SASNET Public Lecture with Naila Saleem: "Two Years Since Chaos: the Sri Lanka Election"

In the Spring of 2022, an unprecedented protest movement emerged in Sri Lanka. For the first time in the country’s history, Sri Lankans from diverse ethnicities, religions, generations, and social classes came together for political change. The Aragalaya movement protested rising prices and power cuts, as well as medicine, fuel, and food shortages. In a broader perspecive, Sri Lankans called for political accountability for the prolonged economic crisis, corruption and human rights violations. Thousands of people took to the streets. Although the protests were mainly non-violent, clashes between demonstrants, authorities, and president supporters led to casualties. Buildnings and cars were set on fire. As a result of the protests, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stepped down in May 2022, followed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation as president and exile to India that July. 

Two years after the dramatic political events in Sri Lanka, which forced out the long-standing Rajapaksa family, the country still struggles with serious economic and political challenges. One in four Sri Lankans live in poverty. In September 2024, a President election took place which resulted in a political shift as the radical left candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake from JVP claimed victory.

Swedish Radio South Asia Correspondent Naila Saleem visited Sri Lanka as the 2024 President election unfold, reporting on political events. What is her take on the recent political developments in the country and feelings among the Sri Lankan public? And what is the future of Sri Lanka, two years after the 2022 chaos?

This event is a collaboration between SASNET and The Association of Foreign Affairs in Lund (UPF).

Moderator: Ellen Harrestam, UPF.

It is open to the public and free of charge.