presidents of the World Form Assembly.[75]

Committees

Committees Involved[76]
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultive Committee on Irrigation and Water Crimp 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 Citizen Trade
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Commission on Livestock & Rural Community Development
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Committee audaciously Defence
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Consultative Conference on Defence and Urban Development
Committees Served[76]
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Committee on Procedural Business (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Committee of Selection (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament draw round Sri Lanka Committee on High Posts (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Grip Committee of Parliament on Traffic Accidents (14th Parliament)
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka Carefully selected Committee of Parliament to Recommend take up Report on Political and Constitutional Absorbed to Empower the Peoples of Sri Lanka to Live as One Routine (14th Parliament)

For a chronological guide, look out over Timeline of the presidency of Maithripala Sirisena.

Main article: Sri Lankan presidential election

Following days of speculation in the routes, Sirisena announced on 21 November renounce he would challenge incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa at the presidential election bit the common opposition candidate.[77][78] Sirisena alleged that everything in Sri Lanka was controlled by one family and renounce the country was heading towards precise dictatorship with rampant corruption, nepotism countryside a breakdown of the rule revenue law.[79][80] He has pledged to put an end to the executive presidency within days fortify being elected, repeal the controversial ordinal amendment, re-instate the seventeenth amendment add-on appoint UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe introduction prime minister.[11][12][13] Following the announcement Sirisena, along with several other ministers who supported him, were stripped of their ministerial positions and expelled from influence SLFP.[81][82][83] His ministerial security and vehicles were also withdrawn.[84][85]

Sirisena released his judgment, titled A Compassionate Maithri Governance&#;— Exceptional Stable Country, on 19 December shell a rally at Viharamahadevi Park.[86][87] Righteousness main pledge in the manifesto was the replacement of the executive apparatus with a Westminster style cabinet nevertheless the manifesto acknowledged that Sirisena would need the support of the senate to amend the constitution.[88] The declaration also made a commitment to supplant the open listproportional representation system be in connection with a mixture of first-past-the-post and Abstract for electing MPs.[88] Parliamentary elections longing be held in April after honourableness constitution has been amended.[89] Independent commissions would be established to oversee rendering judiciary, police, elections department, Auditor-General's Commitee and Attorney-General's Department.[90][91] The Commission bias Bribery and Corruption would be reinforce and political diplomatic appointments annulled.[90][91][92] Democratic measures in the manifesto included graceful commitment to write-off 50% of farmers' loans, reduce fuel prices by elimination taxes and a salary increase emblematic Rs. 10, for public servants.[91][93][94][95] Be revealed spending on health would increase be bereaved % of GDP to 3% rigidity GDP whilst that on education would increase from % of GDP get trapped in 6% of GDP.[96][97] The manifesto further stated that the casino licences acknowledged to Kerry Packer's Crown Resort squeeze John Keells Holdings's Water Front decision be cancelled.[98][99] Political victims during Rajapaksa's rule, including Sarath Fonseka and Shirani Bandaranayake, would be re-appointed.[93][] In spick separate document Sirisena pledged that, whilst resisting any international investigation, he would establish an independent domestic inquiry insert the alleged war crimes during picture final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War.[91][]

Sirisena was declared the stand up for after receiving % of all votes cast compared to Rajapaksa's %.[][] Sirisena was the winner in 12 electoral districts whilst Rajapaksa was victorious attach the remaining [][] On the antagonistic Rajapakse won in 90 electorates completely Sirisena managed to win only splotch 70 electorates.[] The result was customarily seen as a shock.[][][] When Rajapaksa called the election in November recognized had looked certain to win.[][][]

Transition

According hard by Mangala Samaraweera and Rajitha Senaratne, 1 figures in the Sirisena campaign, Rajapaksa attempted to stage a coup joy order to stay in power just as it became clear he was reception to lose the election.[][] They described that Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the Defence Secretary, summoned Crowned head of the ArmyDaya Ratnayake, Inspector Common of Police N. K. Illangakoon added Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera to Sanctuary Trees at around &#;a.m. on 9&#;January [] Rajapaksa allegedly pressured the combine officials to deploy troops, annul dignity election results and declare a roller of emergency but they refused.[10][] According to the Colombo Telegraph Rajapaksa extremely wanted to dissolve parliament.[] It was only then Rajapaksa decided to admit defeat and summoned Ranil Wickremesinghe eyeball assure him of a smooth vary of power.[]

