Stars On Parade

By Raisa Wickrematunge

A large portion of dinner party conversation in Sri Lanka usually consists of the dissection of the problems that plague our country today — from the national question to poverty. Everyone has a differing view, but though the average Sri Lankan often posits that the country would be much better run if he/she were president, few would act on the impulse.
That is, until a former army commander with no prior experience in the often unscrupulous game that is politics announced that he was contesting the presidential elections.
Though he now languishes in a detention centre, his move seems to have inspired many. A veritable slew of new candidates have cropped up who will be contesting in the upcoming general election. Many of these candidates have little to no experience in politics. Cricketing heroes, stars of the (local) silver screen, former military personnel — the word on the street is all these people will be candidates in the upcoming general election. No doubt, they could garner much support, having their own established fan base while practicing their own particular craft. All of us remember cheering Jayasuriya on at many a cricket match, and his spectacular batting. He has certainly shown leadership qualities on the field. As for the couple of actresses contesting, well, politics certainly calls for a certain, shall we say, flair for drama? Not to mention a skill for sugar-coating (or bending) the truth.
Without further ado, it’s time to introduce this season’s newest crop of candidates. Who will win in this contest for popularity?

Sanath Jayasuriya

Jayasuriya is a household name, synonymous with the national sport, cricket. Many will remember the days that the country would come to a standstill, and school children would abscond from lessons just to watch Jayasuriya. A record breaker, he has scored more than 13,000 runs and taken more than 300 wickets in one day internationals (ODIs) alone. When on form, he combines sheer power with style, bringing stadiums to their feet. Jayasuriya’s batting has been erratic of late, though he still displays flashes of his former brilliance. Although Jayasuriya was recently dropped from the International ODI team, it seems he now wants to venture into a very different game — politics. He is contesting under the UPFA ticket, representing Matara, his home town. Jayasuriya contended that he intends to balance playing Test cricket with the demands of being an MP. “I was pushed to this decision after an exhaustive study…When the UPFA invited me to contest for general elections I accepted it, since this is a golden opportunity to work for the people wholeheartedly,” he is quoted as saying. There is no doubt that Jayasuriya has a huge fan base. Will his rhetoric on the political circuit be as compelling as his batting style?

Geetha Kumarasinghe

With over 80 films under her belt, not to mention various awards, Geetha Kumarasinghe has earned recognition in local cinema.
Kumarasinghe has portrayed Sri Lankan women and their daily struggles, dreams and ambitions in both an urban and rural setting. (In fact her performance in Palama Yata, where she plays a woman living in the slums, earned rave reviews both locally and overseas.) She has performed in Pakistani, French, Hindi and Japanese productions. Her striking looks and curvaceous figure have made her wildly popular with the Sri Lankan male — no doubt her picture adorns many a teenage cupboard door. She has also received acclaim as a producer.
But Kumarasinghe’s ambitions extended far beyond being “the Crowning Jewel of Sri Lankan cinema!” as her website proudly proclaims.
Kumarasinghe intends to run in the April 8 polls from Galle, under the UPFA ticket. In fact, she has already set up a Facebook page, “People’s Campaign for Geetha.” Many have written on the page to show their support. Is it possible that the “golden girl of Sri Lankan cinema,” could become a Member of Parliament?

Malani Fonseka

If Kumarasinghe is the golden girl, Fonseka is the “Queen” of Sinhala cinema. She shot to stardom when she received the “Best Actress Award” at the 1969 National State Drama Festival. Fonseka in fact began her career on the stage, beginning a foray into the film industry later on. She was the first Sri Lankan actress to receive international acclaim, winning awards in Moscow and New Delhi. Fonseka is also on the UPFA district list, contesting possibly from Gampaha. Fonseka has won the respect of many for her work in the film industry. How will she perform on a political platform?

Susanthika Jayasinghe

In 2000, Jayasinghe made history. Sri Lankans around the world watching the Sydney Olympics leapt to their feet as Jayasinghe crossed the finishing line in the 200 metres event. At the time, she lost out on the silver medal by a whisker, though she is now officially a silver medalist as winner Marion Jones was recently stripped of her medal. Jayasinghe was the youngest of a family of five. Born in Warakapola in Kegalle, her rise to fame has been shadowed by scandal, from allegations of doping to Jayasinghe accusing a Sports Minister of sexual harassment. Jayasinghe is as much a household name in the world of athletics as Jayasuriya is to cricket. Now, Jayasinghe is running a different race, under the UPFA ticket in her home district, Kegalle. She has been quoted saying that she is contesting on a request by the President, adding she wishes to serve her country. Will Jayasinghe race her way to a seat in parliament?

