News

Sri Lanka's president wins victory in native south, Reuters (2009)

After having defeated the Tamil Tigers, President Mahinda Rajapaksa's ruling coalition won 38 out of 55 council seats in the Southern Province, in Saturday's provinicial elections.

Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa delays announcement of Lanka poll dates, Daily News and Analysis (2009)

Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa has not announced the dates for the presidential or general elections at the key convention of the ruling party, despite the widely held belief he would do so. Instead, he announced that a decision will be made in a due course.

Ranil wants Indian form of democracy in Sri Lanka, The Hindu (2009)

Awaiting the announcement of the dates for both presidential and parliamentary elections, the leader of the United National Front argues for a change from the presidential model to a parliamentary model closer to the Indian system.

Sri Lanka sets date for presidential poll, The New York Times (2009)

President Rajapaksa has now called the presidential elections for mid-January 2010, and according to a cabinet minister, he also informed all party leaders about this.

S. Lanka opposition endorses ex-general for president, Reuters (2009)

The United National Party announced its endorsement for General Fonseka, who is widely credited for defeating the Tamil Tigers. He will be the main challenger of President Rajapaksa, who will be running for re-election.

Sri Lanka: Presidential election nominations today, Asian Tribune (2009)

The Elections Secretariat is accepting nominations for the January 26, 2010 elections. 23 candidates, out of whom 18 represent political parties, have placed their deposits, which is the requirement for running in the election, and they are expected to submit their nominations today.

UN unable to send election observers for Sri Lanka Elections, Business Week (2010)

Due to time constraints and the lacking mandate from the General Assembly, the UN will not be able to send election observers for the January 26 presidential election in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Tamil group backs former general, BBC News (2010)

The Sri Lankan Tamils announced their support to the former army chief Fonseka in the upcoming presidential elections, as they refused to back the current president Rajapaksa due to his alleged human rights abuses record and the failure to secure national reconciliation.

Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaksa unveils election manifesto, The Hindu (2010)

Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa who is seeking a second term in office in the upcoming elections has now released his election manifesto that aims to enhance the stature of the nation by focusing on new areas of development after the defeat of the Tamil Tigers. Rajapaksa's manifesto comes 5 days after the common opposition candidate General Fonseka released his pledges. Both candidates are now engaged in pre-election campaigning.

Sri Lanka increases security after election shooting, Bloomberg (2010)

A bus carrying opposition supporters was attacked by gunmen, killing one person. This was the first act of violence during the ongoing electoral campaign before the January 26 elections. The government stated that it will not tolerate such acts of violence and announced that security will be bolstered at political events.

Election monitors concerned over rising election violence in Sri Lanka, Colombo Page (2010)

A sharp escalation in election violence has been observed in Sri Lanka, with presidential elections scheduled for January 26. With 25-30 violent incidents reported every day and over 100 people hospitalized, the Executive Director of People's Action for Free and Fair Elections says the amount of violence seen at these elections is first since the 1999 North Western Provincial Council election. All monitoring bodies expect a 200-400% escalation of violence in the coming days.

NGO cautions on fairness in Sri Lankan poll, The Hindu (2010)

A day after Sri Lankan Election Commissioner expressed his disappointment over the authorities' lack of ability to enforce election guideliness in their campaigns as well as in state media, Sri Lankan NGOs also warn against "impunity surrounding election-related practices". Due to these development, the Election Commissioner has expressed his will to leave his job after the completion of the poll.

Blast targets Sri Lanka opposition activist in Colombo, BBC News (2010)

Only a few days ahead of the presidential election, the pre-poll violence has escalated with an explosion at the home of an opposition activist and General Fonseka's ally. The blast comes after the UN has expressed concern over the escalating violence, and the groups monitoring the election campaign have remarked that the election violence and the misuse of state resources are the worst in last 20 years.

