As Sri Lanka prepares for its upcoming parliamentary elections, a new generation of political candidates is stepping forward, bringing fresh ideas and a sense of hope to the country.
After years of political instability, economic hardships, and public disillusionment, these new candidates offer a chance for change. They represent a shift away from traditional politics, promising greater transparency, accountability, and reform.
This new wave of candidates includes young professionals, activists, and leaders from various sectors of society, all of whom are committed to tackling the country’s most urgent challenges. Their rise to prominence gives many Sri Lankans a renewed sense of optimism about the future. This week we feature insights from some of these fresh candidates, who will share their visions for the country and outline the solutions they propose to build a stronger, more inclusive Sri Lanka.
Prashan De Visser
If the established political parties had fulfilled their responsibilities, would we find ourselves in this position – a bankrupt country mired in cycles of violence and corruption? Why are we still lagging behind, especially when countries around us, some with fewer resources, continue to make progress?
The issue is not a lack of talent or opportunity, but rather the absence of something fundamental: leadership that is committed, accountable, and visionary. It is time to envision a new generation of leaders – leaders with executive experience, leaders accustomed to accountability, and leaders with a proven track record, not just promises. The time has come to choose leaders who are prepared to break the cycle.
Velusamy Weerasingham
My political vision is threefold. First, after the country’s economic collapse, we must prioritize productivity and economic empowerment. It is crucial to increase the country’s income – an income that can be generated beyond reliance on the IMF.
We must focus on boosting rural incomes and expanding the tourism industry to foster a self-sustaining, robust economy. Second, we must acknowledge the social issues that have contributed to the nation’s bankruptcy. The absence of visible peace does not necessarily mean there is true peace.
We need to engage with all citizens, addressing their concerns and fostering unity across the country. The third aspect of my vision is to recognise that women make up 51% of our population, yet their political participation remains insufficient.
To rectify this, we must increase women’s representation in politics and address the systemic harassment they face. My goal is to work alongside men to tackle these issues and address the root causes of gender inequality.
Kaushalya Ariyaratne
My vision for the country, like that of many others, is to improve it and guide it out of the current economic crisis. For too long, we have been exploited by a small group of people, and it is clear that we need a stronger people’s movement.
As an activist for many years, I have observed that our laws and policies need to be reformed to better protect the rights of the people. To effect this change, it is essential to have a presence in Parliament, which is why I have decided to declare my candidacy.
My vision is not a personal one; it is part of a broader movement, and I am committed to helping improve Sri Lanka for all its citizens.
Swasthika Arulingam, AAL
My vision, in collaboration with my party, is to establish a strong presence in Sri Lankan politics and serve as a robust opposition. Historically, we have seen that the challenges facing our country are not solely due to the government; the opposition has also played a role in hindering progress.
Whether in formulating sound economic policies, passing legislation to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, or pursuing constitutional reforms, the opposition has often been a barrier.
One of my primary concerns is to reverse harmful legislation passed by the previous government that negatively impacts the citizens of this country. This includes laws such as the Economic Transformation Bill, the Online Safety Act, and the restructuring of the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF).
I am committed to advocating for new legislation, including the introduction of anti-harassment laws, improvements to occupational health and safety regulations, and the decriminalization of the LGBTQ community.
Vraie Balthazaar
As candidates of the NPP, our objectives are not isolated; we are working towards a collective vision through a unified, cohesive policy. We have been put forward as candidates with the responsibility to uphold the Government’s vision of building a prosperous nation – one in which every citizen enjoys a fulfilling life.
It is crucial for the citizens of this country to understand that this is a collective effort, and that we are committed to working alongside them to achieve the goals outlined in our manifesto. Our aim is to build a strong relationship with the people, fostering a Government they can trust – one that is accountable, just, and dedicated to serving their needs.
