The challenge of modernity is to live without illusions and without becoming disillusioned.
— Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks.
On September 22, 2024, a headline from CNN reverberated across Sri Lanka: “Sri Lankans elect Marxist-leaning Dissanayake as president to fix the economy.” The deceptively simple headline conceals the hope, frustration and the persistent change that characterize today’s Sri Lanka. National People’s Power (NPP) party leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake now stands at the helm. Yet questions echo in the collective consciousness: Is this the dawn of genuine transformation, or merely another chapter in Sri Lanka’s lengthy political saga? This time, the air feels charged with an unsettling potential.
What does the new president represent?
The Sri Lankan people’s yearning to disrupt the status quo has eclipsed their fear of the unknown — the nebulous movement embodied by AKD, a leader emerging from the rural hinterlands to topple the established order represented by the seasoned Ranil Wickremesinghe, a six-time president.
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From his inaugural moment, AKD’s presidency marks an audacious experiment for the country. His NPP is a heterogeneous ranging from radical leftists rooted in the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to progressive elements. Here, we witness a Antonio Gramsci-esque experiment in adapting Marxist movements to the ever-shifting landscape of social conditions.
Gramsci, a thinker who grappled with the nuances of ideological purity, argued for the necessity of pragmatism to forge a broader appeal. AKD’s own pragmatic turn has inspired a tentative optimism not only within Sri Lanka but also in the cautious hearts of its neighbors, especially India. The pivotal question persists: Can AKD balance reform with pragmatism during his presidency, or will he become ensnared in the very contradictions he seeks to transcend?
The NPP positions itself as a reformist entity distinct from its traditional Marxist roots, seeking to redefine its identity within the broader historical panoply of leftist movements. Yet — as with all revolutions — the shadow of past dogmas hovers, threatening to undermine the delicate foundations of reform.
AKD’s election symbolizes a profound shift in Sri Lankan politics and Sri Lankan socialism. In the 1970s, the JVP’s rigid adherence to Marxist orthodoxy privileged revolutionary fervor over pragmatic reform. Today, while the NPP acknowledges its origins, it has redefined itself as prioritizing governance and systemic reform over ideological purity. This evolution, however, is fraught with uncertainty and internal conflict, for the pull of old-guard sentiments within the JVP may clash with the drive for pragmatic governance.
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How are Sri Lanka’s neighbors reacting?
As he navigates these turbulent waters, AKD faces formidable geopolitical challenges in the competing interests of India and China. Scholars Harsh Pant and Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy assert, “Given the economic and geopolitical scenario, pragmatism is likely to take precedence — Sri Lanka will continue to balance between India and China.” Their insights reveal a landscape shaped by competing aspirations, where AKD’s focus on governance could forge a path toward stability — though whether this is a hopeful vision or an illusory one remains an open question.
However, India’s apprehension looms large as AKD’s presidency unfolds. The strength of the NPP, particularly in its connections to Beijing, raises alarms in New Delhi, which views the burgeoning partnership as a potential threat to its own regional influence. This fear is not unfounded, since India faces the possibility that Sri Lanka under AKD might continue the economic tango with China — trading closer alignment for survival. India fears that AKD might inadvertently lean toward China. The previous Rajapaksa regime did so, which cultivated ties with Beijing, allowing increased Chinese influence through infrastructure projects like the Hambantota Port. India’s security apparatus remains vigilant; some analysts warn that AKD’s presidency could herald a recalibration of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy that may favor China at India’s expense.
As New Delhi grapples with these fears, it remains intent on countering any perceived drift of Kotte towards Beijing. Indian officials are likely to engage with AKD’s administration to promote stability and cooperation while subtly exerting pressure to ensure Sri Lanka does not slip further into China’s orbit.
This geopolitical backdrop complicates AKD’s administration, as he must navigate the intricate balance between fostering relationships with both powers while maintaining domestic support. At the heart of this precarious experiment lies a pressing challenge: addressing the economic collapse that shadows AKD’s ascent.
