As Sri Lanka struggles to stand after its worst economic crisis, the opposition plans a major rally that could shatter international confidence and plunge the nation back into chaos. Here’s why this protest could be a dangerous mistake.
The opposition has announced a major rally scheduled for November 21, positioning it as a first warning to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. They demand he fulfills his election pledges and claim to oppose any suppression of opposition parties. While such demonstrations are a democratic right, the critical question we must confront is whether this is truly the right moment for such confrontational tactics.
Our nation is still reeling from the devastating political and economic crisis of 2021/2022. That period pushed Sri Lanka to the absolute brink, culminating in former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation amid catastrophic economic mismanagement. While his departure was necessary, the political instability that followed continues to negatively impact how the international community perceives our country. Foreign investors remain hesitant. The tourism industry is recovering at a frustratingly slow pace, far too slow for a nation urgently trying to rebuild its shattered economy.
Unnecessary protests at this delicate juncture send damaging signals to global markets and international partners. We all carry vivid memories of the Aragalaya movement: blocked roads, shuttered businesses, and pervasive uncertainty. While that movement served a purpose, repeated street activism now risks convincing the world that Sri Lanka remains trapped in perpetual chaos. What we need now is to step back from the streets and allow the NPP government the political space to demonstrate that the people’s historic mandate in 2024 was not misplaced.
This administration inherited a nation crippled by decades of systemic corruption, entrenched bureaucracy, social discrimination, and consistently weak leadership. These deep-seated issues have long prevented Sri Lanka from reaching its true potential. If we examine the past few decades, our most significant national achievement remains ending the brutal 30-year conflict in 2009. That war cost tens of thousands of lives, devastated communities, and stole generations of peace from our people.
But what has been our progress since the war ended? Our Foreign Direct Investment has remained persistently weak. Our infrastructure, particularly road connectivity, remains poor despite endless promises. The cost of living continues to soar while incomes stagnate. Tourism numbers have plateaued at around two million annual visitors, far below what our beautiful island can attract. Most tragically, we have watched a brain drain of thousands of skilled Sri Lankans leaving for better opportunities abroad. This is not development; this is mere survival.
It was against this backdrop of national disappointment that the NPP achieved a historic two-thirds majority in the 2024 elections. The message from voters was unequivocal: enough is enough. The people demanded an end to corruption, they demanded accountability, and they voted for a new direction. The NPP became the vessel for that fresh hope.
Now, just over a year later, while many election pledges remain unfulfilled and progress is slower than anticipated, we must acknowledge that systemic transformation requires time. Rebuilding a nation broken over decades is not an overnight task. So does this current delay justify opposition parties flooding the streets and risking further instability?
Historical evidence clearly shows that protests, particularly those led by parties with a history of political agitation, can severely damage confidence in crucial sectors like tourism and foreign investment. The business community grows anxious. International media, always eager for a dramatic story, will inevitably portray Sri Lanka as a nation in perpetual turmoil. That narrative inflicts far more damage on our economy than any political point scored by the opposition.
The opposition must recognize a fundamental truth: protests do not punish the government; they punish the ordinary citizen. They disrupt livelihoods, paralyze transport, destroy daily wages, and crush national morale. Meanwhile, the politicians leading these rallies return to their comfortable offices while the common man bears the consequences. Some protests are even driven by vested interests that would prefer to see a weak Sri Lanka rather than a thriving one.
Of course, the right to protest is a vital component of any functioning democracy. However, such actions must be timely, necessary, and responsible. At this moment, national stability must be our paramount priority. The people of Sri Lanka deserve a chance to breathe, to rebuild their lives, and to restore their hope. We must prioritize strengthening our country before returning to loud political battles.
To the opposition we say: reconsider your decision. You have the Parliament floor to voice concerns. The media stands ready to highlight legitimate criticisms. These are the democratic tools available that do not involve crippling our cities or tarnishing our global reputation.
Sri Lanka has suffered enough. Do not pursue political self-interest at the expense of a nation struggling to rise from its knees. Be patient. Be responsible. And above all, be wise.
