Mahinda Deshapriya

Violence erupted in Sri Lanka on Monday after supporters of former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters. Probe has been ordered on allegations whether prison inmates were used in the violent protests in Colombo.

Sri Lanka's former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa told AFP that he has conceded defeat in parliamentary elections after a close fought comeback attempt just months after he was toppled as president.

Sri Lankans began voting Monday in parliamentary elections in which former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is hoping to become prime minister, eight months after losing the presidency.

Violence erupted in Sri Lanka on Monday after supporters of former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters. Probe has been ordered on allegations whether prison inmates were used in the violent protests in Colombo.

Sri Lanka's former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa told AFP that he has conceded defeat in parliamentary elections after a close fought comeback attempt just months after he was toppled as president.

Sri Lankans began voting Monday in parliamentary elections in which former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa is hoping to become prime minister, eight months after losing the presidency.