An Election Dilemma In Sri Lanka
The Hindu|October 24, 2019
Progressives are united against having a Rajapaksa as President but divided over Premadasa’s abilities
Meera Srinivasan
An Election Dilemma In Sri Lanka

In less than a month, over 15 million voters in Sri Lanka will have a say in the country’s presidential election.

A total of 35 candidates are in the fray, but the principal contest is between Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Sajith Premadasa of the United National Party (UNP). Two other prominent candidates — the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna ( JVP)’s Anura Kumara Dissanayake and civil society group-backed former Army commander General Mahesh Senanayake — are pitching themselves as an alternative to the mainstream parties.

As the final countdown begins, progressives in Sri Lanka are sharply divided. Though bound by a resolve to “stop a Gota [as Gotabaya is popularly known here] presidency”, they are unable to agree on ‘how’ they might oppose him. Mr. Gotabaya, 70, is a war-time Defence Secretary and younger brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. In much of the island’s Sinhala-Buddhist south, the brothers invoke an aura of “war victors” who “saved the country” from the separatist LTTE. In Mr. Gotabaya’s now-significantly large support base, which includes professionals and businessmen, he is also seen as an efficient administrator, and a “non-politician” promising to deliver.

However, the Rajapaksa brand doesn’t draw all Sri Lankans. To a substantial population, particularly Tamils, Muslims and his Sinhalese critics, Mr. Gotabaya’s candidacy portends a reversal to an era known for its authoritarian slant and diminished freedoms. Mired in accusations of killings and enforced disappearances during the war and soon after — which Mr. Gotabaya has squarely denied — the Rajapaksa decade in power, from 2005 to 2015, was marked by brutal state repression an unmistakable intolerance to dissent.

Bu hikaye The Hindu dergisinin October 24, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Hindu dergisinin October 24, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE HINDU DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'
The Hindu

‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'

Further delays impossible, says Tokyo Games organising panel chief Mori

time-read
1 min  |
April 29, 2020
It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market
The Hindu

It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market

Retail outlets to remain shut to bring down crowding.

time-read
2 dak  |
April 29, 2020
Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy
The Hindu

Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy

Treatment not proven: Health official

time-read
2 dak  |
April 29, 2020
Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists
The Hindu

Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists

‘Miracle cure’ quacks have long promoted industrial bleach to treat autism, malaria and many other medical conditions

time-read
3 dak  |
April 29, 2020
U.S. May Seek Damages From China
The Hindu

U.S. May Seek Damages From China

President says many options on the table to hold Beijing accountable, draws an angry response

time-read
2 dak  |
April 29, 2020
Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out
The Hindu

Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out

Decision likely at today's meeting of stakeholders; aim is to enforce physical distancing

time-read
2 dak  |
April 28, 2020
Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra
The Hindu

Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra

On Monday, cumulative tally surged to 8,590 positive cases with 27 more deaths

time-read
2 dak  |
April 28, 2020
The Script Of Disruption And A New Order
The Hindu

The Script Of Disruption And A New Order

Across the globe, the geopolitical and geo-economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic could be serious

time-read
6 dak  |
April 28, 2020
A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19
The Hindu

A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19

The interest of each and the interests of all now coincide, not only within nations but for all humanity

time-read
5 dak  |
April 28, 2020
ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies
The Hindu

ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies

Alleged profiteering by distributors supplying the kits

time-read
2 dak  |
April 28, 2020