Clearly Ranil Wickremesinghe does not have much of a following and even the aragalaistas have protested against him – his track record is remarkable for the lack of national appeal.
The only support he appears to have is from the Rajapaksa-centric SLPP and it does not need a Phd in Politics to understand why such an ideologically different party would extend support to Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Ranil is a champion and darling of neo liberalism. So much so he is one of the rare Sri Lankan members of the Mont Pelerin Society.
The Rajapakse’s – de facto owners of the SLPP – are socialist-nationalists. Their political ideology for instance would not permit the sale of state owned assets (perhaps except to an established stooge who presumably would ‘take care’ of them).
On the other hand Ranil would actively support the sale of – because his ideology is different.
Therefore this support is nought to do with political ideology but everything to do with political patronage and therefore protection from potential legal difficulties.
How can anyone be satiated by a failed leader being elected to the Presidency by his equals?
The best chance perhaps may be a compromise – Dullas as president and SAJITH as Premadasa
Whatever the scenario, play a role – at least by messaging your member of parliament expressing your concern and asking that he vote for the person of your choice made with your own analysis?
