“The essence of democracy is that the common people must be given the right to shape their own destiny.” S.W.R.D Bandaranaike
The Layout
The upcoming general election in Sri Lanka in November 2024 is expected to be intensely contested, with multiple significant political parties vying for supremacy. According to recent assessments, four primary parties are projected to dominate the election landscape: the National People’s Power (NPP), the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the United National Party (UNP), and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
Under the leadership of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the NPP has its origins in the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a leftist party. Over time, the NPP has gained considerable momentum, especially among younger voters and the working class. Dissanayake has repositioned the NPP, distancing it from its past Marxist-Leninist roots and presenting it as a reformist entity. Surveys indicate that the NPP currently has a strong chance of winning a significant number of seats, with polls ranking it among the top contenders.
Sajith Premadasa’s Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), which split from the UNP in 2020, has emerged as a prominent opposition party. Premadasa has focused on key issues such as economic revival, anti-corruption measures, and governance improvements. Though it has garnered considerable support across different demographics, the SJB may face stiff competition from the NPP, according to recent polling data, though it still maintains a solid voter base.
The United National Party (UNP), historically a dominant force in Sri Lankan politics, has seen its influence wane in recent years. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has struggled to win back popular support. His association with austerity measures and his alliance with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) have not fared well with voters, leading to diminished prospects for the party in the upcoming election, as polls place them far behind the leading contenders.
Meanwhile, the SLPP, closely linked to the Rajapaksa family, is experiencing a sharp decline in popularity. The economic crisis that led to widespread protests in 2022, along with Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation, has greatly damaged the party’s reputation. Namal Rajapaksa is expected to run as the SLPP’s candidate, but the party is struggling to regain its former support. Polls currently indicate that it lags significantly behind both the NPP and SJB.
Polling data suggests that the NPP is currently leading the race, driven largely by disillusionment with the traditional political elites and a surge of support among younger voters. Although the SJB remains a formidable contender, it appears to be trailing the NPP. Meanwhile, both the UNP and SLPP are facing uphill battles to regain their previous influence. However, with the election still months away, shifting alliances and new coalitions could alter the political landscape. The main issues influencing this election are likely to center on economic recovery, tackling corruption, and governance reforms.
The Way Forward
One of the most essential actions in steering the country toward prosperity free from corruption is fostering a culture of openness in governance. This can be done by enhancing the mechanisms that combat corruption. Independent bodies, such as anti-corruption commissions, need to be empowered with the authority to investigate, prosecute, and penalize wrongdoers, regardless of their political affiliations or status. Public officials should be required to declare their assets and income publicly, promoting transparency and accountability. This step helps build trust between the government and its citizens, ensuring that leaders are held responsible for their actions.
Adopting digital systems in government operations is also vital. Digitizing processes like procurement and public service delivery can reduce opportunities for corruption and inefficiencies. A fully digital approach would streamline administration, make it more transparent, and limit potential abuse of power.
The political system itself needs reform, with a particular focus on reducing corruption and nepotism. This means passing laws that demand transparency in political campaign financing. Disclosing campaign contributions ensures that the influence of money in politics is diminished, making governance more about merit than wealth. A political environment where appointments are made based on merit, rather than patronage, fosters an efficient and independent bureaucracy. This professional bureaucracy is crucial to ensuring fairness in governance and serving the people’s interests.
It is also critical to uphold the independence of the judiciary and allow the press to operate freely. A robust legal system must be paired with a media capable of investigating, reporting, and holding the government accountable. Strict enforcement of the rule of law, combined with judicial review of administrative actions, ensures that those in power are kept in check, preventing abuses that may otherwise go unnoticed or unpunished.
Economic growth should be pursued through policies that are inclusive and sustainable. Sri Lanka’s economy must diversify beyond traditional sectors such as tea and tourism. Investing in new areas like technology, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture will not only create new jobs but also reduce the country’s reliance on industries vulnerable to external shocks. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must be supported through policies that reduce bureaucratic obstacles and offer better access to finance. Encouraging entrepreneurship and local industry will lead to job creation and help alleviate unemployment.
Upgrading infrastructure is also a key area, but it needs to be done transparently to avoid repeating past mistakes of corruption and financial mismanagement in large-scale projects. Modernizing infrastructure, with a focus on renewable energy and digital connectivity, will pave the way for growth, but every project must be implemented with accountability to avoid waste or exploitation.
Youth empowerment is another critical element of long-term prosperity. Education reforms should focus on equipping young people with skills relevant to the modern economy, including digital literacy and critical thinking. Creating programs that encourage young people to take part in governance, innovation, and entrepreneurship will build a future generation of leaders who are committed to ethical leadership and integrity.