Sarath Weerasekara

From one Sarath to another — Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara is the former head of the Chief Defence Force. Admiral Weerasekara was a prominent figure in the Navy, which he joined in 1971. He also holds a Masters Degree in Buddhist Philosophy from the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and a degree in Buddhist Studies from the University of Kelaniya. Weerasekara has won various medals, including one for a Distinguished Career in Service. Apart from projects he initiated to renovate and repair Buddhist temples, Weerasekara is also Vice President of the Sri Lanka Football Association. He is now on the cusp of engaging in a battle no less complex and dangerous, that of politics, under the UPFA ticket. Will the people cast their vote for yet another Sarath — a military man with little political experience?

Buddhadasa Vitanachchi

It appears this year is the year for stars of the screen and cinema to contest in the elections. Vitanachchi has made a name for himself as a veteran actor, and as such has won the respect and admiration of many Sri Lankans. He is also an announcer on state TV. He will be contesting under the National Freedom Front, which is a member of the UPFA. NFF Head Wimal Weerawansa recently confirmed that the party was planning to put forward Vitanachchi, who will contest from the Kegalle District. Will this TV personality be able to get the public vote?

Ranjan Ramanayake

This film and teledrama actor is a staple in Sri Lankan cinema. Few Sri Lankans go their whole lives without watching the heavily muscled Ramanayake tossing his head to loud sound effects. His repertoire is diverse — spanning comedy, action, and even a local theatre production. He has also made appearances in international films. His talents extend to directing as well. Ramanayake is not a newbie on the political scene — he contested in the 2008 Provincial Council elections for Sabaragamuwa. He will also be contesting in the upcoming general elections under the UNP ticket, for Ratnapura. Ramanayake is one of many established stars who have decided to enter politics. Will his popularity on the screen garner him votes in the elections?

Hashan Tillakaratne

It appears Jayasuriya is not the only cricketer to make a foray into politics. Tillakaratne also made his mark in cricket.

He was also at one time captain of the national team. In 2005, he entered politics on invitation by the UNP, as Chief Organiser of the Awissawella District. Now, however, there are whispers that Tillakaratne too will join the fray contesting in the upcoming general election, under the UNP ticket.

Two former team mates will now be sparring each other from different parties. Which one will prevail?

Rosie Senanayake

The name needs no introduction. Rosie Senanayake was crowned Mrs. World in 1985. She is also a former Miss Asia Pacific International (1981). She competed in various beauty pageants. Senanayake is also not new to the political scene. She is currently the Opposition Leader of the Western Provincial Council, receiving over 80,000 votes in the provincial election. She was also Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Malaysia at one time. Senanayake will be contesting under the UNP ticket. She has proved her staying power and popularity already — will she come out on top in the upcoming general elections?

Namal Rajapaksa

The first son, Rajapaksa is a well-known figure in his own right. He was involved in sports throughout his school career at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, most notably rugby. He also spearheads the Tharunyata Hetak (Tomorrow For Youth) campaign. Rajapaksa was seen on the campaign circuit during the presidential election, eloquently declaring that even if lightning struck him down, the people should rise up and vote for his father. Now it looks as if Rajapaksa is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps. It was recently announced that Rajapaksa will be contesting to be a Member of Parliament from the Hambantota District. Rajapaksa enjoys popularity of his own, quite apart from his father. He has shown aptitude for campaigning. Will the first son become a member of parliament?

Muttiah Muralitharan

The “spin doctor” Muralitharan shot to international fame with his bowling. His famed doosra had many an international batsman shaking in his boots. Murali, as he is fondly known, is the highest wicket taker in both One Day Internationals and Test cricket. Controversy briefly swirled around him after he was accused of “chucking” but he was later cleared. Murali too has reportedly decided to play the political game, contesting from Kandy under the UPFA ticket. His popularity is enormous in the cricketing world. But how will the self-effacing bowler fare in the dangerous contest that constitutes politics?

Ranjith Gunasekara

Many a reporter has called Ranjith Gunasekara, the former police spokesman. Gunasekara liaised between the police and the media, commenting on the progress of police investigations. As early as August of last year, reports began to surface that Gunasekara was seeking to retire so that he could enter politics. “Gunasekara will probably be the SLFP organiser for the Polgahawela electorate,” reports said. These whispers continue to circulate that Gunasekara will be contesting in the Kurunegala District. Gunasekara is already well-versed in dealing with the media. How will he fare on the campaign circuit?

There you have it — a laundry list of actors, actresses, military personnel, cricketers, and even the President’s son. Most of these people have a huge following of fans in their own right. Yet the majority of them have little to no experience in politics. How will they respond to being in a position of power? How will their rhetoric hold up on the campaign circuit? It will certainly be interesting to find out.