Will the new president renew a shattered nation ? - EDITORIAL

Sri Lanka needs plenty of solutions to its economic woes more than an election, but Wednesday’s voting that took place to elect a new president was worth it. 
Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the eighth president of the country during an exciting election. 

The political scene in the country was slowly progressing towards bursting point largely because Wickremesinghe’s name featured amongst the candidates for the presidency. Till then the Aragalakaruwo (protesters) were cock-a-hoop after seeing the backs of the former President and his Prime Minister. The last face they wanted to see was that of Wickremesinghe; coming back to duty holding any portfolio-leave alone being elected as the head of state. 
But if there is one thing that supports Wickremesinghe’s return to big time politics it is the notion that someone senior and experienced like the Green Party Man can check the lawlessness that prevails in the country. 

Sri Lanka’s gas and filling stations are dangerous places to be in these days. Thugs run most of these places despite the presence of men in military uniform. The mood is wild out there and any verbal confrontation in a queue can lead to a fisticuff which could invite death. 

The Aragalakaruwo have set down their demands. They want to see the back of Wickremesinghe. The new president elected on the other hand wants law and order restored where these protests are taking place. Hence it seems there is now a clash between youth demands for a system change and the call by a veteran politician to bring the law above anything else before talks can commence. 

Wickremesinghe has pledged to address the needs of those protesting, but he also vows to deal with lawbreakers. 
One thing that peaceful Sri Lankans love is Wickremesinghe’s ideology which pledges to end confrontational politics. The Aragalaya wasn’t peaceful at times. Confront they did when those who opposed them and questioned their motives; a good example is when they forced themselves into a state run television station and demanded air time and the station authorities to side with them in this struggle. 

Wickremesinghe has to continue the journey from where the Gotabaya Rajapaksa was ousted. It’s that old president’s time in office that must be completed with the new head of state in the chair. The constitution doesn’t allow for a fresh people’s election of a president till Gotabaya’s stipulated period in office completes four and a half years. 

The constitution also doesn’t allow any protester to ask for the successor of Gotabaya’s to leave just because they see him unfit to be in office. 
Sri Lanka needs fuel, gas, food and medicines all in large doses. Wickremesinghe has promised to work with everybody; including the silent protester. Aggression leaves everyone in dire straights; confrontation of any form makes everything look hopeless.  Let’s hope that Sri Lanka can have a fresh start to rebuilt a shattered nation.