Like his predecessor, Chandrika Kumaratunga, he comes from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

ECONOMIST: Rajapakse’s perilous victory | The

The SLFP favored socialist-style central planning while the UNP promoted the free market.

CNN: MIXED TIDINGS IN COLOMBO

The main political component of the People's Alliance is the Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP), which has alternated rule over the years with the UNP.

CNN: MIXED TIDINGS IN COLOMBO

Over lunch in Matara a few days before the poll Mr Rajapaksa accurately described this, while admitting that General Fonseka's campaign had struck fear into his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

ECONOMIST: Sri Lanka's election