By Adolf
In the heated political climate of Sri Lanka, many observers tend to underestimate Sajith Premadasa. Yet, to dismiss him as an irrelevant player in the presidential race would be both premature and shortsighted. His recent leadership role in putting pressure on Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) to stop political witch-hunting and focus on governance proved that he is no pushover. He has shown that he can rise to the occasion despite the odds. His performances at both presidential elections in 2019 and 2024, despite significant challenges, underscore his enduring appeal among a large segment of the population, particularly the poor and marginalized communities. Even when former President Ranil Wickremesinghe explicitly urged those unwilling to support him to cast their vote for AKD, Sajith still managed to hold his ground by securing 35%. That alone is testimony to his political resilience and the strength of his personal connection with the electorate.
Political Brand
Sajith’s political brand has always been rooted in his accessibility to the grassroots. He is not seen as a distant elite, but as a leader who engages directly with the daily struggles of ordinary Sri Lankans. His reputation for being approachable and sympathetic to the needs of the underprivileged gives him an authenticity that his rivals struggle to replicate. While AKD has gained momentum by mobilizing frustration and anger against the political establishment, Sajith represents a more familiar and compassionate figure—someone the poor feel they can trust and talk to. That human connection should not be underestimated in Sri Lankan politics, where emotional ties and perceptions of sincerity often matter as much as policy.
Issues
Furthermore, Sajith’s grasp of issues is far more nuanced than that of AKD. He has consistently demonstrated a better understanding of the economic, social, and institutional challenges the country faces. His proposals may not always have been packaged with the sharpness or populist appeal that AKD projects, but the substance is often deeper and more pragmatic. In an environment where Sri Lanka requires not just fiery rhetoric but also practical solutions, Sajith’s steadier hand may prove more credible to those seeking real outcomes rather than slogans.
Transform
However, for Sajith to transform himself into a true president-in-waiting, he must overcome his biggest weaknesses—his style of leadership and communication. He has, for too long, been held back by what many describe as his “kitchen cabinet,” an inner circle of advisers whose political instincts and strategies have repeatedly let him down. To be taken seriously as a national leader, Sajith must broaden his advisory base, embrace professionals with proven expertise, and allow more independent voices to guide him. Equally, he must reinvent the way he communicates. Too often, he appears hesitant, scripted, and almost robotic—what some critics describe as “zombie-like” communication. This undermines his otherwise genuine connection with people. In today’s media-driven political space, clarity, confidence, and presence are as important as substance. Sajith needs to project himself with vigor, conviction, and vision if he is to convince the electorate that he can not only empathize with their pain but also lead them into a better future. The political landscape in Sri Lanka is fluid, and nothing is inevitable. But one thing is clear: Sajith Premadasa cannot be written off. With sharper messaging, a stronger team, and a more confident public persona, he can still emerge as a formidable contender—and perhaps, the president-in-waiting Sri Lanka needs if AKD continues to be consumed by witch-hunting rather than development and sound governance. As Niccolò Machiavelli once wrote: “The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him
