The new government, led by you and the NPP, came to power riding a wave of unprecedented public trust. This trust was built not just on the promise of change but on the collective energy of countless citizens who believed in a brighter, more just future. However, Comrade, there are emerging concerns that warrant immediate attention.
Let us begin with leadership dynamics. While your decisive leadership was instrumental in bringing the NPP to power, there is now an apparent overreliance on your personal presence in nearly every facet of governance. Whether it is policy announcements, crisis responses, or public communication, you have become the sole face of the administration. Where are the other leaders who once stood beside you on platforms during the elections?
Take, for instance, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, whose prominence in the pre-election campaign gave hope to many. Since assuming office, she seems to have retreated into the background. Similarly, stalwarts like Vijitha Herath, Bimal Ratnayake, and Sunil Handunheththi—names that once energized the movement—are conspicuously absent from the public discourse. The people need to see a collective leadership, one that demonstrates unity and shared responsibility. Relying on one individual to shoulder all burdens is neither sustainable nor wise.
Next, we must address the pace of reforms. A glaring example is the sluggish progress in holding past wrongdoers accountable. The public yearns to see those responsible for financial mismanagement and corruption brought to justice. Yet, three months into your administration, there is little visible action on this front. While adhering to the rule of law is commendable, it must not become an excuse for delay. The people who demanded accountability during the Aragalaya protests deserve to see tangible results.
Consider the ongoing struggles of ordinary citizens. Inflation remains high, and essential goods are still unaffordable for many. Families who barely survived the economic collapse expected swift action to stabilize their lives. While it is understood that systemic change takes time, steps like reducing wasteful government spending or streamlining public services could have provided some relief by now. Concrete actions like these are far more reassuring than broad promises of long-term solutions.
Another pressing issue is communication. The people need clear, consistent updates on what your government is doing to address their grievances. For example, the lack of transparency around economic policies—be it debt restructuring or securing international aid—has left many confused and anxious. Public trust cannot be sustained on silence or ambiguity. Proactively sharing the challenges your government faces, along with the steps being taken, would go a long way in bridging this gap.
Lastly, the visible disconnection of second-tier leaders from public interaction is concerning. Cabinet ministers and other key officials must engage directly with the people. For instance, why hasn’t there been a concerted effort to send ministers to the hardest-hit regions to explain policies, hear grievances, and build trust? When people see only one leader at the helm, they begin to question the strength and depth of the team supporting him.
Comrade, the mandate given to you is not indefinite. The initial goodwill you enjoy is already showing signs of strain. While the opposition may currently lack the organization or credibility to pose a serious threat, this does not mean the people’s patience is limitless. The Aragalaya showed us that discontent can erupt without warning when trust in leadership falters.
We who believe in the principles of justice and equity that you espouse want to see this government succeed. But success will only come if the government embraces a more inclusive approach to leadership, delivers tangible results swiftly, and communicates openly with the people.
The challenges you face are immense, but so is the opportunity to effect meaningful change. For that, Comrade, you must widen your circle, delegate effectively, and deliver not just hope but action. Open your eyes to the lessons of history, the needs of the present, and the demands of the people.
In solidarity,
A Fellow Citizen
