Dilith to the Rescue?

Dilith Jayaweera, leader of the Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, is best known for propelling Gotabaya Rajapaksa to prominence and then to power.

- Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane

He is no stranger to controversy and no stranger to spreading sensational stories; Dilith knows that many people love to hate him. They even blame him for being one of those responsible for promoting an inept leadership that led this country to its worst economic crisis. Speaking to Business Today, Dilith admits his mistake but says he did it in good faith. Deeply regretful of his role in the 2019 presidential election, he offers himself as the alternative savior, promising to right the wrong. He sees little promise in the current leadership or those waiting in the wings. He promises to be the different leader that the country seeks, who will drive for a paradigm shift. To create an entrepreneurial state based on a strategic plan. He has a vision for Sri Lanka and wants the people to be partakers of his dream for the country. His ultimate dream is to create motivated people and a happy nation.

Why does Sri Lanka need Dilith Jayaweera now?

My entry into politics differs significantly from everyone else in Sri Lankan politics. Of course, I have been in politics, indirectly, for more than thirty years. I’ve been supporting individuals and parties, assisting with campaigns, researching and analyzing data, and working with people on the ground. However, I had not thought of getting into politics. I formed my political party, the Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, when I realized that Gotabaya Rajapaksa couldn’t deliver what we expected. Our expectations of Gotabaya Rajapaksa were very high. We didn’t create those expectations. Those were the people’s expectations.

But we realized early on that he would not and could not deliver. He may have intended to deliver, and I believe he did. However, he needed the infrastructure, but his family never allowed him to deliver on his promises.