Srilanka

Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's first post-independence leader, has died aged 95. His family confirmed his death to the BBC. Mr Mugabe had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore since April. He was ousted in a military coup in 2017 after 37 years in power.Mr Mugabe's early years were praised for broadening access to health and education for the black majority - but his later years were marked by rights abuses and corruption.He won Zimbabwe's first election after it secured independence from the UK, becoming prime minister in 1980. He abolished the office in 1987, becoming president instead.Who was Robert Mugabe?Mr Mugabe was born on 21 February 1924 in what was then Rhodesia - a British colony, run by its white minority. He was imprisoned for more than a decade without trial after criticising the government of Rhodesia in 1964.Media captionMugabe: From war hero to resignationIn 1973, while still in prison, he was chosen as president of the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu), of which he was a founding member.Once released, he headed to Mozambique, from where he directed guerrilla raids into Rhodesia. But he was also seen as a skilled negotiator.Political agreements to end the crisis resulted in the new independent Republic of Zimbabwe.With his high profile in the independence movement, Mr Mugabe secured an overwhelming victory in the republic's first election.But over his decades in power, international perceptions soured, with an increasing number of critics portraying Mr Mugabe as a kind of dictator.In 2000, facing serious political opposition for the first time, he seized white-owned farms to resettle black farmers, causing economic disruption but boosting his popularity among supporters.Around the same time, pro-Mugabe militias used violence to influence political outcomes. In 2008, when he lost the first round of the presidential election, attacks on the opposition resulted in his rival pulling out of the contest.He famously declared that only god could remove him from office.Mr Mugabe's downfall came after suspicions that his wife Grace might succeed himHe was forced into sharing power in 2009 amid economic collapse, installing rival Morgan Tsvangirai as prime minister.But in 2017, amid concerns that he was grooming his wife Grace as his successor, the army - his long-time ally - turned against the president and forced him to step down.What has the reaction been?Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi, of Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party, told the BBC the party was "very much saddened" by his death."As a government, we are very much with the family members of the Mugabe family," he said."He was a principled man: he could not change easily over his beliefs. He's a man who believed himself, he's a man who believed in what he did and he is a man who was very assertive in whatever he said."This was a good man."Not everyone agreed, however.Zimbabwean Senator David Coltart, who was once labelled "an enemy of the state" by Mr Mugabe, said his legacy was marred by his adherence to violence as a political tool.

"He was always committed to violence, going all the way back to the 1960s he was no Martin Luther King," he told the BBC World Service. "He never changed in that regard."

But he acknowledged that there was another side to Robert Mugabe - "a man who indeed had a great passion for education - and I think he mellowed in his later years.

"There's a lot of affection towards him, because we must never forget that he was the person primarily responsible for ending oppressive white minority rule."

The government of neighbouring South Africa tweeted its condolences, labelling Mr Mugabe "a fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter".

The BBC's Shingai Nyoka, in the capital Harare, said Mr Mugabe was likely to be remembered for his early achievements.

In his later years, people had called him all sorts of names, but now is probably the time when Zimbabweans will think back to his 37 years in power, she said.

There's a saying here - that whoever dies becomes a hero, and we're likely to see that now, our correspondent adds.

Robert Mugabe - key dates1924: Born. Later trains as a teacher

1964: Imprisoned by Rhodesian government

1980: Wins post-independence elections

1996: Marries Grace Marufu

2000: Loses referendum - pro-Mugabe militias invade white-owned farms and attack opposition supporters

2008: Comes second in first round of elections to Tsvangirai, who pulls out of run-off following nationwide attacks on his supporters

2009: Amid economic collapse, swears in Tsvangirai as prime minister, who serves in uneasy government of national unity for four years

2017: Sacks long-time ally Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, paving the way for his wife Grace to succeed him

November 2017: Army intervenes and forces him to step down

Obituary: Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's first post-independence leader

As independent Zimbabwe's first prime minister, and later its president, Robert Mugabe promised democracy and reconciliation.But the hope that accompanied independence in 1980 dissolved into violence, corruption and economic disaster.President Mugabe became an outspoken critic of the West, most notably the United Kingdom, the former colonial power, which he denounced as an "enemy country".Despite his brutal treatment of political opponents, and his economic mismanagement of a once prosperous country, he continued to attract the support of other African leaders who saw him as a hero of the fight against colonial rule.Robert Gabriel Mugabe was born in what was then Rhodesia on 21 February 1924, the son of a carpenter and one of the majority Shona-speaking people. Educated at Roman Catholic mission schools, he qualified as a teacher. Winning a scholarship to Fort Hare University in South Africa, he took the first of his seven academic degrees before teaching in Ghana, where he was greatly influenced by the pan-Africanist ideas of Ghana's post-independence leader Kwame Nkrumah. His first wife Sally was Ghanaian.In 1960, Mugabe returned to Rhodesia. At first he worked for the African nationalist cause with Joshua Nkomo, before breaking away to become a founder member of the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu).In 1964, after making a speech in which he called Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith and his government "cowboys", Mugabe was arrested and detained without trial for a decade.Mugabe (l) with Nkomo (r) in 1960. The relationship between the two would sour after independenceHis baby son died while he was still in prison and he was refused permission to attend the funeral.In 1973, while still in detention, he was chosen as president of Zanu. After his release, he went to Mozambique and directed guerrilla raids into Rhodesia. His Zanu organisation formed a loose alliance with Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union (Zapu).During the tortuous negotiations on independence for Rhodesia, he was seen as the most militant of the black leaders, and the most uncompromising in his demands.On a 1976 visit to London, he declared that the only solution to the Rhodesian problem would come out of the barrel of a gun.But his negotiating skills earned him the respect of many of his former critics. The press hailed him as "the thinking man's guerrilla".The Lancaster House agreement of 1979 set up a constitution for the new Republic of Zimbabwe, as Rhodesia was to be called, and set February 1980 for the first elections to the new government.Fighting the election on a separate platform from Nkomo, Mugabe scored an overwhelming and, to most outside observers, unexpected victory. Zanu secured a comfortable majority, although the polls were marred by accusations of vote-rigging and intimidation from both sidesA self-confessed Marxist, Mugabe's victory initially had many white people packing their bags ready to leave Rhodesia, while his supporters danced in the streets.However, the moderate, conciliatory tone of his early statements reassured many of his opponents. He promised a broad-based government, with no victimisation and no nationalisation of private property. His theme, he told them, would be reconciliation.

