Colombo, Aug. 9 -- The elections are over and the dust is settling on a campaign strangely lacking the usual Sri Lankan drama and exuberance. As expected, the SLPP has won handsomely. It was perhaps the most orderly and peaceful election in our democratic history.

The fear of the virus, Covid19, probably doused the usual popular enthusiasm that is associated with Sri Lankan elections, but it may also have contributed to more mature electioneering. A discredited and divided opposition, more given to self-destructive, infighting fared poorly.

Now the task of delivering on the promises made, not only during the parliamentary election campaign but also during the Presidential election campaign of 2019, becomes the overwhelming challenge.

T...