Sri Lanka’s new government promises end to repression

COLOMBO, (Reuters) - Sri Lanka’s new government promised a tolerant era of harmony and political freedom after years of mounting repression under a decade-old administration that unraveled in electoral defeat this week.

In a speech yesterday, President Maithripala Sirisena vowed to end corruption and nepotism that marred the reputation of his predecessor Mahinda Rajapkasa, who stepped down on Friday after his shock election loss.

Speaking from the highland jungle city of Kandy, the seat of Sri Lanka’s last Sinhalese kingdom, Sirisena asked for continued support of religious minorities who helped him win the election.

“While protecting the country’s main religion Buddhism, we also protect the rights and freedom of Hindu, Muslim, and Catholic people in practicing their religion and create consensus among them to build up this country,” he told a large crowd.

Sirisena’s speech came as the country prepares to receive Pope Francis, who is expected to deliver a message of inter-faith dialogue on a trip starting tomorrow.

Rajapaksa became a hero to many for ending Sri Lanka’s 26 year civil war with a crushing victory over Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009. But critics accused him of crimes at the brutal end of the war and he also oversaw censorship and persecution of minorities, political rivals and journalists.