Evaluating GR’s Independence Day remarks

Regarding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s purported commitment to democracy and the rest of his Independence Day remarks (‘President commits to deliver true democracy and development’), Rajapaksa’s actions (still) speak louder than his words.

Not allowing the National Anthem to be sung in Tamil reveals a deep (and baseless) sense of insecurity. It also reiterates the fundamentally anti-minority nature of Rajapaksa rule. After all, the President will be evaluated on what he actually does. 

Statements untethered to reality aren’t fooling anyone. Furthermore, the early days of Rajapaksa’s presidency reveal that there are many reasons to be worried – particularly from a human rights and governance perspective – about his tenure.

Taylor Dibbert