PM Rajapaksa will be the hardest-hit by the amendment, while his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa will gain full legal immunity as President

Commenting on the Chinese investment in Hambantota port, Colombage said Sri Lanka had offered it to India first

The Cabinet members took oaths in the presence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his elder brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

The powerful clan has held sway over the island nation's politics for decades, as well as having a major influence in key state institutions

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is likely to be sworn in the same position by his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

SAARC is regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including, India and Pakistan.

New Delhi must be deft and practical if it is to play a moderating influence without appearing to meddle in Sri Lankan politics.

Sri Lanka has traditionally been allied to India but became close to China, securing about USD 7 billion in loans and investment.

Both countries also decided to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The newly elected president said that Colombo and New Delhi need to 'work together' for economic development and security of their people.

In a tweet, before leaving for Delhi, Rajapaksa said he was looking forward to strengthening bilateral ties with India.

The Sri Lankan President will be on a three-day visit to India from November 28-30.

Inspector Nishantha Silva has sought asylum in Switzerland, according to media reports.

Rajapaksa, who is considered pro-China, said he wanted Sri Lanka to be a 'neutral country' and work with all the countries.

‘Delhi cannot play Tamil card, every time it feels pendulum is swinging towards China’.

The statement was addressed to the politicians in Tamil Nadu, telling them they have been all along making sensational statements.

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at the largest camp for them in Mandapam were keen to go back to their native villages in the Island.

New Delhi also said it would work “very closely” with the new Government in Sri Lanka.

Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped down as prime minister earlier Thursday to clear the way for the president to form his government.

Leaders of the parties that backed Gotabaya during the presidential polls will be given preference in the Cabinet.