She finds it hard to comprehend that the hundreds of protester tents that formerly occupied the field in front of the presidential secretariat have been replaced with lush green grass.
“We feel like we’re more powerful and energetic now,” says Ms. Brahmananayake, a 33-year-old banker from Colombo.
The nation’s extremely unpopular leader was driven out of power by large crowds two years ago; now, voters are only a few days away from selecting their preferred presidential candidate.
It’s the first election since the widespread demonstrations that caused Sri Lanka’s biggest economic crisis, known as the “aragalaya,” which is Sinhala meaning struggle.
There was 70% inflation. Essentials such as food, cooking gas, and medication were in short supply.
The mess was attributed to the president at the time, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and his administration. Just before throngs of people rushed his home, he left the nation. Protesters were ecstatic as they dove into the presidential pool and celebrated their win.
Among those swimmers was 28-year-old Mithun Jayawardana. “Reflecting on it, he replied, “It was amazing.” With no job and no access to gas or electricity at home, he claims he joined the aragalaya just for fun.
He understands now how important this Saturday’s elections are: “The people must elect a president for us. The present president was not chosen by the people.
After Gotabaya Rajapaksa quit, the person who presently occupies the role was appointed: Ranil Wickremesinghe.
