Sirisena must not bite the hand that feeds

Any doubts about the health of Sri Lanka's democracy can be laid to rest with the results of the recent presidential election. Strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa, South Asia's longest-serving leader, was roundly defeated by Maithripala Sirisena, a former member of the cabinet. His campaign, centred on fighting corruption, restoring the country's image and international standing and engendering a compassionate governance, struck a chord with an electorate not happy about the nation's direction, despite sturdy economic growth. But winning office would seem to be the easy part; difficult decisions have to be made if promises are to be kept.

Rajapaksa called elections 16 months early, believing that ending the civil war against the Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009 and ushering in an era of growth and development would readily win a third term. The economy has been surging, with GDP growth in the third quarter of 2014 at 7.7 per cent and poverty sharply down. But he did not count on a voter backlash to policies that shunned long-time alliances and embraced China, prompting accusations of corruption and nepotism. The reconciliation with minority groups that the end of the war should have brought has not occurred.

Disputes with the UN over investigation of alleged human rights violations by the military to end the civil war led to isolation by foreign allies. Pope Francis said at the start of his visit to the country on Tuesday that truth had to be pursued to promote "justice, healing and unity". China was turned to by Rajapaksa for infrastructure deals and loans that Sirisena alleges are unfavourable and will enrich the former leader and his family. The new government will investigate the claims, but deals that have been signed have to be honoured. Backs cannot be turned on so crucial a player as China - it is Sri Lanka's third biggest trading partner, a major investor and donor and behind almost 70 per cent of infrastructure projects, a deep sea port and international airport among them. Sirisena has been given a mandate to govern, but he has to be realistic about his goals.