Observers say Ms Bandaranayake recently came under fire after delaying passage of a key bill, which will place previously devolved development funds under the minister of economic development, who is also one of the president's brothers.

BBC: Shirani Bandaranayake: Protest over bid to impeach judge

It is no coincidence, she believes, that the fire was set just two days before thousands gathered to commemorate the Selma demonstrations that led to passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

CNN: Playing with Fire