Sri Lanka, March 1 -- Sinhalese Buddhist nationalist forces have once again begun exploiting anti-American and anti-Indian sentiments with an eye on the approaching presidential election. Though the line-up of candidates remains unendorsed at this time, the names of seasoned troupers Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Maithripala Sirisena, Kumara Welgama, Dayasiri Jayasekara, and Sarath Fonseka, are topping the list as likely or willing candidates.

All political parties, except the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), have indicated they would be fielding their presidential candidate. The SLPP, it appears, is undecided as to whether to field their candidate or support a candidate fr...