The Intelligence from The Economist Better the devil they know? Sri Lanka’s election
Nov 15, 2019
Namini Vijadasa, a political reporter from Colombo, provides an insightful look into Sri Lanka’s looming elections amid security fears following devastating bombings. She discusses the rivalry between candidates Gautabaya Rajapaksa and Sajid Premadasa, highlighting how economic woes weigh heavily on voter decisions. The conversation also touches on surprising nostalgia for past regimes, drawing parallels with Egypt's Hosni Mubarak, and finishes with a fascinating twist on Shakespeare's posthumous rise to fame.
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Sri Lanka's Election Dilemma
- Sri Lankans face a difficult choice between two presidential candidates, both with concerning aspects.
- Gotabaya Rajapaksa promises security and prosperity but has a history of brutality, while Sajith Premadasa, though backed by minorities, is untested and associated with a poorly performing government.
Mubarak Nostalgia
- Hosni Mubarak, ousted during the Arab Spring, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
- Egyptians, facing economic hardship and restricted freedoms, express nostalgia for his rule on social media.
Shakespeare's Rise to Fame
- Shakespeare's popularity wasn't immediate; it took time and various factors to solidify his fame.
- A "Shakespeare Ladies' Club" significantly boosted his popularity in the 1730s by advocating for his plays, especially comedies.