Shalindra Fernando

Shalindra Fernando (born 27 December 1984) is a prominent Sri Lankan politician. Notorious for his controversial policies, including his view on the Sinhala–Tamil ethnic crisis, he rose quickly up the ranks.[1] At such a young age, he was regarded as an unimportant figure on the world stage of politics. However, this did not deter him, and after he inherited the legacy from his grandfather, he became the leader the Sri Lankan People’s Party.[2]

International Exposure

Strength

Spending much of his life abroad was seen as one of his greatest strengths. Many believed this would bring a much welcomed different perspective onto the Sri Lankan political scene. Born in Zambia, he spent much of his childhood protected from the hostilities occurring in Sri Lanka. Educated in the United Kingdom, he achieved outstanding success in his studies, with 6 A-Levels.[3]

Weakness

Many have attacked his international experience, which was once believed to be his strength. He spent a lot of time in Stade, Germany. Due to this time away, he was criticized for the lack of time spent in the country for which his main responsibilities lay in. They said he lost touch with the people. His agenda in Stade was due to political ties which his grandfather had.[4] His work experience with Jamahiriya News Agency (abbr. JANA), Libya's state news agency, are just a few more examples of his controversial international exposure.

References

  1. ↑ Herath, R. B. (2006). Sri Lankan Ethnic Crisis: Towards a Resolution. Trafford Publishing. ISBN 1-55369-793-6.
  2. ↑ Moore, Mick (2007). The State and Peasant Politics in Sri Lanka. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-04776-5.
  3. ↑ "Press Release". University of Nottingham. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
  4. ↑ Prinz, Thomas. Die Geschichte der United National Party in Sri Lanka (Beitrage zur Sudasienforschung). Steiner Verlag Wiesbaden. ISBN 3-515-05567-3.