Children and politics

Much publicity has been given to a recent incident where President Anura Kumara Dissanayake 'acted swiftly to rescue a small girl' lost in a large, milling crowd at an NPP election rally in Sammanthurai.

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A viral video shows the President lifting the bewildered girl and placing her beside him to ensure her safety. What would have happened to her but for his timely intervention? One may recall that Dissanayake did something similar during his presidential election campaign as well; he helped a small boy who could not find his parents at an NPP propaganda rally.

Why should children be brought to political rallies? Curiously, this question has gone unasked.

Children and political propaganda are inseparable in Sri Lanka. Election posters featuring politicians with children, and public relations stunts such as hugging, kissing and caressing children at political events are common in this country; they are intended to help project politicians as warm, caring and relatable leaders.