Preferential treatment based on family connections has been inherent in politics in Sri Lanka since the country gained independence. Following Mr. D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister, it was his son Mr. Dudley Senanayake who inherited the mantle of leadership. After the death of Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, his widow was pushed into the limelight and got elevated to the pinnacle of governance by the voting public. His daughter later came into the scene and became the chief executive. The Grand Old Party continued with DS’s initiative, with the relationship to Mr. J.R. Jayewardene helping the Leader of the Opposition in his quest for the highest position in the land.

The present President is being pilloried by numerous individuals and groups for having his brothers as his close advisors. When back stabbing and pulling the rug under your feet are the order of the day, one may be compelled to get one’s brothers as trusted lieutenants to plan and collaborate in implementing strategy. And, if the brothers are competent and qualified in the respective fields and the team has delivered the goods as promised, it may be better to live under a ‘Brothers’ Inc.’ rather than have, for instance, an individual who, as is often alleged, did not pass the Senior School Certificate yet was entrusted with the reins of tertiary education because a sibling happened to be in the supreme position of power.