Why the national intelligence's warning to the high authorities was ignored and no action was taken to address the matter before the catastrophe, is still a mystery. The failure to address matters related to national security would definitely be the prelude to the imminent ouster of the incumbent government in a future election. The terrorist attacks would be a major hit to the nations' booming tourism industry which is probably the only positive in the economic front that Sri Lanka was feeling upbeat about.
On he other hand this has given fresh impetus to the likely SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapakse's case as the Presidential candidate, suddenly the national security has become the need of the hour, Gota who was instrumental in ending the 30 year old war against the LTTE, with the reputation he has earned as a exemplary administrator has made him the obvious favorite to win the presidential election in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
The run up to the presidential election so far saw a probable dark horse in Nagananda Kodituwakku a public interest litigation activist who's main focus was on eradicating corruption and establishing rule of law, however has become less of a threat as the priorities of the masses have again shifted to national security. It appears its the nail in the coffin for UNP led by PM Wickremasinge who failed their promise to end corruption and put the economy on track have now failed on national security. If they are to bring forth a common candidate to the fray they will have to think of someone in the caliber of Gota with strong credentials with regard to national security; with Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka being an unlikely candidate for 2020, it could be a walk in the park for Gota.