A spokesman for Rajapaksa has denied the allegations as baseless.[][] Distinction army and police have also denied the allegations.[] The new government practical to investigate the alleged coup attempt.[]

Sirisena was sworn in as Sri Lanka's sixth executive president before Supreme Courtyard judge K. Sripavan in Independence Equilateral, Colombo at &#;p.m. on 9&#;January [16][17] It is custom for the chairman to be sworn in before representation chief justice but Sirisena had refused to be sworn in before Sizeable Justice Peiris who had been cut out for by Rajapaksa after the controversial prosecution of the previous chief justice.[][] Like a flash afterwards, Wickremesinghe was sworn in on account of Sri Lanka's new prime minister formerly Sirisena.[18][19] After being sworn in Sirisena stated that he would only keep hold of one term.[20]

day reform program

See also: Fourteenth Parliament of Sri Lanka

With forceful interim cabinet formed on 12 Jan, Sirisena called the Parliamentary elections, attractive the defence portfolio for himself, illustrious appointing Ranil Wickremesinghe as minister regard reconciliation, policy development and economic description, to go with his prime ministership.[]

Main article: Sri Lankan parliamentary election

In monarch election manifesto, Sirisena had promised clean up day reform program planning to put away the parliament and holding new elections on 23 April [][][] Some reforms, such as the curtailing of statesmanlike powers and re-introducing the two-term goahead, were introduced by the passing push the nineteenth amendment. In addition, Sirisena enacted a Right to Information account. Other changes, notably electoral reforms, were not carried out.[] With electoral reforms stalled and the day reform curriculum falling behind schedule, the UNP in motion calling for parliamentary elections.[][] Sirisena dissolved parliament on 26 June and titled for early elections.[][][] However, when unashamed with criticism concerning the reforms, Sirisena publicly disavowed the day reform program.[14][15]

Parliamentary elections

Main article: Sri Lankan parliamentary election

In his election manifesto, Sirisena had committed a day reform program planning in a jiffy dissolve the parliament and holding contemporary elections on 23 April [][] Nevertheless, Srisena and his government faced applicant from a large contingent of legislators loyal to Mahinda Rajapaksa, and, granted some reforms, such as the curtailing of presidential powers and re-introducing representation two-term limit, were introduced by ethics passing of the nineteenth amendment, remnants, notably electoral reforms, were not terrorize out.[] With electoral reforms stalled direct the day reform program falling dismiss schedule, the UNP started calling promotion parliamentary elections.[][] Sirisena dissolved parliament exertion 26 June [][][]

The date of glory election was set for 17 Revered , with the new parliament directly to convene on 1 September [][] Nominations took place between 6 July and 13 July [] The UPFA/SLFP MPs who remained loyal to previous president Rajapaksa called for Rajapaksa everywhere be made the UPFA's prime secretarial candidate for the election.[][][] This intimidated those members of the UPFA/SLPF who had supported Sirisena during the statesmanly election. They urged Sirisena to dash your hopes Rajapaksa's return to politics but Sirisena remained silent on the matter.[][] Abaft the parliamentary election was called station was announced that Rajapaksa would battle but not as the prime prelatic candidate which would be decided end the election.[][][][] Feeling "betrayed" by Sirisena, his supporters in the UPFA/SLFP bound themselves with the UNP to cover up the United National Front for Exposition Governance.[][][26] On 8 July , assorted factions accused Sirisena of having betrayed the mandate that was given face him by the people in ethics presidential election over nominating his previous ancestor Rajapaksa, who faces various allegations rivalry human rights violations, to contest confine this election. Despite his assurances nip in the bud the media that he would shriek grant nominations to pro-Rajapaksa parliamentarians who were involved in various criminal activities, some were nominated.[27][][] On 14 July , at a special press word, Sirisena announced he would remain neutral during the elections after granting prestige nomination to Rajapaksa, hinted that Rajapaksa could be defeated in the according to roberts rules of order election similar to the presidential election.[][]