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AKD’s ability to navigate the labyrinthine reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the intricate dance of debt restructuring will define the early chapters of his presidency. To secure the fourth tranche of the $3 billion IMF bailout program, Sri Lanka must demonstrate measurable progress in fiscal reforms and debt sustainability. The urgency of these reforms is palpable, for the threat of further financial deterioration looms large, threatening the very fabric of the nation.
Debt restructuring is a particularly thorny issue, fraught with the weight of a massive external debt burden and exacerbated by years of mismanagement. AKD inherits a complex negotiation landscape, where cooperation from key creditors — China, India and private bondholders — will be critical. In the days preceding the election, Wickremesinghe warned that “any move to alter the basics of the agreement could delay a fourth tranche of nearly $3 billion from the IMF package, which is crucial for economic stability.” Such warnings echo in the corridors of power, reminding us of the fragile balancing act AKD must perform.
While China has already extended temporary reprieves in the form of debt rollovers, the way toward more comprehensive restructuring deals still needs to be discovered. Beijing’s strategic interests, particularly regarding infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), complicate the process. India, eager to witness stability in Sri Lanka, stands ready to support AKD’s reformist agenda, yet the shadows of previous projects, like the Adani wind power initiative, loom large, casting a shadow of uncertainty on future collaboration.
How will AKD move forward?
AKD’s administration must navigate the treacherous waters of fiscal consolidation, implementing IMF-mandated measures that include tax reforms, public revenue generation and enhanced governance in public enterprises. While these reforms are crucial for economic stabilization, they are not without risks. Public discontent could rise as the specter of austerity measures threatens to exacerbate inflation and unemployment.
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The balancing act between India and China constitutes one of AKD’s most formidable challenges. On the one hand, India anticipates that his rise could distance Sri Lanka from the Rajapaksa-era ties to Beijing, marred by allegations of corruption. Conversely, AKD’s historical ties to China and the NPP’s pragmatic stance suggest that Beijing may still see him as a favorable partner. As a Chinese journalist candidly expressed, BRI projects could gain momentum under AKD’s presidency, perhaps even surpassing the ambitions of his predecessors.
This intricate balancing act will inevitably dominate AKD’s foreign policy. His early promise to cancel the controversial Adani wind power project, while unlikely to fracture relations with India immediately, signals a willingness to make bold decisions that challenge external powers. Yet, whether such actions will tilt the balance in Sri Lanka’s favor or further entangle it in diplomatic complexities remains shrouded in uncertainty — much like his earlier campaign against the US MCC agreement, which revealed a readiness to confront foreign influence when politically expedient.
Amidst these challenges, AKD’s presidency offers a flicker of hope. The ravaged economy, scarred by years of mismanagement, yearns for bold reform. AKD’s election embodies the public’s longing for something new, a desire to transcend the failures of the past. His presidency will be defined by how he navigates internal reforms and his capacity to traverse a complex geopolitical landscape deftly. The stakes are high, and the potential for failure looms large, yet the possibility of transformation lies within this uncertainty.
Sri Lanka has seen political experiments before; many leaders have succumbed to the very establishment they once vowed to dismantle. But AKD’s presidency symbolizes a nascent possibility — a collective aspiration for a better future. Success will not merely depend on policy but on forging unity in a nation long fractured by political and economic strife.
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As AKD prepares for parliamentary elections in November — an event that could define his capacity to enact reforms — the lingering questions remain: Will the Sri Lankan people, civil society and international partners rally behind arduous yet necessary changes? And can AKD maintain the delicate equilibrium between ideology and pragmatism while steering Sri Lanka through the turbulence of geopolitical rivalries? Only time will unveil the true nature of this bold new experiment, a venture into the unknown where hope and despair coexist in a fragile embrace. The future, like Gramsci’s modernity, hangs between hope and uncertainty, awaiting its verdict in a world without illusions.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is back in the spotlight over comments she made on X (formerly Twitter).
