Buoyant birthday boy?

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (C) blows out a candle to mark his 71st birthday with his family and friends at his official residence in Colombo on 18 November, 2016. Rajapaksa’s brother Basil and close associates expect him to lead a breakaway faction of the ruling coalition of his successor Maithripala Sirisena, although he has publicly maintained silence about his future political plans. Below, Rajapaksa is being fed with his birthday cake. 

- Pix by Ishara KODIKARA / AFP