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People wait in a queue to cast their ballots at a polling station during Sri Lanka’s presidential election in Galle on September 21. Photo: TNS

Women candidates signal potential shift in Sri Lanka’s male-dominated politics

While analysts welcome the increase, they caution that more women in politics alone won’t challenge patriarchal norms and achieve true gender equality.

What China is doing to make ports ‘smart’ and not prone to work stoppages

Outside In | Does Trump’s election signal a crisis of legitimacy for democracy?

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Israelis remain in Sri Lanka surfing town despite terrorism warning

Israel’s national security council called on Israelis to get out of tourist areas in Sri Lanka’s south, claiming a terrorist threat.

Tourists visit the ancient rock fortress in Sigiriya, in Sri Lanka, on October 16. Photo: AFP

US warns of attack threat in Sri Lanka surf haven popular with Israelis

Police have boosted security measures in Arugam Bay, a famous surfing destination frequented by Israeli travellers.

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As China’s navy docks in Bangladesh, India watches with ‘growing concern’

Beijing is keen to cement ties with the new interim government in Dhaka – but analysts say all India sees is ‘continuous Chinese build-up’.

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Sri Lanka’s Dissanayake seeks strong win in election to advance crucial reforms

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power, which holds only three seats currently, is aiming to win a parliamentary majority.

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Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Photo: Sri Lanka’s President Office / AFP

Hundreds of Chinese men arrested over online scams in Sri Lanka

Cybercrime raids also uncovered two suspects from Vietnam, as well as one each from Thailand and the Philippines.

Sri Lanka allows Chinese navy ship to dock despite ban

The Chinese crew will stay until Friday, offering ‘briefings’ to Sri Lankan sailors and visiting tourist attractions, Colombo’s navy said.

India gains ‘advantage’ over China as new Sri Lanka leader seeks to balance ties

New leader Dissanayake is a ‘practical nationalist’ who is likely to factor India’s security concerns into his foreign policy, analysts say.

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Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addresses the nation on September 25. Photo: Sri Lanka’s President Office/AFP

Sri Lanka’s new leader to seek ‘maximum support’ from China: analysts

Beijing expects ‘new progress’ between the two countries as left-leaning president-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake takes the helm.

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Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election campaign promised tough anti-corruption measures and policies to help the poor. Photo: AP

Sri Lanka’s new president sparks optimism, doubts over IMF loan revamp persist

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake promises Sri Lankans that his coalition government aims to end the country’s economic and debt crisis.

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Sri Lanka elects leftist leader in rejection of political elite

Marxist-leaning Dissanayake set to become Sri Lanka’s next president

Dissanayake polled 42.3 per cent of the votes, a massive boost to the 3 per cent he managed in the last presidential election in 2019.

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Anura Kumara Dissanayake leaves a polling station. Photo: AFP

Sri Lanka votes in first poll since economic collapse

The current leader faces an uphill battle to convince Sri Lankans his economic recovery plan is working and he deserves a second term.

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Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe shows an indelible mark on his baby finger after casting his vote on Saturday. Photo: AP

Sri Lanka’s next president could ‘make or break the country’

Sri Lanka’s 3-way presidential race: will the economy or ethnic issues prevail?

Analysts predict the race will narrow to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, each offering distinct visions.

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Inside the hidden world of modern slavery in Australia’s diplomatic heart

Recent court rulings reveal harrowing stories of abuse and neglect at the hands of envoys operating under diplomatic immunity in Canberra.

Canberra. Shocking cases of modern slavery have emerged within Australia’s capital. Photo: Shutterstock

China, India among 35 countries added to Sri Lanka visa-free list

Tourists will be given 30-day visas under a six-month pilot programme that will start from October 1.

Opinion | Unrest in Bangladesh is canary in coal mine for Global South

To surpass the West, the so-called ‘rest’ must first reckon with economic mismanagement, youth unemployment and shifting public opinion.

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Sri Lanka defends envoy in Australia fined for ‘modern slavery’ of maid

The Federal Court of Australia found that Himalee Arunatilaka had breached the Fair Work Act, and was ordered to pay more than US$360,000 in back wages to her former housekeeper.

An Australia court found Himalee Arunatilaka breached the Fair Work Act, and was ordered to pay US$360,000 in back wages to her former housekeeper. Photo: Shutterstock

Sri Lanka’s presidential election: a battleground for China vs India influence

Sri Lanka’s September polls could prove to be a ‘game changer’ for its relations with its two most powerful neighbours, analysts say.

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Supporters of Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe cheer in Colombo on August 15 after he filed his papers for the coming presidential elections. Photo: AFP

China’s scientific sea voyages might rile India, but will they lead to clash?

Chinese research ships in Indian Ocean will raise alarms, but New Delhi is unlikely to escalate unless it feels threatened, analysts say.

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After Bangladesh chaos, is India losing its South Asia allies to China?

India may need to redefine its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy to accommodate China’s presence in the region, analysts note.

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Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa family eyes comeback in presidential election

Namal Rajapaksa’s candidacy comes after his father and uncle fell from power in 2022 due to protests over Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.

Namal Rajapaksa, son of ex-Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, greets his supporters on August 7 after being nominated by Sri Lanka’s ruling Podujana Peramuna party as their presidential candidate for the upcoming election. Photo: EPA-EFE

Opinion | Can democracy in South Asia withstand US-China rivalry?

From rising authoritarianism to political instability, unrest throughout the region has intensified alongside shifting alliances.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens

Sri Lanka party names Rajapaksa scion as presidential candidate

Namal Rajapaksa, a lawmaker in parliament, is the eldest son of two-time president Mahinda Rajapaksa and a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party.

Will India’s play to bond the Bay of Bengal pay off?

Seven-nation bloc aims to boost regional connectivity, maritime trade to Southeast Asia, but must focus on projects where it can deliver, analysts say.

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Sri Lanka
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Sri Lanka. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Capital
Colombo
Head of State
President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Head of Government
President Ranil Wickremesinghe
last updated:
25 September, 2024
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