He initially promised a programme of reconciliationLater that year he outlined his economic policy, which mixed private enterprise with public investment.With the prime minister frequently advocating one-party rule, the rift between Mugabe and Nkomo widened.After the discovery of a huge cache of arms at Zapu-owned properties, Nkomo, recently demoted in a cabinet reshuffle, was dismissed from government.While paying lip service to democracy, Mugabe gradually stifled political opposition. The mid-1980s saw the massacre of thousands of ethnic Ndebeles seen as Nkomo's supporters in his home region of Matabeleland.ConfiscationMugabe was implicated in the killings, committed by the Zimbabwean army's North Korean-trained 5th Brigade, but never brought to trial.Under intense pressure, Nkomo agreed for his Zapu to be merged with - or taken over by - Zanu to become the virtually unchallenged Zanu-PF.After abolishing the office of prime minister, Mugabe became president in 1987 and was elected for a third term in 1996.The same year, he married Grace Marufu, after his first wife had died from cancer. Mugabe already had two children with Grace, 40 years his junior. A third was born when the president was 73.Farms were occupied by Zanu-PF supporters He did have some success in building a non-racial society, but in 1992 introduced the Land Acquisition Act, permitting the confiscation of land without appeal. The plan was to redistribute land at the expense of more than 4,500 white farmers, who still owned the bulk of the country's best land.In early 2000, with his presidency under serious threat from the newly formed Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led by former trade union leader Morgan Tsvangirai, Mugabe lashed out against the farmers, seen as MDC backers.His supporters, the so-called "war veterans", occupied white-owned farms and a number of farmers and their black workers were killed.Foreign aidThe action served to undermine the already battered economy as Zimbabwe's once valuable agricultural industry fell into ruin. Mugabe's critics accused him of distributing farms to his cronies, rather than the intended rural poor.Robert Mugabe - key dates1924: Born. Later trains as a teacher1964: Imprisoned by Rhodesian government1980: Wins post-independence elections1996: Marries Grace Marufu2000: Loses referendum, pro-Mugabe militias invade white-owned farms and attack opposition supporters2008: Comes second in first round of elections to Tsvangirai who pulls out of run-off amid nationwide attacks on his supporters2009: Amid economic collapse, swears in Tsvangirai as prime minister, who serves in uneasy government of national unity for four years2017: Sacks long-time ally Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, paving the way for his wife Grace to succeed himNovember 2017: Army intervenes and forces him to step downZimbabwe moved rapidly from being one of Africa's biggest food producers to having to rely on foreign aid to feed its population.In the 2000 elections for the House of Assembly, the MDC won 57 out of the 120 seats elected by popular vote, although a further 20 seats were filled by Mugabe's nominees, securing Zanu-PF's hold on power.Two years later, in the presidential elections, Mugabe achieved 56.2% of the vote compared with Mr Tsvangirai's 41.9% against a background of intimidation of MDC supporters. Large numbers of people in rural areas were prevented from voting by the closure of polling stations.MDC activists were attacked around the country in 2008With the MDC, the US, UK and the European Union not recognising the election result because of the violence and allegations of fraud, Mugabe - and Zimbabwe - became increasingly isolated.The Commonwealth also suspended Zimbabwe from participating in its meetings until it improved its record as a democracy.In May 2005, Mugabe presided over Operation Restore Order, a crackdown on the black market and what was said to be "general lawlessness".Some 30,000 street vendors were arrested and whole shanty towns demolished, eventually leaving an estimated 700,000 Zimbabweans homeless.SquabblingIn March 2008, Mugabe lost the first round of the presidential elections but won the run-off in June after Mr Tsvangirai pulled out.In the wake of sustained attacks against his supporters across the country, Mr Tsvangirai maintained that a free and fair election was not possible.Zimbabwe's economic decline accelerated, with inflation rates reaching stratospheric levels.After hundreds of people died from cholera, partly because the government could not afford to import water treatment chemicals, Mugabe agreed to negotiate with his long-time rival about sharing power.The power-sharing agreement was undermined by argumentsAfter months of talks, in February 2009 Mugabe swore in Mr Tsvangirai as prime minister.It came as no surprise that the arrangement was far from perfect, with constant squabbling and accusations by some human rights organisations that Mugabe's political opponents were still being detained and tortured.Mr Tsvangirai's reputation also suffered by his association with the Mugabe regime, despite the fact that he had no influence over the increasingly irascible president.The 2013 election, in which Mugabe won 61% of the vote, ended the power-sharing agreement and Mr Tsvangirai went into the political wilderness.While there were the usual accusations of electoral fraud - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked that these be investigated - there was not the widespread violence that had marked previous polls in Zimbabwe.It was an election that saw Robert Mugabe, at the age of 89, confirm his position as the undisputed power in the country.His advancing years, and increasing health problems, saw much speculation as to who might replace him.But the manoeuvring among possible successors revealed how fragmented Zimbabwe's administration was and underlined the fact that it was only held together by Mugabe's dominance.Mugabe himself seemed to delight in playing off his subordinates against each other in a deliberate attempt to dilute whatever opposition might arise.With speculation that his wife, Grace, was poised to take control in the event of his death in office, Mugabe announced in 2015 that he fully intended to fight the 2018 elections, by which time he would be 94.He was the undisputed power in ZimbabweAnd, to allay any doubt remaining among possible successors, he announced in February 2016 that he would remain in power "until God says 'come'".In the event it wasn't God but units of the Zimbabwe National Army which came for Robert Mugabe. On 15 November 2017 he was placed under house arrest and, four days later, replaced as the leader of Zanu-PF by his former vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa.Defiant to the end Mugabe refused to resign, But, on 21 November, as a motion to impeach him was being debated in the Zimbabwean parliament, the speaker of the House of Assembly announced that Robert Mugabe had finally resigned.Mugabe negotiated a deal which protected him and his family from the risk of future prosecution and enabled him to retain his various business interests. He was also granted a house, servants, vehicles and full diplomatic status.Ascetic in manner, Robert Mugabe dressed conservatively and drank no alcohol. He viewed both friend and foe with a scepticism verging on the paranoid.The man who had been hailed as the hero of Africa's struggle to throw off colonialism had turned into a dictator, trampling over human rights and turning a once prosperous country into an economic basket case.His legacy is likely to haunt Zimbabwe for yearPosted at 13:0013:00'Mugabe fearlessly defended Africa' - Zambia's leaderZambia's President Edgar Lungu says Mr Mugabe will be remembered for "fearlessly defending the continent".

