Mindset Change - a crucial reality which Sri Lanka must adopt

As we enter into a new year, Sri Lanka is undergoing mega changes. 

November bought about a big change in the political environment of the country with the victory of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and days later we witnessed a government change with the swearing in of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and a 15 member new cabinet. 

Following this, further robust changes were made by the President and Prime Minister immediately after to provide relief to the people such as cutting down on expenditures within the government and state institutions, drawing up plans to lift 100,000 people out of poverty which will be launched on January 15, launching tough measures to tackle corruption, taking steps to address climate change, cutting down on unwanted taxes, slashing the cost of living etc. 

This change indeed was what the Sri Lankan citizens were desperately yearning for, for 4 years. 

With Sri Lanka adopting such positive changes, another big change which the country has seen after decades is the entry of young politicians into the island's political circle. This indeed is the beginning of a new political era and is the first step towards the President and Prime Minister's firm vision that the younger generation is the backbone of our society and they should be more involved in politics and decision making.

Presently, the existing cabinet as well as the state sector includes young and dynamic leaders which is a positive move in the political sphere of this country.

With Sri Lanka undergoing fresh new changes, today I would like to stress that young, dynamic and capable politicians are an asset and an investment which is made by citizens. Such an investment is often overlooked, but young, deserving, hardworking politicians with a futuristic vision in any country, brings about positive changes in the overall political circle by bringing stronger changes to the entire governing system. In many countries, citizens vote for talent and hard-work, expecting such politicians to bring about changes which will benefit the common man. Such changes are now what is expected in many countries as the youth world over are getting stronger whilst public expectations are rising.

Sri Lanka, just like many other countries in the region will soon see developmental and social changes with the election of a new president and new government. But for the country to truly prosper, a majority of our citizens have to welcome the entry of new, young politicians who can truly contribute towards the overall change of the country. For years, Sri Lanka has been seeing the same system, but with Asia soon emerging as the next super power, it is time our citizens realize that despite there being several politicians contesting for seats, they should invest in those who are capable and who can do justice to their votes.

For years now, citizens are frustrated with the same old mind set of electing politicians and then not being able to even approach some of them to discuss any issues. 

2015 was an ideal example when the yahapalanaya government promised to bring about changes to the entire system but exited by being the worst performing government this country had faced. That change indeed was a blow to the entire country.

Infact not only did the UNF government perform below expectations but Sri Lanka's national security was also severely compromised which resulted in the loss of innocent lives. 

But as the world changes, it is time Sri Lanka too change and bring in a new polticial culture which will not only be a long term asset for us all, but will also contribute towards the overall economic, social, development change of the country.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have always stressed on the power of the youth and their contribution towards decision making and politics. It is time we, as a nation select the right politicians and with the parliamentary elections just months away, the country has the opportunity to elect both young and old, but a talented, hardworking parliament which will be an investment by the citizens for the citizens. 

Change is crucial. We must change our mindsets, our thinking so that the changes we make today, will be our investments for our future generations. Sri Lanka has started the new year with positive changes, time we all live up to it.