Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – In the next presidential elections set for January 26, 2010, Sri Lanka will choose its new president, two years before current President Mahina Rajapaksa's term was originally scheduled to end. Facing one another will be two of the protagonists of the war that in 2009 put an end to the Tamil resistance: Mahinda Rajapaksa, who had begun his term as president with the promise - maintained - to eliminate all forms of rebellion with military force, and General Sarath Fonseka, commander in chief, who led the national army to triumph and to the ultimate defeat of the Tamil rebels, after decades of war.
Fonseka, taking advantage of his popularity, has formed a broad opposition front (United National Front), finding the consensus of some formations, like the Marxist party, which in the elections of 2005 had sided with Rajapaksa.
For his part, the outgoing president, head of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, enjoys broad support and the political trust obtained by his government, creator of what is termed "a new era of peace and stability in the country."
Opinion polls place the two candidates on terms of substantial equality: what could tip the balance, according to observers, is the support of the Tamil minority. The Tamil community constitutes 12% of the Sri Lankan population (a total of 20 million people) and is still reeling from the war that has touched mainly the areas of the North and East of the island where the Tamil population lives.
Another open question is that of the over 120,000 displaced Tamil refugees in "rehabilitation camps" - prepared by the government and manned by the army – which are lacking in humanitarian assistance. Recently, there have been early signs of reduced tension, when the government in Colombo decided to open temporary camps, allowing some freedom of movement for refugees. It now awaits the final solution that would allow IDPs to return to their homes.
The vote on January 26, Fides sources in Sri Lanka say, is now a valuable opportunity to revive the path of national reconciliation in the country. The Catholic Church calls on political leaders to guarantee respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of all citizens and place the country on a path of peace and social harmony, which is the basis for the welfare of all. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/1/2010)