In a post shared with her 1.2 million followers late on Oct. 3, Greene wrote: “Yes they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.”
Greene doesn’t specify the identity of the “they” she refers to. She has since received backlash online over the comments.
“Okay, but if ‘they’ control weather, then the next logical extreme is that humans caused climate change. She really didn’t think this talking point through,” one social media user said.
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“I need to add ‘consult with they’ while sitting at my desk analyzing weather data to formulate my forecast,” said FOX13 meteorologist Paul Dellegatto, replying to Greene’s post.
Yes they can control the weather.
It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.
Greene’s comments come amid the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across the Southeastern United States, including in Greene’s home state of Georgia. Per the New York Times, as of Oct. 4, at least 225 people have died and there are ongoing searches for those who are missing as a result of the storm.
As Greene makes these comments, she and former President Donald Trump have publicly called out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the agency continues to receive criticism on its handling of Helene. Both have pushed claims that FEMA is utilizing funding to “house illegals.” FEMA called the accusations over funding being used for migrants “completely false.”
FEMA has set up a web page on its official website to address the rumors circulating their Helene response, writing that misinformation and rumor can cause “confusion” and “prevent… people from getting the help they need.”
“Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other non-disaster related efforts,” the web page states. “The funding for communities to support migrants is appropriated by Congress to Customs and Border Patrol—it has nothing to do with FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund.”
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This is not the first time the far-right Republican has received backlash over her responses to natural disasters and events. In April, she commented on the earthquake in the Northeast and the solar eclipse expected across North America that month, stating they were signs from God. After facing online criticism, she doubled down on the comments.
“God is sending America strong signs to tell us to repent. Earthquakes and eclipses and many more things to come. I pray that our country listens,” Greene wrote on X, after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in New Jersey rattled many in the area.
In response to Greene’s comments, many pointed to the years of knowledge and expectation that preceded the solar eclipse on April 8, as well as the reports from the National Earthquake Information Center showing that around 55 earthquakes happen a day around the globe, caused by movement between the earth’s tectonic plates on active or inactive faults.
Katie Smith will regularly go “Rightmove stalking” of the houses she has seen for sale
Katie Smith has had an addiction for as long as she can remember. Something she feels compelled to dozens of times a day.
The 30-year-old finds herself repeatedly opening the Rightmove app, despite the fact she has no intention of moving house anytime soon.
“Rightmove is my porn,” laughs Katie, from Stone, Staffordshire. “It’s like being a modern day peeping Tom,” she says, referring to the number of homes she looks inside, all from the comfort of her smartphone.
Last week, after a day trip to Knutsford, Cheshire, she spent the evening looking at all the houses for sale there – regardless of price. And during a recent weekend in London, she loved looking at “how expensive houses in Richmond are”, which was close to her hotel.
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Property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and On the Market are goldmines of user data about both homebuyers and sellers.
Zoopla told the BBC that 1,860 properties are viewed every minute on its website and app, while the figure is even higher for Rightmove – nearly 10,000 properties viewed per minute.
Rightmove recently rejected a fourth takeover bid by Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group, saying the latest £6.2bn offer undervalued the company and its future prospects, showing just how valuable the data it holds is.
The websites themselves acknowledge that not all their users may actually be looking to move home, so what is it that keeps people scrolling?
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Katie, who previously worked in interior design, says she loves to check how quickly properties might sell and has a list of favourite homes she has looked at.
“I love character properties, things with features like beautiful Georgian homes,” she says.
While she and her partner are planning to move out of her rented accommodation in about six months, there is no immediate or urgent need to search.
“He thinks I am looking at more houses because of this, but it’s not – it’s just because I love it!”
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‘I love a floorplan’
Sam Kennedy Christian, who lives in Herne Bay in Kent with her husband and two children, uses Zoopla to look at her dream purchases.
