Word: rajapaksas
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...rights issues raised by human rights groups, aid agencies and other countries. United Nations Humanitarian head John Holmes, who visited Menik Farm and a resettlement area last month, called the lack of freedom of movement a "fundamental concern." Two days after Holmes left Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced that restrictions in the camps would be eased. The European Union has indicated that the treatment of those in the camps could sway a decision on whether to extend a crucial trade concession later this month. (Read a Q&A with Rajapaksa...
...fate of those in the camps will also be a key issue in next January's presidential election. Having ended what once seemed like an endless war, Rajapaksa would appear to be unbeatable. But Sri Lanka's numerous opposition parties have come up with a consensus candidate whose stature as a war hero is unquestioned: retired General Sarath Fonseka, the army commander who defeated the Tigers. Fonseka has softened his once die-hard Sinhala nationalism and criticised the government for holding civilians in camps, calling for rapid and complete resettlement. "We did not win the war to lose the hearts...
...votes of the displaced, and their families in the Tamil-majority north, could play a decisive role in a tight contest. Rajapaksa and Fonseka could split the majority Sinhala Buddhist vote, leaving Sri Lanka's Tamil and Muslim populations with powerful leverage. (Those who have been displaced during Sri Lanka's long conflict are overwhelmingly Tamil and Muslim.) President Rajapaksa's supporters have already begun their election work in the north, and the opposition is likely to follow suit. The vote will be a referendum, not just on who gets credit for winning Sri Lanka...
Defense Secretary Rajapaksa - who also happens to be a U.S. citizen - was interviewed for about an hour on arrival by immigration officials when he was in New York City as part of Sri Lanka's delegation to the U.N. General Assembly sessions in October. "It happened and I was there," said Bogollagama. "We took all the necessary actions that were required." (See a story of what's next for Sri Lanka's Tamils...
...report of the DHS interview request comes at a curious time in Sri Lankan politics. Fonseka has been the subject of speculation that he may run against President Rajapaksa in the next election. Some political observers claim that the Rajapaksa brothers are trying to sideline the general, an allegation that the Defense Secretary has denied. "This is nothing but a despicable plot being hatched at the expense of the entire country," Defense Secretary Rajapaksa told a weekend newspaper amid reports of a growing gulf between Fonseka and the government...