Dilrook Kannangara

Generation Z (persons born between 1997 and 2012) are very special compared to other generations. They are highly influential around the world and have a few political, religious and business victims under their belt already. As most of them grew up with high tech, they are globally aware and better behaved compared to older generations evidenced by a drastically lower rate of childhood pregnancies, tobacco use and alcoholism. They are highly sensitive to economic strength and economic freedom, and also aware of their rights. These traits were less seen in older generations as they were more docile, accepting of what was called fate, weak and conservative.

All major political parties in Sri Lanka (except TNA and SLMC) have felt the need to woo generation Z voters and are making desperate attempts to do so. Ridiculously enough none of their leaders are from Generation Z! Some political parties are still led by Baby Boomers whose time has long passed. Showcasing naked dancers to a mix of Indian, Sri Lankan and western music does not impress Gen Z as they have regular and effortless access to all that and much more. This outdated thinking is rooted in old politicians’ thinking who used musical shows to attract voters. It doesn’t work today.

Instead, Gen Z wants tangible economic benefits and they want it now. They don’t buy arguments that they must do sacrifices for the sake of the country. This is because their parents’ generation, Generation X suffered most from Sri Lanka’s war, insurrection in the late 1980s and resultant social and economic sufferings. Gen Z kids saw how their parents suffered due to all these for the sake of the country but ended up with nothing for them in return. Gen Z is conscious of price and quality and does not tolerate the import mafia for their purchases. Instead, they’d rather buy directly from overseas sellers at a discount. Political parties funded by the import mafia will have a hard time balancing their Gen Z voters (if any) and their financiers.

Gen Z is into education and healthcare more than older generations. Governments will have to increase spend on education and healthcare and reduce its military spending and spending on other old holy cows. Gen Z doesn’t hesitate to question old and established beliefs and destroy them if need be and if doing so economically benefits them. The type of education they demand is also globalized, not localized.

Younger generations since Gen Z will be the same. Ruling parties in less developed countries will have to change their priorities to meet the aspirations of Gen Z or be left behind in history. Processes will have to be made far more efficient to produce outcomes quickly. Privileged positions awarded to various sectors of the society will have to be dismantled. These changes will benefit most and the nation though older generations kept silent about them.