“I love imagining what I’d get if we won the lottery… specifically in the Isle of Man where I grew up and my family still live,” she says.
Jessica Whitcher
Sam Kennedy Christian uses Zoopla to look at houses both in her local market and in the area where she grew up
They moved closer to the seaside during the pandemic as many people looked for more outdoor space.
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Sam says she enjoys refreshing the Zoopla app as part of her “bedtime scrolling” routine, or while waiting for the baby to drop off to sleep.
She also keeps an eye on similar properties in the local market, although they are not intending to sell anytime soon.
“I especially love a floorplan – you can get a real handle on a house, and how you might use the space.”
Dopamine trigger
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When we browse property websites, we’re engaging in “a form of escapism that taps into the brain’s reward systems,” says Louisa Dunbar, the founder of OrangeGrove, a research agency that uses behavioural science to improve business websites.
“Visualising ourselves in these desirable homes triggers the dopamine system, giving us a sense of pleasure, even if we’re not planning to buy. It’s a chance to mentally step into a better life.”
She says that certain features of property portals can play a big role on what we might click on.
High-quality photos may encourage viewers to picture themselves living in a property, while the use of badging listings with terms like “Highlight” or “Just added” fuels the fear of missing out.
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These psychological triggers can keep us engaged as we nose around the neighbour’s living room, or imagine a better future, she says.
Idly browsing online property listings is a favourite pastime for many people
Users may love these property sites, but are they worth it to estate agents, given most online viewings will not turn into actual enquiries?
Some agents have expressed unease at the high cost to advertise, particularly on Rightmove as the market leader. They say they provide all the photos and listings information about the houses for sale and are then having to pay to do it. It means these high costs can limit their ability to advertise in local newspapers or other places.
One estate agent, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC: “Right now, it’s a case of not being able to live without the likes of Rightmove. The prices [for estate agents] are going up faster than I’d like and I worry about the stranglehold they have on the market.
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“But, even if many users are just idly browsing without any real intention of moving, it is still worth it to have properties on there.”
Rightmove responded, saying it has “a variety of different packages to suit businesses of different sizes and needs and the average [agent] spends £1,497 per month”.
Both Rightmove and Zoopla are bullish about the future, saying that confidence in the market is recovering as mortgage rates fall. On Thursday, Zoopla said the number of homes for sale on its platform is growing.
And for now they seem to be attracting everyone whether you’re an idle browser just nosing around, fantasising perhaps about castles you can never afford, a homeowner checking on how the value of your home compares with your neighbours’, or even an actual genuine buyer.
TAKE the kids to explore a city for an October half-term treat. You don’t have to go to London for a choice of fantastic attractions and experiences.
You’ll find it cheaper to stay and pay for family fun at other favourite cities across the UK. Trisha Harbord brings you a selection of the best things to see and do in these walkable cities.
Edinburgh
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Enjoy Edinburgh’s cobbled Royal Mile or The Museum of ChildhoodCredit: Getty
THE cobbled Royal Mile is one of the UK’s most famous streets. Visit the castle on the hill then start your walk to the Scottish Parliament.
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You’ll pass St Giles’ Cathedral, Parliament Square, cashmere shops, the famous World’s End pub, one-time jail Canongate Tolbooth and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
FREE: The Museum of Childhood with toys and games from across generations. Harry Potter fans can join a free tour around the town with stops including the inspiration behind Diagon Alley and Voldemort’s grave, see pottertrail.com.
THRILL: Re-live Edinburgh’s darkest history in the Dungeon, with special effects, scary actors and a drop ride.
If you have a car, ride the waves at the new Lost Shore surf centre, 25 minutes from the city.
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GO: Two nights’ B&B for two adults and two children at Arrandale Guest House is from £430. See visitscotland.com for details.
