On September 21, 2024, Sri Lanka will have one of those days that could either end up as a national party or a collective facepalm. l. After seventy-six years of political juggling, the question isn’t just about who’ll run the show next; it’s about whether people are ready to dump mediocrity and corruption into the dustbin of history.
The Aragalaya-22 movement was a lesson in unity. It brought together all segments of society, cut across ethnic, religious, and caste lines, and showed the significant role of women. It made voters realize that the status quo was a sinking ship and change was the only life raft.
However, defining who represented change and who was clinging to the past became clear only after the dust settled. Incidents like Sajith Premadasa being driven away by protesters while Sarath Fonseka and Anura Kumara Dissanayake were tolerated highlighted the divide.
Ranil’s Politricks
When election dates were announced, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe was quick to place his deposit, signalling his intent to run. Ranil’s moves are never straightforward; he might be planning a coalition with Sajith Premadasa, offering him the Premiership if he wins, which would be typical Ranil politricks.
The battle lines are clear: Status quo versus change. Will it be a binary choice or a multi-candidate scramble? AKD and the NPP, a party with a turbulent past and an outdated Marxist label, now present themselves as the face of change. Their transformation seems complete, and their support widespread.
Whether it’s a straightforward choice or a crowded contest, the people have less than two and a half months to decide. The real showdown will be between Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, representing the old guard and the new wave, respectively.
It might seem like an easy choice, but as always, election campaigns and how each party handles their strategy will be crucial. The NPP and AKD might have a head start, but predicting the voter’s mind is a fool’s game. The race is on, and while paths may vary, the goal remains the same.
