News: politics

Sri Lanka’s vibrant democracy 62 years in the making and indeed one of South Asia’s oldest democracies, has over the past four years caused international concern especially in the West who were clearly piqued at the flat refusal of President Rajapaksa to pander to Western ideas in solving the terrorist problem in the north of the island.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s failure to allocate a seat for DPF leader Mano Ganesan under the UNP National List has led to the DPF splitting from the UNF alliance.

A large portion of dinner party conversation in Sri Lanka usually consists of the dissection of the problems that plague our country today — from the national question to poverty. Everyone has a differing view, but though the average Sri Lankan often posits that the country would be much better run if he/she were president, few would act on the impulse. That is, until a former army commander with no prior experience in the often unscrupulous game that is politics announced that he was contesting the presidential elections. Though he now languishes in a detention centre, his move seems to have inspired many. A veritable slew of new candidates have cropped up who will be contesting in the upcoming general election. Many of these candidates have little to no experience in politics. Cricketing heroes, stars of the (local) silver screen, former military personnel — the word on the street is all these people will be candidates in the upcoming general election. No doubt, they could garner much support, having their own established fan base while practicing their own particular craft. All of us remember cheering Jayasuriya on at many a cricket match, and his spectacular batting. He has certainly shown leadership qualities on the field. As for the couple of actresses contesting, well, politics certainly calls for a certain, shall we say, flair for drama? Not to mention a skill for sugar-coating (or bending) the truth. Without further ado, it’s time to introduce this season’s newest crop of candidates. Who will win in this contest for popularity?

Political manifestos are often met with cynicism and even ridicule, but Sri Lanka’s first such manifesto for women is proving an exception to the rule as rights activists laud its recent launch.