Colombo, Sri Lanka : Aspirational India is seemingly providing a lesson to Sri Lankan voters, who are now aiming to see development and economic growth in their nation as they prepare to vote in the national parliamentary polls on November 14. The voters in the island nation also want dynastic politics to end and appear to be leaning towards a political party that doesn’t promote family hold over political power. From violence of 2022 the country is now witnessing a largely peaceful election.
Incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power is apparently leading the race as people gear up to vote. Even as the nation’s young voters speak openly against former president Ranil Wickremesinghe and the influential Rajapaksa family, who have been blamed for pushing the nation towards the current economic stress.
After decades electoral and political campaigns which were often filled with hate against India, the ongoing Sri Lanka parliamentary polls are seeing a welcome change. Most people that Tehelka.com spoke to, expressed their desire to see growth of Sri Lanka as a industry hub to bring in jobs for the younger generation and calling for a closer relationship with India. “We need to increase our business with India. The government has to bring more jobs and economic development to the nation, ” said Naved Sayeed, a gem stone businessman. He pitched for self reliance and improvement of manufacturing sector for job creation and long term sustainable growth of the nation.
Many claim growth of business between India and Sri Lanka would also help improve the economic situation of the country. “Most earlier leaders that have led Sri Lanka hail from political dynasties, who have only enriched themselves at the cost of the nation’s economy. There is a need to bring in jobs and industry to help prospects of young people, who mostly emigrate due to lack of opportunities here, ” said a tour operator, Lucion Pareira.
Interestingly, the electoral campaigns by political parties have been devoid of anti India rhetoric, and people want Sri Lanka to move towards improving its citizen’s economic condition.
It is understood that the change in perception about india came about after it stood by Sri Lanka in its time of need when the nation was pressed for funds in the aftermath of 2022 turmoil. India’s contribution towards healthcare needs of its neighbor during Covid-19 crisis also generated a lot of goodwill, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs pointed out.
Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka are scheduled for 14 November to elect 225 members.
The 225 members are elected for a five-year term, of which 196 are elected from 22 multi-seat constituencies through an open list proportional representation.
The other 29 seats are elected from a national list, with list members appointed by party secretaries and seats allocated according to the island-wide proportional vote the party obtains.
Sri Lanka has been under a close watch of International Monetary Fund as it tries to recover from the economic stress, induced by the 2022 crisis. And the outcome of the Parliamentary polls will be keenly watched in India and rest of the world.
