Sri Lanka votes in tightest election in decades

Sri Lanka votes in tightest election in decades
January 8, 2015 :  Sri Lankans began voting on Thursday in a tightly fought presidential election, with incumbent Mahinda Rajapakse seeking a record third term in office amid a flurry of defections and criticism over his authoritarian rule.3:57 pm: "Government servants disgusted with this regime, can't survive on this pension," says a senior citizen voter in Colombo. Election monitors say that voters in northern Sri Lanka were prevented from casting their ballots. The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence, based in Colombo, also said a hand grenade exploded near a voting station in the northern Jaffna peninsula in the Tamil minority heartland, but that no injuries were reported. Read story.2:40 pm: Our correspondent met with some of the voters. Here's what they had to say:Mohan Perera, 62, scientist formerly with the UN"For me it is about the allegations of corruption that influenced my decision in this election. The country is also heavily borrowing from other countries, which is not good for our economy. Money is



being squandered, but not being used for the poor in our country side. The whole country was deeply grateful to president Rajapaksa for bringing the war to an end, but building infrastructure alone won't do for our Tamils. It is also a question of winning hearts and minds. And in that this government has lacked sincerity."Sinhalese school teacher, who requested anonimity:Development is a priority. We treasure the war victory this government made possible. Though corruption is an issue, we have to weigh all these factors broadly and take a responsible decision.Mohammed (29), runs a tailoring unit"I am voting for change. This government had two terms, but our lives did not change even a little. Cost of living is going up every d"ay."Alisha (23), helps at tailoring unit"We don't have too much faith in our own (Muslim] leaders. We are voting for change, hoping it will bring more peace and religious harmony in this country. "Saumya Malini, 31, teacherWe wan't the development in this country to continue. The cost of living is high, but that is nothing unusual [in any government]