Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Elections
Channel: United States Institute of Peace
Date: 2020-08-18

The trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs both within and through Libya are often overlooked as factors in the country’s fragile situation. But the dynamics of illicit drug trading and use in Libya are just one manifestation of the rising drug challenge faced by North African states. Production, trafficking, and consumption are increasing and transforming across the region, posing a rising challenge to stability, security, and public health in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

With the Rajapaksas’ landslide victory—a supermajority that allows them to push forward promised constitutional changes—what will be the political, economic, social, and geopolitical consequences of the elections? Will they help strengthen or weaken democracy in Sri Lanka? What constitutional changes could they lead to? Will they mitigate or exacerbate tensions between the majority Sinhalese population and the minority Tamil and Muslim communities?

USIP held a virtual discussion with experts to unpack the conduct and results of the elections and to examine the nature and shape of the new parliament and how it bodes for the future of democracy, rule of law, and intercommunal harmony in Sri Lanka.

Speakers:

Bhavani Fonseka
Senior Researcher & Lawyer, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sri Lanka

Manjula Gajanayake
National Coordinator, Centre for Monitoring Election Violence, Sri Lanka

Alan Keenan
Senior Consultant, Sri Lanka, International Crisis Group

Tamanna Salikuddin, moderator
Director, South Asia Program, U.S. Institute of Peace

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/sri-lankas-parliamentary-elections

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. The Institute provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.