We are days away from seeing the next democratically elected president of Sri Lanka. While there is a close race as much as the US presidency at hand, it seems that at every stop of my day, I get asked the question who am I voting for? What is my criteria for this evaluation? Did I read through their manifestos for a better Sri Lanka or simply agree with common sentiment? More than ever before the facts are being brought into question and so is the experience and track record of every candidate. I have my own theories about reasons for casting my vote, but I’d like to present a few observations for your consideration - What their wardrobe choices might be saying about them.

In my line of work, one learns a lot about a person with what they wear on the day-to-day and what they choose for special occasions. US politicians hire image consultants and focus groups to decide on colours and styles for maximum impact.
Maybe that’s the reason we see US presidential candidate VP Kamala Harris taking the podium in her ‘suit with a twist’. She always pulls off layering with a personal touch of a casual inner, accessories with personality or even sneakers with no visible branding for an outdoor press opportunity. She’s redefined suiting for women in bold colours. Her outfit choices are a clear sign of her confidence and at most times they are steeped in symbolic messaging. Something Royalty and clergy have used for generations before democratically elected rulers stepped into the limelight. 

And then there is former president Donald J Trump, known for his cello-taped tie. To think there isn’t a single person capable of putting a tie pin or a safety pin to give him some sartorial dignity makes me question - is anyone even allowed to help shape his image anymore? I think that’s a cautionary tale to all. No shortcuts when you’re the head of state. Period. 

Launching headfirst into our current President, and candidate for the next, his excellency Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe has stood with his regional counterparts as well as international peers in suit and tie. He’s made an effort to look effortless as far as I can observe and there are details to his suits and ties that exemplify an air of class and formality. I think it’s intentional to look consistent and international amongst other local MPs, even when it’s a simple Chinese collar shirt and pants for campaigning. His personal style choices never followed trends, always monochromatic and avoiding colour where possible, but there was definitely a change of textures and cut of his suits when he took the top job in the country, and I would think he would need that.

Honouring the star of the moment, MP, and hopeful, Anura Kumara Dissanayake is the dark horse in this race. Rarely seen outside of a perfectly cut beard and double pocket shirt, I am constantly reminded of his origins, but for a new world. Recently I have noticed him bringing the same design to casual fabrics like checks and masculine-only colour tones. He’s worked hard on this image of relatability and I think it’s very calculated. The fit is perfect, the cuffs are rarely anywhere but exactly where they are supposed to be. No suit for him, the common man needs to identify with him. And I think this image works for him and his audience. 

Honourable Sajith Premadasa stands out to me. He is rarely seen in something that doesn’t suit the occasion. There is a casual ease to his wardrobe choices. Approachable to all spheres is what I see, whether in linen or polo t-shirt. I feel he’s the closest to the dynamic politician of today using style as a tool and I hope it’s intentional. Muted colours and green tones for origins make him stand out, and I think we will see more of his personality, intentionally or unintentionally in the years to come.

Last but not least, the youngest candidate in the running, honourable Namal Rajapaksa strikes me as someone who’s always following a template set by the generation before him with the iconic shawl, but done his own way with numerous outfits that are his own choosing. With a strong social media presence and more acceptance from a younger audience NR is using his clout to be seen as one of us as much as possible, but marrying it with the legacy he belongs to and the future it plans for.

There is a quote by Erasmus (quoting Quintilian), “To dress within the formal limits and with an air gives men, as the Greek line testifies, authority.” The origin of the bastardised “Clothes make a man” we throw around casually can be traced to this very line, and I believe each of the highlights I made brings to question; If my observations are correct, are our prospective candidates aware of the impact their choice in clothing communicates? What if their wardrobe was full of intentional choices that became tools of their campaign and tenure as the next leader of our country? In my line of work, I’ve realised ‘winning’ is in the details most often not ignored.