Sri Lanka, April 4 -- On the eve of the December 21 election, President Kumaratunga appeared on television with bandages around her injured eye, a poignant reminder of the harrowing assassination attempt just days prior. Her emotional breakdown during the broadcast had a profound impact on the electorate, particularly among women. The sight of their leader in distress resonated deeply with voters, evoking memories of past political tragedies.

Last week, we delved into the 'Proclamation and Preliminary Planning' surrounding the fourth Presidential Election held on December 21, 1999. Nominations were accepted on November 16, with Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Ranil Wickremesinghe nominated by the governing People's Alliance (PA) a...