Sri Lanka: Tamils voting in large numbers could tilt the balance, Hindustan Times (2010)

This article points out the importance of the Tamil vote in the upcoming presidential elections, where the two presidential candidates are expected to split the majority Sinhalese population vote right through the middle and what may then decide is the 12-13% Tamil community in the 14 million electorate. The Tamil parties seem to be divided though with the Tamil National Alliance and Democratic People's Front supporting Fonseka while Eelam People's Democratic Party and the People's Liberation Organisation for Tamil Eelam supporting Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka opposition accuses President Rajapaksa of plotting coup, Times Online (2010)

Citing troop movements and plans to block results, the opposition leaders supporting General Fonseka accused President Rajapaksa of planning to stage a coup if he doesn't win the fiercely contested election. The General stated that the Government moved 15 armoured personnel carriers to Colombo and recalled senior army officers considered disloyal. The President's office denies all allegations.

Out of war's shadow, Sri Lanka votes for president, Reuters (2010)

The article provides updated information about the election day in Sri Lanka, where polling was smooth despite blasts before polling in the northern city of Jaffna (Sri Lanka's Tamil cultural center) and a petrol bomb attack. No one was injured however, and the election day did not prove as bloody as the electoral campaign itself.

Sri Lanka president wins re-election - state TV, BBC News (2010)

According to the state TV, President Rajapaksa has won the presidential election. With 85% of votes counted, Rajapaksa received 4.99 million votes, while his rival, general Fonseka only 3.39 million votes. The voter turnout was relatively high, with approximately 70% of voters coming to the polls. Although the election was largely peaceful, the Tamil populated north has experienced several explosions, but also grenade attacks before and just after voting began. General Fonseka also was not able to vote, as his name had not been put on the voter register.

Sri Lanka opposition cries foul, Aljazeera (2010)

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka were won by the incumbent President Rajapaksa who received 57.8% of the 10.4 million votes cast. His opponent, General Fonseka received 40.2% of the votes, but rejected them and announced that he will challenge them in court. Fonseka accused Rajapaksa of using the state media and public funds to attack him and preventing the Tamil minority from voting. The electoral commissioner, who has resigned appears to agree with some of the allegations, noting that "the state media violated his guidelines and government institutions misbehaved."

Sri Lanka police arrest staff of election's loser, The New York Times (2010)

After having accused the defeated candidate for presidential election, General Fonseka, of plotting to overthrow the government and assassinate the President, the police raided Fonseka's office and arrested 15 of his staff members. Fonseka rejected the election results and accused the government of stealing more than 1 million votes. As Fonseka announced that he is planning to run for a parliamentary seat, the post-election acrimony could continue until the general elections take place.

Sri Lanka government 'settling scores' in media crackdown, The Independent (2010)

The newly elected government of President Rajapaksa has been accused of a post-election crackdown on the media as at least 6 websites were blocked, several journalists received death threates while others have been assaulted and at least one detained after having questioned the conduct of the elections. The government insists it is not attacking the media, only preventing the spread of rumours.

Sri Lanka election boss rejects fraud allegations, Reuters (2010)

Sri Lanka's election commissioner has recently rejected the opposition allegations of counting fraud after last week's election, yet added that he would investigate the complaints of vote rigging. The announcement comes after the opposition has made several allegations about fraud committed primarily through manipulation of computer tallies of the ballots. General Fonseka has said that he will challenge the results in court but has not done so yet. He can go to the courts within 21 days of the election.

Sri Lanka's defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka beaten during arrest, Telegraph (2010)

The defeated presidential candidate, General Fonseka has been arrested for what a military statement called "certain fraudulent acts and other military offences committed by him". He is now expected to face a court martial trial. The opposition has denounced Fonseka's arrest as "brutal armed kidnapping".

Sri Lanka's opposition coalition splits, The Washington Post (2010)

Sri Lanka's opposition coalition has split after detaining its defeated presidential candidate on allegations of sedition, further strengthening President Mahinda Rajapaksa ahead of April 8 parliamentary polls.

