Sri Lanka crisis: Why dynasty politics and Rajpaksas are being blamed

As 'Go Home Gota' banners stormedz the streets of Sri Lanka even amidst a curfew and #GoHomeRajapaksas trending on social media made it clear that the people of Lanka blamed the role of the ruling Rajapaksa family as the economy is shredded to ruins. So before one understands the economics behind Sri Lanka's sinking finances it is imperative to understand the dynasty politics and the role it has played.

Also read/watch | Sri Lanka in turmoil: All 26 cabinet ministers resign

Mahinda Rajapaksa: At 76 he is the patriarch of the family, favoured by the Sinhala-Buddhist majority on the island nation who served as President of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015, and then briefly eve as Prime Minister from 2004-2005. During his rule, Sri Lanka moved closer to China, borrowing almost $7bn for infrastructure projects, many of which turned into white elephants mired in corruption But his current reign as PM was 'gifted' to him by his elder Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had become president.

Also read/watch | Explained: Protests in Sri Lanka, imposition of emergency & the economic crisis

Gotabaya Rajapaksa: A man from from the forces, this Lieutenant Colonel is not just the President for the last 3 years but also the defence minister. Dubbed as 'The Terminator' he is credited as the one who led the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in the military defeat of the Tamil Tigers, which ended the Sri Lankan Civil War. Gotabaya was managed day to day ops of the army as Secretary to the Ministry of Defence for a decade (2005 to 2015) when Mahinda Rajapaksa was President. This senior Rajpaksa member had many corruption charges which vanished as he became President.

Also read/watch | Petrol Prices on Fire: India, China, Pakistan; which one is charging the highest?

Basil Rajapaksa: Called “Mr Ten Percent” in a BBC interview in reference to commissions he allegedly took from government contracts, Basil a seasoned strategist controls the money as the finance minister. All cases against him have been dropped since Gotabaya became president.

Chamal Rajapaksa: Formerly a police officer and personal bodyguard to Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first woman prime minister, Chamal is holds the reigns of the irrigation department as well as a significant standing in defence under brother Gotabaya. This 79 year old has previously been speaker of the house as well as shipping and aviation minister.

Also read/watch | Sri Lanka Economic crisis: 10 things you must know

Shasheendra Kumara Rajapaksa: Beyond the big brothers the new age Rajpaksas are also making their mark. The eldest son of Chamal Rajapaksa was given responsibility under the law for agriculture as Minister fo State.

Namal Rajapaksa: The eldest son of Mahinda, the scion of the Rajapaksa clan held the sports and youth portfolio and entered parliament at the age of 24 a decade ago. This lawyer by education seems to be taking a stand of his own as he resigned from the cabinet just days after publicly slamming his father and uncles' decision to ban social media.