Sri Lanka’s 10th Parliamentary Election: Historic Victory for the National People’s Power
Political Background
In recent years, Sri Lanka’s political landscape has experienced significant shifts. Following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidential victory in 2019, expectations for major reforms were high among the populace. However, the government’s inability to address the worsening economic crisis, rising inflation, and public discontent paved the way for a call for change. In this context, the National People’s Power (NPP), led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, achieved a historic victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections, marking a crucial turning point in Sri Lankan politics.
Election Results and Seat Distribution
The 2024 parliamentary election saw a contest across 225 seats. Out of these, the National People’s Power secured a commanding majority with 159 seats, surpassing the 145 seats previously held by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in the 2020 elections.
National People’s Power (NPP):
- Total Votes: 6,863,186
- Vote Share: 61.56%
- Seats Won: 159
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB):
- Total Votes: 1,968,716
- Vote Share: 17.66%
- Seats Won: 35
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK):
- Total Votes: 257,813
- Vote Share: 2.32%
- Seats Won: 7
Other Minor Parties:
- Several smaller parties, including Buddhist nationalist and right-wing parties, managed to win between 5-10 seats each, reflecting a reduced influence in this election.
Shift in Tamil-Dominated Regions
The northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka, predominantly Tamil areas, have traditionally been strongholds for Tamil nationalist parties like the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK). However, in this election, the NPP made unprecedented inroads in these regions, securing a majority in several key constituencies.
Reasons for the Shift:
- Dissatisfaction with Traditional Tamil Parties: Long-standing grievances among Tamil communities, coupled with a lack of substantial progress from traditional Tamil parties, led to a shift in voter preference towards the NPP.
- Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Appeal: Dissanayake’s charismatic leadership and promises of economic reforms, social justice, and anti-corruption measures resonated with both Tamil and Sinhalese voters.
- Economic Crisis: The ongoing economic challenges, including hyperinflation and job losses, intensified the demand for a new political approach, which the NPP capitalized on effectively.
Outcome in Hill Country Regions
The Hill Country regions, home to a large population of Indian-origin Tamil workers, witnessed a significant political shift. The districts of Kandy, Matale, and Badulla, which have traditionally been controlled by conservative or right-wing parties, were won by the NPP.
Key Highlights:
- Matale: The NPP managed to overturn a long-standing dominance of right-wing parties in this region, securing a majority.
- Kandy: The historic city of Kandy also saw the NPP emerging victorious, marking a notable shift in the region’s political landscape.
The Fall of the Rajapaksa Family
The Rajapaksa family, a dominant force in Sri Lankan politics since 2005, suffered a severe blow in this election. The political dynasty, which included influential figures like Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, saw a complete exit from parliamentary politics.
Reasons for the Decline:
- Economic Mismanagement: The Rajapaksa administration was widely blamed for the severe economic downturn, which included a foreign exchange crisis and mounting national debt.
- Failure in Post-War Reconciliation: Despite the end of the civil war in 2009, the government’s efforts in post-war reconciliation with Tamil communities were seen as insufficient, leading to disenchantment.
- Internal Party Conflicts: The SLPP faced internal disputes and factionalism, weakening its electoral prospects.
Decline of the United National Party (UNP) and Ranil Wickremesinghe
The United National Party (UNP), led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, also experienced a significant decline in this election, indicating dwindling public support for the party.
Contributing Factors:
- Lack of Public Trust: The UNP’s economic policies failed to gain widespread approval, particularly in light of the severe economic challenges faced by the nation.
- Corruption Allegations: Allegations of corruption against prominent party members further eroded voter confidence.
Political Landscape and Future Expectations
The results of this election signal a new phase in Sri Lankan politics, with several significant changes expected in the coming years.
- Economic Reforms by the NPP: Under the leadership of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the NPP is expected to introduce robust economic policies aimed at recovery and growth. Key areas of focus include job creation, inflation control, and reducing national debt.
- Shift in Tamil-Dominated Areas: The victory of the NPP in Tamil-majority areas reflects a demand for new leadership and development policies. It is expected that the party will prioritize addressing the unique economic and social challenges faced by these regions.
- Restoring Public Confidence: Given the electorate’s desire for change, the NPP will need to implement its promised reforms effectively to maintain public trust and establish a stable governance framework.
Conclusion
The 10th parliamentary election in Sri Lanka marks a pivotal moment in the country’s political history. The overwhelming victory of the National People’s Power, combined with the decline of long-standing political dynasties like the Rajapaksas, suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment.
The NPP’s win is seen as a reflection of the people’s desire for a new direction, with a focus on transparency, economic stability, and social justice. As Sri Lanka embarks on this new political journey, the coming years will be critical in determining whether the NPP can deliver on its promises and reshape the nation’s future.
Sri Lanka’s 10th Parliamentary Election: Historic Victory for the National People’s Power
