Sri Lanka Presidential Election - January 8, 2015

[Simfan34]

This appears to be a surprisingly meaningful affair. Would Sirisena be likely to take "Socialist" out of the country's name? Why, indeed, do large landowning dynasties lend their support to socialist parties at all. This seems rather peculiar.

I know Rajapaksa has become very cosy with the Chinese of late- just the other month they "donated" a new national theatre. What has been the effect of this on the economy? Is there any real desire for a return to the liberal policies of the UNP (which, interestingly, got it's start opposing independence) or is it an entirely ethnic affair?

[Simfan34]

Well, by the sound of it we should really hope Sirisena wins, for a number of reasons, then?

[Simfan34]

Things are looking good, but it's very early in the game. What history does Sri Lanka, and I suppose Rajapaksa in particular, have of electoral "peculiarities"?

[Simfan34]

Rajapaksa has conceded.

Fantastic!