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The Revolution is on

Sri Lanka is in the news for the last one week, hogging the headlines over even the war in Ukraine. The Rajapaksas' are out, President Gotabaya out of Sri Lanka and presently in Singapore awaiting asylum in a third country. Ranil Wikramasinghe has appointed himself the acting president, after facing flak over not resigning as prime minister, and imposed a state of emergency. The protesters are not convinced and want a complete break from the past politicians who they hold responsible for the worst economic situation the country is going through.

Srilanka is facing a two front challenge- economic and governance. And to make matters worse one is responsible for the other. So, logically, if governance is stabalised it will automatically ensure economic revival. Political stability is a must for both an IMF bailout and for attracting future investments back to Sri Lanka. The island nation was brought to the brink of bankrupcy due to the muddled policy decisions under the Rajapaksa rule. Excessive borrowings for non-viable projects like the Hanbantota started the free fall that was accelerated by the impact of Covid19 on tourism. The role of the government led by Mahinda Rajapaksa has come for great scrutiny, especially the decisions to force the farmers to switch to organic farming and the populist measures that led to excessive expenditure without adequate revenue sources. 

The people's revolution is not yet over as the non-violent protests on one hand brought an end to the rule by the Rajapakse family but has not ensured a transitional government devoid of former political leaders who have lost trust with the people. By appointing Ranil Wikramasinghe as the prime minister and then elevating him to the post of acting president, Gotabaya has ensured continuity and laid the ground work for a return in the near future. The people are against this and want a clean break from the past. Sri Lanka wants a new beginning but knows that for fresh elections there needs to be an interim government. That government should be trustworthy and made up of politicians who are not tainted by the past. 

India has done the right thing by helping the neighbouring country with food, fuel and medicines but at the same time stayed away from interfering with the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. By stating that we are with the people of Sri Lanka, the goverrnment of India is seen to be hedging its options as no one can predict what will happen in the next few weeks as far as government formation goes. Wait and watch but send help in the form of basic necessities to tide over the present situation is the best strategy to convince Sri Lanka that India is not a fair-weather friend. 

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