From Galkissa (Mount Lavinia) to Tambuttegama
‘Before I took this position, I knew so little about them that I didn’t even know their names. I had not met them in any context outside the present.’ (My translation.) President Dissanayake, recently speaking about judges of the Supreme Court and of the Appeals Court. by Usvatte Nothing announces more loudly the gaping distance […]
The recent remarks of President Ranil Wickremesinghe have shed light on the stark contrast between the social backgrounds of the old ruling elite and those of the present government. Prior to 2024, the leaders had predominantly attended schools in Colombo or its surrounding areas, while the new leaders hail from more diverse backgrounds.
This includes individuals who grew up in rural settings, such as a MP who was born in a 'line room' in a tea plantation. The present government comprises individuals who come from a wide range of educational and socio-economic backgrounds, representing the common people of the country. This contrasts sharply with the previous leaders who were mostly educated in prestigious institutions like S. Thomas’ College, Royal College, Colombo, and even abroad in places like Cambridge, Oxford, and Sciences Po in Paris.
The new government has managed to establish public health schemes and schools that have reached almost every child, a significant achievement considering the resources they had at their disposal. The President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, attended government schools in Tambuttegama and Kelaniya University, where he studied science and mathematics.
He can engage in discussions about complex scientific theories, such as Paul Dirac and Higgs boson, with the same ease as he criticizes former politicians. Despite the claims of some critics, the present government has demonstrated competence and skills necessary to guide the country through challenging times. However, the future remains uncertain as the government faces potential storms and challenges that will test their abilities.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
