Two years after former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena fled the country following his defeat in the presidential election, the island nation is gearing up for another tight race as it prepares to elect a new president.
Sri Lanka has a long history of political turmoil and instability, with a sharp divide between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil populations. The civil war that raged for nearly three decades between the government and the Tamil Tigers ended in 2009, but tensions still simmer beneath the surface.
The upcoming presidential election is seen as a crucial test for the country’s democracy and stability, as the winner will have to navigate a host of challenges, including rising debt, slowing economic growth, and increasing political polarization.
The main contenders in the race are former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is running on a platform of economic reform and reconciliation, and former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is seen as a strongman with a tough stance on national security.
Wickremesinghe, a seasoned politician who has served as prime minister multiple times, is seen as a moderate who can bridge the divide between the country’s different ethnic and religious groups. He has promised to revive the economy, attract foreign investment, and promote reconciliation between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities.
Rajapaksa, on the other hand, is a member of the powerful Rajapaksa family, which has dominated Sri Lankan politics for decades. He is known for his tough stance on national security and his role in ending the civil war. However, he is also seen as a controversial figure, with allegations of human rights abuses and corruption swirling around him.
The race between Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa is expected to be close, with both candidates drawing strong support from their respective bases. With the country still reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing a host of other challenges, the outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for Sri Lanka’s future.
As the country gears up for the election, there are concerns about the potential for violence and unrest, given the history of political violence in Sri Lanka. The international community will be closely watching the election to ensure that it is free and fair, and that the will of the Sri Lankan people is respected.
In the end, the outcome of the election will have a profound impact on the future of Sri Lanka, as the country grapples with the legacy of its tumultuous past and looks towards a more stable and prosperous future. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in this tight race for the presidency.