“Anura Kumara Dissanayake: The Sun That Awakens Sri Lanka’s Soul”

* ‘Anu’ derived from Sanskrit, meaning ‘atom’ or ‘essence’

* ‘Ra’ symbolizes the Sun

Anura, the dawn carries your name,

Sri Lanka rises on the cusp of change,

where the palms sway not to the whispers of old,

but to the chorus of a people unchained,

their hearts beating in unison,

hoping for skies clear of corruption’s clouds.

We seek no magician,

          no conjurer of instant dreams,

but a man, grounded in soil and struggle,

who knows the weight of history’s shadow,

yet carries the future in his calloused hands.

Anura, they call you the flame,

the one to burn away the rot,

to sweep aside the ancient chains of greed - 

nepotism’s hollow throne,

self-aggrandizement’s brittle mask,

all crumble beneath the eyes of a nation

that dreams of justice,

that craves the warmth of equality.

You stand not as king,

          but as one among us,

lifting the veil of division,

where race is no more than the echo of yesterday,

and today, every name rings with the same worth.

Sinhala, Muslim, Tamil, Burgher - 

we are threads in the same flag,

woven together by hope, by resilience.

But, Anura, the road is not paved with ease,

          and we know it too.

We stand patient,

knowing that the tree does not bear fruit

the day it is planted.

A Marxist’s heart beats with the rhythm of toil,

and we, too, must labor,

hand in hand, for this promised land.

A nation’s hope is a delicate thing,

          fragile, like the first touch of rain

on the parched earth.

It demands time,

and so, we give you time - 

to shape this island into the home we dream,

where power bows before the people,

and equality stands at every door.

Anura,

          be the essence, the atom of new beginnings.

We will wait,

for the sun that bears your name.

Three Paths, One Nation: Who will lead Sri Lanka in 2024?

 

“I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them” (Adlai Stevenson)

The 2024 Sri Lankan General Election, scheduled for September 21, is one of the most pivotal in recent history, with the country at a crossroads both politically and economically. In the aftermath of significant economic challenges, including hyperinflation, foreign exchange crises, and energy shortages, Sri Lankans are seeking new leadership that can stabilize the nation and foster recovery. Three main contenders stand at the forefront of this election: Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, each offering distinct visions for Sri Lanka’s future. Let us delve into their political careers, agendas, and the possible impact they may have on the country.

The Election’s High Stakes

Sri Lanka’s recent political landscape has been shaped by the 2022 economic crisis, which resulted in months of mass protests, a change in government, and a dramatic shift in public trust towards established political parties. The ruling party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and its former leader, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were ousted from power amidst a public outcry. The country is currently in a phase of recovery, having secured a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but the road ahead remains fraught with economic challenges.

In this context, the upcoming general election is seen as crucial in determining Sri Lanka’s future direction. Voters are grappling with questions about how to sustain economic reforms, address corruption, and improve public services. All three main contenders bring different experiences and perspectives, and their campaigns reflect distinct ideologies and approaches to solving the nation’s deep-rooted issues.

Ranil Wickremesinghe: The Seasoned Statesman

Political Career

Ranil Wickremesinghe is a familiar face in Sri Lankan politics, having served as the Prime Minister on six occasions since 1993. Currently the President, Ranil ascended to the presidency in July 2022 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid protests. A member of the United National Party (UNP), Ranil is known for his pro-Western stance and his commitment to liberal economic reforms.

Throughout his career, Ranil has been seen as a pragmatic leader who prioritizes economic stability and modernization. However, his leadership style has also been criticized for being technocratic and disconnected from the common man’s concerns. Despite this, he has built a reputation as a reformer, especially with regard to the economy and governance.

Political Agenda

As the current President, Ranil’s agenda is largely focused on continuing the reforms initiated after the 2022 crisis. His government secured a $2.9 billion IMF bailout, and he has emphasized fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and attracting foreign investment as cornerstones of his economic recovery plan. He advocates for a market-driven economy and aims to reduce the budget deficit through austerity measures.

Ranil also seeks to strengthen Sri Lanka’s relations with Western powers and regional neighbors like India, while maintaining a delicate balance with China, which holds significant debt. His foreign policy leans towards leveraging international alliances to stabilize the economy and attract investment, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

However, his reliance on austerity measures has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that these policies disproportionately affect the poor. Ranil will need to convince voters that his economic strategy is the best path forward, especially given the difficult reforms already implemented.

Sajith Premadasa: The People’s Candidate

Political Career

Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), represents a new generation of leadership in Sri Lanka. The son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, Sajith has carved out a distinct political identity over his years in public service. He served as the Minister of Housing and Construction and later as the Opposition Leader. Known for his emphasis on poverty alleviation, social welfare, and rural development, Premadasa has positioned himself as a champion of the working class.

