This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
On November 16, 2019, Sri Lankans made a clear choice for peace and stability, electing Gotabhaya Rajapaksha as their new president. This decision was not driven by party politics, but by the people's desire for a better future.
As a nation, Sri Lanka has long been affected by the influence of powerful nations and international organizations. These forces often bring with them values and ideas that can be at odds with the country's own culture and traditions. This can create fear and uncertainty among the population, leading to a desire for a leader who can stand up to these external pressures.
President Rajapaksha has promised to keep Sri Lanka neutral in global politics, a stance that has been welcomed by many. In a speech in New Delhi, he stated, 'We are neutral. You may very well have the arguments all in your favour. But we, who are not great nor strong, are still able to be neutral. We want our region, normally called the Indian Ocean region, to be an area of peace.'
One of the key economic issues facing Sri Lanka is high inflation and low incomes. The president has acknowledged this problem and has taken steps to address it, including halving the value-added tax (VAT) or sales tax. This move is expected to reduce the tax burden on citizens and help to stimulate economic growth.
With these steps, President Rajapaksha is showing a commitment to the needs and interests of the Sri Lankan people. His leadership is a positive development for the country and for the region as a whole.
