By Athulasiri Samarakoon –

Dr. Athulasiri Kumara Samarakoon

As Sri Lanka braces itself for a pivotal presidential election, the specter of a tripartite contest looms large, promising both challenges and opportunities for the nation’s political future. Against a backdrop of delayed and cancelled elections, disillusionment with traditional political parties, and socioeconomic turmoil exacerbated by the global pandemic, the stage is set for a seismic shift in the country’s power dynamics.

The protracted postponements of provincial and local government elections have fuelled public frustration and eroded trust in the democratic process. The vacuum created by these delays has allowed incumbents to wield disproportionate influence, exploiting executive powers for personal gain and partisan advantage. The unchecked exercise of authority by appointed governors and the manipulation of electoral timelines have further eroded the foundations of democratic governance.

Amid this tumultuous landscape, the emergence of a tripartite contest offers a glimmer of hope for meaningful change. With three formidable contenders vying for the highest office, voters are presented with a diverse array of choices, each representing distinct ideologies, policies, and visions for the country’s future.

At the forefront of this political trinity is the incumbent President, whose campaign seeks to portray him as the savior of the nation, the bulwark against regression to past crises. Leveraging diplomatic engagements and touted achievements, the president’s narrative aims to project stability and continuity, framing any opposition as a threat to ongoing reform efforts.

Opposing this narrative are two formidable challengers, each commanding significant grassroots support and offering alternative paths forward. Sajith Premadasa, with his track record of grassroots mobilization and welfare-oriented policies, embodies a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance the imperatives of development with social justice. His ability to rally support from diverse sectors of society, coupled with a commitment to addressing the needs of the marginalized, positions him as a potent force for change.

Central to Premadasa’s platform is his commitment to advancing welfare policies, epitomized by his Welfare 3.0 agenda[1]. Emphasizing the importance of free education and equitable access to opportunities, Premadasa champions the expansion of educational resources and technological infrastructure in schools. His focus on developing technological literacy among school students underscores his dedication to empowering the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

In parallel, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with his appeal to disaffected youth and a platform centered on anti-corruption and systemic reform, represents a break from traditional politics. Harnessing the power of social media and grassroots organizing, Dissanayake’s message resonates with a populace disillusioned by decades of entrenched corruption and cronyism.

In contrast to the promises of change offered by Premadasa and Dissanayake, the alliance between Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa, critics may argue, undermines the people’s aspirations for systemic reform and accountability, potentially stifling efforts to break free from the grip of traditional power structures.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe‘s focus on securing victory appears to prioritize political expediency over ethical considerations, as evidenced by his alignment with traditional power structures and market-driven policies. Despite growing calls for systemic reform and ethical governance, his steadfast commitment to market mechanisms underscores a reluctance to challenge entrenched economic paradigms, potentially alienating voters seeking a departure from past neoliberal policies.

On the foreign policy front, Sajith Premadasa seems to articulate a stance of diplomatic neutrality, expressing readiness to engage with all major powers on an equitable basis. Conversely, Mr. Wickremasinghe’s recent revelation of his close ties with Prime Minister Modi of India at the opening of the Rathnadeepa Hotel signals a continued alignment with Western and Indian alliances, despite recent agreements with Iran.

Both Mr. Premadasa and Mr. Dissanayake’s meetings during the last week with the Chinese delegation signify a proactive approach to engaging with major powers, highlighting their commitment to fostering diplomatic relations beyond traditional alliances. This contrasted with their absence from an opportunity to greet the President of Iran, underscoring the complexities and strategic considerations inherent in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy landscape.

However, as the campaign intensifies, the battleground will be fiercely contested, with each camp deploying all available resources and strategies to secure victory. From the distribution of patronage to the manipulation of state media, from appeals to traditional values to promises of economic prosperity, the arsenal of tactics employed will be as varied as the aspirations of the electorate.

Yet, amidst the cacophony of campaign rhetoric and political maneuvering, the fundamental question remains: What future do the people of Sri Lanka envision for their country? Will they succumb to the allure of entrenched power structures and familiar faces, or will they dare to embrace the promise of change and forge a new path forward?

In this crucible of competing visions and aspirations, the outcome of the presidential election will not only determine the trajectory of Sri Lanka’s political landscape but also shape its social and economic future for generations to come. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the choice before its citizens is clear: to uphold the status quo or to chart a new course guided by principles of accountability, justice, and inclusivity.

In the end, it is not merely the outcome of the election that will define Sri Lanka’s destiny, but the collective will of its people to demand and realize a brighter, more equitable future for all.

[1] The Welfare 3.0 agenda focuses on advancing welfare policies, emphasizing free education, equitable access to opportunities, and technological development, particularly in Sri Lanka’s education system.

*The writer is a senior lecturer in Politics and International Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka