Ayesh Indranath Ranawaka
Politics, often perceived as a complex and inaccessible domain, reveals a dichotomy between public perception and the lived reality of those engaged within it. At its surface, politics may appear as a labyrinthine pursuit of power and self-promotion. Yet, to reduce it solely to these facets is to overlook the nuanced dynamics that shape governance and public life.
The common narrative portrays politics as a realm where individuals maneuver solely for personal gain or to ascend to higher positions of authority. However, within the corridors of power and among grassroots activists alike, motivations vary widely. For some, politics is a genuine quest to enact meaningful change, driven by deeply held convictions and a commitment to serving the public good. Others navigate political landscapes strategically, balancing principles with pragmatic considerations to achieve their policy goals.
Understanding politics requires grappling with its diverse realities across different levels of engagement. From international diplomacy to local community organizing, each context offers unique insights into how power is wielded and decisions are made. At the elite levels, political discourse often revolves around high-stakes negotiations and policy formulations that impact nations and global alliances. Meanwhile, grassroots politics is characterized by its closeness to the everyday concerns of citizens—issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure that directly affect people’s lives.
Communication plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between political theory and public perception. Effectively conveying complex ideas without oversimplifying them is crucial for fostering informed citizenship and meaningful democratic participation. It requires political actors to engage in transparent dialogue, ensuring that policies and decisions are accessible and understandable to all stakeholders. Moreover, it demands an active effort to demystify political processes, empowering individuals to navigate and influence governance effectively.
The true essence of politics lies not in its portrayal as a mere pursuit of power, but in its multifaceted role as a mechanism for societal change and collective decision-making. By acknowledging the complexities inherent in political practice, we can foster a more informed and engaged citizenry. Embracing a nuanced understanding of politics enables us to move beyond surface perceptions, appreciating the diverse motivations and realities that shape our political landscape. Only through this understanding can we aspire to build inclusive societies where political discourse is meaningful, accessible, and reflective of the diverse aspirations of our communities.
Ruchira / July 4, 2024
Short but interesting narrative.
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I used to say “there’s too much politics in science and very little science in politics”.
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I think we need to keep in mind that the political discourse has a scientific basis, a foundation. Yet like everything else in modern day’s world it has been subjected various perversions.
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We need to put science back in politics for which strengthening the instituional frame work is imparative. Which will keep out at least some of the self serving rogue elements from the process.
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All this requires an informed polity. Who informs the polity? The politicians themselves and the media.
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The former having its own bias of self promotion, media’s role is crucial. Ethics, morals and values in journalism and in general all are important for the system to work to a satisfactory level.
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While focus on STEM may be crucial to drive the economy, educating the masses on politics too are important as it’s on the political goundation of a country the economies of scale are built. Introducing such topics like political science to general school curricula (pre-OL) may not be a bad idea.
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As far as the perception is concerned it will always be ahead of pragmatic realities. Perception provide the vision. It is the leaders, politicians, ability to translate the vision into pragmatic realities what counts.
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Ruchira / July 4, 2024
Continued from above…
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Unfortunately politics of such kind hardly exist in this blessed land. But it has its own name – ironically REALPOLITIK!
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paragon / July 4, 2024
THERE IS NO POLITICS OR POLITRICKS WITHOUT BUDISTTRICKS IN SRILANAKA.SRILANAKA SINGALA PEOPLE ARE TAKEN FOR A RIDE BY USING BUDISTTRICKS BY ALL MAJORITY SINGALA POLITICAL PARTIES TO COME TO POWER.
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Nathan / July 4, 2024
… grassroots politics is characterized by its closeness to the everyday concerns of citizens.
Let me accept your premise, y Ayesh Indranath Ranawaka.
Among the issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure that you have listed, I fail to see the issue that most concerns me.
In that respect, you are not the exception; You are the norm.
Am I not part of the grass, or, am I just some kind of fodder, for you all.
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / July 4, 2024
The author seems to have reproduced some of the basic theory of politics. He does not relate any of it to either Sri Lanka or elsewhere. Hence the value of the article is very limited, as basic information on any academic subject can be accessed in various ways. It would have been better if he had applied his acquired knowledge of politics to some existing scenario instead.
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davidthegood / July 4, 2024
Now must let nikayas sort out the buddhistricks and citizens need to focus on the needs of humantricks to feed their families, to grow and educate children to be productive and do jobs and earn a living without trying to be royalty and rob the nation. It’s time to toe the line with the global community, and be human. Robbers and murderers must be jailed out of society. Duminda in and Hirunika out faster than Ranjan.
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Naman / July 5, 2024
Tamils are still waiting for a person from the Majority race to come forward and accept the fact they had been hugely unfair in treating the minorities of the country. Will AKD be the FIRST person to do so once he has been successful at the Presidential Election. RW is trying to extend his rule by another year by hook or crook.
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davidthegood / July 5, 2024
Naman, if RW plays that trick, this time he is going to learn the lesson of his life as the whole country will have to be imprisoned as a result.
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RBH59 / July 7, 2024
It seems that our leaders are struggling with both politics & politrics and with both of this country went bankrupt and often blaming the pandemic for their shortcomings, but it’s worth noting that Bangladesh also faced COVID-19 without falling into bankruptcy. For instance, Sri Lanka experienced economic turmoil leading to a public uprising, resulting in President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s current position, though he was not elected by the people.
After the Bankrupts in an election meeting the still talk of heroism, this is the global views
The Rajapaksa family’s dominance is evident, as they seldom hold each other accountable for mistakes.
Meanwhile, parties like the NPP face and parties criticism for their election strategies, with their past mismanagement lingering like a ghost in the corridors of their decisions.
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