New elections hold key to Sri Lanka's democratic shift
Subject Political outlook. Significance President Maithripala Sirisena's government has taken a reformist path since winning power in January, in keeping with his electoral promises. The government has moved quickly to affirm friendly ties with major regional powers -- Sirisena has visited India, China and Pakistan. Relations with the West are improving, US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit in early May. Domestically, the government has reintroduced important democratic political rules. Impacts The next administration, if led by the UNP, is likely to shift the investment focus away from hard infrastructure to human capital. Colombo's positive attitude towards ethnic reconciliation would continue under a UNP-led administration. Rajapaksa could be the next prime minister -- though it appears unlikely.