Young politician presumes he’s the ‘common candidate’

In the lobbies of Sri Lanka’s parliament, MPs of different hues entertain, educate, humiliate and even harass each other over trivial issues.

That is politics, one may say, for they are the by-products of what they had practised on platforms before entering the hallowed precincts of the House.

Not surprisingly, some of those moments give not only an insight into one’s personality but also his or her limitless ambitions.

There was one just this week when a young politico said that his papa, a loquacious one with a particular disdain towards the truth, was going to take him to the country’s two top most leaders. The reason – they were considering him for the position of a “common candidate” for the next presidential election.

The ‘ Joint Opposition’ leader in Parliament Dinesh Gunawardena and former minister Chandima Weerakkody whose eyes met as the remarks were made could not help but laugh.

This “common candidate” aspirant is nevertheless known for his uncommon ways. Not so long ago, he boasted that he was a contemporary of the late Vijaya Kumaratunga, the actor turned politician. A political type hurriedly checked his date of birth. It came to light that the young man was only a baby at that time.

Like father, like son. Both have high hopes. Well, the bar is set very high by most politicians though some peel off along the way. Others become champions for gaffes.