| We thought the Presidential
election in January was manic enough but the General Election to elect MPs
to Parliament involved much more campaign money. The money often came
from candidates themselves who wanted to be associated with the President
and to demonstrate how much they supported him. Then, maybe, a
lucrative ministerial portfolio might come their way. The election was
on 8th April 2010. The President's party nearly got the two thirds it
wanted to be able to alter the constitution. With cross overs from the
opposition that majority is now in place. |
One of the larger posters of the President towering above
local shops. |
|
Another huge poster this time associating the Gampaha boss,
Mervyn de Silva, with the President's powerful brother, Basil. |
Another politician wanting to be best buddy with Basil - and
taller than the coconut palms. These posters (known as "cut outs") and
millions of smaller ones were erected during the month long campaign.
Then were nearly all of them disappeared overnight in a great clean up
operation after election day on Thursday April 10th 2010 |