In a tweet, he paid tribute to "a pan-Africanist and Zimbabwe's founding father", saying his place in the annals of Africa's history was assured:

Social embed from twitter

Edgar Chagwa Lungu✔@EdgarCLunguI am saddened at the passing of a Pan-Africanist and Zimbabwe's founding father, Cde Robert #Mugabe. He will be remembered for his fight for Africaliberation and fearlessly defending the continent. His place in the annals of Africahistory is assured. We mourns with Zimbabwe

View image on Twitter11112:41 - 6 Sep 2019Twitter Ads information and privacy42 people are talking about thisReportReport this social embed, make a complaintArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d7207a8909dd0067b21bd7e%26%27Mugabe%20fearlessly%20defended%20Africa%27%20-%20Zambia%27s%20leader%262019-09-06T07%3A30%3A59.994Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:7e403bbc-b5d4-42af-8197-24562aa52898-pinned_post_asset_id=5d7207a8909dd0067b21bd7e-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 12:4812:48Ex-Zimbabwean farmer: 'We were frightened'The Madgens farm was invaded by Robert Mugabe's supporters

Veronica Madgen and her husband ran one of the largest farms in Zimbabwe before it was invaded by Mr Mugabe's supporters forcing the family to come to the UK.

She told BBC Breakfast that the invasion of white-owned farms was prompted because Mr Mugabe's presidency under threat in 2000:

Quote Message: We were on the second farm that was invaded the tractors [were] being burnt, the motorcycles [were] being burnt, stones [were being] thrown through the window… it was very difficult to actually come to terms with what was happening.We were on the second farm that was invaded the tractors [were] being burnt, the motorcycles [were] being burnt, stones [were being] thrown through the window… it was very difficult to actually come to terms with what was happening.

Quote Message: Our workers were as frightened as we were. They wanted to carry on working, and unfortunately this was not possible in some cases.Our workers were as frightened as we were. They wanted to carry on working, and unfortunately this was not possible in some cases.

Responding to news of his death, Mrs Madgen said;

Quote Message: I was sad for him and his family, because for the first 20 years he governed that country, he was a good leader, until that threat of losing that election got hold of him and he turned."I was sad for him and his family, because for the first 20 years he governed that country, he was a good leader, until that threat of losing that election got hold of him and he turned."

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d720704db67fe0662ec6e8f%26Ex-Zimbabwean%20farmer%3A%20%27We%20were%20frightened%27%262019-09-06T07%3A18%3A10.078Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:d6552076-7e67-4f65-a585-103c5d5173e1-pinned_post_asset_id=5d720704db67fe0662ec6e8f-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 12:4312:43Mugabe's former spin doctor in mourning"A dark cloud has enveloped Zimbabwe and beyond," Robert Mugabe's former spin doctor and adviser Jonathan Moyo has tweeted.

Mr Moyo, who served as a minister under Mr Mugabe, went into exile following the military takeover in November 2017.

He lambasted the country's new rulers for forcing Mr Mugabe to resign and has been a fierce critic of the new administration ever since.

Social embed from twitter

Prof Jonathan Moyo✔@ProfJNMoyoA dark cloud has enveloped Zimbabwe and beyond. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord!

View image on Twitter1,39109:59 - 6 Sep 2019Twitter Ads information and privacy878 people are talking about thisReportReport this social embed, make a complaintArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d7202efefa24706621507b9%26Mugabe%27s%20former%20spin%20doctor%20in%20mourning%262019-09-06T07%3A13%3A21.042Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:8f3afd29-957d-4282-969b-bf355b6116b2-pinned_post_asset_id=5d7202efefa24706621507b9-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 12:3912:39Zimbabwe's ex-president Robert Mugabe dies at 95Robert Mugabe, wearing a bright red scarf and sunglasses, raises a fistMr Mugabe was both an icon of independence and a political strongman during his decades in power.

Read moreArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49604152?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=49604152%26Zimbabwe%27s%20ex-president%20Robert%20Mugabe%20dies%20at%2095%262019-09-06T07%3A09%3A54.311Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:594eacab-b1a5-0c4f-bb54-eb944a65f8dd-pinned_post_asset_id=49604152-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 12:3312:33South Africa hails 'fearless pan-Africanist fighter'South Africagovernment has hailed Zimbabwefounding leader Robert Mugabe as a &fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter&.

