S Lanka coalition partner seeks reforms

COLOMBO, Feb 16 (AFP): A key partner in Sri Lanka's ruling coalition demanded "urgent" government reforms on Friday after a local election defeat that has sparked calls for the prime minister to step down.

The JHU, or the National Heritage Party, said Saturday's vote showed the people were unhappy with the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, which has struggled to overcome internal divisions.

"There must be urgent reforms," said JHU leader Champika Ranawaka, who is also minister for urban development.

"There must be giant changes that will directly address the aspirations of the people."

Wickremesinghe is due to address reporters later Friday on the future of the shaky coalition.

He came to power in 2015 on a pledge to end the corruption that took hold under the former regime of Mahinda Rajapakse, who served as Sri Lanka's president for 10 years.