For Sri Lanka to move forward, national unity and social cohesion must be promoted. The country has a history of ethnic and political divisions, which have hindered development. Ensuring that all ethnic and religious groups feel represented in decision-making and governance will help ease tensions and promote peaceful coexistence. Addressing regional disparities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity will further promote social justice and equality, allowing the country to progress as a unified society.
Environmental sustainability is crucial to ensuring the long-term future of Sri Lanka. The country is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and prioritizing environmental stewardship is essential for securing prosperity for future generations. Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, will reduce dependence on imported fuels, lower energy costs, and shield the country from fluctuations in global fuel prices. Supporting climate-resilient agricultural practices will help farmers preserve the environment while ensuring food security, making rural economies more resilient in the face of changing weather patterns.
My Take
To restore trust in leadership, the President and Prime Minister must lead by example, demonstrating integrity and dedication in their roles. Their personal accountability can set a standard that will inspire other leaders and public servants to act responsibly. Engaging in ongoing dialogue with citizens, listening to their concerns, and involving them in decision-making will foster trust and ensure that governance is responsive to the people’s needs.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya have a unique opportunity to usher Sri Lanka into a new era of development that is both sustainable and free from corruption. By focusing on transparency, diversifying the economy, promoting unity, and embracing environmental responsibility, they can help create a country where every citizen benefits from a government that works with integrity. Their leadership can drive Sri Lanka toward a future where equality, prosperity, and ethical governance are at the forefront, creating a society that thrives for all its people.
Over the past 75 years, families like the Bandaranaikes, Rajapaksas, and Premadasas have held a firm grip on Sri Lankan politics. While they have frequently emphasized maintaining stability, their continuous hold on power has resulted in a lack of innovation and accountability in political leadership. This prolonged dominance by political dynasties has slowed progress in economic, social, and institutional reform, which scholars, journalists, and activists should critically examine. The concentration of leadership roles within a few families has fostered corruption, cronyism, and nepotism, impeding the country’s development.
Concentrating power in these few families has restricted political diversity and broader public participation. A system that relies on connections and loyalty, rather than merit, has limited Sri Lanka’s ability to introduce meaningful reforms. Public forums and studies could illustrate the opportunities for governance improvements that have been lost due to oligarchic politics, which often prioritize retaining power in the short term over making decisions that serve the long-term national interest. Furthermore, family-based politics often weakens democratic checks and balances that are essential for a healthy political system.
To encourage a shift away from family-based political dominance, it is crucial to enhance the public’s political literacy. By raising awareness about the pitfalls of dynastic politics, the intelligentsia can help the electorate realize that leadership should be based on merit and policies, not family ties. This can be achieved through campaigns, public discussions, and social media, exposing voters to examples from other democracies where political power has transitioned from oligarchic control to more inclusive governance.
The intelligentsia should also push for reforms in both the constitution and the electoral process to address the structural issues that allow dynasties to dominate. Implementing term limits for top political offices could curb the entrenchment of family rule. Likewise, reforms that increase proportional representation would provide new political movements and leaders a fairer opportunity to gain power. These changes would help diminish the dominance of a few families and make room for new, capable leaders with innovative ideas.
At the same time, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance is crucial. Strengthening mechanisms to fight corruption, such as requiring the public disclosure of politicians’ assets and closely monitoring campaign finance, can weaken the political networks that perpetuate dynastic power. Enforcing the rule of law, especially in cases of conflicts of interest or misuse of public office, is necessary to break the cycle of nepotism and power concentration.
Sri Lanka’s youth, as seen in the 2022 protests against Gotabaya Rajapaksa, have shown a desire for political change. The intelligentsia can further channel this energy by supporting youth involvement in politics and grassroots movements. Developing young leaders through educational initiatives and community programs can create a new generation of politicians who are not tied to traditional political families. The growing support for the National People’s Power (NPP), a non-dynastic, reform-oriented party, is evidence of this potential.
To ensure that political appointments and government actions are based on merit rather than family ties, a system of judicial review is critical. An independent judiciary can hold the government accountable, ensuring that decisions are made according to the rule of law. Judicial oversight can prevent political dynasties from operating beyond legal scrutiny, gradually weakening their hold on the political landscape.
Finally, the intelligentsia should lead a national dialogue about moving away from dynastic rule. Through public debates, conferences, and media discussions, they can encourage the public to consider alternative political models that promote inclusive governance. Building consensus on ending the political dominance of a few families will be key to establishing a more transparent, democratic, and accountable system of government.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s intellectuals and civil society leaders have a vital role in reshaping public opinion and guiding political discourse. By challenging the entrenched power of political dynasties, advocating for constitutional and electoral reforms, and promoting transparency, they can help break the cycle of family dominance. This would pave the way for a more equitable, merit-based governance system, fostering long-term national development and a fairer political future for all citizens.
