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Youth disillusioned, but determined to ensure their vote counts
View(s):With nearly 1 million new voters set to vote for the first time at a presidential election, the enthusiasm among youth voters is high, with a range of aspirations in mind.
A cross-section of young voters interviewed by the Sunday Times shared their views on the candidates, their policies and the promises made during their respective election campaigns.
Mahin De Silva from Malabe – 1st Year, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo
“We believe that what is vital to our country is stability. Sri Lanka is known to be a weak State right now. We need to change that. After we get into a position where we have a strong leader, he will push us towards better policies. Whom we chose to vote for should be in a position to facilitate such policies.”
Mahesh Edirisuriya from Polonnaruwa – 1st Year, Faculty of Management & Finance, University of Colombo
“We need to a have leader with a strong personality. He should focus on solving the socio-economic challenges in the country. We are given a chance to choose between the two main party candidates, but I have no faith in either of them. We sure need change, but a change for the better. A corruption free government and solid plans for positive development is the need of the country. Without the Rule of Law in democracy, you have chaos. People must follow one Law.”
Charith Athukorala from Padukka – 1st Year, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
“When the government and the political leaders fail, the country also fails. I’m most concerned about the security of the country. We need leaders who can assure national security.”
Oshadi Perera from Kelaniya – 1st Year, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
“Brain drain is a crucial factor where the country loses its most educated and talented workers to other countries through migration. It generates a professional deficit in strategic areas. If the upcoming leader pays more attention on this concern it will be useful for the future endeavors of the country.”
Kavidas Kumar from Jaffna – 1st Year, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
“We want a president who can stop these strikes. These strikes always lead to disruption of academic programmes.”
Oshan Chamoda from Pelawatta – 3rd Year, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
“The new president must take action to decrease the amount of ministers we have so far. The President should have a vision of a nation where all citizens will be given due respect and he should encourage all citizens to play their part in facilitating economic growth.”
Yasitha Cooray (22) from Polonnaruwa – Faculty of Law, University of Jaffna
“I plan on voting for Sajith Premadasa as the Rajapaksas are all about family rule. They ruled this country for a decade, but what did they do? They don’t care about the country. Their main concerns are getting out of the court cases filed against them and strengthening their own family”.
Nuwanthi Samarakoon (23) from Matale – Faculty of Law, University of Jaffna
“I don’t think it’s fair for people to put party before country. This country needs to be safeguarded for our future generations to live in. I hope people will keep that in mind and vote wisely at this election.
As far as the youth vote is concerned, a majority of young people seem to be leaning towards voting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Lack of educational and employment opportunities are among the main concerns of the youth. Those who pass the A/Level exam, even those who obtain a high Z-Score, miss out on going to university. Even those who graduate find it hard to obtain employment.”
Priyanka Elampirayan (21) -Faculty of Management, Jaffna
“We are not that interested in politics, but we will still vote, as that is our right. However, we don’t expect much from whoever is elected, as nothing much will change for us.”
A. Anusha (25) from Kilinochchi, M. Kiruthika (25) and P. Priyanka (25) from Jaffna – University of Jaffna
“We all plan to vote. But, the people in the North see very little choice and don’t expect much to happen. This is because nothing much has happened in the past regarding their aspirations.”
Pix by Indika Handuwala and Priyankara Samaraweera