Solving problems of Tamils is my obligation: Sirisena
Maithirpala Sirisena. Photo: Special Arrangement
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on his achievements, challenges, and the importance of a judicial mechanism that has the confidence of Tamils.
- MEERA SRINIVASAN-November 11, 2016
In January 2015, nearly six years after Sri Lanka’s brutal civil war ended, President Maithripala Sirisena came to power deposing Mahinda Rajapaksa, on the promise of good governance, the abolition of the executive presidency and reconciliation with the Tamil minority. His election, to many at home and abroad, heralded hope of a new beginning for the country.
Almost two years since, he is grappling with old and new challenges — ranging from an open split within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party he leads, to the frictions of coalition politics in the island’s first national unity government, to growing impatience of the Northern polity — even as he tries to move ahead with his reformist agenda.
