Blessed by Buddhist monks, Sri Lanka's new president prioritises security

Sri Lanka's President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa addresses the nation, at the presidential swearing-in ceremony in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Novermber 18, 2019. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte

ANURADHAPURA (Reuters) - The winner of Sri Lanka's presidential election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa made national security his top priority after being sworn in on Monday at an ancient temple in the north-central city of Anuradhapura where he received blessings from Buddhist monks.

Nicknamed "The Terminator" within his own powerful political family, the 70-year-old former defence chief had made security his top campaign issue for a nation traumatised by the Easter bomb attacks by Islamist militants earlier this year.