The political culture of a nation is intricately woven into its societal fabric, shaped profoundly by its governing systems. For Sri Lanka, this fabric has weathered a tumultuous journey marked by a stark decline in its political ethos. The inception of the Republican Constitution in 1972 marked a turning point, catalyzing a gradual erosion that deepened with the shift to Executive Presidency in 1978. This transition intensified the politicization of state institutions, breeding a fertile ground for corruption and administrative decay.
Over subsequent decades, various administrations bore witness to fleeting attempts at reform. The 17th Amendment in 2000 aimed to restore balance through Independent Commissions, only to be undone by the 18th Amendment a decade later, consolidating executive power at the expense of accountability.
Amidst this turbulence, a glimmer of hope emerged with the 19th Amendment in 2015, a collaborative effort to reinstate democratic safeguards dismantled by its predecessor. However, the tide turned again with the 20th Amendment in 2020, bolstering executive authority and undoing years of progress.
In a surprising twist of fate in 2023, Ranil Wickremesinghe's unexpected ascension to the Executive Presidency ushered in the 21st Amendment, rekindling the spirit of reform by reinstating critical provisions and reasserting checks on executive powers. This pivotal move stands as a beacon of change, challenging the imprudence and irrationality that marred past policies.
As Sri Lanka navigates this transformative juncture, the quest for a revitalized political culture resonates deeply—a testament to resilience and a commitment to reclaiming democratic integrity.
Reflecting on past decisions driven by short-sighted ambitions and a hunger for power, it begs the question whether leaders ever consulted wise counsel within their own ranks or from impartial advisors. These imprudent actions not only eroded our political landscape but also deepened the current economic woes.
The scourge of election-related violence and violations of election laws casts a shadow on our political process. Candidates, driven by a win-at-all-costs mentality, resort to thuggery and intimidation during campaigns, turning each electoral cycle into a chaotic spectacle. Tragically, some past elections have even witnessed deadly incidents, including bombings and shootings, staining our democratic fabric.
Civil society watchdogs have consistently highlighted the glaring issue of lax law enforcement, particularly towards ruling party candidates implicated in electoral misconduct. The misuse of government resources further underscores the ethical decay within our political sphere. Ultimately, while candidates bear direct responsibility for their actions, party leaders share an indirect culpability for endorsing individuals who lack the integrity to uphold fair campaign standards.
The aftermath of elections often reveals that those who engage in misconduct during campaigns continue their disruptive behavior within Parliament itself. Such disgraceful conduct within legislative chambers has sadly become a hallmark of our political environment.
Thus, there is an urgent call to nominate candidates of impeccable character—individuals who embody integrity and statesmanship. These leaders must prioritize the collective good over personal gain, fostering a political culture where decency, respect, and ethical conduct prevail. Only then can we aspire to rebuild trust, strengthen democracy, and pave the way for a brighter future for Sri Lanka.
Despite glaring misconduct within their ranks, political party leaders often turn a blind eye, perpetuating a cycle where honorable parliamentarians remain a distant aspiration. Indeed, the dream of a truly dignified Parliament hinges on the selection of candidates with unwavering integrity.
The "From Dialogue to Action" report, released jointly by PAFFREL, CMEV, and the CPA in 2004, underscores this need for electoral reform in Sri Lanka. Specifically, it advocates empowering the Elections Commissioner or Commission to censure and even annul candidacies of those who flout election rules, alongside establishing mechanisms for voter recall of representatives who betray public trust. Regrettably, these recommendations have yet to receive legislative backing, reflecting a missed opportunity to fortify democratic norms.
Compounding this issue is the electorate's tendency to overlook candidates' misconduct in favor of party loyalty—a phenomenon that perpetuates hypocrisy within our political culture. Despite their contentious conduct, elected officials often find themselves honored guests at public events, where they hypocritically extol moral virtues to impressionable audiences.
Furthermore, ordinary citizens, especially the less privileged, frequently resort to seeking favors from their local MPs, often from the ruling party, to navigate bureaucratic hurdles for basic services or educational opportunities. This dependency highlights systemic inefficiencies and underscores the ethical dilemmas faced by both constituents and lawmakers alike.
In this complex web of patronage and misconduct, certain elements morph into cheer squads and goon squads for favored candidates, perpetuating a culture where electoral integrity is undermined and public trust eroded.
Addressing these challenges demands a concerted effort to prioritize meritocracy over partisanship, transparency over patronage, and ethical governance over expediency. Only then can Sri Lanka foster a political culture where leadership is synonymous with integrity and service to the nation.
As elections loom on the horizon, a familiar scene unfolds where opportunistic individuals rally around prospective candidates, promising their support for a "successful" campaign. Among these supporters lurk unsavory characters—hooch manufacturers, drug peddlers, and others seeking protection or favors in exchange for their allegiance. This coalition of interests morphs into the candidate's cheer squads and goon squads during the heated election season.
With the Presidential Election imminent, there is a collective hope among the populace that all political parties, including the ruling party, will commit to ensuring a fair and violence-free electoral process. Such a commitment would mark a pivotal step towards fostering a more equitable and transparent political culture in Sri Lanka.
The need for change is palpable. By eliminating electoral violence and violations of election laws, leaders can set a positive precedent for future elections, promoting trust and integrity in the democratic process. This auspicious beginning holds the potential to redefine Sri Lanka's political landscape, steering it towards a future where governance is guided by fairness, accountability, and the common good.
Achieving this vision requires steadfast dedication from all stakeholders—political leaders, civil society, and the electorate alike. Together, we can cultivate a political environment where meritocracy triumphs over malpractice, and where the voices and aspirations of every citizen are respected and upheld.
In conclusion, the upcoming Presidential Election presents a crucial opportunity for Sri Lanka to break free from the shackles of its entrenched political culture. By committing to fair and transparent elections, free from violence and law violations, all political parties can pave the way for a renewed era of integrity and accountability. This pivotal moment calls for collective action and unwavering resolve to ensure that governance in Sri Lanka reflects the highest standards of ethical conduct and public service. As citizens, we must demand and uphold these principles, forging a path towards a brighter and more inclusive future for our nation.