Sri Lankan Politics – learn how older people prevent your rise! – overcome it

An active charismatic young person who appears to gain goodwill and votes, is an older politicians nightmare. Many old politicians are living on their years of goodwill, which they try to carry with them to their graves. This kind of selfish activity prevents young people from getting into politics.

The examples are for all to see at the recent scramble for nominations by young people in both the main parties challenging the latest series of provincial council elections, namely the older seasoned politicians who only want to include names of little known people who are NOT a threat to their re election prospects. Any good definite vote getter will be muzzled, mainly by his organizer in his electorate and then by all those seeking re-election in the same ticket, for the Provincial Councils.

It is best to know the reality, and play a seasoned game to avoid being excluded from seeking election, and once nominations are received, from belittling the little un on the campaign trail as someone who needs a lot of work before he or she can hope to get elected.

Young people must face this inevitable challenge, with their charm as youth, they may be able to overcome the traps and obstacles laid in front of them. Remember, as one who had to undergo this in the past, will you allow the practice to continue?

The kepili ketili viyaparaya engaged in by some, can be overcome, and a promising young person can use this prevention to gain sympathy and votes, and sometimes even oust the person who has tried to prevent him out of office. It is sweet revenge when they can achieve this feat and there are examples of many who have had to face this and were able to reach high political office despite the visible and invisible barriers laid before them.

It is important the young people are fully aware of what they face and how they are able to stealthily overcome some of the challenges. The proportional representation system which has spurred the fight for preferences is at the root cause but which is not likely to change soon, as it is not in the interests of the government in power. They believe the current system in the long term will back them and are disinclined to change the bases of calculation.

A politically astute young person will know how to face this challenge and win without falling out with their party’s hierarchy, as that determines his future.