{"id":238753,"date":"2024-09-15T10:44:06","date_gmt":"2024-09-15T05:14:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?p=238753"},"modified":"2024-09-19T09:25:08","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T03:55:08","slug":"is-ranil-committing-harakiri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/is-ranil-committing-harakiri\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Ranil Committing Harakiri?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Vipula Wanigasekera<\/a> –<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dr. Vipula Wanigasekera<\/p><\/div>\n

In leadership, knowing when to step down can be as crucial as knowing when to step up. This principle holds true across various fields, be it politics, the military, or sports. Leaders who exit at their peak often leave behind legacies of dignity and respect.<\/p>\n

However, many choose to stay, risking the tarnishing of their once-glorified images. Sri Lanka’s political landscape provides ample examples of this phenomenon, with Ranil Wickremesinghe<\/a><\/span> being the latest figure in the spotlight, in the event he doesn\u2019t succeed in his Presidential aspirations.<\/p>\n

In politics, the image of even the most well-intentioned leaders can be eroded over time. As they navigate the complexities of governance, their decisions, actions, and associations often invite scrutiny and controversy from day one of getting elected. The longer they stay in power, the more they are exposed to the risks of political missteps and public discontent. This is not unique to Sri Lanka; it is a global political reality. However, the failure to recognize the right moment to step down can diminish a leader’s legacy.<\/p>\n

Take, for example, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa<\/a><\/span>. He led Sri Lanka to end the war, a feat that granted him immense popularity and a strong mandate. But what if he had stepped down after his first term? What if he had handed over the reins to another Rajapaksa if the family has to be nurtured, while addressing the nation with the profound message, “In war, no one wins; everyone loses”?<\/p>\n

By choosing to bow out gracefully, he could have solidified his status as a hero, remembered for his decisive leadership during a challenging time. However, driven by political ambition, he stayed on, and his image became marred by allegations of authoritarianism, corruption, and nepotism twice in 2015 and 2022. Today, he is seen less as a war hero and more as a figure who overstayed his welcome, a fate he might have avoided with a timely exit.<\/p>\n

The world of sports and military leadership echoes a similar story. Arjuna Ranatunga, the cricket captain who brought glory to Sri Lanka, and General Sarath Fonseka<\/a><\/span>, the military leader who played a key role in the war victory, also faced challenges in preserving their legacies. Their attempts to\u00a0 <\/span>transition into politics further complicated their public images, leading to controversies that overshadowed their earlier achievements.<\/p>\n

Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads with Ranil Wickremesinghe and this piece is written while listening to AKD responses to Media at Sirasa where his eloquence on various subjects is gaining further support from masses.<\/p>\n