Cardiff
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Take the kids to walk the walls of this castle in Cardiff, which was once a Roman fortCredit: Supplied
WALK the walls of the castle. Once a Roman fort, it’s a mix of buildings from all eras and now a Gothic extravaganza.
Visit Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades and stop off at Spillers, the oldest record shop in the world.
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Bute Park is the green heart of the city with natural play features.
FREE: Try a walking tour to learn the city’s 2,000-year history, fogosfreetours .com.
Visit the National Museum or open-air St Fagans to see craftsmen showing traditional skills.
THRILL: The Principality Stadium is the home of Welsh rugby. If you fancy, you can walk along the edge of the 75,000-seat roof, zip wire across the canopy, then abseil down.
Take a Quayside walk from the tilting Gateshead Millennium Bridge over the River TyneCredit: Getty
ENJOY a circular Quayside walk from the tilting Gateshead Millennium Bridge, taking in stunning views from both the Newcastle and Gateshead sides of the River Tyne.
Check out music at Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
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See the Norman castle and the fantastic science attraction Centre for Life.
FREE: Visit the Discovery Museum and the centre for kids’ books, Seven Stories. Stroll through Leazes Park and Victorian Saltwell Park in Gateshead, with a lake, play areas, an animal house, maze and cafe.
THRILL: Newcastle Climbing Centre has walls for all abilities.
Weave through the canals of Birmingham, which has more of them than VeniceCredit: Supplied
THIS city has more canals than Venice, so weave your way through Brindleyplace with its cafes and squares.
It is close to the National Sea Life Centre, with the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel to see the marine life.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the first Cadbury shop in the city, so do visit Cadbury World with its new Chocolate Quest ride.
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FREE: Take a free family trail around the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to see Egyptian mummies, and the Staffordshire Hoard Gallery has the biggest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
THRILL: Try 11 adventure activities including sky diving over at The Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC.
GO: Family room at the Ibis Styles from £94 a night. See all.accor.com and visitbirmingham.com
York
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York has more attractions per square mile than any other UK cityCredit: Supplied
THIS historic hub boasts more attractions per square mile than any other UK city. Step back in time to discover the 10th century at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Tour the amazing York Minster cathedral, see artefacts at Dig, a hands-on adventure based on real-life digs.
York’s Chocolate Story has interactive exhibits, tastings and make your own lolly.
FREE: Stroll along York’s historic walls that have protected the city for 2,000 years. Visit the National Railway Museum, full of iconic engines.
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THRILL: Visit ghost tours, escape rooms, wizard walks, a dungeon and handling eagles at the Bird of Prey Centre.
GO: Family room at Travelodge York Hull Road is from £148 a night. See travelodge.co.uk and visit york.org.
Manchester
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Visit Manchester’s National Football Museum or head to Sea Life’s underwater worldCredit: Getty
HALF-TERM falls over Halloween and Manchester Monsters are out in force, with free events from October 25, and a spectacular procession.
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See the world’s largest football collection at the National Football Museum, visit Legoland Discovery Centre and watch 2,000 creatures at Sea Life’s underwater world.
FREE: Enjoy the city’s museums, including Manchester Museum, which houses 4.5million objects from archaeology to zoology. Young gamers will love the 150 consoles playing from Mario to Minecraft at the Science and Industry Museum.
THRILL: There’s indoor skydiving at iFLY as well as carts on virtual tracks at Chaos Karts.
GO: A family room at the city centre Premier Inn, is from £87 a night. See premier inn.com and visitmanch ester.com
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Brighton
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A must-visit is the magnificent 18th century Brighton Pavilion, the palace of King George IVCredit: Supplied
RENOWNED as the finest ever, Brighton’s 1,722ft pier has attractions for everyone from fairground favourites to thrill coasters.
Tuck into fish and chips, pizza or ice cream while enjoying sea views.
A must-visit is the magnificent 18th century Brighton Pavilion, the palace of King George IV.
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The Toy and Model Museum is an amazing Aladdin’s cave of trains, boats, dolls and puppets.
