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In 2014, Narendra Modi had fought on a similar plank — a battle against what he called the corruption of the UPA and seeking an end to the Gandhi family’s dynastic politics
Sri Lanka goes for presidential polls on November 14 and current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has a clear edge this time. (News18)
There is no mention of India, China or LTTE in Sri Lanka which goes for presidential polls on November 14. Instead, almost everyone CNN-News18 spoke to, stressed on the need for economic development.
As the tourist season — one of the mainstays of the Sri Lankan economy — begins, the last thing locals want is political instability. The ‘revolt’ of two years ago, which brought in Anura Kumara Dissanayake as President, is still etched deep in their minds. Dissanayake, also called AKD, has a clear edge this time.
Meanwhile, the similarities to the Indian political and electoral slogans are evident.
The twin planks that AKD is seeking votes on is the fight against the corruption of the Rajapaksas and Wickremesinghes, which saw only them and their coterie become rich while most of Sri Lankans are fighting to earn well. The second plank is against dynasty politics. Interestingly, while the former presidents themselves are not in the fray this time, they have set up other candidates in the party. AKD is the first-generation, Left-leaning leader and his NPP has promised economic development for all.
Sri Lankan resident Lucien Pareira is confident that Dissanayake will end the reign of dynasties. “They [previous presidents] worked for other countries, not their own. They became rich and we are poor. Anura will change all this.”
In 2014, Narendra Modi had fought on a similar plank — a battle against what he called the corruption of the UPA and seeking an end to the Gandhi family’s dynastic politics. Modi emerged as someone who did not belong to an entitled family and rose from the ranks.
Dissanayake has the same pitch. He was part of a Marxist-inspired Leftist student body called JVP and claims his family was attacked and his home torched for his views. Dissanayake’s earlier bid to enter national politics was unsuccessful but now, he has emerged as the saviour for many, especially the poor and the youth. This is also where the dilemma begins.
Traditional Leftists are unhappy with AKD’s NPP and accuse him of abandoning his focus on strengthening the Leftist infrastructure. For Dissanayake, Leftism is not a label but an alternative for growth. He says the focus of his politics is economic growth, which means he may have to push for increased private sector investment.
At present, Sri Lanka is reeling under huge debts from IMF and China and Dissanayake will have to ensure rapid economic growth to pay them off. He would also have to open himself to the idea of increased foreign investment. This, however, may not be easy.
For example, the attempt to privatise the state-run Sri Lankan Airlines faced resistance and many of its flights were cancelled due to protests. For now, till polls are over, Dissanayake is going slow on such attempts and changes. However, according to political strategist Imran Furkan, he can’t go on like this for long. “We need more investment to come in. It does not have to clash with his ideology. The two are different things,” said Furkan.
India looked at Dissanayake’s arrival with some apprehension in the backdrop of China’s presence. This was one of the reasons why external affairs minister S Jaishankar visited Colombo twice after AKD took over. Indian business houses in Lanka hope to increase their presence and according to Furkan, “India is our biggest and closest neighbour. We want to have a good working relationship”.
In Lanka, there are a few places that deal with PayTm instead of cash — showing signs of the Indian UPI footprint. There are also some murmurs of an Aadhaar-like unique identity proof that could be proposed if Dissanayake wins the presidential polls — which he is expected to.
Like India, Sri Lankans are also looking at him with hope and inclusivity.
- Location :
Colombo, Sri Lanka
