Colombo: Mahinda Rajapaska was sworn in as Sri Lankan President for the second consecutive six-year term on Friday. The ceremony, which was held outside the President’s office overlooking the Indian Ocean, was televised nationally.
Politicals opponents who accuse Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa of manipulating the vote to ensure his re-election boycotted his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo. Sri Lanka’s main opposition parties boycotted the ceremony, saying it was “an utter waste of public funds.”
Mr. Rajapaksa was re-elected in January in a landslide. He defeated ex-Army chief Sarath Fonseka, who was arrested weeks after the election.
Mr. Fonseka was later convicted of fraud and sentenced to 30 months in prison with hard labour.
Mr. Fonseka has described the cases against him as a political vendetta for daring to challenge Mr. Rajapaksa in elections.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, November 19, 2010, 18:01