Tuesday
Feb092010
Sri Lanka's Election Nightmare
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 2:36PM
Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was elected in a sweeping victory in January, has ordered the arrest of a key ex-general, Sarath Fonseka. The country's opposition are deeply angered by the arrest of the candidate who ran against Rajapaksa. The former military commander of the armed forces was viewed by many in the country as a leader in toppling Tamil Tiger rebels.
Rajapaksa's government has inferred that Fonseka was a traitor and would instigate future protests throughout the country. Fonseka's wife has called his arrest "an abduction".
Sri Lanka has been plagued with ongoing civil unrest since the 1980's when ethnic divisions erupted between Tamil opposition members demanding new laws and territorial self-governance. Tamil rebels have carried out massive suicide bombings and protests. The violence has killed more than 70,000 people and civilians trapped in the recently captured conflict zone near 300,000.
Since the war ended late last year, the United Nations is attempting to repatriate IDP's (internally displaced persons) with much speculation and debate on its strategy. The rainy season has left many without shelter, and food and supplies have not been timely. Many Tamil families affected by the 26 year long conflict have complained of food rations, loss of cattle and physical abuse in government run camps.
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, appealed to all parties to refrain from violence and to respect the election results. Massive election protests have spread out into the main cities and towns prompting the government to crackdown against supporters of the defeated opposition candidate General Fonseka. It is believed by government officials that Fonseka was planning a military coup.
The President dissolved the parliament and is quickly planning for major changes in the Sri Lankan government in the coming weeks.
Rajapaksa's government has inferred that Fonseka was a traitor and would instigate future protests throughout the country. Fonseka's wife has called his arrest "an abduction".
Sri Lanka has been plagued with ongoing civil unrest since the 1980's when ethnic divisions erupted between Tamil opposition members demanding new laws and territorial self-governance. Tamil rebels have carried out massive suicide bombings and protests. The violence has killed more than 70,000 people and civilians trapped in the recently captured conflict zone near 300,000.
Since the war ended late last year, the United Nations is attempting to repatriate IDP's (internally displaced persons) with much speculation and debate on its strategy. The rainy season has left many without shelter, and food and supplies have not been timely. Many Tamil families affected by the 26 year long conflict have complained of food rations, loss of cattle and physical abuse in government run camps.
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, appealed to all parties to refrain from violence and to respect the election results. Massive election protests have spread out into the main cities and towns prompting the government to crackdown against supporters of the defeated opposition candidate General Fonseka. It is believed by government officials that Fonseka was planning a military coup.
The President dissolved the parliament and is quickly planning for major changes in the Sri Lankan government in the coming weeks.
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