In a tweet, it sent its condolences, adding that Mr Mugabe, aged 95, had died in hospital in Singapore where he has been receiving treatment.

Social embed from twittertwitterReportReport this social embed, make a complaintArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d7202beefa24706621507b7%26South%20Africa%20hails%20%27fearless%20pan-Africanist%20fighter%27%262019-09-06T07%3A03%3A54.830Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:cf3f8435-9f6f-456b-84f8-5dfed732e15f-pinned_post_asset_id=5d7202beefa24706621507b7-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 12:3212:32Mugabe 'made sure he won elections, even if he lost'A UK politician on why Zimbabwe's ex-leader was in power for 37 years

Responding to the question of why Mr Mugabe remained in power for so long Lord Hain told BBC Breakfast: "Because he made he sure he won elections even when he lost them."

Lord Hain recounted the intimidation and violence Mr Mugabe meted out on members of the opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, during the 2008 election.

"There was a good example in the mid-2000s of losing an election to the MDC opposition, and Morgan Tsvangirai.

"[Mugabe] clearly lost the election in the first round, and would have lost it in the second round.

"He started violently attacking the opposition to the point where Tsvangirai said, 'I can&t take my people, my party, my followers into an election where they will be beaten up, killed and intimidated.'

"He conceded the result to Mugabe, Mugabe then took him in as his own deputy, but it was not satisfactory and the country continued to deteriorate.&

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d720213efa24706621507b6%26Mugabe%20%27made%20sure%20he%20won%20elections%2C%20even%20if%20he%20lost%27%262019-09-06T07%3A02%3A47.610Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:2336f3f9-bf10-4cc8-9df4-eab86bccb0d6-pinned_post_asset_id=5d720213efa24706621507b6-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 12:2612:26Former UK Labour minister on his meeting with Mr MugabeLord Peter Hain initially supported Mr Mugabe but relations later soured

Lord Peter Hain, a former Labour minister who met Mugabe in 1999 and a prominent critic of him, said Mugabe initially came into power as "somebody respected".

Lord Hain said relations between Mugabe and Tony Blair's Labour government later soured, "because we had been criticising him for his human rights record and corruption".

Lord Hain met Mr Mugabe when he visited London in 1999, and said they initially "got on very well".

But a protest the next day by the gay rights activist Peter Tatchell saw relations between the UK and Mugabe go "downhill".

Lord Hain told BBC Breakfast: &The next morning, the gay rights activist Peter Tatchell committed a citizens& arrest on him for his homophobia, and Mugabe went absolutely mad.

"He blamed me for the protest, although I knew nothing about it.

&Relations just went downhill after that, and he started seizing farms and committing terrible violence on white farmers, destroying the jobs of a hundred black workers on each farm.

"Things just went in a terrible downward spiral."

Lord Peter HainAFP/Getty ImagesCopyright: AFP/Getty ImagesLord Peter Hain was a critic of MugabeImage caption: Lord Peter Hain was a critic of MugabeArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71fea7db67fe0662ec6e88%26Former%20UK%20Labour%20minister%20on%20his%20meeting%20with%20Mr%20Mugabe%262019-09-06T06%3A56%3A28.872Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:8e77e04d-dd12-45b2-9922-465c75d71272-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71fea7db67fe0662ec6e88-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 12:2312:23Mugabe epitomised 'the new African' - ANCThe life of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's former president, came to epitomise the "new African" of an independent continent, South Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC) has said.

He was someone who "having shrugged off the colonial yoke, would strive to ensure his country took its rightful place amongst the community of nations", its statement says.

His Zanu-PF party was an inspiration to the ANC during the years it was fighting South Africa's apartheid government, it added.

"Throughout his life, the late Comrade Mugabe was an ardent and vocal advocate of African unity and self-reliance and will always be remembered for his rallying cry: 'Africa is for Africans, Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.'"

Although the ANC may have differed with Mr Mugabe on some issues, as "fraternal organisations we held as sacrosanct the principle of sovereignty", the statement continues.

Read the full statement below:

Social embed from twitter

African National Congress✔@MYANCANC MOURNS THE PASSING OF FRIEND, STATESMAN - REVOLUTIONARY COMRADE ROBERT MUGABE#RIPMugabe #RIPRobertMugabe #Zimbabwe

View image on TwitterView image on Twitter42011:40 - 6 Sep 2019Twitter Ads information and privacy340 people are talking about thisReportReport this social embed, make a complaintArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d720175efa24706621507b5%26Mugabe%20epitomised%20%27the%20new%20African%27%20-%20ANC%262019-09-06T06%3A53%3A27.019Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:d4cea026-973a-484e-80e2-0ae8049baacd-pinned_post_asset_id=5d720175efa24706621507b5-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 11:5411:54Robert Mugabe 'was a progressive man'A former colleague defends Zimbabwe's former leader

Energy Mutodi, deputy information minister with the governing Zanu-PF, has defended Zimbabwe's former president, who has died aged 95 with many of his countrymen believing he was responsible for destroying a once-prosperous country.

He told the BBC's Today programme:

Quote Message: &I want to believe Robert Mugabe was a very progressive man, and whatever happened in whatever description that we can give you, we cannot take away that this is a liberation war hero, this is a statesman, an international statesman."&I want to believe Robert Mugabe was a very progressive man, and whatever happened in whatever description that we can give you, we cannot take away that this is a liberation war hero, this is a statesman, an international statesman."

