Politics, democracy and community leadership intertwined – Deshapriya

Most Sri Lankan politicians were not community leaders, former head of the election commission, Mahinda Deshapriya said yesterday during an event in Colombo. People, politicians and political parties thought political engagement was something limited to the election period, he added.

Deshapriya said there was a lot of emphasis on training grassroots political leaders. “However, are they community leaders? Do they know what’s going on at the grassroots? I really don’t think they do,” he said.

Deshapriya said that during the first wave of COVID-19, which took place before an election, a large number of politicians and potential candidates distributed relief among the affected.

“In fact, this became a problem for us at the Commission. They were they violating health guidelines and election laws. However, once the election was over, and the second wave happened there was no one to support the victims. During the subsequent waves, most politicians didn’t even try to help,” he said.

If the elected representatives really felt for the people, they must help the latter in times of crises, Deshapriya said. “Politicians who are also community leaders also positively influence policy,” he said.

“Politics, democracy and community leadership intertwined. Most people here don’t get it,” he said. (RK)