FREE: See the taxidermy collection and a killer whale skeleton at the Booth Museum of Natural History.
THRILL: Glide 450ft into the air for 360-degree views on British Airways i360.
GO: Family rooms at the beach-front Best Western Princes Marine Hotel, from £99 a night. See booking.com and visit brighton.com
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Bristol
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Bristol has more than 400 parks and green spaces to exploreCredit: PR SUPPLIED
WITH more than 400 parks and green spaces, no wonder Bristol has European Green Capital status.
The streets are adorned with art including the elusive Banksy, who was born here.
Explore the world’s first ocean liner at Brunel’s SS Great Britain and travel through space in the 3D planetarium at We The Curious.
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FREE: Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension bridge over the River Avon. Walk across to the visitor centre to learn about one of engineer Brunel’s masterpieces.
THRILL: Wake The Tiger, an immersive high-tech experience where you walk through a labyrinth of 40 spaces of art and kaleidoscope colours.
A 35-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after a suspected acid attack on a girl outside a west London school has been released on bail, police have said.
Teagan McFarlane, 14, suffered “potentially life-changing” injuries and needed surgery following the attack on Monday afternoon.
A 16-year-old boy was also injured outside Westminster Academy, Westbourne Park, while a staff member was hurt trying to help them.
A 14-year-old girl has been arrested and also released on bail, the Metropolitan Police said.
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The arrested man was bailed on Friday pending further enquiries.
Police are continuing to appeal for dashcam footage of the incident.
Detectives said “a lone man” threw a substance at the teenagers before fleeing on an electric scooter along Harrow Road.
Corey McFarlane, Teagan’s father, previously said “words could not express the shock, pain, and trauma” his daughter is going through, “both physically and emotionally”.
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He added that she was initially discharged from hospital, but was later readmitted.
The 16-year-old boy was treated at hospital and has now been allowed home.
As the anniversary of the 7 October attack approaches, Sir Keir Starmer has warned the conflict in the Middle East risks igniting “touchpapers in our own communities”, the Sunday Times reports. He has called on all parties to “act with restraint and return to political, not military, solutions”.
Labour’s plans to impose 20% VAT on private school fees may not proceed as planned on 1 January due to “warnings from unions, tax experts and school leaders”, the Observer declares. Numerous organisations within the education sector are calling for a delay until next September to give private schools more time to adapt and register for the new tax, the paper reports. Also featured is a photo of displaced Lebanese families crossing into Syria along the Beirut-Damascus highway, as they try to escape the spiralling violence in Lebanon.
Rachel Reeves’ plan for more borrowing in the Budget could spell “mortgage misery”, the Sunday Telegraph says. The paper reports that according to the Treasury’s own analysis, the chancellor’s plans to overhaul fiscal rules could “increase the cost of debt” for consumers and businesses. The front also carries a photo of Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky, who were killed by Hamas as they protected their 10-month-old twins during the 7 October attacks last year.
British forces are on “full alert” after Argentina “vowed to recapture” the islands, is the Sunday Express’ lead story. It come after sovereignty of the Chagos Islands was handed over to Mauritius by Britain earlier this week. It says a “crack-team” of soldiers have been placed on 24/7 standby to intercept any attempts to “make a grab for land” by Buenos Aires.
Teenage boys could be investigated by anti-terrorism officers “if they make sexist comments in the classroom”, according to the Mail on Sunday. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wants such comments to be reported to the government’s Prevent programme, which was launched to tackle terrorism, the paper says.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced plans to invest in a “game-changing” cancer test, which could detect the twelve most common types of the disease before symptoms begin to show, the Sunday Mirror reports.
And heralding the premature arrival of Halloween, the Daily Star reports that psychic Hannah Rose, 20, was attacked by a “yobbo haunted doll”. Rose looks after a collection of such dolls and claims another doll, named Mildred, hides her things. Truly never a doll moment.
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