Known by many monikers- “Entrepreneur”, “wheeler-dealer” but mostly for the racist rhetoric using his TV channel, Owner of Derana TV, Dilith Jayaweera decided in all his wisdom to contest in the just concluded Presidential Election.

Firstly, it was a bold move. And one welcomed by many. A break away from the tradition. It was, essentially, a good thing. But the problem was, it was a bad idea for Dilith.

Right from the outset of his campaign, it was clear that his campaign was founded, based on and built upon a profoundly racist agenda (he called it nationalism ).

He aligned himself with Udaya Gammanpilla, Wimal Weerawansa etc., politicians who have torn apart communities for decades.

The results of the Presidential election saw the wheels come off his dreams, securing less than 1% of the vote. Despite having an entire TV channel and a massive million dollar media ad campaign, he was soundly rejected even in the Southern Heartland he campaigned hard in.

Jayaweeras failure is a clear sign that Sri Lanka has matured and moved on away from racist, divisive politics. A united nation, Sri Lanka is looking to a brighter future and turning its back on the shenanigans of the past. Especially the youth.

Jayaweera should take a leaf from Anura Kumara playbook; he changed, and won. If Jayaweera can shed his past and turn to a progressive politics, his talent as an entrepreneur and creativity will surely serve him well in politics.

If he doesn’t, he is destined to the garbage can of political jokers like Seelaratne Thera, who provide nothing more but a humourou sideshow in Sri Lankan politics and elections.

23-09-2024