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I1DI$ - :hat was meant to be a simple uneventful local election has sparked uncertainty over the future of Sri /anka’s political landscape, after a newly formed party led by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa swept to victory. The return of Rajapaksa to public life marks an unlikely turnaround for the two-time former president, who was unceremoniously voted out of office in 2015, amid allegations of corruption, nepotism and war crimes.
Considered a military hero among supporters, 72-yearold Rajapaksa was first elected president in 2005 and returned to office in 2010, a year after government forces routed Tamil rebel groups to end the country’s brutal 25-year civil war. +is surprise victory last Sunday now threatens to upend a still fragile political system marred by years of conflict and instability.
$ddressing reporters at a press conference in the wake of the result, Rajapaksa called for the immediate dissolution of parliament and a snap national election.
³The victory is a clear indication that Sri /ankans are fed up of inaction and want to rebuild Sri /anka,´ said Rajapaksa in a message posted on his official Facebook page. By effectively transforming the local election into a referendum on the country’s ruling party, Rajapaksa has positioned himself as the figurehead of growing anti-government movement.
Rajapaksa’s campaign targeted the government’s middling economic record, and its attempt to impose higher ta[es, promising Sri /ankans a return to more confident, outward facing rule. Rajapaksa’s supporters also critici]ed Sri lankan 3resident Maithripala Sirisena for selling off national assets, including a controversial -year lease granted to China for the +ambantota port.
(CNN)