 Sri Lanka's ruling coalition won an overwhelming victory in local elections, according to results released by the government, a result seen as an endorsement of the president's negotiations with Tamil Tiger rebels. President Mahinda Rajapakse's United Peoples' Freedom Alliance won majorities in 212 out of 249 local councils where results were declared, the Government Information Department said Friday. The main opposition group won 29 seats, and minor parties won the other eight seats. Remaining results for 17 councils were expected Saturday, the department said. |