Sri Lanka's new 'Terminator' president vows to end religious extremism in island nation

Three luxury hotels and three churches were targeted in the coordinated bombings. The Islamic State group also claimedSaturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who stepped aside and allowed his deputy Mr Premadasa to stand in the election.

"I also urge Mr Rajapaksa to ensure that the post-election environment is peaceful, and that no citizen or New Democratic Party supporter is persecuted or harmed for their role in supporting my candidacy," he said, referring to his party.Mr Wickremesinghe's administration faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings from an intelligence agency of neighbouring India, according to findings of a parliamentary investigation.

Mr Rajapaksa is adored by the Sinhalese majority and by the powerful Buddhist clergy for directing security forces to crush Tamil separatists and end a 37-year separatist war in May 2009 with brother Mahinda. Some in the Muslim community, who make up 10 per cent of the population, are also fearful of Mr Rajapaksa becoming president, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks.

The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants — such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines mired in corruption allegations.

and your concern is? MYOB GotabayaR

So he's going to end blasphemy laws and going to edit the Qur'an to moderate what it solicits believers do to unbelievers?

About time.

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