A M M MUZAMMIL
COLOMBO : As I sit at my laptop, ready to write, my mind wanders, searching for the perfect way to begin. Being an ardent fan of MGR, I couldn’t help but recall his timeless and impactful song, “Ethanai Kaalam Thaan Yemaatruvaar Intha Naatile… Nam Naatile” (How long will politicians continue to deceive us in our own land, in our own country?) from the iconic film Malaikkallan (Mountain Thief )
Despite being an old song, its insightful message remains strikingly relevant today, especially in the context of Sri Lanka, where corruption remains pervasive and deeply entrenched within society. Its timeless lyrics serve as a powerful and enduring reminder that certain challenges, such as injustice and inequality, persist across generations.
“Sathiyam Thavaradha Utthaman Polave Nadikkiraar
Samayam Paarthu Pala Vagaiyilum Kollai Adikkiraar”
“In the above lines, it is conveyed that he presents himself as an upstanding and honest individual, unwavering in his commitment to the truth. However, when the opportunity presents itself, he cleverly manipulates situations and engages in deceitful practices through various means.”
The song perfectly encapsulates the duplicitous nature of politicians who view the masses as easily deceived fools. Politicians are, indeed, the same everywhere—promising grandiose things, as Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev once quipped, even pledging to build a bridge where there isn’t even a river.
Since gaining independence in 1948, successive governments in Sri Lanka have not only driven the country towards economic ruin but have also consistently deceived the public with empty promises. From absurd claims like bringing rice from the moon to establishing a Volkswagen Vehicle factory in Kuliyapitiya, they have exploited the people’s trust for political gain.
Due to rampant corruption and embezzlement by politicians, approximately one in six, or 16%, of the population in our country now lives below the poverty line. Studies based on the national poverty line reveal that the number of impoverished individuals in Sri Lanka surged from 3 million to 7 million between 2019 and 2023.
In addition to this alarming rise in poverty, the nation faces a crippling debt burden, owing over $100 billion, including interest. This economic crisis is a direct result of years of mismanagement and self-serving political decisions that have left the country in a precarious financial state. Political corruption is widely recognized as the root cause of our nation’s bankruptcy.
As the Presidential Election approaches, three leading candidates—Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP), Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the independent candidate, President Ranil Wickremesinghe—are competing in what is said to be the most fiercely contested Presidential Election in the history of the country.
For 76 years, the citizens of this country have endured in silence, witnessing unchecked corruption, and a breakdown in law and order. They have observed the pervasive nepotism and the extensive parliamentary privileges MPs enjoy—such as pensions, medical treatments in Singapore, food subsidies at the parliamentary canteen, car permits, bar license, and a host of other benefits—while ordinary citizens continue to suffer. The list of grievances is extensive and seemingly endless.
In the economic arena, misappropriation of EPF funds, Central Bank bond scandals, the sale of national assets, embezzlements, the sugar scam, and the successive governments’ ill-planned borrowing for ostentatious purposes have significantly burdened the economy. As a result, Sri Lanka now owes nearly $7 billion to China and around $1 billion to India, compounding the financial strain.
Like manna from heaven, the ordinary citizens of this country have been granted a rare opportunity on 21st September to rid themselves of corrupt leaders who not only amassed enormous wealth at the expense of taxpayers but also skillfully fostered racism to secure their grip on power indefinitely.
Never refrain from exercising your right to vote, as elections come only once every five years. Voting is not only our fundamental civic duty but also an opportunity to contribute to the progress of our nation.
Voters must thoughtfully and judiciously select a Presidential candidate who exemplifies integrity, is untainted by corruption, and possesses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. This leader should be unwavering in their commitment to eradicating ethno-racist extremism and fostering lasting communal harmony.
To guide the nation out of its economic crisis, the candidate must prioritize renegotiating the IMF program and restructuring the national debt to alleviate the burden of austerity on the people. Additionally, they should advocate for the Stolen Asset Recovery (STAR) program to reclaim misappropriated funds held in offshore accounts. These actions are vital for restoring economic stability and ensuring accountability.
Dear Voters, you are the true kingmakers. The need of the hour is a profound “System Change”—a complete departure from the decades-old political culture and governance that have steadily eroded our nation’s historic ethnic harmony, economy, and cultural heritage.
Every son and daughter of Mother Lanka must think wisely, act rationally, and vote for a genuine “Game Change” to safeguard the future of our nation.
Your choice will either make or break the nation’s future. Cometh the hour, cometh the leader. As the dawn of 22nd September approaches, the winds of change will sweep across Sri Lanka, and its political destiny will undoubtedly be reshaped, setting the course for a new chapter in the nation’s history.
