Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has realised the benefits of occasionally catering to the wishes of the international community by ordering the release of jailed political rival and former army general Sarath Fonseka on the third anniversary of the government's victory over the Tamil rebels in 2009.
The timing was perfect as was the significance of the occasion. However, Fonseka must be allowed to find a place in mainstream society and politics. The former general's fall from grace was sudden and even though many Sri Lankans regard him as a hero he may find himself with fewer allies than before.
Rajapakse's move has ensured that he is willing to lend an ear to the international community and address his country's faltering human rights record to a degree, but there is a larger picture which he must see — granting autonomy to the country's Tamil population. They must have a voice and Rajapakse must hear their pleas.
The president is adept at the art of shrewd governance given that the opposition is divided. Rajapakse is aware of his country's economic condition and the fact that voters are no longer enamoured by his aura. The victory over the Tamil rebels is in the past, but in order to be seen as benevolent, Rajapakse must apply balm over age-old wounds.