In the 2019 presidential election, Sajith garnered significant support but ultimately lost to Gotabaya Rajapaksa. However, he has remained a vocal critic of the Rajapaksa regime and its handling of the economy, particularly in the lead-up to the 2022 crisis.

Political Agenda

Sajith’s platform for the 2024 election focuses on social justice and economic equity. He has called for increased investment in healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on reducing poverty. His approach to economic recovery contrasts sharply with Wickremesinghe’s, as he advocates for a more inclusive strategy that prioritizes job creation and social welfare over austerity.

Sajith has also been critical of the IMF bailout package, arguing that its conditions, particularly those related to public spending cuts, are too harsh on ordinary Sri Lankans. Instead, he favors a more gradual approach to economic reform that protects vulnerable populations while still attracting foreign investment.

On foreign policy, Sajith has stressed the need for non-alignment, advocating for balanced relationships with global powers like the U.S., China, and India. He has also pledged to combat corruption and promote transparency in governance, an issue that resonates deeply with voters in the wake of the Rajapaksa era.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake: The Radical Challenger

Political Career

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), is perhaps the most radical contender in the race. The JVP, historically a Marxist-Leninist party, has transformed into a more moderate, left-wing movement under Anura’s leadership, though it still maintains its roots in working-class advocacy and anti-imperialism.

Anura has been an MP since 2000 and has positioned himself as a voice of the underprivileged. The JVP, once associated with violent uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s, has rebranded itself as a democratic socialist party committed to eradicating corruption and establishing a more equitable society.

Political Agenda

Anura’s campaign centers on systemic change. He advocates for an overhaul of Sri Lanka’s political and economic systems, arguing that the country’s problems are deeply rooted in the corruption and nepotism that have plagued its leadership for decades. His platform includes nationalizing key industries, strengthening labor rights, and increasing state control over natural resources.

On the economic front, Dissanayake rejects neoliberal policies, instead proposing a state-led development model that prioritizes public ownership and equitable distribution of wealth. He has also called for debt restructuring with international creditors, rather than relying on IMF bailout packages, which he views as exacerbating inequality.

Anura’s anti-corruption stance has gained significant traction, especially among younger voters who are disillusioned with the traditional political class. His focus on transparency, accountability, and grassroots governance appeals to those seeking a break from the status quo.

Who Will Be Better for Sri Lanka?

As Sri Lanka approaches this critical election, voters are faced with three very different paths forward.

Ranil Wickremesinghe represents stability and continuity, offering a technocratic approach to economic recovery that focuses on attracting foreign investment and implementing difficult reforms. However, his reliance on austerity measures could alienate lower-income voters who feel the brunt of these policies.

Sajith Premadasa offers a more populist alternative, emphasizing social justice and poverty reduction. His critique of the IMF’s role in Sri Lanka’s recovery may resonate with voters who are weary of external influence on domestic policy. However, there are questions about whether his approach can sustain long-term economic growth without alienating international investors.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, meanwhile, represents the most radical break from the past. His anti-corruption platform and calls for systemic reform may appeal to voters fed up with the political elite. However, his economic policies could face resistance from both domestic business interests and international creditors, potentially complicating Sri Lanka’s recovery.

In the end, the question of who will be better for Sri Lanka hinges on what voters prioritize. If economic stability and international credibility are paramount, Wickremesinghe may be the safer choice. If addressing inequality and poverty is the priority, Premadasa offers a compelling vision. For those seeking a fundamental restructuring of the system, Dissanayake is the candidate who promises the most change.

The 2024 election will likely be defined by these competing visions. In a country still reeling from economic collapse and political upheaval, the path forward is far from certain, but the choices made in September will undoubtedly shape Sri Lanka’s future for years to come.

Khalil Gibran’s ‘Fear’

Khalil Gibran’s poem “Fear” explores the profound human experience of confronting the unknown. Through the metaphor of a river hesitating before merging with the ocean, Gibran reflects on the nature of fear—how it arises when we face transitions in life, especially those that seem to threaten our very identity. The river’s journey symbolizes life’s progression, with the ocean representing a vast, uncharted future, or perhaps the eternal, infinite self.

Philosophically, Gibran delves into the illusion of separation. The river fears disappearing, yet in reality, it is not losing itself but becoming part of something greater. This speaks to the human tendency to cling to individuality and the familiar, while true liberation lies in surrendering to the larger flow of existence. Gibran subtly suggests that fear dissolves when we embrace the idea that we are not isolated beings, but deeply interconnected with the whole, and in that merging, we find freedom—not annihilation, but unity.

It is said that before entering the sea

A river trembles with fear.

She looks back at the path she has traveled,

from the peaks of the mountains,

the long winding road crossing forests and villages.

