Revolution in Colombo: The Fall and Return of the Rajapaksa Dynasty
In a spectacle of defiance and jubilation, exuberant young men frolicked in a pool while a crowd roared with approval. One man theatrically soaped himself as festivities erupted around him. Meanwhile, Sri Lankans swayed in an opulent hallway to the sounds of iconic papare bands playing festive tunes with trumpets and drums.
These electrifying scenes unfolded on 13 July 2022, just hours after crowds surged into the presidential palace, prompting then-leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country.
It was a moment of triumph for the people of Sri Lanka.
Hundreds of thousands had defied a national curfew, braving tear gas and water cannons to peacefully march to the presidential palace, demanding Rajapaksa’s resignation.
For weeks, he had resisted calls to step down, even as his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa had already resigned as prime minister to quell public anger.
The culmination of months of protests, known as the “aragalaya” (struggle) in Sinhala, led to the humiliating and hurried exit of Rajapaksa in July 2022.
Just a few months prior, such a turn of events would have seemed unimaginable.
For years, the Rajapaksa family, spearheaded by Mahinda, wielded a tight grip on Sri Lankan politics.
During his first term, Mahinda Rajapaksa oversaw the violent end to the civil war against Tamil Tiger rebels, solidifying his status as a national “savior” among the Sinhalese majority. His staunchest supporters likened him to an emperor.
As his power grew, so did that of his family. He appointed his younger brother Gotabaya as defense secretary, a position critics say he wielded with ruthless authority. Two other brothers, Basil and Chamal, ascended to the roles of finance minister and parliamentary speaker, respectively.
The family’s appeal to Sinhalese nationalism allowed them to weather allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement, human rights abuses, and suppression of dissent for years.
However, in 2022, a series of policies triggered Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis, leading to the downfall of the Rajapaksas.
Seventeen years after Mahinda’s presidency began, the people of Sri Lanka celebrated the family’s ousting, convinced that their reign had come to an end.
But had it really?
The Rajapaksa Resurgence
Fast forward two years, and Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Namal, has thrown his hat into the ring for the upcoming presidential election on 21 September.
University student Lakshan Sandaruwan, who participated in the mass protests, expressed disbelief at the prospect of the Rajapaksa family making a comeback.
However, Namal is not the only Rajapaksa reentering the scene.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the man chased out of the country by angry protesters, did not stay away for long.
He returned just 50 days after his hasty departure, enjoying the privileges of a former president, including a luxury bungalow and government-funded security.
Opposition politician Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as president for the remaining two years of Rajapaksa’s term, with the SLPP party backing him.
Wickremesinghe, a six-time former prime minister, focused on economic recovery but faced accusations of shielding the Rajapaksa family from prosecution.
Shortly after Wickremesinghe assumed office, the military dispersed crowds at Galle Face in Colombo, the protest epicenter.
Those who had participated in storming the presidential palace and taking souvenirs were subsequently imprisoned.
The perceived protection of the Rajapaksa family and suppression of dissent has left many Sri Lankans disillusioned amidst economic hardships and rising prices.
While the Rajapaksa dynasty may have seemed to falter in 2022, its resurgence in Sri Lankan politics poses a new challenge to the country’s future.
Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis: A Tale of Political Power and Desperation
Government slashes subsidies on essentials and increases taxes to restore macro-economic stability
In an attempt to restructure international debt and adhere to bailout terms with the IMF, Sri Lanka has implemented painful measures that have devastated millions
Despite a rise in foreign reserves and low inflation, the real-world impact on ordinary Sri Lankans has been dire
Lirne Asia study shows three million people fell below the poverty line in 2023, with families struggling to feed themselves and pulling children out of school
Supreme Court ruling holds Rajapaksa family responsible for economic mismanagement, triggering the crisis
Namal Rajapaksa aims to win back support by championing his father’s legacy, despite international calls for prosecution over alleged war crimes
Voters skeptical of Namal’s chances, citing lack of experience and family’s tainted reputation
Focus shifts to other candidates like Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and independent candidate Wickremesinghe
Experts believe Namal’s bid for presidency is a long-term strategy to maintain political relevance and influence until 2029
As Sri Lanka navigates political turmoil and economic hardship, the future remains uncertain as voters grapple with the legacy of the Rajapaksa family.
