Colombo, Politics and Governance

The Mangala Sutra: Preliminary observations on Mangala’s third way

My article, in Sinhala, is a brief sketch on Mangala Samaraweera’s dramatic break from the SLFP and the introduction of his third-way of politics. I raise a note of skepticism ont he eventual fate of his policies and vision, but accept as necessary and vital his voice and alternatives to the dystopia brought about by the incumbent political regime.

I also submit that for Mangala’s third way to succeed and to elicit the potential support of progressive members of the SLFP partial to his vision, he needs to maintain a healthy distance from the UNP. The potential of the third way and political alliances in support of it is not insignificant. At a time when even political rhetoric plays a vital role in strengthening the imagination necessary to envision the transformation of violence, I believe Mangala Samaweera has a potentially bright path ahead of him – even though it is one I will never be able to join myself.

To find out why, read my article in full here. A more in-depth look at Mangala’s third-way will appear anon on Groundviews.