And in front of her,

she sees an ocean so vast,

that to enter

there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

But there is no other way.

The river can not go back.

Nobody can go back.

To go back is impossible in existence .

The river needs to take the risk

of entering the ocean

because only then will fear disappear,

because that’s where the river will know

it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,

but of becoming the ocean.”

(Tamil translation by Fareez Farook)

கடலில் கலக்குமுன்னே

ஆறு நடுங்குமாம் அச்சத்தினால்

மலையின் மடியில் ஜனித்து

காடுகள், கிராமங்கள் எனப் பயணித்து

தான் கடந்து வந்த நீண்ட நெடியப் பாதையைப் பேதை ஆறு

ஒரு கணம் நின்று திரும்பிப் பார்க்கிறாள்

கண் முன்னே கட்டித் தழுவ

காத்திருக்கிறது

கண்ணில் புலனாகா கரையோடு கடல்

ஆனால், அதில்

கலந்து பின் கரைந்து

தன்னை இழந்து விடுவோமோ எனப்

பேதை ஆறு ஏங்குகிறாள்

ஆயினும் மறுகுவதில் பயனில்லை

மாற்றுவழி ஏதுமில்லை

தான் கடந்த பாதையில் மறுபடியும்

தடம் பதித்தல் ஆற்றுக்குச்

சாத்தியமில்லை

இடைவிடாது இயங்கும்

இயற்கையின் சுழற்சியில்

மறுபடியும் எவராலும்

திரும்பிப் போக முடியாது

ஆறு தன் அச்சத்தைக் களைய

கடலில் கால்பதித்தல் வேண்டும்

அப்போதுதான்

ஆற்றுக்குப் புரியும்

கடலில் கலப்பதென்பது

காணாமல் போவதல்ல - ஆனால்

தானே கடலாய் மாறுவதென்று!

A 55-meter kick, a lion’s heart, and the roar that shook Kandy

 

As I sat glued to the screen, watching the live telecast of the Bradby Shield second leg, I could feel my pulse quicken with every passing minute. Though I wasn’t physically in Kandy, the energy, the spirit, and the weight of tradition reverberated through the screen, filling my living room with the essence of what it means to be a Trinitian.

 

This year, the Bradby Shield had an even deeper significance. We had won the first leg in Colombo, but that didn’t guarantee us victory. The Bradby has always been about more than a single match—it’s a test of perseverance, resilience, and the soul of the team. Trinity and Royal, battling it out for decades, both schools steeped in a rivalry that has become legendary. The origins of this epic encounter go back to 1945, when the shield was introduced by Royal’s Principal E.L. Bradby, marking the start of a new chapter in Sri Lankan rugby.

As the game kicked off in Kandy, I found myself on the edge of my seat, my heart beating in time with the plays on the field. The excitement of the first leg win coursed through me, but I knew the second leg was crucial. Every Trinitian knows that no Bradby victory is ever truly secure until the final whistle.

The match was intense, with both teams giving it their all. Royal, having come close to reclaiming the shield, fought fiercely, and for a time, it felt like they might pull ahead. The pressure was suffocating. Each pass, each run, each scrum seemed like a battle within itself. Yet, it was our boys who held their ground, refusing to let the shield slip away.

 

And then, the moment came. It was almost surreal. Trinity was awarded a penalty—55 meters from the posts, a near-impossible distance. Shan Althaf, our fly-half, stood ready. The commentators whispered in disbelief. A 55-meter penalty kick? With only moments left on the clock? But deep down, I knew. Every Trinitian watching knew. Shan wasn’t just playing a game; he was defending a legacy.

Time seemed to stretch as Shan took his place, eyes focused, unwavering. The whistle blew. The ball soared, almost in slow motion, cutting through the Kandy sky. I held my breath as it arced perfectly between the posts. It was a kick that defied logic, one that sealed the fate of the match and ensured our victory. In that instant, I erupted in joy, as if I were in the stands myself, screaming alongside thousands of proud Trinitians.

 

Shan Althaf had done it. With that one kick, he secured the Bradby for us. His name will be forever etched in the annals of Trinity’s rugby history. Through a live stream, from miles away, I felt the rush of triumph as strongly as if I had been standing at Pallekele myself.

 

As the final whistle echoed through the stadium and the screen, an overwhelming pride surged through me. Fifty-two Bradby Shields, each with its own story, but this one will remain special. Not just because of the incredible effort from our boys, but because of the heart, the grit, and the unforgettable final moments that will be retold for years to come.

Though I wasn’t in Kandy physically, my heart was there on the field, among the boys who fought for our legacy. We are Trinitians, bound by more than geography. We are connected by tradition, by our unwavering spirit, and by moments like these—when the roar of the lion is heard even across screens, and pride swells in every one of us. Today, I couldn’t be prouder to be a Trinitian.