What befell Sri Lanka during the past few decades following independence, and how a country that even developed countries like Singapore looked up to in the past turned into a loan-seeking, debt-ridden country, have become oft asked questions in the society and on social media platforms, mostly by the youth concerned about their future. This youth population is also among those leaving the country in scores, seeking jobs and other opportunities in foreign countries.
It is obvious that during the time the British colonisers decided to leave Sri Lanka for good, and to date, Sri Lanka has lost something that has a strong potential to affect the way the people look at the country’s situation, and that is good leadership.
Even though a number of leaders at various levels of political and social leadership may have contributed to this situation, among them, the country’s political leadership plays a massive and unique role.
Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, this week, said that the SJB is taking the initiative to adopt a new way forward, which is aimed at serving the nation, instead of leading it. He also said that the incumbent Government and leaders have only wanted to “lead and control” the country, adding that as the main Opposition party, the SJB aspires to serve the nation. Premadasa, the son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, while making the said statements, also noted the importance of Sri Lanka not bowing down to other nationals for money as well as establishing Sri Lanka’s position as an independent and strong nation, before the world.
Of all the leaders, Premadasa should know the importance of exemplary leadership, as the birth of the party he leads, i.e. the SJB, is a result of poor United National Party (UNP) leadership. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s questionable leadership, which led to the formation of the SJB and the collapse of the UNP, the latter which at one point in history was Sri Lanka’s strongest political party, should have taught Sajith Premadasa a lesson about the importance of leadership.
The truth is, the Premadasa-led SJB, as the main Opposition party, could have done a far better job than it has done, as far as guiding the country’s ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party is concerned, as it is one of the key responsibilities, if not the main one, of a main Opposition party.
In the Sri Lankan context, the idea of political leadership is largely dependent on the number of followers, which is based more on the charisma of and promises given by political leaders than on actual leadership qualities. These ardent, blind followers almost always remain followers, and continue to support the leaders they have chosen irrespective of their qualities. As a result, Sri Lanka’s political culture is such that new leaders with exemplary leadership qualities do not get the same attention and support as conventional leaders with inferior leadership qualities. This is, unfortunately, one of the reasons why Sri Lanka lacks new and better leadership with out-of-the-box thinking.
Perhaps, understanding this bitter reality could be the key to addressing the issues of disappointed citizens, the declining quality of life, the collapsing economy, and the weakening rule of law.
Putting an end to this culture is not only a responsibility progressive forces within the existing political culture can fulfil. It is also a responsibility of the people. They may not have much control over how leaders lead the country. However, Sri Lanka is a democratic country, and a large part of the process which creates political leaders is in the hands of the people. If they know what is wrong with the leadership, there is a lot they can do to change it; the most obvious one being voting in the right leaders. Even though the Opposition Leader is of the view that serving supersedes leading, the value of leadership and its inspirational potential cannot be underestimated. Leadership also can be in the hands of the masses who can take a leadership role. However, to do that, people need to first understand that exercising their franchise is not only a responsibility, but is also a right and a power.Serving while, not without, leading
04 Nov 2021
Serving while, not without, leading
04 Nov 2021
What befell Sri Lanka during the past few decades following independence, and how a country that even developed countries like Singapore looked up to in the past turned into a loan-seeking, debt-ridden country, have become oft asked questions in the society and on social media platforms, mostly by the youth concerned about their future. This youth population is also among those leaving the country in scores, seeking jobs and other opportunities in foreign countries.
It is obvious that during the time the British colonisers decided to leave Sri Lanka for good, and to date, Sri Lanka has lost something that has a strong potential to affect the way the people look at the country’s situation, and that is good leadership.
Even though a number of leaders at various levels of political and social leadership may have contributed to this situation, among them, the country’s political leadership plays a massive and unique role.
Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, this week, said that the SJB is taking the initiative to adopt a new way forward, which is aimed at serving the nation, instead of leading it. He also said that the incumbent Government and leaders have only wanted to “lead and control” the country, adding that as the main Opposition party, the SJB aspires to serve the nation. Premadasa, the son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, while making the said statements, also noted the importance of Sri Lanka not bowing down to other nationals for money as well as establishing Sri Lanka’s position as an independent and strong nation, before the world.
Of all the leaders, Premadasa should know the importance of exemplary leadership, as the birth of the party he leads, i.e. the SJB, is a result of poor United National Party (UNP) leadership. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s questionable leadership, which led to the formation of the SJB and the collapse of the UNP, the latter which at one point in history was Sri Lanka’s strongest political party, should have taught Sajith Premadasa a lesson about the importance of leadership.
The truth is, the Premadasa-led SJB, as the main Opposition party, could have done a far better job than it has done, as far as guiding the country’s ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party is concerned, as it is one of the key responsibilities, if not the main one, of a main Opposition party.
In the Sri Lankan context, the idea of political leadership is largely dependent on the number of followers, which is based more on the charisma of and promises given by political leaders than on actual leadership qualities. These ardent, blind followers almost always remain followers, and continue to support the leaders they have chosen irrespective of their qualities. As a result, Sri Lanka’s political culture is such that new leaders with exemplary leadership qualities do not get the same attention and support as conventional leaders with inferior leadership qualities. This is, unfortunately, one of the reasons why Sri Lanka lacks new and better leadership with out-of-the-box thinking.
Perhaps, understanding this bitter reality could be the key to addressing the issues of disappointed citizens, the declining quality of life, the collapsing economy, and the weakening rule of law.
Putting an end to this culture is not only a responsibility progressive forces within the existing political culture can fulfil. It is also a responsibility of the people. They may not have much control over how leaders lead the country. However, Sri Lanka is a democratic country, and a large part of the process which creates political leaders is in the hands of the people. If they know what is wrong with the leadership, there is a lot they can do to change it; the most obvious one being voting in the right leaders. Even though the Opposition Leader is of the view that serving supersedes leading, the value of leadership and its inspirational potential cannot be underestimated. Leadership also can be in the hands of the masses who can take a leadership role. However, to do that, people need to first understand that exercising their franchise is not only a responsibility, but is also a right and a power.Kapruka
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!