Public satisfaction and the future of the NPP regime

• People may not be convinced with elaborate manifestos anymore

Sri Lankans have embraced shifting political tides for centuries. From betrayals and defections to establishing new parties overnight,  and fielding different candidates for major elections, Sri Lankans have witnessed the length and breadth of this political game. Former Presidents who ruled with an iron fist were defeated in a matter of time while populist presidents were overthrown due to corruption and nepotism. This is the nature of a democracy, where supreme power resides in people and is exercised by elected representatives. 

Today’s generation witnessed this supreme power of people during the 2022 Aragalaya in recent memory. People exercised their right to peaceful assembly which highlighted their frustrations towards the then regime,  which led to several significant events that overthrew the elected regime. Sri Lanka’s political landscape has been shaped by various events; from promises of bringing about a lasting solution to the ethnic issue,  and narratives shaped by ethno-religious nationalism to narratives on good governance and eliminating corruption,  to brutal events such as the Easter Sunday attacks. 

Corruption and bureaucracy dragged the country towards an economic crisis, something that was unheard of during previous regimes. People still recall President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s era where the price of a kottu was below Rs. 500,  and how people were able to lead a decent life back then. Today, prices of essential items have skyrocketed due to various external factors,  and it is difficult to imagine that such an era even existed! Except for reduction of prices of gas and fuel by several rupees from time to time, prices of other utilities remain high. 

Cost of living is a major factor that decides the capability of a ruling regime. This was evident during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s era when the administration was unable to manage multiple crises that unfolded. Prolonged power cuts, gas and fuel shortages came in as a shock to people. Eventually, the leadership became unpopular among the masses. This is why people rejected many individuals who came forward as successors, after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was defeated. People claimed that they all were birds of the same flock and disliked their promises even though they sounded practical. 

Eventually, people voted in the incumbent President and the National People’s Power regime. People may not be convinced with elaborate manifestos anymore. They only wish to see the performances of their elected representatives. Gone are the days when politicians were voted in on promises of constructing roads or other petty rewards. People are fed-up of the same old games that politicians have played for decades. 

A recent survey by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) indicates that public satisfaction towards President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was higher than that towards Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. The nationwide survey found that 51.6% of Sri Lankans were satisfied with the government’s progress in investigating the Easter Sunday attacks and holding those responsible accountable, while 32.4% expressed dissatisfaction. The survey also found that younger respondents were more positive about the government’s progress on Easter Sunday investigations, with 58.5% of those aged 18–29 expressing satisfaction compared to 48% among those above 30 years. Rural residents recorded higher satisfaction (52.5%) than urban residents (44.3%).

By September,  it would be two years since the incumbent regime assumed power. Over the past two years, this government has faced challenges in the form of Ditwah, the Negombo prison riots and the worsening drug menace among others. There have been lapses in distributing relief among Ditwah victims which may have sparked doubts and dissatisfaction among certain sections of society. There’s much work to be done in terms of development. Despite commercial areas being subject to mass development drives,  there are people in rural areas who still travel after dark using their torchlights! 

Former presidents who were elected with a sweeping majority were defeated in no time. It is still too early to determine whether President Dissanayake and the NPP regime would be re-elected by people for a second term. It only takes a matter of time for public satisfaction to drop. But that’s the nature of the people. However, the primary goal of a President should be to maintain popularity among the masses,  and to be loved by people even after his tenure ends.

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