In the upcoming presidential elections in Sri Lanka, the Tamil community is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome. With the absence of the Rajapaksa brothers and the emergence of a surprise candidate, the dynamics of Tamil voter behavior are likely to shift.
Historically, the Tamil community in Sri Lanka has faced marginalization and discrimination, leading to longstanding grievances and tensions with the Sinhalese majority. The Tamil vote has traditionally been divided between various Tamil political parties and Tamil-majority regions in the North and East of the country.
The absence of the Rajapaksa brothers, who have dominated Sri Lankan politics for the past decade, has created a vacuum in the political landscape. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a former defense secretary and brother of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was expected to be a strong contender in the presidential race. However, with his unexpected absence from the race due to legal obstacles, a new candidate has emerged as a potential frontrunner – former wartime defense chief Sarath Fonseka.
Sarath Fonseka, a controversial figure in Sri Lankan politics, is seen as a strong candidate with a background in military affairs. His candidacy has sparked both enthusiasm and concern among the Tamil community. While Fonseka is credited with leading the Sri Lankan army to victory in the civil war against the Tamil Tigers, he is also accused of human rights abuses and war crimes during the conflict.
The Tamil community’s voting behavior in the upcoming elections is likely to be influenced by a range of factors, including concerns over security, human rights, and ethnic reconciliation. Many Tamils are wary of supporting a candidate with a military background, especially one with a controversial past like Fonseka. Others may see him as a strong leader who can bring stability and security to the country.
In addition to Fonseka, there are other candidates in the race who are vying for the Tamil vote. Sajith Premadasa, the ruling party candidate, has made efforts to reach out to the Tamil community and address their concerns. His promises of ethnic reconciliation and devolution of power to the provinces have resonated with some Tamils.
Overall, the Tamil community in Sri Lanka is a diverse and politically engaged group that is likely to carefully weigh their options before casting their vote in the presidential elections. The absence of the Rajapaksa brothers and the emergence of a surprise candidate like Fonseka have added an element of uncertainty to the race, making it crucial for candidates to engage with the Tamil community and address their concerns in order to secure their support.