Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections on November 14 have ushered in a new era of political change, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition winning a historic victory.
According to People’s Dispatch, the NPP secured 159 out of 225 seats in Parliament, achieving a rare two-thirds majority. This overwhelming mandate not only shattered previous political records but also marked a significant shift in the island’s traditional ethnic and political dynamics.
A Landslide Victory with Far-Reaching Consequences
The NPP’s win has given President Dissanayake unprecedented power to implement his reforms. The party’s victory surpasses expectations, especially given its surge in traditionally strong regions for Tamil and Muslim communities. The NPP’s broad support was particularly evident in the northern and eastern provinces, areas that have long been strongholds for Tamil and Muslim political parties.
In Jaffna, for instance, the NPP claimed three of the six seats, a first for a southern political party to triumph in the region. This marked a significant shift in Tamil political alignment, with many voters moving away from traditional Tamil nationalist parties such as the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK).
The NPP’s success in these traditionally ethnic strongholds signals a growing desire for national unity, moving away from ethnic-based politics. As political commentator V. Thanabalasingham pointed out, many Tamil parties have failed to reflect on their past strategies, relying on emotional appeals without offering substantial change.
In addition to their gains in the north and east, the NPP also made significant strides in Sri Lanka’s hill country and other provinces traditionally dominated by Malaiyaha Tamil parties.
The NPP’s performance in these areas, especially its success in gaining traction in regions that have long been resistant to non-ethnic-based parties, marks a critical step in Sri Lanka’s political evolution.
The Fall of Sri Lanka’s Political Giants
The NPP’s historic victory has led to a dramatic collapse of the country’s traditional political powers. The Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which had dominated Sri Lankan politics in recent years, saw its representation plummet from 145 seats in the 2020 general elections to a mere three seats this time around. The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) also suffered a blow, securing just 40 seats. The collapse of the SLPP, once the dominant force in the country, reflects a growing disenchantment with its handling of the economy and the political crisis that has plagued Sri Lanka in recent years.
The public’s desire for accountability and change, particularly after the economic collapse and ongoing political turmoil, reflects the loss of the Rajapaksas’ political grip. The election results signal the end of an era of traditional family-based politics that has characterised much of Sri Lanka’s modern history.
Despite their defeat, many analysts argue that the Rajapaksa family’s legacy may still influence Sri Lanka’s politics, with some suggesting that their political influence has not been entirely extinguished.
What’s Next for Sri Lanka?
With the NPP holding a supermajority in Parliament, President Dissanayake now has the opportunity to push his agenda for political and economic reform. Among his key promises are the abolition of the Executive Presidency and significant changes to the constitution.
Legal experts, such as senior lawyer Saliya Pieris, have pointed out that the NPP’s supermajority will allow for swift legislative changes, particularly in areas like political structure and governance. However, Peiris also cautioned that the party must resist the temptation to enact laws that could undermine democratic freedoms.
The landslide win has raised expectations among the electorate, who are eager to see tangible improvements in governance and economic management. However, the new government faces significant challenges, as Sri Lanka’s economy has been severely impacted by years of mismanagement. The government will need to tackle pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, and a burgeoning debt crisis.
As Sri Lanka enters this new phase of its political history, the NPP’s ability to navigate ethnic divides, manage economic reform, and maintain its broad-based coalition will determine the success of its mandate. While the victory represents a clear mandate for change, the government will need to ensure that it meets the needs of Sri Lanka’s diverse population, including the Tamils, Muslims, and the country’s majority Sinhalese population. The true test will be whether the NPP can live up to its promises of transparency, equity, and national unity.
In the coming months, Sri Lankans will be watching closely as the NPP government begins to implement its reforms, with hopes high but expectations equally daunting.
Read Saliya Pieris’s full post here:
Watch a video here:
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