Political shifts in Sri Lanka have been significantly influenced by the rise of leftist politics amidst rampant corruption. The evolution of leftist ideologies in this island nation can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the formation of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP). This party, founded in 1935, was one of the first Marxist parties in South Asia, advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
The post-independence era saw the LSSP gaining substantial ground. In 1956, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), led by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, formed a coalition with the LSSP and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka. This coalition marked the beginning of leftist influence in mainstream politics. Bandaranaike's tenure was noted for significant social reforms, including the nationalization of key industries and the introduction of the Sinhala Only Act.
Despite these reforms, corruption remained a pervasive issue. The assassination of Bandaranaike in 1959 led to political instability, with his widow, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, becoming the world's first female Prime Minister in 1960. Her government continued with socialist policies but was marred by allegations of nepotism and corruption.
The late 20th century saw the emergence of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a radical leftist party. Founded in 1965 by Rohana Wijeweera, the JVP led two insurrections in 1971 and 1987-1989, both of which were brutally suppressed. The JVP's ideology was grounded in Marxism-Leninism, and it capitalized on widespread disillusionment with corruption and economic disparity.
The 21st century has seen a resurgence of leftist politics, particularly in response to the economic crises and allegations of corruption against successive governments. The United National Party (UNP) and the SLFP have both faced significant criticism for their handling of the economy and failure to address corruption. This discontent has provided fertile ground for the JVP and other leftist groups to gain traction.
In recent years, the 2022 Sri Lankan Protests against economic mismanagement and corruption led to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. These protests were characterized by a significant presence of leftist ideologies, with calls for systemic change and greater social equity.
A lesser-known fact is the role of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), a breakaway faction of the JVP, which has been instrumental in organizing grassroots movements. The FSP, founded in 2012, has focused on mobilizing youth and advocating for radical political reforms.
The rise of leftist politics in Sri Lanka is a complex interplay of historical legacies, economic challenges, and persistent corruption. While leftist parties have often been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, they too have not been immune to the pitfalls of political power.