Mahinda makes 1st Parl appearance after ouster

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, who served as the country's prime minister thrice, saw his residence set on fire last week.

Sri Lanka's former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday made his first appearance in Parliament since he was forced to resign as prime minister and take shelter in a navy camp under high security amidst violent protests against the economic crisis largely blamed on the Rajapaksas.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, who served as the country's prime minister thrice, saw his residence set on fire last week. He, along with his wife and family, had fled his official residence - Temple Trees and took shelter at the naval base in Trincomalee.

Mahinda resigned as prime minister last week, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army troops in the capital.