By Kassapa

The has been much debate, discussion and analysis of the local government election results. All major parties cite various statistics to show that they have ‘won’ or are on an upward trajectory. Some such arguments are face saving exercises such as when the United National Party (UNP), with less than five per cent of the vote, claims it holds the key to forming administrations in many councils.

Nevertheless, the strongest message from the election has been delivered to the ruling Jathika Jana Balavegaya (JJB) and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The question is, is it being heard? 

The JJB’s vote slipped from 61 per cent at the general election held just six months ago to 43 per cent. A lower turnout of voters due to election fatigue, the poll being held on a working day, JJB contestants being relatively unknown because they have not wielded power in local councils before and this being a mere local government election would have all contributed.

These reasons still do not explain an eighteen per cent drop in the JJB vote. Statistics support this argument. For instance, the drop in voter turnout was just seven per cent, from 69 per cent at the general election to 62 per cent at the local government election. Another pointer is that, despite the drop in turnout, both major opposition parties, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), recorded not only increases in the percentage of their votes but also in the absolute numbers of votes polled. The SJB showed an increase of 290,000 votes and the SLPP vote rose by 604,000

form administrations in local councils, this will be put to the test as some of these groups have dubious credentials. The JJB should ask itself whether forming a measly local council is worth when it might have to pay the price for the misdemeanours of some independent group in time to come?

The only redeeming feature in the government appears to be Dissanayake. The public still appear to trust him and hope that he will be able to deliver, if not the promised land, at least a pathway to that.

Whether they realise it or not, the Dissanayake, the JJB and the government is at crossroads. They can take the correct turn if they reflect, realise and re-set. If they don’t, they could have serious political repercussions as time goes on- and more importantly, there will be serious consequences for the country as well.