Sri Lanka: Tamil leaders ‘must come and negotiate with me’ after parliamentary elections, The Hindu (2010)

This article is on an interview with Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees in Colombo, related to 13th Amendment-plus, his presidential election win & Sarath Fonseka’s arrest.

Court blocks defeated Sri Lanka candidate's release bid, BBC News (2010)

The defeated presidential candidate General Fonseka is being held in military detention and his immediate release was refused by the Supreme Court. The next hearing is scheduled for April 26. The government intends to put him before a military court. Fonseka has stated that he would like to contest in the upcoming April parliamentary elections, which he may have to do from detention. In the meantime, the coalition that supported him split into several blocks.

Fonseka’s wife to campaign in Sri Lankan election, Thaindian News (2010)

The wife of Sri Lanka’s former army general who is under custody and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka will campaign in the forthcoming parliamentary election on behalf of her husband.

General Sarath Fonseka to stand in Sri Lanka election, BBC (2010)

This article is on Sri Lankan presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka, currently under custody; is to stand in April's parliamentary polls by leading a new opposition alliance.

Sri Lanka to call dissolved parliament to extent emergency, Reuters (2010)

Sri Lanka's president Mahinda Rajapaksa will reconvene the dissolved parliament on March 9 to extend an emergency law by another month ahead of parliamentary polls in April.

Sri Lanka commission bans election posters and cut-outs, BBC (2010)

All posters and cardboard cut-outs of candidates will be removed in keeping with electoral regulations according to orders from the Sri Lankan election commission.

Election violence on increase in Sri Lanka, People's Daily Online (2010)

According to election monitoring groups, more than 100 incidents of electoral violence have been recorded since the dissolution of Sri Lanka's Parliament in February 2010. The Central Province proved to be the most violent, followed by the North Western Province. Most of the violent acts are directed towards candidates of the same party as they are involved in propaganda campaigns to win preference votes. 7, 620 candidates are running for the 225 parliamentary seats.

Upcoming Parliamentary Elections and the future of Sri Lanka, IPCS (2010)

7696 candidates from 24 political parties and hundreds of independent groups who were registered for the elections on 8 April. The number of independent groups far exceeds the registered political parties. They will fight for 196 out of the total 225 seats to be elected directly, by over 14 million voters. The remaining 29 seats will be allotted nationally based on voting percentage by each party/alliance.

Sri Lanka: Military security for polls, Lanka Times (2010)

The police have sought the assistance of the three armed forces to ensure that security is maintained during the General Elections next week with more than 7000 candidates expected to contest for a seat in parliament, IGP Mahinda Balasuriya said.

Sri Lanka opposition vows to stop leader's poll plan, Reuters (2010)

Sri Lanka's opposition on 5 April vowed to deny the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority at this week's parliamentary election, saying it would give an already powerful president too free a hand to rule.

Sri Lankan war zone doctor stands for election, BBC (2010)

A doctor who worked in Sri Lanka's war zone during last year's civil war is standing for a pro-government party in parliamentary elections.

Sri Lanka poll campaigning ends, Aljazeera (2010)

Sri Lanka's opposition has vowed to deny the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority in this week's parliamentary elections, as candidates wrap up their campaigns.

Q & A on Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections, Reuters (2010)

Sri Lanka will elect a new parliament on Thursday, with President Mahinda Rajapaksa's ruling alliance expected to win a poll that will determine whether his vast powers stay as they are or grow. Here are some questions and answers about the election.

Sri Lanka votes in elections set to tighten president's grip on power, The Guardian (2010)

Fourteen million Sri Lankans will be able to vote today 8 April, in parliamentary elections that are widely predicted to see President Mahinda Rajapaksa consolidate his power, as economy recovers from conflict with Tamil Tigers.

