The November 14, 2024 parliamentary election in Sri Lanka is notable for an unprecedented number of young candidates and new faces entering the political arena. Over 8,800 candidates are competing for the 225-seat legislature, with a marked shift toward youth involvement and a broader call for reform across ethnic and regional lines. The political arena has been invigorated with the entry of vibrant intelligent youths attempting to give a new youthful look to the next parliament.

To be one of the 225 members of the august house which represents 22 million people of Sri Lanka is indeed a great privilege as well as an immense responsibility. This makes the parliamentary election the most attractive contest for many.

Despite distractions and the need for huge efforts, resources and stamina, many people enter the fray either due to the greed for power or genuine desire to serve the people. This time the general election in Sri Lanka has become most attractive to many as there are quite a few vacancies in the house. Already 58 sitting MPs have withdrawn from the contest and another lot of sitting MPs are likely to lose at the November 14 general elections, thus paving way for new faces. From the 22 districts only 196 would be elected in addition to the 29 direct entries on the National List in accordance with the voting ratio of different parties and independent groups. Most analysts believe two-third of the new parliament will be new faces.

Break from traditional political patronage

Youth-focused parties and candidates are driving campaigns centered on anti-corruption, transparency, and economic revitalization. For instance, the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, led by newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is gaining momentum with substantial youth support. The NPP’s platform emphasizes breaking from traditional political patronage and addressing long-standing issues such as economic inequity and corruption which have dominated the political discourse in Sri Lanka's recent past.

In the 17 districts in the South, the NPP is likely to be the winner with nearly 50 percent of the seats. The balance will be distributed among the opposition parties Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) of Sajit Premadasa, New Democratic Front (NDF) of former President Ranil Wickremeinghe and former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, now lead by son Namal and minor parties and independent groups.

Within the Tamil political strongholds in the North and East, new youth candidates are gaining traction as a fresh alternative to traditional parties like the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which has seen internal fragmentation and criticism for its patronage politics. Emerging Tamil parties, including the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), are attracting younger, more progressive voters by focusing on integrity and advocating for genuine political reform, beyond the legacy of the TNA.

Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) of the hill country with large concentration of Tamils of Indian origin is also fragmented into several groups and they are likely to share the seats in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Kandy districts.

Youth seeking radical change

With almost all the senior politicians out of the poll arena, this election represents a generational shift in Sri Lankan politics with a surge of young leaders and a voting population increasingly vocal about breaking free from established political figures and their entrenched practices. The results of the election will likely set the stage for a broader transformation of Sri Lanka’s governance, reflecting the growing demand for new political dynamics led by the country’s younger generation.

Youth power is a transformative force, capable of driving social, technological, and economic progress. However, this potential can only be fully realized when young people have access to guidance that helps them navigate challenges, stay grounded, and make informed decisions. With effective mentorship and support, the youth of today can become responsible, innovative, and compassionate leaders of tomorrow, shaping a world that reflects their ideals and aspirations.

Sri Lankan society, realizing the imperative requirement of a ‘change’ to pull the country from the abyss, joined the call of the youth for a radical change by electing a comparatively young leader as the executive president in September this year. This call of the youth had its endorsement by the middle-class and the middle-aged population is of paramount importance. In order to sustain this endorsement, the youth leadership requires the guidance and wisdom of the intelligent, experienced professionals who can guide the youth leaders who are capable of implementing the programmes with zest and vigour.

Their ability to inspire, innovate, and engage with their communities is a testament to their potential. As they continue to rise and make their voices heard, the future of Sri Lanka looks promising, filled with hope and possibilities.

(The author, a former Sri Lankan diplomat, is a political and strategic affairs commentator. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at sugeeswara@gmail.com)