Title: A Year After President’s Resignation, Sri Lanka Faces New Challenges
Subtitle: Post-protest turmoil overshadowed as Rajapaksa family returns to power
Date: [Current Date]
Byline: Anbarasan Ethirajan, BBC News Correspondent
[Colombo, Sri Lanka] – The aftermath of an unprecedented people’s movement in Sri Lanka, which resulted in the resignation of powerful President Gotabaya Rajapaksa one year ago, has brought about new challenges and shifts in the country’s political landscape.
Last year, the nation witnessed widespread protests against what citizens deemed as inept and corrupt governance under President Rajapaksa. Spearheaded by a diverse range of participants, from families to religious figures, these demonstrations united Sri Lanka’s major Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities, sending a strong message of dissatisfaction.
Triggered by a severe economic crisis, where inflation soared, foreign reserves depleted, and essential supplies like fuel, food, and medicine ran short, the protesters held President Rajapaksa and his family accountable for their mismanagement. The Rajapaksas were accused of corruption and embezzlement of public funds, allegations they continue to deny.
The culmination of the protests saw a group of demonstrators storming the presidential palace, a symbolic act aimed at forcing President Rajapaksa’s departure. One individual, Udeni Kaluthantri, became an unexpected symbol of the movement when a video of him lounging on a bed adorned with the presidential flag circulated online. Several protesters took souvenirs from the palace during the event.
Days later, President Rajapaksa fled the country, tendering his resignation from Singapore. This victory for the “aragalaya” or “people’s struggle” was seen as a significant milestone, considering the Rajapaksa family’s previously unassailable political power. Notably, the family had gained popularity by ending the country’s 25-year civil war against Tamil Tiger separatists in 2009.
However, the euphoria of the people’s triumph gave way to a crackdown as the Rajapaksas and several other politicians targeted by public anger returned to power. The military was deployed to disperse the remaining protesters at Galle Face Green, a central protest site, after President Rajapaksa’s replacement, Ranil Wickremesinghe, took office with overwhelming support from the Rajapaksa-backed party.
Udeni Kaluthantri, who was among those arrested for desecrating the presidential flag during the protest, recounted his experience, expressing no regrets for his actions. Activists like Wasantha Mudalige faced prolonged detention under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) before being cleared of charges. Mudalige insists that the government cannot silence protests without addressing the people’s grievances.
While some protesters reflect on the movement’s achievements, such as the display of people’s power and the unity across diverse sections of society, others highlight its shortcomings. Swasthika Arulingam, a prominent activist, cites a lack of political change, accountability for corruption, and a failure to introduce a new political culture as unresolved issues.
Today, Sri Lanka faces an uphill battle in overcoming its economic challenges and reducing its mounting debt of $80 billion. The government is engaging in negotiations with creditors to propose a debt restructuring program. However, opposition leaders warn that potential impacts on pension funds and the cost of living could lead to another wave of public unrest if living conditions do not improve.
Although calm currently prevails, concerns linger over the country’s economic crisis. With tourism and remittances gradually returning, the road to recovery remains arduous. Sri Lanka must find sustainable solutions to repay its debts while ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens. Whether the people’s movement of last year will inspire lasting change or further protests is yet to be seen.
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