Main Contenders

UPFA

UNF

TNA

JSS

Constituents

PA, MNA, JVP

UNP, SLMC, CWC

TULF, EPRLF (Suresh wing), TELO

Buddhist monks, but not official Sangha

Symbol

Butterfly

Elephant

House

Conch

Ideology of the main constituents

PA: Centre-left

JVP: Ultra-left and racist

UNP: Centre-right

Tamil nationalist

Ultra-right

Platform

Peace, National security, economic development, corruption-free government

To continue the process of peace, and economic development

Interim Self Governing Authority for Tamils and rehabilitation

Economic stability, anti-terrorism, anti-conversion

Support base

Southern and central parts

Eastern, western and central regions

Northeast of Sri Lanka

Southern and southwestern parts

Stand on

   Economy

“Mixed economy”

“Further opening up”

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Ethnic issue

The MoU between PA and JVP fails to address the question; but while PA stands for devolution, JVP wants the LTTE to lay down arms as a precondition for talks

Federal arrangement

Comprehensive self-governance on the lines of Thimpu principles (Tamil nation, Tamil homeland, and self-determination)

Unity of the country is supreme; Sinhala Buddhists are destined to rule the country

Third-party mediation

The role of Norwegians should be minimized

Norwegians to continue

Norwegian mediation if fine

No to Norway

Religion

Right to religion should be ensured

Secular

Secular

Supremacy of Buddhism

Political system

Parliamentary form should be restored, but for the time being an Executive President is required

Parliamentary form is suitable as presidential system has eroded the democratic spirit of the Island

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