Freedom in the World 2011

by Arch Puddington, Freedom House, New York, January 11, 2011

Map of Freedom

Analysis of Regional Trends - Asia

p. 8

The most prominent decline in the region was in Sri Lanka, which suffered from the misuse of state resources prior to national elections, the persecution of opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka, and the increasing concentration of power in the hands of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family.

Status and Rate Changes

p. 19

Sri Lanka's political ratings declined from 4 to 5 dur to the misuse of state resources before and during the 2010 presidential and parliamentary elections, the arrest and prosecution of opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka, and an increasing concentration of power in the executive branch and the president's family.