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71f8fcdb67fe0662ec6e81%26Robert%20Mugabe%20%27was%20a%20progressive%20man%27%262019-09-06T06%3A24%3A25.360Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:9babf202-e60f-451a-80de-b9170ba35198-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71f8fcdb67fe0662ec6e81-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 11:5311:53Mugabe's career: From war hero to resignationWhen Robert Mugabe resigned as president in 2017, after more than three decades in power, the BBC looked back at his career.

In a letter, he wrote: "I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation with immediate effect".

Video content

Video caption: Robert Mugabe's career: From war hero to resignation as presidentRobert Mugabe's career: From war hero to resignation as presidentArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71fa90db67fe0662ec6e84%26Mugabe%27s%20career%3A%20From%20war%20hero%20to%20resignation%262019-09-06T06%3A23%3A13.861Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:39c119c8-53a6-4a5e-a20b-c84ca3c45919-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71fa90db67fe0662ec6e84-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 11:4711:47Mugabe's legacy: Zimbabwe's liberator and oppressor

Shingai Nyoka

BBC Africa, Harare

Robert MugabeReutersCopyright: ReutersRobert Mugabe was known for his tough stance he took with his criticsImage caption: Robert Mugabe was known for his tough stance he took with his criticsThe son of a carpenter, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe rose to become one of the most prominent African leaders and in the process destroyed a formerly prosperous country.

He cemented his power, winning overwhelmingly at elections in 1980 and as leader of a new nation he set about creating a better country than the one he inherited.

He spent massively on education, creating the most literate country on the continent and a thriving black middle class.

But beneath the veneer, lay a dark side: a crack military unit deployed to contain an insurgency in central and southern Zimbabwe killed thousands of civilians. The world turned a blind eye.

Mugabe was the great hope. But as the economy bottomed out, discontent simmered and he encouraged the restless population to take back their land, which was still largely in the hands of white farmers. They did, often violently.

The West took note, breaking diplomatic ties and imposing economic sanctions, eliciting this response from the veteran leader: &We are not Europeans. We have not asked for any inch of Europe, any square inch of that territory. So [Tony] Blair, keep your England and let me keep my Zimbabwe.&

In 2008, a historic economic meltdown handed Mugabe his first electoral defeat. It led to more violence in second round of voting. The opposition supporters were raped tortured.

Former allies, including South Africafirst democratically elected President Nelson Mandela, condemned him.

But he remained a cult-like figure among many Africans - for daring to challenge the Wests dominance within the UN.

Within his own party, many believed he had overstayed and needed to hand over power. The medical trips to the far east had increased in his 90s.

Mr Mugabe finally fired Emmerson Mnangagwa, his vice-president, accusing him of trying to topple him. Many believed he wanted to replace him with wife Grace, 40 years his junior.

With the help of the military, Mr Mnangagwa mounted a comeback. Mr Mugabe was put under house arrest in November 2017 and tens of thousands of Zimbabweans marched calling on him to step down. He resigned, after a threat of impeachment.

In his last years, Mr Mugabe had retreated to the seclusion of his mansion.

Many will remember him as gifted orator and visionary who liberated Zimbabwe but later returned her to shackles of oppression.

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71f8f4909dd0067b21bd74%26Mugabe%27s%20legacy%3A%20Zimbabwe%27s%20liberator%20and%20oppressor%262019-09-06T06%3A17%3A18.750Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:8b46de58-ba19-440e-8bfc-829087d99ec6-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71f8f4909dd0067b21bd74-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 11:2511:25'He was the founding father of Zimbabwe'Energy Mutodi, deputy information minister with the governing Zanu-PF, told the BBC's Today programme: "This is a sorrowful moment for Zimbabwe and for Africa and the whole world.

&We are very much saddened by the passing on of our former president.

"He was an icon, he was the founding father of Zimbabwe."

Responding to criticism that Mr Mugabe presided over the nation's economic decline, Mr Mutodi said: "There is a lot that he did that benefited the people of Zimbabwe and Africa."

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71f357db67fe0662ec6e7a%26%27He%20was%20the%20founding%20father%20of%20Zimbabwe%27%262019-09-06T05%3A55%3A58.040Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:be2de105-3cea-48d7-a00a-4dead718d560-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71f357db67fe0662ec6e7a-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 11:1811:18Mugabe - a lifetime in powerVideo content

Video caption: Robert Mugabe, former president of Zimbabwe, has died aged 95Robert Mugabe, former president of Zimbabwe, has died aged 95Robert Mugabe, the former president of Zimbabwe, has died aged 95.

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49604550?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=49604550%26Mugabe%20-%20a%20lifetime%20in%20power%262019-09-06T05%3A48%3A46.226Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:0c861481-9d32-e24d-bdd1-fd14b782d593-pinned_post_asset_id=49604550-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 11:0111:01From tanks to resignation: Mugabe's last days in powerVideo content

Video caption: From tanks to resignation: Mugabe's last daysFrom tanks to resignation: Mugabe's last daysHere's what has been happening in Zimbabwe last week, in two minutes.

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42049112?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=42049112%26From%20tanks%20to%20resignation%3A%20Mugabe%27s%20last%20days%20in%20power%262019-09-06T05%3A31%3A14.155Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:6031599f-f9d1-bb43-8a61-7fc21e4809e3-pinned_post_asset_id=42049112-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 10:5810:58In pictures: The life of Robert MugabeZimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, 2003A look at the political career of Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe.

Read moreArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-35300694?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=35300694%26In%20pictures%3A%20The%20life%20of%20Robert%20Mugabe%262019-09-06T05%3A28%3A06.085Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:fab67a98-067f-0f4c-a0c7-a46c575132bf-pinned_post_asset_id=35300694-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 10:5310:53Mugabe 'an icon of liberation'Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over power after Robert Mugabe was removed by the military in November 2017, has paid tribute to the former leader.

