Sign in Subscribe
Legislators

"Some Are More Equal Than Others": A Societal Illusion in Sri Lanka

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The infamous phrase coined by George Orwell in his allegorical novel Animal Farm, "Some are more equal than others," aptly captures the paradoxical reality of societal hypocrisy, where a privileged few receive preferential treatment. In Sri Lanka, the recent arrest, remanding, and bail of former President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has sparked a heated debate about the concept of equality before the law. The opposition's sudden shift in allegiance and the underlying motives behind this change of heart raise questions about the true intentions of the politicians involved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The opposition's sudden change of heart towards Ranil Wickremesinghe raises questions about their true intentions and the underlying motives.
  • Wickremesinghe's economic credentials as Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development from 2015 to 2019 have been criticized, with some arguing that his record contributed to the country's bankruptcy in 2022.
  • The arrest of Wickremesinghe has sparked a heated debate about the concept of equality before the law in Sri Lanka.
  • The opposition's support for Wickremesinghe may be a result of their own self-interest and desire for power, as opposed to a genuine commitment to upholding the law.
  • Sri Lanka's history of elitism and exclusivity has led to a society where a few individuals are considered more equal than others, perpetuating a system of privilege and corruption.
  • A cultural shift is needed to ensure that every citizen adheres to the law of the land, regardless of their status or connections.
  • A value-based society, where individuals are guided by ethics and moral values, is essential for creating a fair and equitable society.

Statistics:

  • In the 2024 general election, the United National Party, led by Wickremesinghe, managed to obtain only 66,234 votes nationally (Source: [1] Wikipedia).
  • Ranil Wickremesinghe's party, the United National Party, polled only 249,435 votes in the 2020 general election (Source: [2] Elections Commission of Sri Lanka).
  • Sri Lanka's debt-to-GDP ratio has increased from around 70% in 2015 to close to 90% in 2019, mainly due to a record $12 billion International Sovereign Bond borrowing (Source: [3] IMF).

Sources:

[1] Wikipedia. (n.d.). List of elections in Sri Lanka. Retrieved from

[2] Elections Commission of Sri Lanka. (2020). Official Website. Retrieved from

[3] IMF. (n.d.). Sri Lanka. Retrieved from

Read more