'Presidential poll is an opportunity to reshape Sri Lanka': Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Interview/ Anura Kumara Dissanayake, presidential candidate, National People’s Power

Q/ How important is this presidential election for Sri Lanka?

A/ It is the most important election in Sri Lanka’s history. In every election, power shifts from one ruling faction to another. Initially, these groups had distinct identities, but over the past two to three decades, they have become almost indistinguishably merged. As a result, while governments have changed since 1994, many of the same individuals continuously held ministerial positions across administrations. Some have even supported conflicting constitutional amendments over time. Thus far, elections have not led to any significant change in the governance structure.

Therefore, this election is crucial because it offers a unique opportunity to reshape the economic, social and political path of our country, steering it in a completely new direction. It brings the government closer to the people, with the promise of a brighter future. While we have proposed these goals before, this is the first time we have the power to effect meaningful change. The transfer of power will be driven by a public movement rooted in the people’s interest, breaking away from the traditional cycles of power.

Q/ Do you think the Aragalaya uprising in 2022 made the NPP popular?

A/ The struggle emerged as an outcry against the oppression faced by the people. Imagine a country where one family ruled, leading to a situation where there was no oil, gas or electricity, children were deprived of basic necessities like milk powder, and people could no longer sustain their livelihoods. The last resort was to take to the streets and oust the ruling elite. If the people themselves build a government, it is their right to rise up again, should their expectations be betrayed. Such a struggle is not only justified, but also fair.

Q/ You were also a part of it.

A/ We became part of that struggle, not as leaders or planners, but as participants. As a political movement, the NPP recognised the significant challenges in fulfilling the aspirations of that struggle. While anarchy is not a solution, and some form of constitutional authority must be maintained, the core demands of the people were not fully addressed in the resulting political framework. However, the people have entrusted us with the responsibility of carrying their hopes forward through the election. We benefit from the momentum of that uprising and the people’s desire for change.

Q/ Do you think a liberation movement can actually bring about a positive change in a country, or lead to instability?

A/ People can rise up and remove rulers from power, but what follows should not be anarchy. After the expulsion, a new government must be established to restore order. The solution is to form a democratic, constitutional government to prevent the descent into anarchy. By establishing such a government, we can ensure stability and transition away from disorder. We believe that through this approach, governance can be restored and freed from the chaos that typically follows upheaval.

Q/ The International Monetary Fund programme is being implemented in Sri Lanka, and austerity measures are coming into effect.

A/ Yes, we are currently under an IMF programme, and its implementation has caused significant hardship for the people. This is why we are seeking a new mandate from the public to renegotiate with the IMF. We believe they will respect the will of the people. Our position is that in pursuing economic goals, we must advance in a way that alleviates pressure on the public, while safeguarding the macroeconomic system. Our economy is fragile and even a minor shock could have major consequences. Therefore, we aim to make the necessary changes gradually to ensure long-term stability.

Q/ Corruption and economic democracy have been two focal points of your current campaign.

A/ Fraud, corruption and waste have been key contributors to the collapse of the economy. Many essential development projects have failed due to these practices, but at the same time, numerous unnecessary projects have been undertaken because of fraud, corruption and waste. Economic decisions are often driven by bribes received by those in power, which has been a major factor in the downfall of our economy. Furthermore, fraud and corruption have become significant barriers for investors, entrepreneurs and industrialists, as the success of a project is often determined by the amount of money a minister receives. To rebuild our country, eliminating fraud and corruption is essential.

Additionally, the erosion of economic democracy stands as a second critical issue. Fraud and corruption have severely undermined economic democracy, as investors secure projects based on bribes rather than merit. Numerous barriers have been placed in front of potential investors, with the government acting as an impediment. Our goal is to ensure fair and democratic access to the economy for all those with the capacity and potential to contribute. Achieving this is essential for our country’s economic advancement.

Q/ How do you want to engage with India? There are other countries, like China, which also have interests in Sri Lanka.

A/ Our approach to India will reflect its close proximity and significant role in geopolitics. India has made impressive strides in both economy and technology, and it is crucial to our development and regional security. We will ensure that our sea, land and airspace are not used in ways that threaten India or regional stability. Additionally, we will carefully consider how our economic measures impact our country, recognising the importance of India’s support in our development efforts.

It is well known that there is competition between India and China in our region. India, being a country in the Indian Ocean, understands the strategic significance of our region’s political and economic positions. Meanwhile, China is actively working to consolidate its economic and political influence here, and we are aware of this as well. Our approach will be to safeguard regional security while leveraging economic opportunities to our advantage. However, we are committed to maintaining our sovereignty and will not become subordinate to any power in this geopolitical race. We believe in adopting a strong foreign policy that aligns with the global conditions and serves our national interests effectively.