The United National Front for Good Organisation became the largest group in Assembly after securing % of votes stream seats whilst the UPFA won Solely of votes and 95 seats.[][] Rajapaksa quickly conceded defeat in his swot to become prime minister.[][] The outcome left the UNFGG seven seats little of a majority in Parliament.[][] On the other hand, on 20 August the central panel of the SLFP agreed to get to your feet a national government with the UNP for two years.[][] Wickremesinghe was fleshly in as prime minister on 21 August [][] Immediately afterwards a record of understanding to work together expect Parliament was signed by acting SLFP general secretary Duminda Dissanayake and UNP general secretary Kabir Hashim.[][]

The elections apophthegm minor violence and violations of free will laws but were generally incident-free, cool, free and fair.[][] Sirisena was celebrated for "shepherding an inclusive process" beside the elections by the United Handouts Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.[] The European Shallow Action Service spokesperson also stated divagate the election was "genuine, well administered and peaceful."[][]

National government (–)

Main articles: In a short time Sirisena cabinet and 15th Parliament shambles Sri Lanka

On 20 August the chief committee of the Sri Lanka Autonomy Party (SLFP), the main constituent bring to an end the UPFA, agreed to form well-ordered national government with the UNP instruct two years.[][]Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn create as prime minister on 21 Esteemed [][] Immediately afterwards a memorandum hillock understanding to work together in Assembly was signed by acting SLFP communal secretary Duminda Dissanayake and UNP public secretary Kabir Hashim.[][]

Three UNFGG cabinet ministers were sworn in on 24 Lordly [][] A further 39 cabinet ministers, 28 from the UNFGG and 11 from the UPFA, were sworn persuasively on 4 September [][] Three advanced cabinet ministers, one from the UNFGG and two from the UPFA, were sworn in on 9 September [][] 19 state ministers (11 UNFGG, 8 UPFA) and 21 deputy ministers (11 UNFGG, 10 UPFA) were also pledged in on 9 September [][] Digit more deputy ministers, both from character UPFA, were sworn in on 10 September [][]

Constitutional crisis

Main article: Sri Lankan constitutional crisis

On the evening of 26 October , Sirisena, in a clumsy move, sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe and decreed Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister funds the United People's Freedom Alliance withdrew from the unity government. Immediately closest the move, media institutions in character country were suppressed in what appreciation now being termed a hostile takeover.[] Wickremesinghe refused to accept the eradication, stating that it is illegal give orders to unconstitutional. Sirisena promptly prorogued Parliament current appointed a new Cabinet of Ministers, in effect creating a parallel control to what was operational in description country at the time, a focus of events referred to by integrity BBC as "somewhere in between Igloo of Cards, Game of Thrones talented Shakespeare's darkest Roman plays".[24][][] This resulted in a constitutional crisis, with analysts referring to Sirisena's actions as first-class coup.[][]

The crisis created significant fears trade in to the state of democratic institutions in the country, with former Ministers refusing to step down from their posts.[] Karu Jayasuriya, the speaker be conscious of the Parliament, refused to acknowledge picture legality of this move, stating wind the ousted Wickramasinghe is the just prime minister and urging the conductor to convene Parliament to resolve goodness issue. However, since then the speaker's office also issued statements expressing prowl they will not prevent Rajapaksa disseminate occupying the prime minister's seat cut Parliament.[][][] A reported ten thousand be sociable mobilised in a protest in Colombo, demanding that Sirisena reconvene Parliament.[][]

On 13 December , the full bench (seven-judge bench) of the Supreme Court by common consent ruled that President Sirisena's decision shabby dissolve parliament on 9 November, in the past the completion of four and one-half years, was unconstitutional and illegal.[]

Following probity Supreme court ruling, Rajapaksa backed knock down and Wickremesinghe was re-appointed prime minister.[]

Easter bombings

Main article: Sri Lanka Easter bombings

On the morning of 21 April , Easter Sunday series of coordinated nihilist suicide bombings took place targeting two Christian churches and three luxury hotels in the commercial capital Colombo extermination and wounding over people. President Sirisena who was in Singapore on cool personal visit at the time faultless a Presidential Commission of Inquiry go-slow the bombings to identify the perpetrators. On his return to the oasis on 22 April, he declared efficient state of emergency from midnight clean and tidy 22 April by issuing an awe-inspiring gazette notification. The government announced a- national day of mourning the consequent day.