He tweeted that Mr Mugabe was "an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people.

"His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten."

Social embed from twitter

President of Zimbabwe✔@edmnangagwaIt is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe (1/2)

4,85310:36 - 6 Sep 2019Twitter Ads information and privacy5,316 people are talking about thisReportReport this social embed, make a complaintSocial embed from twitter

President of Zimbabwe✔@edmnangagwa · 2hIt is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe (1/2)

President of Zimbabwe✔@edmnangagwaCde Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace (2/2)

2,12110:36 - 6 Sep 2019Twitter Ads information and privacy1,778 people are talking about thisReportReport this social embed, make a complaintArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71ec92efa24706621507a2%26Mugabe%20%27an%20icon%20of%20liberation%27%262019-09-06T05%3A23%3A49.189Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:5564f5dd-5f3f-4eee-881b-b2e9ed9667f9-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71ec92efa24706621507a2-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 10:5010:50Robert Mugabe - key dates1924: BornLater trained as a teacher1964: Imprisoned by Rhodesian government1980: Wins post-independence elections1996: Marries Grace Marufu2000: Loses referendum, pro-Mugabe militias invade white-owned farms and attack opposition supporters2008: Comes second in first round of elections to Tsvangirai who pulls out of run-off amid nationwide attacks on his supporters2009: Amid economic collapse, swears in Tsvangirai as prime minister, who served in uneasy government of national unity for four years2017: Sacks long-time ally Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, paving the way for his wife Grace to succeed himNovember 2017: Army intervenes and forces him to step downArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71ec82db67fe0662ec6e77%26Robert%20Mugabe%20-%20key%20dates%262019-09-06T05%3A20%3A40.443Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:fe2e0066-804f-44a3-b927-3db683cde49a-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71ec82db67fe0662ec6e77-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 10:4510:45Obituary: Robert MugabeRobert MugabeHis promises of democracy and reconciliation dissolved into violence and economic misery.

Read moreArticle share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-11099949?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=11099949%26Obituary%3A%20Robert%20Mugabe%262019-09-06T05%3A15%3A24.810Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:b5c53244-9a03-e059-e040-850a02846523-pinned_post_asset_id=11099949-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 10:3210:32BREAKINGRobert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's ex-president, dies aged 95

Shingai Nyoka

BBC Africa, Harare

Zimbabwe's former President Robert Mugabe has died, a family member has confirmed to the BBC.

He was aged 95.

Mr Mugabe has been in Singapore for medical treatment.

He led Zimbabwe from 1980 to 2017, when he was ousted by his vice-president with the help of the military.

Article share tools

ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social-ns_source=twitter-ns_campaign=bbc_live-ns_linkname=5d71e84fefa247066215079f%26Robert%20Mugabe%2C%20Zimbabwe%27s%20ex-president%2C%20dies%20aged%2095%262019-09-06T05%3A02%3A36.929Z-ns_fee=0-pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:27ea6966-4056-4baf-a837-a55cc7470bba-pinned_post_asset_id=5d71e84fefa247066215079f-pinned_post_type=share

Read more about these links.

Posted at 10:1510:15Sudan's cabinet 'marks new era' post-BashirSudanPrime Minister Abdalla HamdokEPACopyright: EPAThe prime minister said the top priority for his ministers was to end conflict and build peaceImage caption: The prime minister said the top priority for his ministers was to end conflict and build peaceSudannew Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has announced his cabinet, the first since the signing of a three-year power-sharing agreement between civilians and the military.

The country now has its first female foreign minister - Asmaa Abdallah - and there will be three other women among the 18 ministers.

Jamal Omar, an army general, becomes defence minister and El-Trafi Idris Dafallah, a senior police officer, is interior minister.

Mr Hamdok, who has served as a UN economist, said after announcing the cabinet:

Quote Message: Today we begin a new era.Today we begin a new era.

Quote Message: The top priority of the transition government is to end the war and build sustainable peace."The top priority of the transition government is to end the war and build sustainable peace."

Sudan has endured years of insurgencies and months of political turmoil including the overthrow in April of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir.

The military and pro-democracy movement then became locked in a tussle for power that has led to mass protests and killings.

Ibrahim Ahmed El-Badawi was named as minister of finance & and his greatest challenge will be dealing with the countrychronic foreign exchange shortage, after the loss of most of its oilfields when South Sudan seceded in 2011.

The country has difficulties importing basic goods & and the rise in the price of bread at the end of last year are what prompted the street protests that led to Mr Bashirremoval from power.

The first phase of the Palaly Airport development project will be completed by the 10th of October and the regional flights operations from Palaly airport of Jaffna to Indian destinations is expected to officially commence from 16th October, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Arjuna Ranatunga said.The Minister, who led a ministerial delegation to observe the progress of the construction of the regional airport in Jaffna yesterday said the domestic companies will be given a higher priority in providing flight services from Palaly to India.

PALLEKELE, THURSDAY: Sri Lanka and New Zealand will front up for the final time in the three-match T20 International series at the Pallekele International Stadium today with both teams struggling with injuries to key players.Sri Lanka who trail 0-2 in the series and wanting to avoid a 3-0 whitewash have been hard hit by Kusal Mendis being ruled out of todaymatch with a knee injury which he sustained when he collided with team mate Shehan Jayasuriya during the closing stages of the second T20I played here on Tuesday.

About 95 per cent of the Easter Sunday victims& families were paid compensation now, said Leader of the House, Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Minister Lakshman Kiriella.

Responding to a point of order raised by UPFA Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara on the payment of compensation for Easter Sunday victims, he said that the opposition could ask for a debate in the House on the issue, so that they could produce their figures and the government could explain the real situation.

