Sri Lanka president tightens grip with constitutional changes

Amendments give Gotabaya Rajapaksa powers to sack ministers and limit oversight

Sri Lanka's parliament has approved constitutional changes that give more power to the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, leading to fears the authoritarian leader will strengthen his hold on the country.

The constitutional amendment, which was passed with a large majority, gives Rajapaksa the power to hold ministries, sack ministers and have authority over formerly independent commissions that oversee elections, police, human rights and anti-corruption efforts.