Rajapakse to stand for PM in Lankan polls

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, regarded as a hero by some and a war criminal by others for the brutal defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels six years ago, announced yesterday that he would stand in an election for prime minister next month.

The parliamentary election comes after months of deadlock in the legislature, as a six-month-old coalition government cobbled together by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramassinghe has struggled to pass key political reforms in the island state.

Together they had sought to curb presidential powers which they had accused Rajapaksa of abusing during his decade in power, and depoliticise state institutions such as the police, judiciary and public services.

Their government has only partially fulfilled its agenda, having promised to implement a reform programme during its first 100 days, and the president dissolved parliament on Friday.

Announcing his plans for a political comeback, Rajapaksa drew thousands of supporters to a rally on a Buddhist holiday in his Hambantota district constituency.

"Victory for our future prime minister," they shouted as he  declared his candidacy.

Though he has not said which party will be his vehicle for the election, political analysts say Rajapaksa's candidacy risks splintering the SLFP further.