&As far as I know, about 95 per cent of the victims were compensated,& the Minister said.

Lands and Parliamentary Reforms Deputy Minister Edward Gunasekara explained that the family members of the victims at the Katuwapitiya church blast were compensated but five families. &Those five families cannot be located as either all family members are victims or they cannot be located and that is the reason for them not being paid,& he said.

UPFA Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, raising a point of order, said that the kith and kin of the Easter Sunday victims continue to suffer since the government has failed to compensate them.

He said the government had promised to pay Rs. 500,000 each to the 264 persons killed in the Easter Sunday terror attacks. &It was revealed in Court that only 20 were compensated. Of the 101 injured persons, only six or seven were compensated. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and other religious leaders have repeatedly raised the issue. But the government continues to say that they compensated them all. Now the real figures are revealed in court. Attorney-at-Law Chamil Perera has filed a fundamental rights petition with these figures. It was filed at the Supreme Court seeking compensation for those who were killed or injured in the Easter Sunday attacks which took place because of the negligence of officials. Everybody is cursing all of us including the President, Prime Minister, Ministers and all 225 MPs. People say Parliament should have been bombed. Why does the government delay compensating them? The family members are still suffering the loss of their loved ones. If the government could compensate them, it would at least be some solace to them,& MP Jayasekera said.

When Minister Kiriella said a debate could be requested to address these issues in Parliament, MP Jayasekera responded that there is no point in debating it in Parliament. &What should be done is expedite the paying of compensations. What is the point of giving those figures here? Go before Supreme Court and tell court if you have figures different from the ones in the petition,& he added.

Gampaha District MP Nimal Lanza said that as a Catholic, he was ashamed to say that the government did nothing for the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks. &There is a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to safeguard those responsible for the crime. The families were left helpless because of the death of their breadwinners. The Cardinal, too, has raised this issue many a time, but no one takes notice or acts upon it,& the MP said.

UNP National list MP Prof. Ashu Marasinghe said the PSC was preparing the drafts of its report. &We have identified those responsible for the crime on the testimonies. We would submit our report recommending structural changes that would prevent the recurrence of similar incidents,& he said.

UPFA Hambantota District MP Mahinda Amaraweera said President Maithripala Sirisena could have easily avoided the PSC, but being a leader upholding democratic and parliamentary values, the President had decided to testify before the PSC.

‘Premier has instructed government members to give priority to parliamentary affairs&

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the government members to give priority to parliamentary affairs at party meetings and party leaders& meetings, said Leader of the House Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Minister Lakshman Kiriella in Parliament yesterday.

Agreeing with government and opposition sides members, he pointed out that the ministers were not present in the House to answer the questions raised in the round of questions for oral answers.

He said that despite Prime Ministerinstructions, the government members are not attending Parliament.

&Not a single question out of 15 listed for ministers to answer during this question round was answered yesterday because of Ministers& absence. Minister Kiriella had to seek additional time or table the responses except for one question which was re-directed to a different ministry.

JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake said that yesterday would go down in the annals of Sri Lankan parliamentary history as the darkest day since there was no single minister to answer the questions. He added that this parliament may continue only for one more month. He said that the questions listed in the order paper have been there for such a long time that some of them are more than one year old. &Now the government is asking for additional time. These questions would never be answered,& the MP Rathnayake said.

Leader of the House Minister Kiriella said he agreed with the concern raised by the opposition. &Our party leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed to all MPs and Ministers that they should be present in the House. They have been told to give priority to parliamentary affairs over any other matter,& Minister Kiriella said.

UNP Colombo District MP M.S. M. Marikkar said MPs raise these questions on behalf of their electorate. &When we are deprived of the opportunity to get answers because of the absence of ministers, our rights are breached,& he said.

UPFA Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said that it is the UNP ministers who are absent. They all are in Kurunegala. The UNP is troubled being unable to determine a presidential candidate.

Kandy District MP Ananda Aluthgamage said the MPs and ministers in the government ranks do not listen to the Prime Minister.

Deputy Speaker Ananda Kuamrasiri said the matter could be taken up at the party leaders& meeting. A solution could be found from that meeting.

UNP Badulla District MP Chaminda Wijesiri said the ministers come here and read out the responses prepared by the ministry officials. Some ministry officials do not prepare their responses in time. The Chair should instruct the officials to act promptly on the questions from Parliament.

Although 185 investment agreements signed in 2016, 147 were cancelled next year & Vasudeva

Although 185 investment agreements signed in 2016,147 were cancelled in the following year, Opposition Parliamentarian Vasudeva Nanayakkara said in Parliament yesterday.

He was speaking in the debate on the regulations under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act moved by Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama.

He said that although Minister Samarawickrama said that exports have been increased immensely, how much of it includes imported items should be made known. &We have to consider the face value of the exports to find out the genuine progress,& he said.

&We have to accept that there is a development in the service sector. According to the statistics, the Free Trade Zones incur a losses of billions of rupees. He queried if there are much investments, why the Free Trade Zones suffer losses.

He added that projects were not initiated under the Enterprise Sri Lanka and the economic policy of the government proved a failure. The economic development rate of the country has dropped to 2.6 per cent. For these reasons, the government has curtailed the capital expenditure by 15 per cent, he said.

Minister Malik Samarawickrama said that MP Nanayakkara make baseless statements. He added that the service sector has increased by 13 per cent. There is no any issue with those trade agreements. He added that initiations were taken in 2016 to set up six more Free Trade Zones. The Central Bank report has records the amounts of the Foreign Direct Investments, he said.

Trade, economic agreements reached with other countries ineffective & Bimal

JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake said yesterday that trade and economic agreements that Sri Lanka entered into with other countries do not benefit the country.

