ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Politics

Pandemic helps Sri Lanka president bypass dissolved parliament

Critics see 'constitutional crisis' with opposition to Rajapaksa neutralized

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reacted in military fashion to the COVID-19 pandemic, and marginalized the parliamentary majority ahead of elections.     © Reuters

BANGKOK -- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is enjoying an extended political honeymoon in Sri Lanka with his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic -- his first major test five months into his inaugural term.

The health crisis is a political shot in the arm for Rajapaksa, who hails from the country's most influential political clan. The pandemic continues as the merits of conducting parliamentary elections on June 20 are being considered for the strategically located island in the Indian Ocean.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more