Feudal outsider: man of humble origins but great ambition

Article Abstract:

Sri Lanka's Pres Ranasinghe Premadasa, who was assassinated on May 1, 1993, was the first national leader to derive from a lower social caste. Premadasa, who became president on Jan 2, 1988 after serving as prime minister, thus broke the monopoly on power previously held by politicians of the landed caste. In addition, Premadasa made a lasting impact through economic reforms and suppression of the 1989 Sinhalese rebellion orchestrated by the terrorist group Janata Vimukti Peramuna. Premadasa's influence will persist regardless of who succeeds him as head of the ruling United National Party.

Obituary

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Murderous intent: opposition leader killed ahead of May polls

Article Abstract:

Lalith Athulathmudali, leader of Sri Lanka's opposition Democratic United National Front (DUNF), was assassinated in Colombo on Apr 23, 1993 by a gunman who evaded capture. DUNF blamed Pres Ranasinghe Premadasa and his United National Party (UNP) for orchestrating the attack. Athulathmudali and DUNF had been gearing up for May 17 provincial elections in preparation for parliamentary and presidential elections in 1994. Premadasa blamed Tamil separatists and claimed that police had found the killer's body, but DUNF and other opposition groups pointed to signs of UNP complicity.

Athulathmudali, Lalith

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Mayhem on May Day: president falls victim to politics of violence

Article Abstract:

Sri Lanka's Pres Ranasinghe Premadasa and 24 other people were killed in Colombo on May 1, 1993 when a man set off a bomb strapped to himself during an outdoor political rally. Premadasa's death will probably produce political instability and may undo the economic progress that Sri Lanka made under Premadasa. The government accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an organization fighting for self-rule by the Tamil minority, of masterminding the assassination in reprisal for Premadasa's repressive rule. LTTE denied the charge.

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