How Dilith Jayaweera will fail as a President of Sri Lanka

by ThinkTank Sun Jun 16, 2024 12:57 am

Dilith Jayaweera's potential entry into politics and possible presidential aspirations could pose several risks to Sri Lanka's future economy, governance, and the well-being of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the average population. Here are some reasons based on his background and business practices:

Conflict of Interest and Media Influence:
Jayaweera owns significant media assets, including Derana TV and "The Morning" newspaper. His control over these media outlets can lead to biased reporting, propaganda, and a lack of critical journalism, which is essential for a healthy democracy. His media influence was evident during his support for former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's campaign (Colombo Gazette) (Asian Mirror - Empowering Opinion).

Business Practices and Market Dominance:
As a prominent businessman with extensive interests in various sectors, including advertising and media, Jayaweera's political power could lead to policies that favor his business interests over the general public. His dominance in the media industry raises concerns about fair competition and the suppression of smaller competitors (Colombo Gazette) (Asian Mirror - Empowering Opinion).

Lack of Political Experience and Governance Issues:
While Jayaweera has emphasized bringing entrepreneurial skills to politics, his lack of political experience and governance expertise could result in ineffective leadership. Transitioning from business to politics requires a deep understanding of public policy, administration, and socio-economic challenges, which he may lack (The Morning) (Asian Mirror - Empowering Opinion).

Potential for Corruption and Cronyism:
Given his close ties with influential political figures, including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, there is a risk of cronyism and corruption. His involvement in politics might lead to favoritism in business dealings and public contracts, undermining transparency and fairness in governance (Colombo Gazette) (Asian Mirror - Empowering Opinion).

Impact on SMEs and Other Entrepreneurs:
Jayaweera's business strategies could marginalize SMEs and other entrepreneurs by creating an uneven playing field. His political influence might lead to policies that benefit large corporations and conglomerates at the expense of smaller businesses, exacerbating economic inequalities (Asian Mirror - Empowering Opinion).

Economic Policies and Public Welfare:
There is skepticism about whether Jayaweera's entrepreneurial focus would translate into effective economic policies for the broader population. Policies favoring businesses without adequate social safety nets could lead to increased inequality and difficult living conditions for the average population and middle class (The Morning) (Colombo Gazette).

In summary, while Jayaweera's business acumen could bring some positive changes, the potential risks associated with his media dominance, conflict of interest, lack of political experience, and possible cronyism could outweigh the benefits, leading to adverse outcomes for Sri Lanka's economy and governance.