He was speaking in the debate on the regulations under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act moved by Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama.

He said that none of those agreements have been entered into after a thorough study by our officials. &When I inquired from officers at a committee if there were any such agreement that entered into as a result of our proposal, actually there was none,& MP Rathnayake said.

Rathnayake said that although all the facilities are given, only little investments have been approached. He said the sea has eroded a land mass larger than the Colombo Port City. The cinnamon and pepper export has been dropped and the farmers undergo difficulties.

Speaker requested to make public parliamentary expenses

The government MPs requested the Speaker yesterday to disclose to the country the detailed expenses of Parliament since all such expenses are credited to the account of the Members of Parliament.

MP S.M. Marrikkar, making a statement in this regard in parliament yesterday, said that expenses of over 1,000 staff members of parliament and all their food expenses, too, is added on to the account of the 112 MPs which is unfair. Parliament spends a colossal sum of money on the provision of meals to parliament staff and MPs. However, Parliament only convenes on eight days of the month. Even on such days, all 225 MPs are not present in parliament. Only on the budget days all 225 MPs are in parliament. In fact they perhaps have two meals in parliament on around four days out of the eight days. And that too is not extravagant food. But the public is made to believe that all this expense is for the benefit of the 225 MPs and as such they are cursing us. Therefore, we urge the Speaker to take measures to reveal to the country the true expenses of parliament,& He sqaid that otherwise the public is made to believe that these 225 MPs are spending such a colossal amount on their meals.

MP Prof. Ashu Marasinghe endorsing Marikkarrequest said that it was of vital importance to clarify to the public the true expenses of parliament and rectify the misconception among the general public about the parliamentary expenses.

Vote on regulations under SLEDA postponed

After a long debate over the taking of the vote on the regulations under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act (SLEDA), which was taken up in Parliament yesterday, the Speaker announced that the vote could be taken on some other day.

Members of the government and opposition side were absent yesterday when the debate on the regulations under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act was moved by Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama, although their names were in the list.

The chair was presided by MP Sriyani Wijewickrama when the issue was created and Speaker Jayasuriya, who presided over later, listened to both sides and adjourned the sittings at 3.36 pm to hold a party leaders meeting as scheduled earlier. The sittings resumed at 4.20 pm and the Speaker announced in agreement with the Party Leaders, the right to ask for a vote lies with the Leader of the House, the vote would be taken on some other day.The issue was created following the presiding member Sriyani Wijewickrama announced around 3.25 pm when UNP Badulla district member Aravinda Kumara wound up his speech, the names of Bandula Gunawardena, W. D. J. Seneviratne, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, S. Premaratne, Ananda Aluthgamage, Cader Masthan, Thureirajasingham, Susantha Punchinilame, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva, Ajith Mannapperuma, A. M. Naseer to join the debate. But none of them were present in the House at the time their names were announced.

The Leader of the House and Minister Lakshman Kiriella then observed that the government would not ask for a vote. &The government does not ask for vote as no division has been demanded,& Minister Kiriella said. &We asked to take the vote the next day.&

Then a commotion arose in the House and Opposition MP Sujeewa Senasinghe demanded for a division raising a point of order. He demanded the government to withdraw the motion if it could not go for a vote.

Presiding member Sriyani Wijewickrama then said that the debate would be wound and take the debate today (Friday).

The opposition objected and Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said the Government has the right to demand for a division but does not demand for a vote. He demanded to adjourn the sitting until 10.30 am today (Friday)

Then presiding member Sriyani Wijewickrama said that the house would be adjourned and asked to move the adjournment motion and then announced the name of Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who rose to his feet.

Aluthgamage said that it was scheduled to take a vote at 6.00 pm. The government has to go for a vote if there were no MPs to join the debate or has to withdraw the motion. Thereafter, Sriyani Wijewickrama queried under what grounds did the Leader of the House demand to adjourn the sittings until next day and the opposition demand to take a vote.

JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake said that according to standing order 23(1), the vote should be taken today. The Leader of the House said the Subject Minister has informed that he has to respond to the Opposition members so that the debate should continue to some other day.

Then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the Subject Minister has informed that he has to respond to the Opposition members so that the debate should continue to some other day. He queried of the standing order that said the debate should end the same day.

MP Aluthgamage said that the motion is moved and according to the standing orders, it should be passed or withdrawn.

Then Mujibar Rahuman said that the presiding member had announced the sittings were adjourned and asked to move the adjournment motion too. &So we can&t continue this dialogue any longer as it has no any validity,& he said.

Then the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya came to the seat.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the Subject Minister has informed that he has to clarify some matters responding to members so that the debate should continue tomorrow as he is not available in the House. He added that no one has moved under the standing order 46 either. As this is a government motion, it should have the right to decide when to pull the vote. &One member said that there was no growth which is wrong,& Premier said. &Even the Central Bank has said there was a growth and due to the bombing on the Easter Sunday, it was affected. The subject Minister said that he has had to make some such clarifications and we should take this matter tomorrow too.&

MP Bandula Gunawardena said that before the Speaker came to seat the presiding member Sriyani Wijewickrama had ended up everything and had announced to take up a vote.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that if the motion is official, the Minister have to reply if he thinks to do so. &If he does need, ita different matter, but here he needs to make some clarification tomorrow,& the Premier said. &As this is a government business, they should decide when to wound up,& he said.

At this stage the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya adjourned the sittings to hold a Party Leaders& Meeting as scheduled earlier. The sittings resumed at 4.20pm

The Speaker announced that in agreement with the Party Leaders, the right to ask for a vote lies with the Leader of the House, the vote would be taken on some other day.