President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a political rally in Jaffna

For the first time in history, Sri Lankans have shown remarkable progress in political literacy, with all three communities rejecting divisive politics.

In Thursday’s election, the NPP secured 61.56% of the total vote, a significant increase from the 42.2% it previously obtained. This increase was driven by 1.2 million former SJB, NDF and minority party voters (from the previous 7 million) who shifted their support to the NPP. Meanwhile, only 2.4 million votes went to the rest on the 14th; others abstained altogether.

It signals a broader mandate and provides a stronger foundation as they move forward in governing the nation. Anyone engaging in excessive complaining or dramatic expressions of grief over Thursday’s election victory should consider this a long overdue wake-up call. This result, while stirring emotions, is a consequence of the dynamics set in motion seventy-five years ago. The delay in addressing the underlying issues only made the situation worse, making this victory almost inevitable for those who follow the political landscape closely. The country not only backed up its presidential victory in September, but also demonstrated its growing support by significantly improving that performance.

This is not just a victory for one party – it is a great victory for the entire nation. For years, past elections, while yielding victories for various administrations, were often won without a mandate from the North and East, a nation divided along ethnic lines, a situation that remained a source of concern for the country’s unity and stability. People witnessed the unthinkable – nine more than the “unachievable” mark of 150 seats set by JR Jayewardene in 1978, a benchmark long considered unsurpassable, shattered by a single party in this election. This remarkable performance underscores a seismic shift in voter sentiment and the unparalleled momentum of a political movement that has defied historical precedent. It is a testament to the readiness of the electorate to break with traditional patterns and embrace change on an unprecedented scale.

(In the 1994 presidential election, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga won a landslide victory with 62.28% of the vote, (influenced in part by the assassination of her opponent, winning every district and all electorates except Mahiyangana, and aided by poor turnout – – only 2.9% in Jaffna district Northern regions, historically outside The extent of political parties in the South, remained largely indifferent or opposed to traditional power centers However, in this election, this trend was decisively modified by the change in voter behavior.

The election result marks the end of blind loyalty to political parties, the dismantling of mythological divisions that have long perpetuated societal divisions, and the demise of the last vestiges of feudal systems that thrived on serving the powerful in exchange for favors.

It would be a mistake to assume that no democratic progress resulted from this outcome. On the contrary, the elections represent a significant step forward in reshaping the political landscape. It shattered the arrogant presumption of the traditional elite that the upper echelons of Colombo could unilaterally determine what was best for the masses while manipulating public perception with ease. This result underscores a heightened political consciousness and a collective assertion of agency among ordinary citizens, marking a decisive rejection of the entrenched dominance and privilege of a self-serving few. What we see today are the consequences of that failed thinking.

Tired of colors, symbols and families

This was a vote cast by an electorate tired of empty democratic labels that did little to improve their daily lives while dismissing them as unsophisticated, uneducated and probably stupid. Thursday’s polls mark a seismic shift in political dynamics. The old system of loyalty – “kapuwath kola, kapuwath nil, kapuwath rathu” – a cyclical obedience to traditional political parties and their symbols has lost its grip on the electorate. These familiar affiliations, which once dictated voter behavior through entrenched tribalism and identity politics, have become obsolete. The electorate has signaled a resounding rejection of these outdated paradigms, refusing to be limited by party colors or symbols. Instead, they have demonstrated a clear desire for fundamental change, one that aligns with their pressing realities and addresses systemic failures that have long been ignored. This election highlights a watershed moment when people prioritize pragmatic solutions over blind loyalty.

The SLPP and SJB emerged as a result of internal rift between the leaders and ambitious new leaders of the once mighty SLFP and UNP who have ruled this nation since its independence 76 years ago, cutting off a substantial part for their own interests. Did these parties really believe that after decades of grievous mistakes – both in domestic governance and national politics – their voters would blindly continue to vote for them just because of their historical names? Or that the growing disillusionment of the electorate could be appeased by clever legal maneuvers, backstabbing alliances or the deft manipulation of a few wiles?

The answer became obvious. The public’s public disgust, fueled by an unbroken cycle of failure after failure and betrayal after betrayal of their trust, has reached a breaking point. The electorate resolutely rejected the entitlement and arrogance of these parties, demanding accountability and signaling that brand loyalty alone is no longer enough. The collapse of the old guard, with its empty promises and calculated power plays, is a long reckoning in the making – and perhaps, a necessary step towards genuine renewal…

The JVP/NPP has firmly established its presence in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, leaving a significant imprint on the nation’s democratic framework. Thursday’s election results further underscored the party’s evolving, multidimensional approach to governance and representation. Among the most notable developments has been the inclusion of new parliamentarians from various fields, particularly academics and intellectuals, who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the national discourse. A remarkable achievement came from Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, who initially secured over 600,000 preference votes, setting a new record. However, her lead only lasted a few hours before she was overtaken by Vijitha Herath with 700,000. This shift emphasizes the value of political experience, highlighting the contrast between experienced leadership and political amateurism.

Daunting, challenging task

For now, the new government is fully entitled to enjoy the fruits of their remarkable victory. Having won the trust of a large majority of the country, they now bear the responsibility of fulfilling the trust reposed in them by the electorate. The party’s radical electoral victory only strengthened the aspirations of the people, putting immense pressure on the government to deliver. This sets the stage for a precarious political challenge. The task before them is undeniably daunting, filled with challenges that will test their resolve at every turn. However, with hope comes great expectation, and often more often than not. They understand that the weight of their promises will not be carried lightly. All 61 percent are not their supporters, with a good portion being floating voters who hold them accountable for their every action or inaction as the new government sets out to navigate the complex terrain of governance.

(email protected)