Election Countdown: analysing candidates’ visions and policies

by Amarasiri de Silva

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, key issues include immigration reform, economic recovery, healthcare, climate change, abortion rights, foreign policy, gun control, social justice, education, and election integrity. These topics are central to the political discourse, reflecting the diverse concerns of the electorate. The major issues in Sri Lanka’s presidential election platform include economic recovery and debt recovery, corruption and governance, national security, constitutional reform, healthcare and education, infrastructure development, foreign policy, agriculture and rural development, environmental protection, and social welfare. These topics reflect the country’s focus on economic stability, good governance, national unity, and improving living standards.

Scheduled for 21 September, the presidential election in Sri Lanka is now just a month away, and the fervor surrounding it has reached its peak. This period is characterised by a whirlwind of campaign activities, where candidates and their supporters deeply promote their agendas and ideologies. The presidential election is not only a battle of ideas and policies but also a contest between some of the most prominent figures in the country’s political landscape. At the forefront of this race are the current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa, and the JVP/NCC leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. These candidates represent different political ideologies and visions for the future, making the election a critical choice for the electorate. Additionally, a new contender, Namal Rajapaksa, representing the Podujana Peramuna, has recently entered the race, bringing a fresh dynamic to the election and capturing the attention of those who have become disillusioned with Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s leadership.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, the incumbent president, is a seasoned politician with decades of experience in governance. His campaign is built mainly on his track record and ability to steer the country through challenging times. Wickremesinghe’s leadership during economic crises and his diplomatic skills in dealing with international relations are central to his appeal.

Wickremesinghe is positioning himself as a stable and reliable leader who can steer the country toward recovery and growth. His platform emphasises continuity and the importance of experience in managing the nation’s complex issues. Wickremesinghe’s supporters believe that his deep understanding of the political landscape and his pragmatic approach make him the best candidate to lead the country in these uncertain times. Ranil Wickremesinghe’s political ideology is centrist and liberal, advocating for free-market economic policies, democratic governance, constitutional reforms, and national reconciliation. He supports a balanced foreign policy, maintaining ties with both Western and regional powers, and emphasises sustainable development and environmental protection. Wickremesinghe is often considered a neoliberal due to his support for free-market policies, economic reforms, privatisation, deregulation, and fiscal discipline.

Opposing Wickremesinghe is Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition. Premadasa is campaigning on a platform of change and reform, presenting himself as the candidate who can bring fresh ideas and new energy to the presidency. He appeals to voters who are dissatisfied with the status quo and are looking for a leader who can address the deep-rooted problems that have plagued the nation. Premadasa’s campaign is focused on social justice, economic equality, and anti-corruption measures. He is advocating for policies that he believes will uplift the poor and marginalised, reduce inequality, and create opportunities for all citizens.

Premadasa’s supporters view him as a dynamic and passionate leader who can bring about the change that the country needs. Sajith Premadasa’s political ideology is center-left, focused on social democracy and populism. He advocates for social welfare, poverty alleviation, and economic equity, with an emphasis on state intervention to support the underprivileged. He promotes inclusive nationalism, democratic governance, and the empowerment of youth and women, while also prioritising sustainable development and environmental protection. Sajith Premadasa is generally seen as more of a social democrat rather than a neoliberal or liberal. His policies focus on social welfare, poverty alleviation, and economic equity, emphasising state intervention to support underprivileged communities. While he supports market-based economic policies, his approach integrates significant social and economic protections rather than purely free-market neoliberal principles.

Another key figure in the race is Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the JVP/NPP. Dissanayake represents a more radical approach to politics, focusing on leftist ideologies and a commitment to fighting for the rights of workers and the underprivileged. His campaign is built on a critique of the existing political and economic systems, which he argues have failed most of the population during the past 76 years. Dissanayake calls for a complete overhaul of the political system, focusing on empowering ordinary citizens and reducing the influence of wealthy elites and corrupt politicians. His platform includes proposals for significant economic reforms, Nationalisation of key industries, greater investment in public services. Dissanayake’s

Supporters see him as a principled and uncompromising leader who is dedicated to social justice and the welfare of the common people. Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s political ideology is socialist, focusing on economic equality, workers’ rights, anti-corruption, environmental protection, national sovereignty, and social justice. He advocates for reducing inequality, promoting transparency in governance, protecting natural resources, and ensuring inclusivity for all communities in Sri Lanka. The JVP and NPP’s ideology is influenced by Marxist principles, emphasising socialism, economic equality, and anti-imperialism. While they share common goals with Chinese communism, such as social justice and criticism of capitalism, their focus is on addressing Sri Lanka’s specific socio-economic issues rather than directly adopting Chinese communist policies.

