The country will hold its first presidential election on Saturday since its strongman president fled the country two years ago. Here are the main contenders.
Tag: Rajapaksa, Gotabaya
New Online Speech Law Could Chill Political Humor in Sri Lanka
A sweeping new law on online speech threatens the political humor that has helped the island nation get through tough stretches.
Sri Lanka Is Calm Again. That Doesn’t Mean Things Are Any Better.
After an economic collapse and political upheaval, Sri Lankans have become resigned to leaner meals and reduced horizons.
Sri Lanka’s Former President Ordered to Pay Compensation Over 2019 Bombings
A Supreme Court ruling denounced former President Maithripala Sirisena and some of his top officials for what it called “reckless failure” to prevent the attacks, which killed more than 200 people.
Sri Lanka Wins Cricket’s T20 Asia Cup, Bringing Joy to Fans
The men’s cricket team won the Asia Cup in the T20 format, hours after Sri Lanka won the equivalent championship in women’s netball. Both teams were feted with a parade on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa Returns Home, Just Weeks After Being Ousted
Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s fall from grace had seemed to end a powerful dynasty, but his arrival in the country’s capital, Colombo, shows how deeply entrenched his family is.
Debt-Stricken Sri Lanka Reaches Initial Deal for I.M.F. Bailout
The package includes nearly $3 billion in loans for an island nation that ousted its president amid a devastating economic crisis.
How Sri Lankans Rose Up to Dethrone a Dynasty
An army of nuns, farmers and middle-class professionals felt a duty to save their virtually bankrupt nation. But their fight is far from over.
Sri Lanka Targets Protest Organizers That Toppled President
Activists involved in the protest movement have been arrested, but allies of the former president are back in Parliament.
Amid Sri Lanka’s Crisis, Cricket Carries On
The success of the men’s national team has offered solace to the country, and one fan called the players “brand ambassadors during this time of hardship.”