Sri Lankans queue up to elect new parliament, BBC (2010)

Sri Lankans are voting for a new parliament amid heavy security, months after President Mahinda Rajapaksa was re-elected by a substantial margin.

Sri Lanka's President Rajapaksa's party looks set for election victory, Guardian (2010)

According to the latest statements from election officials, President Rajapaksa's United People's Freedom Alliance won 117 out of the 225 contested seats in the first legislative elections since the end of the war against the Tamil Tigers. While the main opposition party secured 46 seats, the major group representing Tamils won 12. General Fonseka's party secured only 5 seats, as this main contender of President Rajapaksa from the recent presidential elections, still remains jailed.

Sri Lanka: Record low turnout marks Lanka polls, Hindustan Times (2010)

According to the election monitors, the voter turnout in the parliamentary elections was one of the lowest in Sri Lanka's history, with only 50-52%, which is more than 20% lower than in the last, 2004, parliamentary elections as well as the January presidential elections, where the turnout was around 70%. The turnout was even lower in the Tamil dominated North. Additionally, allegations of unfair electoral practices and sporadic violence have been reported.

Sri Lanka ruling party wins majority in parliament, BBC (2010)

The governing coalition in Sri Lanka has won a majority in parliamentary elections, according to preliminary figures released by election officials.

Sri Lankan pres. promises peace after election win, The China Post (2010)

Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose party cemented his political dominance by winning a majority in parliamentary elections, promised Saturday to bring peace and prosperity to a nation battered by decades of civil war.

Repeat vote in two Sri Lanka seats, BBC (2010)

Repeat polls for Sri Lanka's April parliamentary elections are being held in two districts where the ballots were annulled because of violence.

Sri Lanka leader gets poll boost, Aljazeera (2010)

Sri Lanka's ruling coalition has increased its parliamentary gains but fallen short of the two-thirds majority it sought following a revote in the country's April 8 parliamentary elections.

Detained opposition leader in Sri Lanka parliament, BBC (2010)

Defeated Sri Lankan presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka has been released from detention to appear in the opening session of parliament.

Sri Lanka plans to hold local body elections in North, Daily News and Analysis (2010)

This article discusses Sri Lanka's decision to hold local elections in the Northern region, a longtime combat zone in the country. This region was under the rule of the Tamil Tigers until May 2009.

Sri Lanka to test run a hybrid election system soon, The Asian Tribune (2010)

This article reports on Sri Lanka's decision to change its election system. The new Delimitation Commission is planning to change the boundary delimitations, and at the same time to introduce new seats in the Parliament. Furthermore, Sri Lanka will try a mixed system for the first time.

Sri Lanka:Elections Commission on Indian model, The Daily Mirror (2010)

The Government has decided to establish an Elections Commission to discuss if a model where the electoral commissioner has wide powers could work in Sri Lanka.

Q+A - Sri Lanka's new deal on constitutional changes, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the tentative deal between Sri Lanks's president and opposition leader to make broad constitutional changes. If adopted the changes will have a number of effects the electoral system including term limits and limits on presidential powers.

Local government election bill in Sri Lanka parliament next month, Colombo Page (2010)

This article reports on the Local Government Election Bill in Sri Lanka that will be presented to the parliament next month. This Bill would introduce a new electoral system: two thirds of the members of the local bodies would be elected with the first-past-the-post electoral system, and one third with the proportional system.

Sri Lanka: Court dismisses petition against Fonseka's election to parliament, TamilNet (2010)

The Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka rejected on Tuesday a petition challenging the election of Sarath Fonseka in the last general election held on April 8.

Sri Lanka Election Commissioner rejects 54 applications seeking registration, Onlanka News (2011)

This article reports on the decision of the Sri Lanka Elections Commission to reject 84 political parties. Following the Elections Amendment Act No 58 of 2009, every year the EC calls for applications of new political parties that wish to register (the last call for application was in May 2010). According to some of the requirements, political parties should have engaged in politics and they should maintain audited accounts, but none of the 54 parties did so. These rejected parties will be able to re-apply next year.