Adding to the mix is Namal Rajapaksa, the candidate from the Podujana Peramuna. He has recently entered the race. Rajapaksa’s candidacy is particularly interesting because it represents a shift within his own party. After losing confidence in Gotabaya Rajapaksa, many party loyalists have turned their attention to Namal, hoping he can revitalise the party and restore its standing with the electorate. Namal Rajapaksa’s campaign is focused on rebranding the Podujana Peramuna and appealing to younger voters with promises of modernisation, innovation, and economic growth. He is trying to distance himself from the controversies that plagued Gotabhaya’s presidency, positioning himself as a new generation of leadership within the Rajapaksa family. Namal’s entry into the race has created a new dynamic, as he seeks to recapture the support of those disillusioned with his predecessor’s leadership.

Namal’s political ideology is conservative, focusing on traditional values, economic development, strong national security, and social welfare. He emphasises infrastructure growth, private sector investment, and maintaining continuity in governance, with established political practices, particularly those associated with the Rajapaksa family legacy.

The presence of these four prominent candidates makes the upcoming election one of the most competitive in recent history. Each candidate brings a distinct vision and set of policies, offering voters a clear choice in the direction they want the country to take. As election day approaches, the campaigns are expected to intensify, with each candidate working hard to convince the electorate that they are the best choice to lead the nation into the future. The outcome of this election will not only determine who becomes the next president but will also shape the future of the country in significant ways.

The intensity of the election season is palpable as candidates vie for the attention and support of voters by presenting their vision for the future of the country. Central to these campaigns are several critical issues that have captured the public’s attention, notably the need for national reconstruction and managing state entities that have become burdensome to the economy.

One of the defining aspects of the election campaign is the focus on programmes and political ideologies. Each candidate is eager to outline their approach to governance, emphasising their unique plans for economic development, social welfare, and foreign policy. These speeches are not merely rhetoric, but carefully crafted messages designed to resonate with the electorate’s concerns and aspirations. Candidates are highlighting their commitment to addressing the nation’s most pressing issues, whether it be poverty, unemployment, education, healthcare, or security. By articulating their political ideologies, candidates seek to differentiate themselves from their opponents and build a strong support base among voters who share their vision for the country’s future.

A significant theme in this election is the reconstruction of the country. This idea encompasses a broad range of issues, from infrastructure development to economic revitalisation. Candidates are keenly aware that the nation faces numerous challenges that require urgent attention. Whether it is the need to rebuild crumbling infrastructure, revitalise struggling industries, or reform governance structures, national reconstruction has become a rallying cry for many. Candidates are proposing bold and innovative strategies to tackle these challenges, offering solutions that they believe will restore the nation’s strength and prosperity. This focus on reconstruction is not just about addressing immediate problems but also about laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Perhaps the most contentious and widely discussed issue in this election is the management of state entities that have become “white elephants.” Once seen as pillars of the national economy, these state-owned entities have often become inefficient, unprofitable, and a significant drain on public resources. “white elephants” are frequently used to describe these entities because they are costly to maintain but provide little to no return on investment. As a result, they have become a symbol of government inefficiency and mismanagement. The debate over what to do with these entities has become a central theme in the election, with candidates offering various solutions.

Some candidates advocate privatising these state-owned entities, arguing that private sector management would bring much-needed efficiency and profitability. They believe that by selling off these entities to private investors, the government can reduce its financial burden and generate revenue that can be reinvested in other areas of the economy.

Others propose restructuring these entities, suggesting that they can be turned around and made profitable once again with the right leadership and reforms. This approach emphasises the need for better governance, transparency, and accountability in managing state-owned enterprises. Still, others argue for a middle ground, advocating for public-private partnerships that would allow the government to retain some control while benefiting from the expertise and resources of the private sector.

All four presidential candidates in Sri Lanka emphasize combating corruption and bringing political thieves to justice. They advocate for strengthening anti-corruption measures, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability for corrupt officials, reflecting a shared commitment to restoring integrity and public trust in governance.

The discussion around how to maintain and profit from these state entities is not just about economics; it is also about the role of the government in the economy and the balance between public and private interests. The candidates are keenly aware that how they approach this issue will have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic future. Therefore, They are making detailed and carefully considered proposals, hoping to convince voters that their approach is the best way to ensure the nation’s prosperity.

As election day approaches, these discussions are expected to become even more intense. The stakes are high, and the candidates know that their ability to address these critical issues will be a key factor in determining the election outcome. The electorate, in turn, is closely watching the candidates, evaluating their proposals, and deciding who they believe is best equipped to lead the country forward. In this charged atmosphere, the election is not just a political contest but a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, a chance to set a new course for the future.

In conclusion, as the presidential election nears its climax, the debates and discussions surrounding it reflect the deep concerns and aspirations of the nation. The focus on programs and ideologies, national reconstruction, and the management of state entities highlights the critical choices that voters must make. The outcome of this election will not only determine who holds the highest office in the land but will also shape the country’s future direction. The fervor of the election season is a testament to the importance of this moment, as candidates and voters alike engage in the democratic process with a shared commitment to building a better future for all. In light of these candidates’ diverse visions, it is crucial to delve into the political ideologies and economic policies of the four major contenders. By doing so, we can better understand the context of their proposals and the potential impact of their leadership on the future of the nation. This discussion is not just an academic exercise; voters need to make an informed choice in an election that will determine the country’s direction for years to come.