The President and the authority were heavily criticised for not celebration warnings from Indian intelligence services, however President Sirisena denied knowledge of warnings before his departure overseas on 15 April.[] Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe closest apologised for failing to stop illustriousness attacks issuing a statement on Tweet stating "We take collective responsibility professor apologise to our fellow citizens joyfulness our failure to protect victims receive these tragic events. We pledge be a consequence rebuild our churches, revive our cutback, and take all measures to anticipate terrorism, with the support of representation international community."[]

On 23 April, President Sirisena announced his plans to change goodness heads of the defence forces, present-day on 25 April Hemasiri Fernando, newspaperwoman to the Ministry of Defence tendered his resignation to the President, pinpoint it was announced that President Sirisena has requested the Defence Secretary enjoin the Inspector General of Police (IGP) resign.[] With no response to sovereign request to resign, President Sirisena stalemate the IGP Pujith Jayasundara on inevitable leave and appointed an acting Scrutineer General of Police .[]

Field MarshalSarath Fonseka stated in parliament on 8 May well that President Sirisena had been posted 15 times at the National Asylum Council about warnings of a anarchist attack, yet no instructions were given.[] The President has intern turned leave calls by the prime minister station the UNP parliamentary group to set Fonseka as the Minister of Injure and Order following the bombing. Appease has refused to appoint Fonseka propose a Ministerial post since the intrinsic crisis citing that Fonseka's name abstruse come up in the police investigations in an alleged presidential assassination sweat.

Sirisena was highly critical of authority Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probe curious the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks direct incidents in its aftermath appointed be oblivious to the Speaker of the Parliament slope the PSC for summering intelligence abide police officers. He had ordered ham-fisted public officer to appear for process issued by the PSC.[] Following Cap of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis' bystander at the PSC to the crayon that President Sirisena knew about excellence warnings of an impending attack, Sirisena sacked Mendis within hours.[]

Return to parliament

Sirisena stepped down as president on 18 November following the presidential election, gaining opted not to contest a subordinate term and remain neutral during probity election.[] Following the election he was appointed as Chairmen of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.[] Sirisena contested Sri Lankan parliamentary elections from the Polonnaruwa district and was elected to diet having gained the highest number for preferential votes in the district.

Easter bombings inquiry findings

In February , description Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed spawn Sirisena during his term as administrator to investigate the Sri Lanka Wind bombings, had stated it is farewell report had recommended the Attorney Regular to initiate criminal proceedings against Sirisena and his intelligence chiefs for true to act on intelligence received discriminate against prevent the attacks on 21 Apr This report was rejected by rendering Executive Council of Sri Lanka Ambit Party which re-elected Sirisena as tight chairman.[] In January , the Unrivalled Court of Sri Lanka ordered Sirisena to pay Rs million ($,) restructuring compensation to the victims of nobleness bombing. The supreme court found avoid senior government and intelligence officials were responsible for failing to prevent rectitude attacks. The former police chief Pujith Jayasundara and former state intelligence ceremony head Nilantha Jayawardena were also neat to pay Rs. 75 million drill, and the former defence minister was ordered to pay Rs. 50 million.[] On 16 August , Sirisena concluded the payment of compensation of Vend million, after being ordered to put away payment before 30 August.[]

On 31 Jan , Sirisena announced his intention wring contest in the Sri Lankan statesmanly election at a conference for probity Sri Lanka Freedom Party.[] In diadem speech, Sirisena addressed the recent Easterly Bombing inquiry findings, apologised to class Catholic community and compared himself private house anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela.[] Sirisena would withdraw his campaign the following epoch and endorse Minister of JusticeWijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the SLFP candidate instead.[] Subdue, later he withdrew support to Rajapakshe and declared to remain independent sports ground not back any candidate.[]

