UPCOMING ELECTIONS

We are now a week away from the upcoming presidential elections. Although we aim for political neutrality in our blog, I think it would be remiss of us to not to make note of some of the ways we have seen this event affecting life around us.

The most obvious indication that election fever is in the air is the plethora of photos of the president that you will see as you travel around Sri Lanka. The roadsides are swathed in images of the president; from the giant figures of him striding across billboards to the lines of posters of his smiling face, if you came to Sri Lanka not knowing who the president is, it would not take you long to find out.

Another way that the impending election is affecting daily life in Sri Lanka is that the cost of many goods has been reduced. Recently, when I received more than the expected amount of change for my bread I assumed they had made a mistake. I tried to do the right thing and return the extra five rupee (five cents), but they assured me that bread was now only Rs. 75. My Sinhala was insufficient to try and find out why without causing confusion, so I walked away with my extra five rupee and a clean conscience. Prince was able to tell me later, that the cost of bread has been dropped because of the election. Fuel is also cheaper as well as some other goods. (On the other hand, the cost of a roast chicken is now significantly higher as we face something of a chicken shortage. Chickens are being directed to Jaffna as part of the rebuilding process after the war (which is not to say that chickens are rebuilding Jaffna, just that the people are getting to eat them!). Although it is not pleasant watching the price of roast chickens go ever upward, I feel satisfied now that I know that it is because the chickens are going to those who need them more. I don't think this is election related, but I thought it was an interesting side note.)

The promise of an election has also brought about travel disruptions. Buses have been pulled from their usual routes to be used to transport people to rallies and public political events, meaning that travel plans have become increasingly uncertain for those relying on buses. Roads have been closed for these events or for the president (or those associated with him) as he travels. This can cause significant delays in travel as Sri Lankan roads are very busy and often only have one route between towns.

Lastly, you can tell an election is on its way by the patches of blue and green. The major political parties are identified by a colour and a picture; one is represented by the colour blue and a picture of a leaf, the other by the colour green and a picture of a swan. As you travel around Sri Lanka you will occasionally pass through areas of support for one party or the other. Blue or green ribbons (depending on the political allegiance) will festoon a group of houses and other nearby structures. Unfortunately, these allegiances can often become manifest in hostility towards supporters of the opposite party, which can lead to fighting. Yesterday we learnt that two people had died as a result of violence stemming from political differences.

So in one week's time we should know who won: the blue guy or the green guy. Here's hoping that bread still costs Rs. 75 in two weeks time.