'SLPP Must Adapt, Restructure To Regain Public Trust', Says Namal Rajapaksa | OI EXCLUSIVE

In an exclusive interview with OneIndia, Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP), opened up about the party's massive vote share loss in the recent Sri Lankan parliamentary elections 2024. Reflecting on the party's performance, Rajapaksa admitted, "There were certain things we did right, but there were others we could have done much better. Unfortunately, the circumstances we faced during the pandemic and beyond left us vulnerable."

The SLPP, which has dominated Sri Lankan politics since 1994, faced its biggest electoral challenge, with the National People's Power (NPP) securing a landslide victory and a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The SLPP's vote share dropped significantly, even trailing behind the count of rejected votes in some constituencies.

What Went Wrong for the SLPP?

Rajapaksa attributed the decline to outdated strategies and a failure to adapt to changing public demands, especially in the post-pandemic era. He told OneIndia,"Globally, governments changed post-COVID due to shifting needs and expectations. Social media also transformed political landscapes. We failed to adapt, but this election sent us a clear message: we must restructure and move forward."

Despite setbacks in the presidential elections, Rajapaksa pointed out some positives in the parliamentary polls. "We secured more votes than in the presidential election and managed to win two additional seats beyond the national list. Although we lost some constituencies narrowly, this shows potential growth," he noted.

Corruption and Public Discontent

When asked about widespread public dissatisfaction and allegations of corruption, Rajapaksa admitted the SLPP must work harder to regain trust. "The people are frustrated with traditional politics. We must implement proper reforms while ensuring honest governance. False allegations and misuse of power for political mileage won't sustain. The truth will prevail with proper investigations," he asserted.

He also highlighted the importance of economic and educational reforms, saying the SLPP must focus on building a self-sufficient and modernised economy while balancing nationalist values with inclusivity.

Strengthening Ties with India and Tamil Nadu

On the subject of India-Sri Lanka relations, particularly with Tamil Nadu, Rajapaksa dismissed accusations of racism often associated with the Rajapaksa family. "The perception that we are anti-Tamil or anti-India is entirely false. We fought against the LTTE, not Tamils. Tamil Nadu holds tremendous economic potential, and we recognize the importance of strong ties with India. Rebuilding relationships with Tamil Nadu is critical for mutual growth," he clarified.

Rajapaksa further said that Sri Lanka must maintain robust relations with India and other global partners while adopting progressive policies to uplift the nation.

On a final note, Namal Rajapaksa urged Sri Lankans to look beyond social media narratives and focus on unity, growth, and transparency. "We are committed to representing the next generation, fostering unity, and driving Sri Lanka toward a brighter future," he said.