Sri Lanka’s new president may struggle to form government
Sri Lanka’s newly elected president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, may struggle to consolidate his victory.
With many executive powers clipped and the opposition in control of a powerful Parliament, it’s unclear when and how Rajapaksa will be able to form a government.
Rajapaksa is credited with helping end the country’s long civil war and is revered as a hero by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority. He comfortably won Saturday’s presidential election with about 52% of the ballots. But minorities largely voted for his opponent, fearing Rajapaksa because of allegations of wartime human rights violations against him.
FILE- In this Aug 15, 2019, file photo, former Sri Lankan Defense Secretary and presidential candidate of the country's opposition Gotabaya Rajapaksa prays at a Buddhist temple during his election campaign in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s newly elected president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, may struggle to consolidate his victory. With many executive powers clipped and a powerful opposition in control of Parliament, it’s unclear when and how Rajapaksa will be able to form a government. (AP PhotoSajeewa Chinthaka, File)
Rajapaksa said at his swearing-in on Monday that he would form his own government.
But that depends on whether Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe steps aside.
A 2015 constitutional amendment curtails the powers of the presidency.
FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2019, file photo, former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left, and his brother and former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa wave to supporters during a party convention held to announce the presidential candidacy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa is credited with helping end the country’s long civil war and is revered as a hero by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority. He comfortably won Saturday’s presidential election with about 52% of the ballots. But minorities largely voted for his opponent, fearing Rajapaksa because of allegations of wartime human rights violations against him. (AP PhotoEranga Jayawardena, File)