Family bonds can’t bring success: Namal Rajapaksa

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has said that merely belonging to a political family was not sufficient to ensure success, India Today reported.

“Merely belonging to a political family is not enough to ensure success. In a democracy representatives are elected and one does not inherit office through succession,” MP Rajapaksa said during a session, titled ‘Is dynasty a burden or boon’ at the 11th India Today Conclave on 17 March. A young panel of South Asian leaders debated the pros and cons of being born into political dynasties.

He added that while belonging to a political family meant easy access to a party ticket, it did not necessarily guarantee success.

MP Rajapaksa, son of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa became the youngest MP in 2010 at 23 and represents the third generation of Rajapaksas.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed also attended the session.