The End of a Brand: The Hindu Editorial on the Fall of Rajapaksa

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resignsAmidst extraordinary scenes of violence as part of a wider public uprising against his family’s rule, the abrupt collapse marks A political brand that has dominated the country For the better part of the last decade and a half. Regarded by large sections of majority Sinhalese as a national hero who defeated the Liberation Tigers, Mr. Mahinda never imagined that his support base would be replaced by the massive number of protesters who opposed him so vehemently that They have to leave the ‘Temple Tree’. ‘, his Colombo residence, for protection. Thousands of protesters have been demanding the resignation of Rajapaksa, all holding various positions, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as the economic crisis became unbearable with severe shortages of food and fuel as well as the means to buy them. Until a few days ago, Rajapaksa appeared to be demanding regardless, as the country sought to address the crisis through foreign aid and bailout packages. However, as the protests grew, it appeared that the President wanted his elder brother to resign as Prime Minister. Amidst political uncertainty, Violent attack on protesters in ColomboAllegedly by supporters of the prime minister, a chain of incidents began that resulted in deaths and injuries, even as the homes of political leaders, including Rajapaksa’s ancestral home in Hambantota, were targeted by arsonists.

Mr Mahinda’s resignation may not be enough to pacify the protesters and political instability could continue. Now any person holding the post of Prime Minister will have to have the confidence of the people as well as the will to take the country towards economic reforms. President Gotabaya will have to choose someone who can win a parliamentary majority, but the current mood of public anger could deter anyone associated with the Rajapaksa regime. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has already turned down a proposal to run the government under Gotabaya Presidency. For India, which has responded to the crisis with $3.50 billion in financial and material aid, the situation presents a unique dilemma: its continued support should not be seen as a means to continue an unpopular regime; Nor can it look the other way as the shortage persists, causing trouble to the common people. In its response to the situation, India has stated that it supports Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability and economic recovery and that it will “always be guided by the best interests of the Sri Lankan people expressed through democratic processes”. It can only mean that it does not want to be seen as giving political support to the current regime, but gives priority to the interests of the people. A big message from the demise of the Rajapaksa brand is that muscle nationalism and majoritarian mobilization cannot be an endless storehouse of support, and will be of no use when the masses face economic hardship.