From DJ Mitchell, who ived in Sri Lanka for several years working with Sarvodaya, an organization working for peace.
Mahinda, Chanrika’s choice for successor, won the election.
Interestingly, he won because the LTTE forced a boycott of the election by Tamils. He is seen as a hardliner whose position is the opposite of what the LTTE wants.
The media suggests this is a defeat for the LTTE.
I suggest the LTTE wants the cease-fire to end, and this is their best way of saving face. Elect someone who will be intransigent. Then they have an excuse…
This is not all that different from the Bush Administration/Al Qaeda relationship. They may be enemies, but they need each other.