Anura Bandaranaike takes over as Foreign Minister

Minister Anura Bandaranaike took over as Sri Lanka’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs on Monday, replacing assassinated predecessor Lakshman Kadirgamar. Minister Anura Bandaranaike took over as Sri Lanka’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs on Monday, replacing assassinated predecessor Lakshman Kadirgamar.

Bandaranaike, who is also President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s brother, took oaths on Monday evening.

He will continue to hold his portfolio as Minister of Tourism, a statement from the President’s office said.

His other portfolio of Industry and Investment Promotion was handed over to current Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama who was also sworn in on Monday.

Former Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated by suspected Tamil Tiger rebels on August 12, shot at his private residence by a sniper from an adjoining house.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have denied any involvement in killing Kadirgamar, a staunch critic of the rebels.

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