The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary– May 11, 2022; Day 286

The end of a brand: On the fall of the Rajapaksas

The fall of the Rajapaksas in public esteem underscores (emphasizing the importance of something) limits of muscular nationalism

The resignation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, amidst extraordinary scenes of violence as part of the widespread public uprising (a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another) against his family’s rule, marks the abrupt (Exceedingly sudden and unexpected) fall of a political brand that has been dominating the country for the better part of the last decade-and-a-half. Venerated (Regard with feelings of great respect ) by large sections of the majority Sinhalese as a national hero who defeated the Liberation Tigers, Mr. Mahinda could never have imagined that his teeming (abounding in people etc.) support base would be replaced by swarming (abounding in people etc.) protesters so vehemently (showing strong and often angry feelings) opposed to him that he would have to leave ‘Temple Trees’, his Colombo residence, for safety. Thousands of protesters have been demanding the resignation of all the Rajapaksas occupying various posts, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as the economic crisis (A long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment) became unbearable (Incapable of being tolerated or endured) with a huge shortage of food and fuel, as well as the means to buy them. Until a few days ago, the Rajapaksas appeared heedless (paying little attention) of the demand, as the country sought to overcome the crisis through overseas aid and bailout packages (A bailout of an organization or individual that has financial problems is the act of helping them by giving them money. ). However, as the protests spiralled (rise quickly and at an increasing rate), it appeared that the President wanted his elder brother to resign as Prime Minister. Amidst the political uncertainty, a violent attack on the protesters in Colombo, allegedly by supporters of the Prime Minister, set off (initiate) a series of incidents that resulted in deaths and injuries, even as houses of political leaders, including the ancestral (inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent) home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota, were targeted by arsonists (A criminal who illegally sets fire to property).

Mr. Mahinda’s resignation may not be enough to assuage (gain the good will of) the protesters and the political instability may continue. Anyone taking up the post of Prime Minister now will have to command public trust as well as have the will to steer (Be a guiding or motivating force) the country towards economic recovery. President Gotabaya will have to choose someone who can command a parliamentary majority, but the current mood of public anger may deter (Try to prevent; show opposition to) anyone who has been associated with the Rajapaksa regime (the period during which a particular government or ruling system is in power). The Opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa, has already declined an offer to head a government under a Gotabaya Presidency. For India, which has responded to the crisis with financial and material aid worth $3.50 billion, the situation presents a unique dilemma (State of uncertainty or perplexity): its continued support should not be seen as a means of keeping an unpopular regime going; nor can it look the other way as shortages persist ( refuse to stop), causing misery (A feeling of intense unhappiness) for the common folk. In its reaction to the situation, India has said it supports Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability and economic recovery and that it “will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes”. This can only mean that it does not want to be seen as extending political support to the present regime, but prioritises the people’s interests. A larger message from the demise (The time when something ends) of the Rajapaksa brand is that muscular nationalism and majoritarian mobilisation may not be an endless reservoir (A large or extra supply of something) of support, and will be of no avail (without success) when the masses face economic hardship (A state of misfortune or affliction).

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