By: F.F Mushfika

James Bovard – an American libertarian writer once said, “the first step in saving our liberty is to realize how much we have already lost, how we lost it, and how we will continue to lose it unless fundamental political changes occur”

Sri Lanka on its contemporary situation is encountering a serious and a sensitive economic crisis. The hiking inflation and the depreciation of currency is impacting on each and every citizen on their private life. Presently, the people of its nation are showing their discontent and is infuriated over the current government. The people are demanding for a change of faces and completely shuns the current government – on the allegation of corruption and mismanagement. The situation in Sri Lanka, hence, is hopeless. Day by day, the prices are soaring, and the people are deprived of the essentials such as gas, milk, oil, and drugs. The daily wagers and the underprivilege people are finding it extremely difficult to lead their minimal life while the middle class and the privileged few are fighting their battle to fulfill their needs and debts. This in fact, has united the nation to fight against the executives, pressurizing them to step out and give away their powers.

If that is the case, who is the next candidate to take over Sri Lanka? Who is eligible for a meaningful change? Can the incoming government lead the country out of this dire situation? Will the grievances of the commoners be addressed? Can the nation be seen again through its darkest times? These are some of the constant questions raised regarding the present crisis that is happening around Sri Lanka.

To remedy and rectify the current situation – the root cause needs to be addressed. As we may see, the general public are in dismay with the present administration, and I believe it is the right place to start for a change. If then who is the next person who can direct Sri Lankans to settle down peacefully? Is there a figure who fits with needs demanded by the people? Can he lead Sri Lanka to a better place, once again? Below you will find, a poignant human being who has wrapped up his life with decade worth experiences of politics, who will also develop your thinking towards the bigger question, “Is he the right fit for Sri Lanka?”.

Essentially, this one-character grapples the attention, nowadays. It is none other than Sajith Premadasa- son of late president Ranasinghe Premadasa. He is the leader of the current Opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), of Sri Lanka. He is an intellectual- educated in London school of Economics and Political Science. He has a thorough knowledge of administration of a country and well versed in English. He was in the middle of his pos tgraduation in the University of Maryland when his father died untimely. Following his father’s demise, the younger Sajith entered into politics with much determination and dignity. He is a man of the poor and a competent individual. On top of all, he is a real patriotic person who continues with the legacy of his father.

Even more important to mention about Sajith Premadasa is that he does not have any kind of criminal offense or lawsuit against him. He is a genuine person, and some are of the opinion that he is “too good” for politics. Having said that, it must be noted that his qualities as a leader is admirable and possess a commendable calibre that would bring about an international goodwill. Despite his appreciable nature, he was under the shadow light of UNP- United Nation Party. Most recently he split from this party and formed his own party under the name Samagi Jana Balawegaya. This has brought him into the broad day light, and many supported him in the past election making him second highest, securing the seats for his future and the country itself.

Thus, pondering on the major issue, aligning Sajith Premadasa as the only hope there are several factors that need to be considered. Firstly, he is one of the most educated persons in the cabinet and has a sound knowledge about the economics, foreign policies and so on to deal with. He strongly believes that professional decision makers need to be appointed to bring-in right decisions without the interference of politics. He also dreams a corruption-free nation built with experts. He also has several strategies which are practical rather than mere flattery. He says, “I am ready to take strong and direct steps towards a fresh, young, purely competent political culture instead of corrupt, hidden politics.”

Moreover, his policies are centralized around the most ignored issues such as women empowerment, concerns about the needy and politics with a vibrant education. In a particular domain, in 2019, he stated that, “While the richest 20% enjoy 54% of the national income, the poorest 20% of the country enjoys only 4% of it”. He also talked about women representatives in the parliament and the basic necessity of compulsorily providing sanitary pads to the women. Interestingly, his policies were condemned or rather mocked at the beginning only to find out the importance of it and implement later. This brings me into another factor, his foresight to prepare wisely for the future. For instance, during the corona outbreak he was the one to raise concerns about safety protocols requesting for a lockdown to curb the spread and emphasized the necessities of safety equipment, drugs, and vaccines to be established earlier as possible.

In addition, he is a good listener. Consider the example of the projects when he was the Minister of Housing, Construction, and cultural affairs. He regarded the underprivileges need to live decently as one of the fundamental requirements to be allocated in the budget. He also believed that there needs to be a rational thinking involved in every step of the government and must cater to the needs of the people by the knowledge of the specialists and experts. He also believes that steps need to be taken prior to any emergencies on health and economy which had topple the country today, due to massive ignorance and negligence per say. In his words he greatly holds on to the opinion that, that there needs to be “a path-breaking changes, in the system, the way we govern, bringing in competence, capacity to take difficult decisions, leadership with strength and determination and most important of all- a country leadership that has adequate skills in terms of governing the country.”

Arguably, Sajith Premadhasa has his own short comings that eliminates him from achieving his goal as the leader of the country. His calm and composed nature are of the critic that he is not much strong enough to compete with individuals like Rajapaksa for instance. But today, he has ousted all of those to stand out from the crowd- as a person who is wise and smart who also takes pride in his “no-corruption” ideologies. The demanding change of the youth and the people today is an extended topic in arena of politics for years by him. If only people sit to listen his policies, he will not flatter but practically convince how matters are at the hand of the government that is unsaid and unspoken of.

Another factor that is far criticized is his English. As an eloquent speaker he sometimes forgets that the people of the majority are incapable of comprehending the language. Therefore, he occupies as an individual of “benefit of the doubt”. In fact, if he talks more in his mother tongue, he could actually reach much crowd than before.

To wrap it up all, Sajith Premadasa is an ideal candidate for Sri Lankans to hope for a better future. He is educated and has a complete understanding of the matters and crisis going on in the current government. As an observer, analyst and a critic being in opposition today, he is extremely credential for the position to compete again.

As Mr. Ronnie De Mel- a former finance Minister, politician a civil servant, openly confess on his 96^th birthday quoting that he is the ideal “Comeback” for the country to prosper again. Is he the one? Or do we have more choices to think again on terms of education, experience and history who deserve to lead the country from the crisis? The answers are unto the people who are demanding for a quality change. Up until then, let us also remember that Sajith qualifies in every aspect to contest as a competent individual.