Opposition parties in Sri Lanka....have all won elections by running on platforms that heavily criticized China’s activities in their countries. Actually this isn't correct. The Rajapaksa's - who won the last election in Sri Lanka - are heavily pro-China and always have been.
The previous election cycle this was definitely the case. I was just giving an example of how public opinion does have an impact. But what's interesting about the most recent one is that the incombant's handleing of China projects -- namely, the Hambantota deal -- was still an issue. It's interesting how opposition parties keep scapegoating China and criticizing how the incumbent handles Chinese involvement continues being a flash point in elections. But, like in the previous election where the Rajapaksas were voted out, this often has less to do with China than local politics. China and BRI projects are often become collateral damage in the political cross-fire of vacilating democracies. But it is going to be interesting to watch how this plays out. Some big projects there. With the proper political will behind them there is potential.
This seems like a fair assessment of the situation. Very good article, Mr Shepard !
Thanks! Much appreciated.
Opposition parties in Sri Lanka....have all won elections by running on platforms that heavily criticized China’s activities in their countries. Actually this isn't correct. The Rajapaksa's - who won the last election in Sri Lanka - are heavily pro-China and always have been.
The previous election cycle this was definitely the case. I was just giving an example of how public opinion does have an impact. But what's interesting about the most recent one is that the incombant's handleing of China projects -- namely, the Hambantota deal -- was still an issue. It's interesting how opposition parties keep scapegoating China and criticizing how the incumbent handles Chinese involvement continues being a flash point in elections. But, like in the previous election where the Rajapaksas were voted out, this often has less to do with China than local politics. China and BRI projects are often become collateral damage in the political cross-fire of vacilating democracies. But it is going to be interesting to watch how this plays out. Some big projects there. With the proper political will behind them there is potential.