The opposition parties were an ideologically assorted but politically keen group as they rallied behind former army chief Sarath Fonseka — or rallied against incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa — in the run-up to the Presidential election; less than a month later, they are all split up and no where to go.

The fissures are showing between the liberal and pro-west United National Party (UNP), the ultra-nationalist-Marxist, anti-India, Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), and the Tamil National Alliance, a succession battle tearing it apart in a post-LTTE era. More... Discuss this story Published: Tue Feb 23 18:26:58 EST 2010

After joining hands under retired General Fonseka in a mighty effort to oust Rajapaksa in the January election, the opposition is reassessing its options.

The major opposition party, the United National Party (UNP), has decided to retain its own identity, and go into battle under its traditional ‘elephant’ symbol, foregoing the ‘swan’ that was the symbol of Sanath Fonseka last month.

While the other components of the United National Front have darkly muttered ‘betrayal’, there is a certain logic to Ranil Wickramsinghe’s decision to ditch Fonseka. More...Discuss this story Published: Tue Feb 23 22:41:50 EST 2010

Vijitha Herath, secretary of the newly formed Democratic National Alliance (DNA), told reporters that Fonseka will contest the April 8 election from Colombo district and his wife Anoma Fonseka would campaign on behalf of her husband.

"My husband who is in custody for no fault was ready to do any sacrifice. He always puts the country before himself. The government is scared of him and that is why he was locked up. I invite women who consist 52 percent of the country's population to rally around in my endeavor," Anoma said. More...Discuss this story Published: Tue Feb 23 22:43:51 EST 2010