By: Adolf
March 05, LNW (Colombo):
PM Harin after after AKD won prior to the General Election
PM Harini now with escorts
Political power in Sri Lanka has always come with public scrutiny. But when leaders appear to misuse that power or lose sight of the public’s real struggles, the backlash can be swift and unforgiving. The experience of Gotabaya Rajapaksa demonstrated how quickly public frustration can transform into a nationwide uprising. Today, there is a growing concern that Anura Kumara Dissanayake could face an even fiercer reaction if his administration continues on its current path. The fundamental issue is perception. Governments rise or fall based not only on policy but on how fairly and responsibly they exercise authority. Many Sri Lankans are beginning to feel that the government’s priorities are misplaced. Instead of focusing on economic recovery and governance reforms, there is a sense that energy is being spent on selective investigations, arrests, and political vendettas.
Impartiality
Law enforcement must be impartial. If investigations appear discriminatory or politically motivated, public trust erodes rapidly. Sri Lanka has experienced this pattern before. When the justice system is perceived as a political weapon rather than an independent institution, it undermines the legitimacy of the government itself. Arresting individuals selectively while ignoring serious allegations involving those within the administration only fuels public anger.Another major concern is the worsening economic reality faced by ordinary citizens. Many Sri Lankans continue to struggle with rising costs of living, limited job opportunities, and declining purchasing power. When a government that came to power promising systemic change instead presides over policies that make people poorer, the social contract between the state and citizens begins to fracture.
Expectations
The expectation from the current leadership was not merely political change but governance transformation. Voters believed that the new administration would be tougher on corruption, more disciplined in their promises , and more transparent in decision-making. However, the public is increasingly questioning why credible accusations involving ministers have not been addressed with the same urgency applied to opponents. Leadership requires consistency. If the rule of law is applied unevenly, it creates the impression that accountability is selective. That perception can be politically devastating. Another critical factor often overlooked is the electoral reality. While the president won the election, it is important to remember that he did not receive more than 50 percent of the total vote in the first count. In a deeply divided political landscape, this means a significant portion of the population did not support him. Governing in such circumstances requires humility, consultation, and restraint. Triumph should never translate into political overreach. Successful leaders understand that electoral victory does not grant unlimited authority; it confers responsibility. The most effective presidents in Sri Lanka’s history governed with caution during periods of economic vulnerability. They focused on stability rather than confrontation. If the current administration continues to pursue policies perceived as punitive or politically motivated while ignoring governance failures within its own ranks, public patience may wear thin. The Sri Lankan electorate has repeatedly shown that it can mobilize quickly when frustration reaches a tipping point. For example PM hoodwinked the public to get votes by going in a double-cab . Now she goes with several escorts . This a total loss of confidence of the middle and lower middle class voters, they expect so much from her.
Impatient
The events that forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa from office are still fresh in the national memory. Citizens who once remained silent demonstrated that they are willing to challenge authority when their livelihoods are threatened and when governance appears unjust. The lesson is clear. Power in Sri Lanka is never permanent, and public goodwill can evaporate rapidly. If President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wishes to avoid a backlash potentially more intense starting from his own supporters than what occurred during the previous administration, he must pivot toward humility, fairness, and genuine economic reform.History has shown that Sri Lankan voters are patient—but not indefinitely. And when that patience finally runs out, the consequences for those in power can be severe.
