evidence: UNHCR CDR Background Paper on Refugees and Asylum Seekers from Sri Lanka - Author: Centre for Documentation and Research - Document source: [...] The election of the People's Alliance (PA) to form the government in August 1994 involved a transfer of power from the United National Party (UNP) that had ruled Sri Lanka for 17 years (INFORM, Sri Lanka Information Monitor, 15 February 1995, 1). This change of regime generated a great deal of hope for Sri Lanka, both inside the country and internationally. The PA's election campaign and the subsequent campaign leading up to the 9 November 1995 presidential election was based upon the party's commitment to bring about peace through a negotiated settlement of the ethnic conflict and its intention to abolish the executive presidency (Ibid.). In addition, respect for human rights and respect for the freedom of the media and of association were identified as areas of high priority (INFORM, 7 March 1996).