Why Sri Lanka's election is so pivotal | BBC News

For decades, politics in Sri Lanka has been dominated by one family, the Rajapaksa’s.

But their reputation in the country has been ruined after the country’s economic collapse in 2022, a result of decades of financial mismanagement by the government.

In Saturday's presidential elections, people are hopeful this could be the beginning of a new era.

The BBC’s South Asia Correspondent Samira Hussain reports from the capital city of Colombo.

#SriLanka #Colombo #BBCNews

[Sonal]

This dude really said “Our hands are clean” with no shame 😂

[nawamwalisinghe]

Even BBC knows, there is nothing to say about Sajith Premadasa 😂

[kithulboy]

This rajapakse clan was found guilty of economic mismanagement by the supreme court of Sri Lanka. What more can we say?

[cheunni]

As an outside observer ... it will be extremely disappointing if any of the Rajapakshas come back to power after all their misgovernance over the years.

[Jack-exui]

AKD already won the game and sajith and ranil are fighting for 2nd place😂

[Aturean]

My dear Sri Lankan brothers and sisters, as a member of the Tamil minority, I stand before you to echo the frustration felt by so many of us. For too long, we have endured the corrupt leadership and the empty promises of illiterate politicians who thrive on division, racism, and religious discrimination. We are tired of being ruled by those who seek to divide us rather than unite us.

But now, a new hope is on the horizon. Today, the majority of us—especially the youth and those with open minds—are rallying behind a true leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He represents the change we desperately need, a beacon of hope for a future where unity and justice prevail.

This is our chance to prove our strength and solidarity. Let us cast our votes for a permanent change. Let us reject the old guard of corrupt and divisive politicians and instead embrace a new dawn of leadership that truly serves the people.

Let us unite under the banner of the compass and steer our nation toward a brighter future.

Victory to the compass!
திசைகாட்டியே வெற்றி பெறும்!
මාලිමාවට ජයවේවා!

[senithkenula]

AKD is the only wish of Sri Lankans right now. ❤🇱🇰

[_Bandara_]

As Sri Lankan citizens, we've been robbed for 76 years by two political alliances. The most damaged was done by a single corrupted family, Rajapaksas.
So we need a literal change for our country in terms of politically and economically.
The majority of people have already decided that it can be done by Anura Kumara Dissanayake (aka AKD)
Hope for a better future ❤

[Intro-rj]

100% sure Anura will be the next president
First president from a common family.AKD is our final hope
We srilankans deserve a chance to place ourselves in the world map
We have been through a lot our children deserve a better future

[randika]

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has won the trust of many people in Sri Lanka. He will definitely be the president.

[lordsj]

Hats off! BBC is the only news channel who understood the reality, the real situation in Sri Lanka. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka is the new hope! Not anyone else!

[dharanaweerasinghe]

Peoples power will rewrite the mandate this election!
More power to people ❤️🧭🔥

[Decki]

I'm from Sri Lanka this country has one of the highest tax for import items in the world .

[diltvjunior]

Im a Sri Lankan, I think Anura Kumara Disanayaka will win this presidential election . He is the most popular politician in Sri Lanka . There is no any chance incumbent president Ranil Wickramasinghe, Namal Rajapaksha and Sajith premadasa . We want to change this corrupt political culture that's why many people vote for him .

[mohamedmifraz]

Yes i am from muslim minority. This time we want a change, hence will vote for AKD❤

[gamikaya]

Yeah we also 100% sure.. AKD.. we need a change. We do not need others..🔥❤

[spider_flop]

As a Sri Lankan it's shame that people on social media put so much faith and trust that AKD is going to be any different than the others. I myself am going to vote for him praying he would be better, only because he hasn't got a chance to prove himself.

And if he too fails us, we are doomed. It's a sad situation really.

[MrLakshithadesilva]

I expected more effort from BBC to cover such an important event in Sri Lanka. I've seen more time and effort be put to cover comparatively less significant events in the country. I hope this clip is only a summary of much larger documentary which cover the true state of Sri Lanka and this election.

[PaulStephenRudd-ub]

Our economy is like a flailing fish, fighting for its life. The normal state of the U.S. economy is actually very bad. Because of this it goes into convulsive spasms fighting to grow any way it can out of desperation. Tricks, gimmicks, rule changes try to stimulate the economy >>and prevent it from falling but they only bring temporary relief to people since, when you factor in inflation we are declining.

[waseemshuhood]

Don't worry bbc, this time AKD for sure .