By Sri Lanka’s Government Faces Public Scrutiny Amid Rising Approval and Unfulfilled Election Promises
Sri Lanka’s political landscape has seen a dramatic shift over the past few months, with the government’s approval rating skyrocketing from just 24% in July 2024 to a significant 62% in February 2025, according to the latest Gallup-style “Mood of the Nation” poll conducted by Verité Research. The surge in approval comes at a time when public sentiment regarding the country’s economic outlook is also experiencing a sharp shift toward optimism. Yet, this favorable public opinion is juxtaposed with growing concerns about the government’s failure to fulfill its bold election promises.
Survey Results: A Shift in Public Sentiment
The February 2025 survey, which interviewed 1,050 Sri Lankan adults, reveals that more than half of the population (55%) now believes the economic conditions in Sri Lanka are “getting better.” This marks a sharp contrast from the 30% who shared this view in July 2024. The sharp drop in the number of people feeling the economy is deteriorating—from 65% to just 14%—signifies a remarkable change in how Sri Lankans perceive the nation’s economic recovery.
While these numbers reflect a positive outlook, the survey also highlights a deepening divide when it comes to the current state of the economy. A substantial 47% of people still view the economy as being in a “poor” condition, although this is a significant improvement from the 71% who thought the same back in July 2024. Still, 35% of respondents rated the economy as “good” or “excellent,” signaling some cautious optimism despite ongoing challenges.
The government’s approval rating has similarly seen a sharp uptick, with approval increasing by more than 30 percentage points from July 2024. Only 16% of respondents now disapprove of the government’s performance, a striking decline from the previous 60%. This positive shift in public opinion comes in the wake of the election victories of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his National People’s Power (NPP) party, which secured a two-thirds majority in parliament—a rare political achievement that has put them in a powerful position to pass legislation.
Unmet Election Promises: A Growing Concern
Despite the promising statistics, the government’s track record since assuming power has been underwhelming. During the elections, the NPP and President Dissanayake made several high-profile promises, including the abolition of the executive presidency, repealing the controversial Online Safety Act (OSA) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), addressing corruption, and advancing reconciliation efforts. However, in the months since their victory, the government has struggled to deliver on these commitments, leaving many disillusioned.
Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives, argues that the government’s failure to take swift action on these promises is largely due to a lack of experience in governance. Despite having the political mandate to implement these changes, the government seems lost in the mechanics of power, setting up commissions and seeking advice rather than taking decisive action.
For example, while the government could easily pass a law to abolish the executive presidency or repeal the PTA, no such actions have been taken. According to Dr. Saravanamuttu, these measures could be enacted “overnight,” yet they remain unresolved, with the government citing the need for more consultations and expertise before moving forward.
The delay in fulfilling these promises has prompted civil society groups to renew their calls for action. Issues like the ongoing use of the PTA—a law that allows for the detention of individuals without charge—have sparked strong condemnation from human rights activists. Similarly, the OSA, which has been criticized for its restrictive nature, remains intact despite promises to repeal it.
Political Leadership and the Road Ahead
While the public has expressed optimism about the economic outlook, there is growing frustration with the government’s apparent lack of a clear economic strategy. Dr. Saravanamuttu highlights the importance of constitutional reform as the key to addressing Sri Lanka’s long-term governance challenges. He argues that the abolition of the executive presidency is crucial in fighting corruption, as the president currently holds the power to appoint permanent secretaries to ministries, who are the chief financial auditing officers.
Furthermore, the public service, which remains bloated, has become a contentious issue. Despite promises to reduce the size of the government sector, the administration is now discussing hiring an additional 38,000 public servants. Critics argue that the government should focus on reducing the number of state employees rather than increasing it, particularly as many state-owned enterprises continue to run at a loss.
Dr. Saravanamuttu also stresses the urgency of economic reforms, which go beyond short-term subsidies and welfare measures. Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive, long-term economic strategy that includes privatizing loss-making state-owned enterprises and diversifying the economy beyond traditional sectors like tea, garment manufacturing, and migrant labour.
The Role of Civil Society in Holding the Government Accountable
As the government struggles to meet expectations, civil society plays a pivotal role in holding it accountable. Civil society groups have long been advocating for greater transparency, particularly in matters related to the public service and the military. They are calling for a strategic plan to retrench public sector employees and cut down on bloated state institutions, as well as to privatize or shut down loss-making state enterprises.
Dr. Saravanamuttu argues that civil society must continue to demand action, reminding the government of its promises. The success or failure of these reforms will ultimately depend on the government’s willingness to take bold, concrete steps toward system change. Failing to do so could spark another wave of public unrest, as those who supported the government in the election may turn against it if their expectations remain unmet.
As Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads, the government’s approval ratings and the optimism surrounding the economy reflect hope for a better future. However, these numbers could quickly reverse if the government does not act swiftly and decisively to fulfill its election promises and address the root causes of the country’s economic and political challenges. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the government can transition from promise to action, or whether disillusionment will once again take hold.