Sri Lanka Marxists give false information in nominations for LG election, Colombo Page (2011)

The article describes the results of a police investigation on Sri Lanka Marxist party JVP. It was discovered that the party has acted fraudulently in nominations for the coming local elections. The party has given false addresses of its candidates and they are not all registered in electoral rolls of their respective districts.

Sri Lanka: Eight polling stations affected, Daily Mirror (2011)

The article discusses the effects of rains and landslides on polling stations in Sri Lanka. Eight polling stations for the coming local elections had to be relocated in Punchi Rattota Grama Niladhari Division.

Sri Lanka Election Commissioner to meet leaders of political parties, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses the Sri Lanka Election Commissioner's decision to call political party leaders to a special discussion 22 February. The focus of the meeting is the violation of election regulations by the candidates.

Opposition seeks legal action to prevent Sri Lankan government from using public property for election campaigns, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses Sri Lanka's major opposition party's attempt to prevent the use of public property by the government for campaigns in local elections. Opposition party UNP plans to initiate judiciary actions next week.

Over 80 arrested in Sri Lanka election violence, People's Daily Online (2011)

The article discusses election-related violence in Sri Lanka before March 17 general election.

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Sri Lanka Election Commissioner directs police chief to guarantee democratic rights of politicians in Kelaniya electorate, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses Sri Lanka's Election Commissioner and his order to ensure democratic rights in Kelaniya district. The commissioner has been accused of favouring the governing party in Sri Lanka general elections.

Sri Lanka Election Commissioner to issue results of the local government election at the counting centers, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses the cote counting in Sri Lanka local government elections. Each counting center has a number of counting points in which around 12,000 votes are counted. The officials will make the final result and issue at the counting center.

Sri Lanka: EU concerned about violence in SL, Daily Mirror (2011)

The article discusses election related violence in Sri Lanka local government elections.

Over 70,000 security personnel deployed for Sri Lanka local polls, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses security measures for Sri Lanka local government elections which are to be held on Thursday 17 March.

Sri Lanka: The government requests the voters to cast their votes in order to establish the democratic right of voting, SLBC (2011)

The article discusses coming local elections in Sri Lanka. The incumbent government has encouraged Sri Lankan citizens to use their right to vote and accused the opposition party UNP for not having a clear policy.

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Sri Lanka: Decrease in election related incidents - NPOC, Daily News (2011)

The article discusses election related violence in Sri Lanka local elections which are to be held on Thursday 17 March. The incidents have decreased compared to previous local elections according to the National Polls Observation Centre (NPOC).

Special counting officers for Sri Lanka's local government elections, Colombo Page (2011)

The article states that the Sri Lanka Election Commissioner's office has trained 3,000 vote counting officers for the coming local elections.

Strict regulations on taking photos at Sri Lanka's polling centers on election day, Colombo Page (2011)

The article describes the strict rules on taking photos and videos in Sri Lanka local election polling stations. Only occasions of the President and other high officers can be photographed.

Sri Lanka ruling party leads in local government election results, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses the results of Sri Lanka local elections held 17 March. The ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) was leading with 55.35 percent of votes.

Sri Lanka police ban post-election celebrations and rallies, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses election-related violence in Sri Lanka. The police has banned all victory celebration rallies after local elections held on Thursday 17 March.

Sri Lanka to hold elections for the rest of the local councils by May or June, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses local elections in Sri Lanka held on Friday 18 March. In 65 local government units the elections were however postponed until May or June due to petitions demanding rejection of candidate nominations.

Public officials contested Sri Lanka's LG elections probed for violating establishment code, Colombo Page (2011)

The article discusses local government elections in Sri Lanka. A number of public officials are investigated due to complaints on violating the establishment code. Some public officials had contested the election and were elected in the local councils even though they did not resign from the public service or take other required actions.