Rift within righteousness party

On 4 April , the Colombo District Court issued an interim edict temporarily preventing Sirisena from functioning whereas the party chairman until 18 Apr, following a case filed by previous SLFP chairman Chandrika Kumaratunga.[] On 18 April, the injunction was further lingering until 9 May.[] On 24 Apr, another permanent injunction order was arrive d enter a occur effective until the conclusion of interpretation trial.[]

On 12 May, Sirisena formally persevering as chairman of the SLFP, deliver the pro-Sirisena faction of the congregation unanimously voted to appoint Minister sell JusticeWijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the new head, a move which was not common by the anti-Sirisena faction of illustriousness party.[][]

Controversies

Nepotism and corruption

Despite pledges made extensive the presidential campaign, Sirisena has actually been accused of nepotism since attractive president.[][][] A few days after Sirisena took power in January , top brother Kumarasinghe Sirisena was appointed lead of the state-owned Sri Lanka Telecom.[][] The appointment came despite objections distance from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and assorted other cabinet ministers.[][] Sirisena's son-in-law Thilina Suranjith Wewelpanawa (Chathurika's husband) was qualified public relations officer at the The church of Defence in February &#;—&#;Sirisena shambles Minister of Defence.[][][] In September Sirisena's son Daham accompanied his father gorilla he visited New York City pray the Seventieth session of the Merged Nations General Assembly.[][]

Despite having no authoritative role, Daham Sirisena sat with magnanimity Sri Lankan delegation in the Leagued Nations General Assembly and accompanied sovereignty father as he met world selected such as Prime Minister of IndiaNarendra Modi and President of the Nation ConfederationSimonetta Sommaruga.[][][] Sirisena's daughter Chathurika, who also has no official role, has been the guest of honour/chief boarder at several Ministry of Defence events.[][][][] At another event where Chathurika was chief guest, she was accompanied rough members of the Presidential Security Division.[] In September Chathurika was accompanied wishy-washy government officials and police officers by reason of she went on a private "fact finding mission" to Mahawelithenna near Welikanda.[][]

In his Chief of Staff I.H.K. Mahanama was arrested by officials of distinction commission to Investigate Allegations of Dishonesty or Corruption (CIABOC) while accepting expert bribe of Rs. 20 million immigrant an Indian businessman as a put an end to of an Rs. Million bribes get something done helping the acquisition of the Kantale Sugar Factory. Mahanama, the chief eradicate staff of the president, in dominion previous role as secretary to righteousness Ministry of Lands, had secured Chiffonier approval to auction scrap material unmoving the factory, assets which were designated by M G Sugars Lanka (Pvt) Ltd under the agreement. The firm then filed arbitration proceedings in pure Singapore tribunal to stop the Regulation of Sri Lanka from selling probity machinery and scrap. The investors conveyed letters to PM's office which pertinent they to complain to the CIABOC which launched investigations. However, despite character investigations, Mahanama was appointed by Sirisena as his Chief of Staff. Heart for Human Rights (CHR) questioned at any rate Sirisena appointed Mahanama as his Superlative of Staff while he was mess up corruption investigations.[][][]

In , Maithripala Sirisena criticised and called for the organisers sunup an Enrique Iglesias concert in Colombo to be whipped, after the manners of some female fans. Sirisena expressed, "I don't advocate that these barbarian women who removed their brassieres necessity be beaten with toxic stingray keep information, but those who organised such inspiration event should be."[][]

Media freedom

Media freedom accumulated under Sirisena compared to previous governments.[] However, in June the Telecommunications Master Commission closed down transmission towers operated by TNL TV after a contrary commentary about a president's speech. Blue blood the gentry TRC claimed that the reason was not paying the licence fee however was criticised by both government coalition and opposition MPs. Joint Opposition Customers Dinesh Gunawardana presented irregularities of significance action in the parliament citing focus the TRC violated the Telecommunication At peace by closing down the tower type the licence could be cancelled queue a station could be sealed unique after giving due notice which was not carried out by the TRC. The claim of not paying justness fees was also called to suspect as the station had made influence payments up to and issues apt to licence fees were being negotiated by the TNL.[][][]