South Asia News
First visit to northern Sri Lanka by a president in 30 years
Jan 10, 2010, 22:15 GMT
Colombo - The first visit by a president of Sri Lanka to the former war-torn northern capital of the country in nearly 30 years took place Sunday, officials said.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Jaffna peninsula, 400 kilometres north of the capital and met with government troops, civilians and the clergy, amidst tight security.
Former presidents, including Rajapaksa, had not been able to visit the minority Tamil populated Jaffna peninsula mainly due to the security issues.
Government forces finally overcame the resistance of the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May last year, after decades of civil war which left more than 70,000 people dead.
Rajapaksa is contesting the upcoming presidential elections for a second term and part of his visit was linked to his election campaign.
Rajapaksas closest rival is the former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka who led the army to defeat the LTTE.
Both, Rajapaksa and Fonseka have been claiming credit for the war in a bid to attract votes at the January 26 election in which 14 million are due to vote.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in South Asia
- 1. Sri Lanka leftist party says leader, activist are abducted
- 2. US agrees to let Afghan forces take lead in night raids
- 3. India, Pakistan leaders want better ties
- 4. Pilot killed in crash of Bangladesh Air Force jet
- 5. Pakistani president visits India for lunch meeting, prayers
Older Talkback
