-By A Staff Reporter
(Lanka-e-News -08.March.2025, 11.20 PM) Sri Lanka’s political landscape is never short of surprises, and the latest buzz surrounding the Colombo mayoral race is no exception. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has been dropping hints about fielding a "strong and powerful" candidate—one with both public recognition and political weight. And the name at the center of these swirling rumors? None other than General Shavendra Silva, former Chief of Defence Staff and a controversial yet celebrated figure in Sri Lanka’s modern history.
This potential move by the SJB is not just bold—it’s highly strategic. Colombo is no easy battleground, and securing military and nationalist votes could be a game-changing political maneuver. Silva, once hailed as a war hero for his role in defeating the Tamil Tigers, enjoys considerable popularity among military families, nationalists, and even former Rajapaksa loyalists. If he throws his hat into the ring, SJB could tap into a voter base that would typically lean towards the SLPP or even Ranil Wickremesinghe’s UNP factions.
Of course, Shavendra Silva’s international reputation adds a layer of complexity. He remains blacklisted by the United States, accused of human rights violations—an allegation that cost him international travel privileges and raised eyebrows within diplomatic circles. But as former President Ranil Wickremesinghe pointed out, the sanctions did not prevent Silva from continuing in his military leadership role. If the SJB is serious about running him for mayor, it signals that they are willing to challenge Western narratives and capitalize on domestic nationalist sentiments.
Yet, this move also raises key questions:
Is Shavendra Silva truly aligned with the SJB’s political ideology?
Would he accept the candidacy, given the risk of further political scrutiny?
Will President Anura Kumara Dissanayake counter with an equally formidable candidate to neutralize SJB’s momentum?
If Silva enters the race, the Colombo mayoral election will transform from a routine municipal contest into a high-stakes political showdown. This won’t just be a local government election—it will be a litmus test for Sri Lanka’s post-war politics, military influence in governance, and the evolving battle lines between the country’s major political forces.
Strap in—this could be one of the most dramatic electoral battles Colombo has seen in years.
-By A Staff Reporter
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by (2025-03-08 18:30:27)
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