The High-Stakes Battle for Sri Lanka’s Presidency

An invigorated opposition presents a challenge for Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lankan Health Minister Mithripala Sirisena (C) waves as he arrives at a news conference in Colombo November 21, 2014.

By Sudha Ramachandran-December 15, 2014

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s plans to return to power as Sri Lanka’s president for a third successive term has run into trouble. With less than a month to go before the vote, Rajapaksa is ahead of his rivals but joint opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena is closing in and could unseat him in a free and fair election.
The High-Stakes Battle for Sri Lanka’s Presidency by Thavam Ratna