It is a great day for Sri Lanka. Yesterday, there was a peaceful presidential election which saw the ousting of one of the world's most corrupt politicians. For the first time in a very long time, Sri Lankans have been allowed to democratically pick their leader.
Thanks to a brave and honourable elections commissioner who stood for right in the face of death threats, there was a peaceful election with a very high voter turn out. Although the new president won by a tight margin, we can all be confident that he did so legitimately. The outgoing president ended his term in an uncharacteristically honourable way, departing Temple Trees, the official residence of the Sri Lankan President, early this morning with no fuss. I understand there has even been a transition meeting with the new president.
Now let's see. The new regime is inheriting a huge mess: a country still suffering the after effects of a 35 year war, a bankrupt economy, a country unable to feed itself without imports, a compromised judiciary, a deeply corrupt bureaucracy, a bloated military, an executive branch in thrall to China. Let's hope they start doing something today to set things right.
Those of us who are committed to democracy and to Sri Lanka are jubilant.
Congratulations President Maithripala Sirisena
No comments:
Post a Comment