Sri Lankan troops forced grieving relatives out of cemeteries and assaulted journalists covering a remembrance in Mullaittivu, where the country's 37-year civil war's final battle was fought.
The decision, which awaits a final nod from the parliament, raises concern about the rights of the Muslim minority in the country.
The government first banned burials of those who died from Covid-19 in April over concerns — which experts said were baseless — by influential Buddhist monks that the practice could contaminate groundwater and spread the virus.
Main Tamil political party protests "Heroes' Day" ceremony ban, accusing Sri Lanka of discrimination.
With a large majority, the parliament approved a constitutional amendment that will concentrate powers in the president and allow duel citizens to hold political office, which could strengthen President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's familial political clout.
Reviving a stagnant economy and managing the country’s relations with major powers will be important priorities for the new Rajapaksa government.
Mahinda Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka People’s Front won 145 seats in the 225-member parliament, securing nearly the two-thirds majority required to make constitutional changes that could strengthen dynastic rule in the country.
Close to 70 percent of eligible Sri Lankans voted in Wednesday's election to elect a 225-member parliament, shrugging off coronavirus fears.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s dream for absolute power comes within reach.
Any attempts to revive this long-planned alliance will be ineffective in trying to counter China, and instead will simply be viewed as an alliance of Islamophobes.
Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called a snap election on April 25 after sacking the national parliament where his party led a minority government.
Tamil politicians requested Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa to continue the practice of singing the Tamil translation of the national anthem, recognised by the constitution to give the community a sense of belonging.
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